Ferndale School District

COMPUTER SCIENCE (CS) SKILLS ARE EVERYWHERE IN FERNDALE SCHOOLS. Some of these learning opportunities are obvious—courses like Game Design, Innovative Vehicle Design, and FIRST Robotics. Other CS skill-building may be less apparent. Designing computational systems and developing software relies on many fundamental skills children learn at an early age, like following instructions and filtering useful information from noise. Kelsey Perkins is the Technology Integration Specialist for Ferndale Schools. “Our K-12 classrooms are teaching essential Computer Science skills everyday without even using a computer,” Kelsey says. “Following steps to complete a task is practicing rudimentary algorithms. Removing steps or data they do not need is a refinement process continually appearing in computer programming procedures. So, we have little pieces of the puzzle from K-12.” This Fall, a teacher-led special committee including administrators, principals and counselors are putting these pieces together into a Computer Science pathway. “We are asking, ‘How can we support all students?’ We know this is such an important and growing field, and we want to make sure our students are prepared for the future.”These programs are supplemented by opportunities provided by Oakland Schools (OS) and take full advantage of OS support staff like Phil Kimmell. “Student’s don’t know the pathways. In 4th and 5th grade, they want to be doctors, firefighters, astronauts. We are finding out ways to get them to see different career paths.”EACH SPRING, OAKLAND SCHOOLS DELIVERS THE STEMI TO FERNDALE HIGH SCHOOL. This 53” long semi-truck is loaded with Virtual Reality, drones, and other exciting technology. The STEMi experience in Ferndale is an opportunity for 5th, 7th, and 9th graders to discover applied Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Teachers can also check out STEM learning kits from the STEMco library to practice coding principles, mechanical engineering, and circuitry through play. For the past several years, students have been borrowing coding robots, drones, and other fun tech tools (and toys) to build enthusiasm. These engagement opportunities are vital to a Whole Child education. Vaughn Davis, 5th grade teacher at Ferndale Upper Elementary, put it succinctly: “It is critical that we instill a lifelong love in any area that will allow our students to thrive as working and functioning adult citizens. If people are not doing what they truly love, will they be able to lead a happy and productive life?”Ferndale Schools is also taking full advantage of OS Professional Development resources to expand student access. At these Professional Development sessions, teachers learn what STEM learning tools are available, how they work, what processes are being taught, and best practices for integration with curriculum. In order to prepare students for fulfilling careers that are developing in real-time in response to technological advancements, Ferndale Schools continues to integrate fundamentals with future readiness through tech integration and new curriculum.