William Paterson University 6th Annual PDS Conference

William Paterson University 6th Annual PDS/Professional Development Schools Conference

May 26, 2015

The 6th Annual WPU PDS Conference held on May 26, 2015 highlighted best practices and challenges in the growing number of WPU PDS schools throughout New Jersey.  Featured speakers included Bob Stremme:  "Foldables" and the Filmmakers of "American Promise."  In one of the break-out sessions, WPU Dodge STEAM Grant Coordinator and Science PIR Dina Scacchetti, and WPU Art PIR Myra Winter presented, "Steam and Common Core in a PDS: A Transdisciplinary Approach" with Paterson School 7 Principal, Nicholas Vancheri.

Above:  Dodge Grant Manager Dina Scacchetti presents STEAM at a breakout session of the WPU PDS Conference

Above:  School 7 Principal Nick Vancheri talks about the impact of the Dodge STEAM grant and program at his school.

In this thought-provoking session, the three presenters described a number of unique STEAM projects at Paterson School 7 that have been highly successful in developing the new STEAM curriculum that spans the content areas of art, math, science, engineering and language arts.

Above:  Dodge Grant Manager Dina Scacchetti and WPU ART PIR Myra Winter present "Planet of the Exponents"

Above: Scacchetti and Winter present "Zentangle Tessellations" 

Above: Scacchetti and Winter Winter present "Planet of the Exponents " 

Scacchetti explained that the NJ Common Core guidelines emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.  She demonstrated that exposure to STEAM lessons helps students to acquire the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the Common Core.  (She pointed out that the Common Core ought not be confused with the NJ PARCC tests for the Common Core.)  While she gave examples of test scores and other data that do, in fact, bear out this advantages of STEAM education, she also pointed to benefits of STEAM that cannot be measured by standardized tests.  

Left: Scacchetti, Winter and Vancheri present "The Space Tourist Kit with Rules"

Ms. Winter produced artworks done by students in several different STEAM lessons that exemplify a transdisciplinary approach.  Winter, a former Paterson art teacher, explained  that creativity and artistry do not need to be sacrificed in a STEAM lesson.  Rather the objectives of an art teacher can seamlessly meld into, for example,  the objectives of a math teacher.

                                                                   Above: Art PIR Myra Winter presents "Zentangle Tessellations" 

                                                                         Above: Scacchetti and Winter summarize STEAM

Principal Vancheri enthusiastically recounted anecdotes describing the impact of the STEAM program at his school.  He mentioned the extent to which the STEAM program has united his teaching staff at School 7 and has created new and innovative collaborations amongst a wide variety of content areas.  Math and science teachers at School 7 have embraced STEAM lessons as a unique way to engage their students on a high level.

Above:  Principal Vancheri summarizes the benefits of STEAM at School 7.