BHS STEM Academy: Vision & Desired Outcomes The Vision of the BHS STEM Academy is to: 1. Increase student access to a newly developed, rigorous and demanding STEM program of studies which will include: a. developing and implementing coursework, teaching strategies and assessments structured to maximize analysis and analytical problem solving through inquiry. b. maintaining a constant focus on STEM Literacy. c. creating an apprentice mentorship program which will introduce students to University level STEM research. 2. Increase the expectations of Teacher performance to include: a. creating a plan for direct teacher-student mentoring. b. training for and leading faculty professional learning groups (PLGs). c. holding an undergraduate degree or better in the area(s) of instruction d. implementing teaching strategies that capitalize on students’ early interest and experiences in science, identifying and building on prior knowledge and engaging students in the practice of science and mathematics. 3. Increase community outreach to include: a. creating opportunities for the Academy students to work with the K-8 students within the district. b. creating opportunities for the Academy students to work with STEM focused not-for-profits and companies within the greater Bangor area. 4. Increase student participation in post-secondary STEM related fields of study and careers which will include: a. broadening the socioeconomic diversity of students in STEM related studies and careers. b. increasing the number of underrepresented populations such as women in STEM related studies and careers. c. identifying sources of data for matriculation, early college success and choice of STEM majors. Desired Outcomes for Students and Academy: 1. Increase student access to a newly developed, rigorous and demanding STEM program of studies which will include: a. developing and implementing coursework, teaching strategies and assessments structured to maximize analysis and analytical problem solving through inquiry. b. maintaining a constant focus on STEM Literacy. c. creating an apprenticed mentorship program which will introduce students to University level STEM research. 2.Increase the expectations of Teacher performance to include: a. creating a plan for direct teacher-student mentoring. b. training for and leading faculty professional learning groups (PLGs). c. holding an undergraduate degree or better in the area(s) of instruction d. implementing teaching strategies that capitalize on students’ early interest and experiences in science, identify and build on prior knowledge and engage students in the practice of science and mathematics. 3. Increase community outreach to include: a. creating opportunities for the Academy students to work with the K-8 students within the district. b. creating opportunities for the Academy students to work with STEM focused not-for-profits and companies within the greater Bangor area. 4. Increase student participation in post-secondary STEM related fields of study and careers which will include: a. broadening the socioeconomic diversity of students in STEM related studies and careers. b. increasing the number of underrepresented populations such as women in STEM related studies and careers. c. identifying sources of data for matriculation, early college success and choice of STEM majors.