July 3, 2012
Geary County schools contract with evaluation office on STEM grant
A $2 million grant for USD 475 Geary County Schools translated into $195,000 contract for the office of educational innovation and evaluation, or OEIE.
Director Jan Middendorf said the office would perform the evaluation services for the three-year grant titled “Steam into STEM” that targeted secondary schools with concentrations of military children. The U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity–Military-Connected Academic and Support Programs funded the grant.
The program’s goal is to improve student achievement in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, fields at the three secondary schools, grades 6-12, that serve families of both the Fort Riley Army post and Geary County. To accomplish this, the schools will infuse technology into the curriculum, engage students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related activities and provide teachers with professional development opportunities.
“OEIE is delighted to work with USD 475 on the Steam into STEM project,” Middendorf said. “It is refreshing to work with a district that truly embeds evaluation into the decision-making process and takes a proactive approach when seeking funds to support their vision and mission.”