As part of ongoing efforts to create dynamic learning environments that support STEM instruction, engage today’s students, and inspire lifelong learning, the Antwerp Local Schools (ALS) has partnered with Discovery Education to launch a new, districtwide professional learning initiative called STEM Foundations. Discovery Education grew out of the global media company Discovery Inc., whose networks include Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, and is the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms.
The teachers and administrators of the Antwerp Local Schools are dedicated to using innovative new instructional strategies and technologies that enable all students to become productive and resourceful members of an ever-changing world. Through the district’s focus on enhancing STEM, a curriculum that blends four disciplines — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics —ALS’s educators are helping prepare students to be competitive in an evolving, international workforce.
“The entire team at the Antwerp Local Schools is excited to collaborate with Discovery Education to launch this new professional learning initiative,” said Antwerp Local Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Martin Miller. “This effort will play a key role in preparing our educators to create dynamic, STEM-focused digital learning environments that will help students acquire the skills they need for future success.”
Discovery Education’s STEM Foundations is a unique STEM-focused professional learning and capacity building program. Through their participation in STEM Foundations, educators learn new ways to build powerful STEM learning environments that nurture student learning as they learn the important communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills they will need for future success.
STEM Foundations will also help educators more deeply integrate the award-winning Discovery Education Streaming Plus digital content service, which was introduced into district classrooms in 2014. Discovery Education Streaming Plus helps build students’ mastery in interpreting, understanding, and evaluating information. Students can access a variety of digital assets including images, primary source documents, podcasts, oral interviews, articles, videos, interactives, and more, and are empowered to become content creators with a suite of content creation tools that help teachers and students safely and easily collaborate in real-time on virtual projects. Teacher resources include lesson plans, instructional strategies, interactive learning courses, and content collections organized around themes, as well as a collection of new STEM resources designed to fuel a cultural shift in teaching and learning.
In addition, the Discovery Education Community will support Antwerp Local Schools’ educators in their efforts to transform students’ learning experiences with digital media. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration.
“Discovery Education is excited to partner with Dr. Martin Miller and the Antwerp Local Schools’ team on this new effort to build a culture of STEM teaching and learning across the district,” said Kelly Burleson, Discovery Education Senior Manager of Educational Partnerships “This partnership vividly illustrates Antwerp Local Schools’ commitment to transforming teaching and learning with high quality content and professional learning that inspires and engages today’s students and prepares them for life beyond the classroom.”
For more information about Discovery Education Streaming Plus and other services and resources from Discovery Education, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoveryEd, or find us on Instagram and Pinterest.
