School districts to expand science, math courses

LITTLE ROCK -- Fifteen Arkansas school districts and one technical center will receive money to expand and innovate course offerings in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The grants were awarded under a program called STEM Works. The long range goal is to better prepare students in the fields that are most likely to provide well paid and secure jobs, now and in the future. STEM Works helps local high schools pay for the technology needed in modern classrooms. It also helps state colleges train a new generation of teachers who will work in technology fields.

Pilot projects were announced last summer, when Cross County High School in Cherry Valley and Lincoln High School in Washington County became the first "New Tech High Schools" to follow the STEM Works model.

At the time, state education officials said they wanted to add 10 more schools to the program, so they were pleased to announce last week that they have added 15 new schools and the technical center.

The Northark Technical Center, which serves 14 school districts in north Arkansas, will offer classes in engineering and biomedical sciences, with an emphasis on how those subjects are used in real workplaces. It is called "Project Lead the Way." Also receiving money to initiate "Project Lead the Way" are these school districts: Gravette, Jonesboro, Prairie Grove, Riverview and Star City.