New STEM Education Initiative
Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS), the University of
Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMD), and the Ocean Explorium at New
Bedford Seaport (OE) are pleased to announce the next phase of
what will become a more comprehensive and long-range partnership.
The intent of this joint venture is to increase the number of
students who access and continue to pursue science, technology,
engineering and mathematics – STEM – fields in high school, higher
education and the workforce. To this end, the partners are
launching an innovative formal and informal STEM education and
history experience for GLCPS high school students that will expose
them to the world-class technology and scientific talent of the
University and the Ocean Explorium.
This distinctive project has been developed, in part, in response
to the globalization of our economy, rapidly changing technology,
and growing workforce demands of our region. The city of New
Bedford’s 2020 Masterplan underscores this point; one key priority
is expansion of recent successes in emerging technology sectors,
such as alternative energy, marine science and technology, and
biotech manufacturing. Chancellor Jean F. MacCormack stated, “In
order to build a regional workforce for these promising fields,
the University, GLCPS and the OE believe that students must be
excited about science and technology. They must be able to see
how their learning and discovery in the classroom makes a
difference for the future. This three-way partnership creates an
innovative learning experience that will be truly effective. The
University loves the idea of bringing science downtown to join our
arts effort at the Star Store.”
The project, which officially begins on September 6th, 2011,
includes two high school-level STEM academic programs: an
integrated marine science and physics course for all GLCPS high
school freshman, and an AP Environmental Science elective for
upperclassmen. “Since our school’s inception, we have believed in
and engaged in authentic collaborative efforts to promote
challenging project-based learning experiences for our students.
It’s thrilling to see this concept realized at an entirely new
level,” remarked GLCPS science teacher Steve Vaitses.
The courses will be held at new satellite classrooms at the Ocean
Explorium where GLCPS teachers and students will have access to
researchers and scholars from both the University and the OE, and
where they can leverage the substantial scientific and
professional resources available directly through the science
education center. Mark Smith, Executive Director of the Ocean
Explorium, commented, “It is tremendously exciting to see this
next phase in STEM education emerge in New Bedford through such a
powerful informal-formal learning model. Through this
cross-agency effort, we are creating a learning environment of
compelling power and effectiveness – engaging the senses and the
mind in real world science.”
In addition, high school freshman will take US History at the OE
site, which will be integrated with their STEM course activities
and capitalize on the assets of the Explorium, the city and the
waterfront. Through a new honors world history course, upper
level students will examine global human and natural resources
related to seaports and the implications on our society and our
local region. GLCPS Social Studies Department Head and teacher,
Heidi Eastman, shared, “this historical context, especially of New
Bedford – is fundamental to understanding the STEM scope of
study. Our satellite venue gives our high school students an
opportunity to engage with scientists, historians, artists,
writers and world class educators to experience authentic learning
within this historic American city and its environs…and beyond!”
Dr. Stephen Furtado, GLCPS Executive Director, iterated several
core outcomes of the partnership which include: 1) improving high
school academic achievement in physics, chemistry, mathematics,
engineering technology, earth science, environmental science, and
biology; 2) increasing educational attainment, including high
school completion and enrollment in post-secondary education; 3)
fostering student interest in STEM majors in higher education; and
4) supporting economic growth for the region. He concluded, “This
is a ground-breaking opportunity to bring together a university,
science education center and school to provide our students with
exemplary hands-on college preparatory academic experiences taught
by experts in the field."
"With all of the challenges we face in education today, this
collaboration serves as a sterling example of how cooperation –
and placing positive student opportunities and outcomes top of
mind – results in a venture that is beneficial to all concerned.
The Board of Trustees of the Global Learning Charter Public School
continues – in our tenth year of service – to meet the needs of
our community head on…and without reservation.", said David Biggs,
Vice Chairman of the Board.