AdvancED® STEM Certification

1.6 STEM Indicator Narrative

The Banneker High School 3DE Magnet curriculum integrates knowledge, skills, and
processes across all STEM disciplines with a focus on problem solving and real-world
application. Integrated STEM curriculum moves along a continuum from multidisciplinary to
transdisciplinary depending on the application. Business and technology case challenges lean
more toward a multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary approach in which the discipline is taught in
separate classes, but students are provided a thematic link among the classes requiring them to
access content from multiple disciplines through project-based learning. Students also have
opportunities to access learning through experiencing commonalities across disciplines. Our
STEM PBL units have shifted the instructional approach and learning experiences into the
transdisciplinary range. Transdisciplinary instruction in STEM requires collaboration and
planning among teachers. The seamless integration of disciplines is now embedded into the
project-based and community-based learning activities. These authentic, real-world STEM PBLs
fully engage our students in data collection, writing, collaboration, and problem-solving.
The strengths of this indicator are evidenced by artifacts highlighting interdisciplinary lesson
plans from different content areas, academic and career tech. To strengthen this area, we will
continue to build the capacity of STEM instructors to create rigorous STEM embedded lessons
for all students.
Increasing STEM integration across all academic content areas can always be improved
upon. We will continually immerse all teachers with STEM professional development helping
them to feel comfortable with the curriculum and their abilities as STEM instructors. The
majority of 3DE instructors are completing their STEM endorsement by December of 2019. The
learning experiences and instructional strategies gained through this experience alone will help to
build the confidence level of our non-traditional STEM instructors.