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=STEM-PLCccps=

The November 8th page is not edited at this point. Thank you for your engagement, at this point it is a direct copy of the notes I typed from your valuable conversations for your consideration.

In Carroll County, STEM education integrates the content, processes, skills, and language of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through authentic, problem-based curriculum experiences. As a result, all students are prepared to pursue STEM-related courses of study and careers in order to be contributing members of the 21st century global community. Through cross-curricular content, structure, and implementation we will Through collaborative professional development activities we will
 * Increase student interest and participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
 * Increase student knowledge and understanding about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
 * Increase student ability to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts and skills in integrated and meaningful ways.
 * Increase the growth among educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to advance expertise in content and cross-curricular integration and implementation.

The teams in a PLC engage in collective inquiry into both best practices in teaching and best practices in learning. They also inquire about their current reality—including their present practices and the levels of achievement of their students. They attempt to arrive at consensus on vital questions by building shared knowledge rather than pooling opinions. They have an acute sense of curiosity and openness to new possibilities. Collective inquiry enables team members to develop new skills and capabilities that in turn lead to new experiences and awareness. Gradually, this heightened awareness transforms into fundamental shifts in attitudes, beliefs, and habits which, over time, transform the culture of the school. Working together to build shared knowledge on the best way to achieve goals and meet the needs of clients is exactly what //professionals// in any field are expected to do, whether it is curing the patient, winning the lawsuit, or helping all students learn. Members of a //professional// learning community are expected to work and learn together.
 * Collective Inquiry Into Best Practice and Current Reality**

Members of PLCs are action oriented: They move quickly to turn aspirations into actions and visions into reality. They understand that the most powerful learning always occurs in a context of taking action, and they value engagement and experience as the most effective teachers. In fact, the very reason that teachers work together in teams and engage in collective inquiry is to serve as catalysts for action. Members of PLCs recognize that learning by doing develops a deeper and more profound knowledge and greater commitment than learning by reading, listening, planning, or thinking. Traditional schools have developed a variety of strategies to resist taking meaningful actions, preferring the comfort of the familiar. Professional learning communities recognize that until members of the organization "do" differently, there is no reason to anticipate different results. They avoid paralysis by analysis and overcome inertia with action.
 * Action Orientation: Learning by Doing**