Ensuring that every student can thrive in the regional STEM economy
Governor's MiSTEM Advisory Council
The Governor’s MiSTEM Advisory Council released our 2020 Annual Report. The Council has established three priorities for 2020-21 that will continue to move STEM forward in Michigan. These priorities are to be carried out through actions that empower STEM teachers and integrate education with business.
- Priority 1: Strengthen the Network (focus on equity)
- Priority 2: Contribute to the COVID-19 Response
- Priority 3: Elevate Computer Science
Our work revolves around four pillars of STEM education:
Integrating Business and Education
to provide authentic STEM experiences for students and teachers
GameAbove Mobility Coming to American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti Township
“The growing use and expansion of aerial delivery systems is another reason GameAbove Mobility is initially focusing its attention on southeast Michigan, where aerial infrastructure, mapping, and supply chains have been advancing for several years via Detroit Aircraft and ASX, both based at Coleman A. Young International Airport in Detroit.”
www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/gameabove-mobility-coming-to-american-center-for-mobility-in-ypsilan...
GameAbove Mobility Coming to American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti Township - DBusiness Magazine
www.dbusiness.com
GameAbove Mobility, a CapStone Holdings Inc. will establish a regional office at the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti Township.MACUL will support your innovative educational ideas or classroom projects with up to $1000. Apply today and share how technology tools or resources can help meet your needs. Check out grant guidelines and information and submit your application by June 14!
macul.org/grants-and-awards/
macul.org
We encourage and support members interested in promoting effective instructional uses of the computer or related-equipment and to honor MACUL members who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in implementing the use of technology to improve education…Apple Developer Academy in Detroit Now Accepting Applications
All Michigan residents 18 and over are welcomed to apply, regardless of prior coding experience, at developeracademy.msu.edu/students.
michiganchronicle.com/2021/05/12/apple-developer-academy-in-detroit-now-accepting-applications/
Apple Developer Academy in Detroit Now Accepting Applications | Local News | The Michigan Chronicle
michiganchronicle.com
Apple Developer Academy in Detroit Now Accepting Applicationswww.ecs.org/teacher-training-for-quality-p-3-stem-education/
Teacher Training for Quality P-3 STEM Education - Education Commission of the States
www.ecs.org
Resource Title:Teacher Training for Quality P-3 STEM Education Teachers are the most influential of in-school factors that affect student achievement. Thus, if states are looking to improve instruction in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), they can start by developing or enhancing tea...Lt. Governor Gilchrist Encourages Michiganders to Sign Up for Federal Program to Lower Cost of High-Speed Internet
Michiganders are eligible to receive discounts on internet service and devices.
LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and the Connecting Michigan Taskforce are encouraging Michigan families to sign up for a new federal program to help lower the cost of high speed internet service, which has begun enrolling participants today.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new program from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is making $3.2 billion available nationwide for eligible households to receive discounts of up to $50 per month on internet service, or up to $75 per month for qualifying households on Tribal lands. In addition, some internet service providers will also provide a one-time $100 discount toward the purchase of a computer, laptop or tablet.
“With children learning online and parents working from home, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how great the need for reliable and affordable high-speed internet access is in Michigan, just as it is everywhere in our country,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. “Internet service is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. I’m committed to making sure that we level the playing field so that everyone in our state has an equal opportunity to take advantage of online resources and participate fully in our society and economy. We are working on getting the word out about the Emergency Broadband Benefit program to both broadband providers and residents across Michigan to ensure that every eligible household in our state has an opportunity to take advantage of this tremendous federal resource.”
A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or the FCC’s Lifeline program;
• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
• Experienced a substantial loss of income through job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
In addition to the federal program, more than $20 million in Connecting Michigan Communities (CMIC) grants have been awarded by the Whitmer Administration to help bring service to approximately 12,000 homes and businesses, and additional grants are expected to be announced in June 2021. The economic impact of the CMIC grants is projected to exceed $25 million.
Michigan has experienced tremendous success in securing federal resources to help expand internet access in our state. Over the past year, providers in our state have secured more than $22.5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Broadband ReConnect Program, $1.8 million from the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) COVID-19 Telehealth Program, and $363 million from the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Program.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit that launched today is one of several important federal initiatives designed to improve connectivity. On Monday, May 10, the FCC voted unanimously in favor of the Emergency Connectivity Fund, which will provide $7.1 billion nationwide to help schools and libraries improve access to internet service. In addition, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration will soon begin taking applications for three national grant programs that were established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and will collectively award more than $1.6 billion to improve access, adoption, and digital literacy. The Whitmer Administration continues to work to ensure that Michigan takes full advantage of these federal resources, as well as the State and Local Recovery Funds that were made available through the American Rescue Plan, to help ensure that every home and business in Michigan can connect to reliable, affordable high-speed internet service.
