History+and+Future+of+WAPS+Jefferson+Stem+Program

History of WAPS STEM: In March 2011 the WAPS School Board decided to open a new program within a school that emphasized Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the curriculum. Jefferson Elementary was selected because of it's size and diversity of learners. In the spring and summer of 2011, 5 teachers and a principal were selected to lead the program. Throughout the summer the STEM team attended engineering symposiums, STEM conferences, WSU training in the inquiry approach to learning, reading and language arts and STEM integration training, technology training and had many many hours of work together developing a program to meet the community's expectations. Training and development will be ongoing throughout the 2011-2012 school year.

Future of WAPS STEM: As the 2011-2012 year progresses and the STEM program gets underway, district officials, school board members, local universities and the whole Winona community will be evaluating our progress. As a national push in the education system, STEM schools are becoming more and more common. The future of Winona is certainly going to benefit from this exciting approach to learning!