Rural STEM Program Quality Improvement
The Alaska Afterschool Network is committed to helping afterschool programs strengthen their STEM program quality to boost STEM learning outcomes for youth. Research shows that afterschool programs who participate in an intentional STEM Program Quality Improvement Process are more likely to improve STEM youth outcomes.
The Alaska Afterschool Network has secured funding to support 1-2 rural afterschool programs in STEM program quality improvement for the 2019-2020 school year. Rural afterschool programs are encouraged to apply for this FREE opportunity to strengthen their STEM program quality.
STEM Program Quality Improvement Process:
Assess: Dimensions of Success (DoS) is an evidenced based STEM program quality observation tool that provides afterschool programs with reliable data for quality improvement.
Plan: Using data the program will create a plan to determine resources and strategies to strengthen STEM program quality.
Implement: Program staff participate in professional development and integrate new skills and knowledge.
Refine: Reflection and refinement throughout the STEM Program Quality Improvement Process is key to helping to ensure continual program quality improvement.
The Alaska Afterschool Network will provide:
3-4 in-person Dimensions of Success (DoS) STEM program quality assessments.
Access to online STEM program quality data dashboard.
1 on 1 coaching support for STEM activity facilitator and site supervisor.
Access to free STEM professional development.
The Participating Rural Program will provide:
3-4 30 minute or longer STEM activities to be observed by a certified DoS Observer.
Time for STEM activity facilitator and site supervisor to meet with DoS Observer and review STEM observation data.
Participate in the STEM Program Quality Improvement Process (Assess – Plan – Implement – Refine).