HEB ISD School & Family Magazine April/May 2016 | Page 11

students may opt to continue to either L.D. Bell
or Trinity to continue with advanced science and
mathematics courses, committed to a post-high
school engineering tract.

SECONDARY STEM:
It’s robots, rockets, and drones (oh my!) as
HEB ISD junior high students enter the world of
engineering at Central Junior High, the district’s
Secondary STEM School of Choice. Continuing
with the pathways developed at elementary,
students will have the opportunity to explore
engineering options, coding at a more advanced
level that includes state competitions, take
advanced (weighted) science and math classes
beginning in 8th grade, and enroll in computer
science programming beginning in 9th grade.
Those who choose advanced robotics, computer
programming or machinery/welding may move
on to the Buinger Career & Technical Education
Academy (BCTEA) at 10th grade, while others

STEM experiences work to deepen student
understanding of STEM disciplines while also
providing opportunities to develop critical skills for
both career and college readiness and immediate
employment in the workforce. These may include,
but not be limited to, supporting creative thinking
and innovative design solutions, mentoring by
industry professionals, internships with experts in
STEM fields of study, and real-work experience in
STEM settings. Career and Technical Education
(CTE) programs also foster skills that are both
relevant for STEM fields of study and career paths.
The District is working to develop additional CTE
programs that provide a unique approach to
STEM education, including partnerships with Bell
Helicopter, Lockheed-Martin and American Airlines.
STEM education engages students in real world,
meaningful experiences to develop critical thinking
skills, gain job-related skills, and experience
the natural blend between science, math,
engineering, and technology practices. Effective
STEM education programs use these experiences
to foster students’ innovative thinking to solve
problems for the changing world around them.
Thinking towards the future is essential when
applying STEM thinking and disciplines to solving
problems in the ever-changing landscapes of our
global society as we continue to ‘empower today
to excel tomorrow.’

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