Amelia Earhart School - Alameda, CA

Following the successful passage of a parcel tax, our district offered the opportunity to apply for a grant as an Innovative School. Staff conversations about our school's strengths and unique elements to support student learning guided our application for an Innovative Program grant for science, technology, engineering and math with the integration of music, referred to as M(STEM). Our plan used the district math initiative and integrated music to help students learn facts. To bring rigorous science instruction to our students daily, staff had created two science labs, worked together to set up hands-on investigations and explored science-based musical performances. M(STEM) would integrate and systematize these somewhat disconnected parts into a whole. The grant included funding for a science teacher. The science teacher co-teaches with the classroom teacher each week in the lab. The science teacher also provides on-going professional learning in science and in vocabulary strategies during collaborative planning time. Our English Learner (EL) students who often struggle with complex content vocabulary receive extensive instruction in science and math vocabulary both in science lab and in the classroom. Collaboration with the music teacher provides clear integration and a connection for EL students.

To communicate our vision of an integrated system, we identify a yearly theme. We have been successful in providing a high level of interest, engagement and academic success for all students. For our EL students, explicit vocabulary instruction coupled with music has moved their language acquisition and understanding to new levels. The opportunity for each child to perform in a science based musical on stage each year is a highlight for both students and our extended community. Each year, three Innovative Extravaganza events celebrate learning and pique the interest of our students and their families.