11 schools have joined the STEAM pilot program in San Diego Unified School District for a total of 43 elementary schools engaging in STEAM one hour a day, four days a week. The program is extending from transitional kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms to first grade classrooms in the 2019-2020 school year. Onboarding TK/K and first grade teachers were trained in STEAM pedagogy this May. Teachers participated in a Next Generation Science Standard adult learning experience, engaged in design thinking, expressed their creativity with LEGO, created a class website, and developed agency by reflecting on their learning.
“We wanted to practice what we preach,” said Michael Goodbody, STEAM Program Manager. “We invited teachers into the role of a learner to have them experience the same type of learning we hope to see in our TK/K and first grade classrooms. We want to see students thinking critically, solving problems, and reflecting on their learning. We asked teachers to do the same.”
The STEAM program has built in teacher training as an integral part of its curriculum rollout. When teachers experience the same type of learning that is desired in classrooms, they are better able to create those experiences for their students. One teacher commented, “These days have been the best training I have been to in my 33 years with SDUSD.” Another teacher reported, “I feel refreshed and inspired to integrate what I have learned in my own classroom!” Here’s to STEAMing ahead in 2019 and transforming learning for all learners, teachers included.
In addition to supporting teachers practice, these opportunities support the development of a STEAM culture and mindset at a site. According to John Hattie, professor and author of Visible Learning, collective teacher efficacy is the “number one influence related to student achievement.” When a school site is united in purpose and and practice amazing things happen for all students.
