K-20 Learning Initiative
The need
The purpose of the K-20 Learning World is to nurture learning of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), particularly among children from lower-income families, through a collaborative and enhanced approach to STEM education that is also focused on environmental issues.
Nearly half of our 3,500 plus elementary students are classified as economically disadvantaged. However, it has been proven that additional professional development (teacher training) paired with additional hands-on learning is an effective approach in reducing the academic achievement gap due to economic differences.
It has most recently been verified at Mountain Island Elementary School, who saw a 10-point increase in end of grade science scores when implementing this technique.
The K-20 Learning Team wants to take the next step and implement community/business/faith partnerships as well as community based learning laboratories to provide role models, financial support and additional hands-on STEM skill enhancements. In essence bring the science of Discovery Place to our community.