Secondary Teacher Leaders and High-Needs Schools Within a STEM Context

• In Event: 52.083 - Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: 52.083-17 - Developing and Cultivating Authentic Social Justice Practices Among Urban Teacher Leaders and School Administrators

Abstract

Los Angeles Unified School District has a well-documented need for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) teachers in high needs schools that enroll large percentages of low-income minority students with low achievement in math and science. In response to this need local school principals and teachers in collaboration with STEM Institute at CSU Dominguez Hills have developed a values-based program that fosters industry internships with exposure to varied teaching styles and more extensive clinical experiences. Presenters will: (a) highlight recruiting strategies that attract participants from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM, (b) share an innovative curriculum design that emphasize 21st Century skills, technology, social justice-oriented content, new generation science and common core state standards, and (c) discuss creative structural program components that deliver rigorous, blended credential and master’s coursework that integrates theory and practice (e.g., yearlong residency with trained master teachers in one of 10 high-needs partner secondary schools; a professional Lab School; internships with researchers and industry to gain applied knowledge; monthly professional learning community meetings in cohorts with their mentor teachers; structured induction program; and, a Professional Development Academy). Teams will conduct intensive cycles of plan-teach-assess-reflect with students who vary from low to high levels of achievement.

Authors

• Kamal Hamdan, California State University - Dominguez Hills

• Cecilia Duenas, California State University - Dominguez Hills

• Laura Avendano, California State University, Dominguez Hills