Grant to benefit elementary

Osage County Interlocal Cooperative has been awarded a STEM grant to implement a professional development program that will result in enhanced instruction for elementary teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The $172,164 STEM grant was one of four awarded recently through the Oklahoma State Department of Education. It represents the seventh STEM grant that will be managed by the Hominy-based Osage County Interlocal.

OCIC staff worked with STEM faculty from Northeastern State University and Oklahoma State University to develop the program.

Kindergarten through fifth- grade math and science teachers from Anderson, Avant, Barnsdall, Bowring, Caney Valley in Ochelata, Cleveland, Frontier in Red Rock, Hominy, Newkirk, Osage Hills, Pawhuska, Shidler, Skiatook, South Coffeyville, Wellston, Woodland in Fairfax, and Wynona will participate in the STEM program.

The goal of the program is to help teachers improve the integration of science-math instruction at the elementary level, particularly among students who are on an Individualized Education plan (IEP).

A two-week intensive summer institute is included in the professional development program. Teachers will receive instruction from NSU faculty and Tulsa Community College/Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance staff.

They also will have opportunities to see real-world math and science application and develop effective lesson plans through a partnership with the Rogers County Conservation District, as well as Google.

“The opportunity to work in collaboration with neighboring districts to develop STEM lessons and educational classroom strategies will be enriching for all,” said Jacque Canady, executive director of the Osage County Interlocal.

More information about the STEM program can be obtained through Jeff Lay, the program director, at 918-885-2667.