InTucker Magazine

Tucker in STEM

Tucker Middle School became Georgia’s first STEM-certified middle school in 2014. In the time since the program’s inception, Tucker Middle’s STEM students and teachers have won awards from the Technology Association of Georgia and made it to the finals of national competitions for their projects. It is no surprise that many students are interested in learning from such a great program. Students can join the STEM program by completing the application process and being accepted into it.

What is the STEM program?

The mission of the Tucker Middle School STEM Academy is to EXPOSE students to STEM careers, EQUIP them with the skills needed to be successful, and ENGAGE students in solving the real-work problems of today.

What makes the STEM program stand out is not only the subject matter focus of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math but the philosophy around teaching and the classroom culture. The teachers strive for a student-centered classroom and operate as facilitators rather than instructors. By using project-based learning, consistency, research backed norms, while setting clear and high expectations, the program redefines the meaning of classroom management into classroom culture.

How does the application process work?

First, the STEM Coordinator opens the application for the coming school year on the TMS STEM program’s website; this year, it opened in February. Parents, guardians or students then fill out a six- to seven-page Google form. The application will close in April, and then applicants will learn whether they have moved on to round two. Round two is an interview portion that both parents or guardians as well as the applicant students will attend.

There are a few things one can keep on-hand when filling out the application. You will need your student identification number, the email addresses of two teachers you trust to serve as recommendations, and the knowledge of any academic accommodations you may need. If you are a parent, keep your student with you while filling it out; there are a few questions they will need to be present to answer. The application is not long but be prepared to answer questions thoroughly and with care as this initial stage is a deciding factor for moving on to round two. In addition to the application, in order to be considered for a seat in the program a student must meet qualifying scores in the MAP math test and have two teacher recommendations. Applications are graded on a rubric: 50% math scores, 25% teacher recommendations, and 25% application answers. Qualifying students are notified that they will move on to round two.

Round two consists of a small group interview where the middle school teachers use a rubric to score the students’ performances, including how well the students work together, how insightful they are, their general comments, and their work ethic.

It is important for parents to remember that the STEM application is not a school choice program. In order for those out of district to attend TMS and participate in the STEM Program they must first apply through the School Choice program and then apply to the STEM program.

In addition to the STEM program, Tucker Middle offers many opportunities for students to shine in technology. There is the after school club called Technology Student Association that is one of the most successful chapters in the nation, a competitive robotics team, engineering focused classes, and even an innovation lab that allows students to innovate and create.

Tucker Middle’s STEM program furthers the education of the cluster’s elementary population as three of the five elementary schools are STEM certified, while solidifying the foundation for further education in high school in the STEM and engineering tracks at Tucker High School.

You can access the Tucker Middle STEM website and application at tuckermiddlestem.weebly.com.