The Indiana Department of Education announced that the Gary Community School Corporation's Bailly STEM Academy is one of 15 schools newly certified in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The recent addition brings the list of certified schools to more than 100 statewide.
“The rigorous process was well worth it,” said Malline Morris, Principal of Bailly STEM. “Our teachers, students and staff worked hard for this designation, and we will continue to showcase an advanced STEM curriculum that will prepare our youth for STEM careers."
Created in 2015, the STEM Certified Schools program recognizes schools committed to teaching STEM disciplines beyond the classroom. STEM Certified Schools exemplify a highly innovative approach to education, employing a great deal of inquiry, project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurship, student-centered classrooms, integration into humanities and related arts and out-of-school STEM activities. For secondary schools in particular, earning STEM certification requires heightened intention and coordination in terms of vision, scheduling and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“This is the first of several schools in our district that are working toward STEM certification,” said Dr. Paige McNulty, Manager of the Gary Community School Corporation. “While many schools in the region offer STEM courses, very few can claim the title 'STEM certified.' Now we can.”
The certification process is another one of the goals the District listed as part of referendum funding. Bailly teachers and administrators will receive additional curriculum training over the summer in preparation for the new school year, and the classrooms will be transformed to support STEM-based learning.
“With now upwards of 100 STEM Certified Schools across the state, these schools are leading the way in helping our students explore, engage, and gain experiences in STEM fields,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “I’ve directly witnessed several of these schools’ innovative approaches to inquiry- and problem-based learning, as they integrate STEM across their curriculum and engage families and community partners to help students build knowledge and skills that will serve them throughout their lives.”
For more information on the STEM offerings in GCSC or to register your child, visit garyschools.org.