STEM and ESL: a powerful mix

Well, I know I stated that my blog from unit nine was my last; however, I am going to add another blog.  I thought six was the magic number for blogs, but I see there are actually eight listed in dropbox.  Therefore, I would like to share how one school is incorporating STEM education into their curriculum and making science, technology, engineering ,and math available to the whole student population, which includes a high number of ESL students.

Three teachers at Marshalltown Elementary School in Iowa are expanding their curriculum to include one day out of the six day cycle to have a 45-minute STEM special next year.  Two of the three teachers are currently ESL certified, and by next summer, all three will be certified.  The three teachers are also STEM specialists and received their training from Iowa State University.  Their program, entitled Launch, is paid for by a state grant and will help students develop innovative skills as well as strengthening reading and writing skills, which will lay the foundation for the elementary students to be successful in future language and STEM curricula.
   
As an English, business, and computer teacher, I find this program to be an amazingly progressive and comprehensive opportunity for students that will afford students future thematic applications and expansions of their skills.  Additionally, it warms my heart to know that ESL students are being offered the same learning experiences with a continued focus on their L2 skills by teachers who are experts in both ESL and STEM.

Click here to read the July 14, 2017 article:
Innovation and Creation Story

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!