The National Math and Science Initiative College Readiness Program
Franklin Regional School District is pleased to announce that it was accepted into the National Math and Science Initiative( NMSI) College Readiness Program for the 2016-2017 cohort. NMSI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming math, science, and English education in today’ s classrooms with proven, effective programs that can be replicated nationwide. Their mission is to inspire, engage, and empower all students to succeed in today’ s knowledge economy by advancing STEM teaching and learning.
NMSI was launched in 2007 with inaugural support from ExxonMobil, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Its programs provide a continuum of training and support for students and teachers from elementary school through college and are having a demonstrable and lasting impact on student outcomes. Franklin Regional School District’ s acceptance into the NMSI program will provide significant professional development programming for teachers in grades 3-12 as well as support for students through the College Readiness Program.
For the College Readiness Program, NMSI will partner with the District to increase the number of students taking and earning qualifying scores on Advanced Placement ®( AP ®) math, science and English exams, while expanding access to rigorous coursework. The three-year program provides comprehensive support for students, teachers, and schools including extra study sessions, intensive teacher training and mentorship, funding for classroom equipment and supplies, and achievement-based awards. NMSI’ s College Readiness Program boosts AP exam performance in partner schools by 10 times the national average and builds teacher capacity to advance student achievement at all levels.
Dr. Gennaro Piraino, Superintendent of Schools, remarked,“ This partnership is exciting for our students, teachers, and entire school community. It allows the District to access substantial expertise over time to improve our programming and the number of students taking and excelling in Advanced Placement courses. We look forward to this relationship and the good that it can do to help us to continue to strive for excellence for our students.” ranklin Regional FRANKLIN REGIONAL NEWS
Diving into Coding at Franklin Regional Middle School
Snorkeling and coding do not usually seem to go together. At Franklin Regional Middle School, however, students engaged in both at the same time. Recently, middle school students followed an algorithm( a set of directions) to retrieve specific pieces of PVC pipe from the bottom of the pool and put them together following a list of commands. Students practiced their snorkeling skills using diving masks and snorkels while retrieving the pieces of pipe. The students worked in teams to follow the algorithms in sequence and problem-solve to complete the task. After the students put the pipes together, they realized that they spelled out the word“ SAFE.”
Physical education teachers Mr. William Besser, Mr. Matt Mager, and Dr. Jennifer Rodgers collaborated with science teacher Ms. Jennifer Joyce to develop the creative lesson. The lesson built on other STREAM( Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) experiences for students occurring throughout the school. Through this hands-on experience, students applied the skills learned in physical education as well as engaged in reading code.
“ I am so excited to see the creativity and initiative of our teachers. Their thoughtful lesson design and willingness to take risks provided our students with a very unique and fun experience grounded in problem solving. I am proud of them,” expressed Mr. Andrew Leviski, principal.
54 Murrysville