STEM School Designations
Note: AdvancED has merged with Measured Progress to become Cognia. As part of the merger, the STEM Standards have been upgraded and a crosswalk has been provided (see Cognia Links below) to make the transition from the old standards to the new standards easier for schools. These documents, along with other minor changes have been incorporated into this webpage.
The goal of Idaho Code 33-4701, STEM School Designation, is to provide recognition for schools or programs that provide high-quality, inter-disciplinary, multi-grade STEM education based on the criteria of the 10 Cognia STEM School Standards. Interdisciplinary learning models emphasize how STEM is practiced in the real world by STEM professionals. This type of engagement allows students to expand their learning by making connections between ideas and concepts across different disciplinary boundaries as well as within and outside of the school. Students learn to apply the knowledge gained in one discipline to other disciplines and deepen their learning. Educators see their own discipline from a fresh and energizing perspective, building excitement about teaching.
This opportunity seeks to recognize schools that provide rich STEM learning experiences for students, educators, and communities. It seeks to clearly define the best practices of STEM schools and provide consistent criteria by which schools can measure their progress toward STEM Designation.
STATUS: Ongoing
Funding Details:
(Subject to change and dependent on annual appropriation.)
Designated:
Earning Cognia certification and Idaho STEM Designation = up to $10,000.00 annually for 6 years, and upon recertification, an additional $5,000 annually for another 6 years.
Schedule:
Schools can apply to Cognia for certification anytime during the year. STEM designation occurs in January/February timeframe.
Contact
For questions regarding the STEM School Designation program, please contact John McFarlane, STEM AC.
To schedule a STEM School Review Team from Cognia, please contact Dale Kleinert, Cognia.
LEARN MORE
To learn more about STEM Standards, click on the buttons below.
STEM Standards
1
Standard 1
Learners engage in STEM learning experiences that integrate all STEM disciplines with an emphasis on processes and practices associated with STEM.
2
Standard 2
Professional staff members implement high quality STEM courses and curriculum aligned to recognized standards and organized into interdisciplinary frameworks.
3
Standard 3
Professional staff members and leaders participate in an ongoing system of STEM-specific professional learning.
4
Standard 4
Leaders engage a diverse network of community partners and stakeholders in order to support and sustain STEM programs and initiatives.
5
Standard 5
Leaders ensure that all stakeholders have ongoing opportunities to access information and learn about STEM implementation.
6
Standard 6
Learners engage collaboratively in authentic inquiry during ongoing units of study.
7
Standard 7
Learners engage in self-directed STEM learning guided by professional staff members who are effective facilitators of learning.
8
Standard 8
Learners benefit from a formal structure of within-school and extra-curricular opportunities to extend STEM learning.
9
Standard 9
Learners demonstrate their learning through performance-based assessments and have opportunities to develop self-assessment and self-monitoring skills.
10
Standard 10
Learners demonstrate STEM literacy outcomes that prepare them for the next level of learning and work.
Updated documents coming soon.
- Galileo STEM Academy – Eagle
- Barbara Morgan STEM Academy – Meridian
- Temple View Elementary School – Idaho Falls
- Bingham Academy – Blackfoot
- North Idaho STEM Charter Academy – Rathdrum
- Southside Elementary – Cocolalla
- Basin Elementary – Idaho City
- J.R. Simplot Elementary – American Falls
- Columbia High School STEM Academy – Nampa
- Hemingway Elementary STEAM School – Ketchum
- Project Impact STEM Academy – Meridian
- Fernan STEM Academy – Coeur d’Alene