Beginning May 12, 2021, eligible households can enroll in the Emergency Broadband Benefit program through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) at www.getemergencybroadband.org. Mail-in applications will also be available. Additional information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or by calling 833-511-0311 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week.
www.fcc.gov
Congress has tasked the FCC with developing a new $3.2 billion program to help U.S. households that are struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. The FCC is mobilizing people and organizations to help share important consumer information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit. To pa...Check out the archived video press release with Lt. Governor Gilchrist.
We still have Elementary, MS and HS computer science professional learning going on this summer, free because they are covered by grants and include teacher stipends. Please visit MI-CODING - Home - www.mi-coding.com/ .
Michigan selected for $15M Code.org pilot program expanding AP Computer Science
Advanced Placement Computer Science (AP CS) opportunities are expanding in Michigan thanks to a $15 million Code.org pilot program launching in seven states. The pilot focuses on expanding AP CS course offerings to more students and increasing diversity to ensure CS courses are available to all students.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist hosted a live web-press release on 5/10/2021 announcing this new opportunity. At the web-meeting, Carrie Russell, teacher at Cody High School in Detroit Public Schools Community District, spoke about increasing diversity. Cody HS recently received the Advanced Placement Computer Science Female Diversity Award from the College Board for having at least 50% or higher female exam rates on the AP CS Principles exam. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WcfhiyCi1M
Wayne County schools will now have the opportunity to offer two college-level computer science courses to students with full curriculum materials and professional development support for teachers at no cost with the support of grant funds through the MiSTEM Network. To learn about taking part in this pilot, visit www.mi-coding.com/ .
To date, MiSTEM’s partnership with College Board and Code.org has trained over 300 AP Computer Science teachers and launched over 300 new AP courses at no cost to Michigan schools. The results have been stunning – the number of students taking AP CS exams has increased more than 400% while maintaining the rate of students who earn college credit. During this time, more than 70% of Michigan students earned a score of 3 or higher on AP CSP Exams. This score qualifies those students to potentially earn college credit for their accomplishment.
Lastly, we still have Elementary, MS and HS computer science professional learning going on this summer, free because they are covered by grants and include teacher stipends. Please visit MI-CODING - Home - www.mi-coding.com/ .
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WcfhiyCi1M
2021 Education Workforce Virtual Job Fairs – Additional Dates
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is pleased to announce additional dates for its 2021 Education Workforce Virtual Job Fairs, presented in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). The 2021 virtual job fairs are open to employers of educators and educational support staff, as well as all individuals seeking to work in the education field. These events will leverage LEO’s expertise in hosting virtual job fairs to ensure a smooth and robust experience for both employers and job seekers. LEO utilizes the Brazen platform that features increased functionality and ease of use for participants.
www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Ed_Virtual_Job_Fairs_724375_7.pdf
Michigan selected for $15M Code.org pilot program expanding AP Computer Science offerings
Investment builds on innovative partnership between MiSTEM Network, Code.org, Grand Valley State University and College Board to expand STEM education, grow talent for high-demand careers
LANSING, MICH – Michigan, a national leader in STEM education for K-12 students, will expand Advanced Placement Computer Science (AP CS) opportunities thanks to a $15 million Code.org pilot program launching in seven states. The pilot focuses on expanding AP CS course offerings to more students and increasing diversity to ensure CS courses are available to all students.
“By investing in our students early on, we are taking another step toward cultivating a rewarding education and career pathway for our students, creating a strong talent pool for businesses, and putting Michigan on the path to economic success,” Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II said. “We are thankful for Code.org for choosing Michigan as one of the first states in the nation to launch this expansive, inclusive computer science opportunity. We encourage educators and students to explore the rewarding opportunities this new AP Computer Science offering brings.”
This investment will leverage best practices of inclusive teaching that considers the cultural perspectives, interests and experiences of Black, Latino, Native American and other underrepresented student groups. The goal of this new pilot program is to grow the number of participants and ultimately increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who will pursue careers in computer science or engineering. Michigan schools will have the opportunity to offer two college-level computer science courses to students with full curriculum materials and professional development support for teachers at no cost with the support of grant funds through the MiSTEM Network.
