Missoula County Public SchoolsHealth Science Academy @ Big Sky High School

“Knowledge by Hand & Mind”

What is STEM?

•Science•Technology•Engineering •MathematicsThe Biomedical Curriculum, Project Lead the Way,

is a STEM curriculum. More on that later…

What is an Academy?

•Smaller Learning Community•Rigorous college prep curriculum•Relevant career and technical education•Strong community partnership

Grad Requirements• Language Arts – 4.0• Mathematics – 2.0• Social Studies – 2.5 • Science – 2.0• HPE – 2.0• Fine art – 1.0• Practical art – 1.0• Electives – 9.5• Total – 24 Credits Required • Opportunities at BSHS - 32

Why a Health Science Academy?

• Roughly 50% or MCPS students go on to 2 & 4 year post-secondary institutions (National Student Clearinghouse Data). NOT GOOD ENOUGH!• BLS – Professional careers (requiring post-

secondary education) will grow the fastest from 2008-18. The fastest growing sub-category under professional careers(21%), is driven by health care demand.

Features of H.S.A.

• National Standards of Practice (NCAC)• 100 students (50 biomed/50 vet)• Fewer students• Fewer teachers• Increased collaboration between

stakeholders• Community fluidity • Redefine “student”• Project Lead The Way

Project Lead The Way• Non-profit leader in STEM curriculum• Practical Art credit• Hands-on, activities, project and problem-based (APPB)• Developed by educators and biomedical professionals• In 2011-12 school year – more than 4,000 schools and 400,000

students in all 50 states• More than 10,500 teachers trained• Utilized in Bozeman for 3 years – 4 minute video

Advantages of H.S.A.

• Relevant, rigorous, and themed curriculum• Deeper understanding of transferrable skills &

knowledge• Increased expectations for stakeholders• Employability and soft skills• Students involved in off-campus learning• Increased retention in school• “Students are known and shared”

Benefits of H.S.A.

• Better transition to high school• Exposure to a variety of careers in

biomedical and veterinary• Industry certifications (1st aid, CPR, EMT)• Begin college in high school• No more, “Why do we have to learn this?”• Not school as usual!

Research says…

• Increased graduation rates• Increased attendance• Increased credits earned• Increased grade point averages• Increased college attendance• Increased earnings• Increased student engagement!

Nuts and Bolts

• 8 courses available at BSHS• 6 courses will be in the academy• Science, Math, English, Social Studies,

Health/PE• Project Lead The Way (biomedical)

• 2 electives freshman year outside of the academy• 4 year community connection • Community speakers/trainers, etc.

Thank you…

•Questions?•Call Trevor Laboski at 728-2401 ext. 8025