Approximately 20 DeKalb County School District (DCSD) campuses have earned a certification in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) during the first of two district-wide reviews this school year.

These certificates, conferred by The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) or AdvancED, recognize the schools as being specifically equipped to incorporate targeted lessons in areas that support college and career readiness subjects. With these lessons, students can make real-world applications in areas such as robotics, hydroponics, 3D printing and more.

The new STEM-certified schools in DCSD include:

GaDOE STEM Programs & Schools

  • Henderson Mill Elementary School (STEAM certified) – only STEAM-certified school in the state
  • Hightower Elementary School
  • Dunwoody Elementary School
  • Tucker Middle School
  • Sagamore Hills Elementary (Also certified by AdvancED)

AdvancED STEM Programs & Schools

  • Ashford Park Elementary School
  • Austin Elementary School
  • Briarlake Elementary School
  • Chapel Hill Elementary School
  • Chestnut Charter Elementary School
  • Evansdale Elementary School
  • Huntley Hills Elementary School
  • Montgomery Elementary School
  • Oakcliff Theme School
  • Peachtree Charter Middle School
  • R. E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy
  • Stone Mountain Middle School
  • Vanderlyn Elementary School
  • Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers

“These certifications are vital because they indicate that our schools can deliver specialized instruction in subjects that lead to successful transitions to college and careers,” said Superintendent R. Stephen Green. “We are pleased that these schools have stepped forward, completed the STEM certification process, and raised the bar on the rigor and relevance of what our students are learning.”

The schools were certified after completing requirements and a site visit by the respective accrediting agency. Because the site visits occur individually at locations across DCSD, they are scheduled in two waves, with the second due to be completed before the end of the school year.

AdvancED STEM vs. GaDOE STEM

AdvancED:

  • Strictly utilizes a rubric using the ELEOT Observation tool.
  • Utilizes AdvancED Evaluators and STEM educators as evaluators.
  • Looks at structured integration throughout all content areas, and focuses on student understanding of STEM and how it applies to real-world solutions.
  • 2 days on-site observation/evaluation process.
  • School’s required to upload evidence and relevant artifacts prior to visit.
  • Interviews internal/external stakeholders related to STEM at each school.

GaDOE:

  • Utilizes a rubric, but includes a higher degree of subjectivity based on the process.
  • Utilizes a cross-section team of GA DOE and school-based educators, as well as STEM business persons as evaluators.
  • Looks at the students in terms of STEM and life applications of activities.
  • 1-day observation.
  • Interviews internal/external stakeholders related to STEM at each school.

To learn more about STEM in the DeKalb County School District, read about Dr. Green’s STEM initiatives.