"Progress on solving our national need to give students access and opportunities to high-quality computer science courses depends on the dedication and leadership of local organizations like the MiSTEM network,” said Cameron Wilson, President of the Code.org Advocacy Coalition. “MiSTEM's progress in expanding access to computer science over the last few years has made them a truly invaluable partner. They will continue to make a powerful difference in the lives of students who deserve the opportunity to learn a subject that's transformational in their education, success and future."
To date, this professional learning partnership has trained over 300 AP Computer Science teachers and launched over 300 new AP courses at no cost to Michigan schools. The results have been stunning – the number of students taking AP CS exams has increased more than 400% while maintaining the rate of students who earn college credit. During this time, more than 70% of Michigan students earned a score of 3 or higher on AP CSP Exams. This score qualifies those students to potentially earn college credit for their accomplishment.
The College Board has been awarding the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Awards since 2018 and 2/3 of the schools recognized from 2018 through 2020 in Michigan were a part of this partnership. Partnership schools have increased the number of African American and Latinx students taking the course and exam significantly.
“We applaud Michigan’s commitment to providing a more diverse set of students with computer science courses, which are fundamental for 21st century careers,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP Program at the College Board. “We’re eager to see how the state’s efforts continue to close the equity gap in computer science education.”
Cody High School in Detroit Public Schools Community District recently received the Advanced Placement Computer Science Female Diversity Award from the College Board for having at least 50% or higher female exam rates on the AP CS Principles exam.
“I'm so glad that we have quality curriculum to rely on so that our students have an opportunity to learn about coding and computer science,” Carrie Russell, teacher at Cody High School, Detroit Public Schools Community District, said. Code.org has provided a curriculum that is already College Board approved so our district was able to offer Computer Science Principles as an AP course. Through Code.org, I have received training, continuing professional development, and support to deliver instruction to my students that allow them to succeed or excel in computer science.”
To learn more about the workshops for school districts to take part in this pilot, visit www.mi-coding.com/
To learn more about the MiSTEM Network, and how business or organization can connect with their Regional MiSTEM Network Director to support Computer Science in their local community, visit www.michigan.gov/MISTEM.
Labor and Economic Opportunity - MiSTEM Network
www.michigan.gov
Labor and Economic Opportunity - MiSTEM NetworkSix Michigan Teachers Selected
as State Finalists for
Presidential Teaching Award
May 10, 2021
LANSING – The Michigan Department of Education is proud to announce the educators selected as state finalists for the national 2021 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Mathematics Finalists
• Amy Hurley, Walled Lake Central High School, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
• Joseph Phillips, Kent Career Tech Center, Kent Intermediate School District
• Shannon Houtrouw, Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center
Science Finalists
• Emily Pohlonski, Novi High School, Novi Community School District
• Heather Peterson, Holt High School, Holt Public Schools
• Scott Milam, Plymouth High School, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
The six finalists will have their applications reviewed and scored at the national level alongside the finalists from other states. The 2021 PAEMST application cycle was open to mathematics and science educators working primarily with students in grades 7-12.
“Michigan is fortunate to have such dedicated and talented teachers leading student learning,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “We wish Amy, Joseph, Shannon, Emily, Heather, and Scott the best of luck at the national level.”
The PAEMST program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Each year, a national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district level personnel, and classroom teachers recommends up to 108 teachers to receive PAEMST awards.
Up to two teachers—mathematics or science—from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories as a group (comprising American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) receive the award.
Teachers who are selected as PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate, and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who can influence state/jurisdiction science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM) teaching.
Nominations for the 2022 PAEMST program will open in the Fall of 2021 at www.paemst.org. The 2022 program year is open to educators who primarily teach STEM subjects to students in grades K-6. For more information, please visit the website or contact Michigan program coordinator Josh Roesner at RoesnerJ1@Michigan.gov.
www.paemst.org
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science). Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of...Hiring! A unique middle school teacher to bring to life a STEAM course that is project-and problem-based, place-based, purposeful and inspiring, and culturally-relevant/ honoring/empowering. Position description attached and at this link. www.aiadschool.org/join-our-team
Join Our Team — American Indian Academy of Denver
www.aiadschool.org
Before you apply, we strongly recommend that you read this post about what we mean by Indigenized approach to teaching, learning, and ways of doing.