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STEAM FAQ

  •        Why did Bartlett City Schools choose STEAM instead of STEM?

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. By adding the Arts strand to STEM, the STEAM Honors Program will have a more balanced curriculum. The arts also help to provide a real-life context for the STEM activities.

 

  •         What curriculum will be used in the STEAM Honors Program?

We will be using Project Lead the Way’s Launch curriculum. This curriculum enables students to use structured approaches, like the engineering design process, and relies on critical thinking to guide students in developing strong problem-solving skills. Students participating in the STEAM Honors Program will continue to learn and be assessed on the Tennessee State Standards. Project Lead the Way is aligned to these expectations and is designed to be layered onto the standards to provide academic enrichment for our students. We will add components to the program as needed to support student learning.

 

  •         Why isn’t the STEAM Honors Program being offered at all BCS elementary schools?

Rivercrest has the necessary instructional space available to house this school model within their existing building and staffing.

 

  •         Is this program only for gifted students?

Absolutely not!  A good candidate for the STEAM Honors program is a child who is a motivated learner who enjoys solving problems. Anyone interested in the STEAM Honors Program is highly encouraged to go ahead and apply. Applications are available on-line at https://tinyurl.com/mc6xaax4. 

 

  •        My child is currently under an IEP. Will the STEAM Honors Program replace his/her services?

No. This program is separate from our special education program, including intellectually gifted services (APEX). The STEAM Honors Program is open to any student who demonstrates a love of learning, enjoys hands on challenges, and thrives on problem solving. A student who is a good fit for this program may or may not have been identified as intellectually gifted. If a student is enrolled in the STEAM Honors Program and has a service documented in an IEP, the student would continue to receive their IEP service along with their participation in the STEAM Honors Program.

 

  •        What if we are not currently zoned to attend Rivercrest Elementary?

Applicants who apply and are not currently zoned for Rivercrest will also complete a transfer application. Both, the STEAM Honors Program application and the Transfer application will be received until April 30th, 2021. Bartlett City Schools' policy #6015 and policy #6019 apply to transfer students admitted into the STEAM Honors Program.

 

  •        How will students be selected for the STEAM Honors Program?

Entrance into the STEAM Honors Program is based on a scoring rubric that aligns with the application process.

 

  •       Do current students in the STEAM Honors Program have to reapply?
All current STEAM students will be reevaluated. Students who meet the criteria will have the opportunity to remain at Rivercrest Elementary School. Parents will be notified in order to confirm acceptance.