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STEAM/HPE
STEAM: is a Department, (a group of content areas, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, plus Health and Physical Education) and a program (specific courses, programs and a philosophy of instruction). STEAM as a program can express itself via electives (e.g. Engineer, Construct, Design 6-8), school wide initiatives (e.g. Boise Elliot Humboldt Elementary), and content embedded experiences (e.g. MakerSpace). The vision for the STEAM Program in PPS is: Integrative STEAM emphasizes a transformative approach to instruction that provides hands-on, experiential, and cross-curricular teaching and learning opportunities for all students. Tsupros defines STEAM as an instructional settings where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise enabling the development of STEM literacy and with it the ability to compete in the new economy. (Tsupros, 2009)
Mission: To support all levels of the Portland Public Schools system to facilitate instruction that features dynamic problem-solving and integrated, personalized, and contextualized learning experiences.
Vision: In order to develop emotionally and physically healthy, fully-engaged 21st-century citizens, Portland Public Schools believes every student should participate in instruction that features dynamic problem-solving and integrated, personalized, and contextualized learning experiences. These transformative school and community-based experiences will be a catalyst critical for closing the racial, gender, linguistic, and economic opportunity gaps.
Science
All students are engaged in place-based, real-world learning so they see themselves as scientists and engineers who are empowered to question, investigate, persist, collaborate, and solve problems in their community and beyond.
Technology & Engineering
All students see themselves as collaborative, creative problem solvers and problem-identifiers who are empowered to meet the challenges of the future.
Visual & Performing Arts
VAPA refers to the disciplines of Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts. All students will be creative, collaborative, and artistic individuals prepared for deep engagement with the world through exploring, understanding, and mastering the arts.
Mathematics
Supporting all students to increase belief in their innate mathematics ability and achievement at the highest levels in mathematics by providing opportunities to experience the beauty, joy and wonder of mathematics through engaging, culturally-sustaining instructional experiences and real-life contexts.
Health & Physical Education
Engaging all students in equitable, inclusive, skills-based health and physical education so they may thrive in a global community.
Climate Justice
K-12 open-source curriculum in science and social studies. The Climate Justice program in PPS supports curriculum creation, youth advisory, and district sustainability.