CCSD Earns National Grant For STEM Learning

Press release from CCSD:

May 1, 2023

The Cherokee County School District has earned a national grant for STEM learning!

The district is one of only 10 school systems nationwide to earn the 2023 Make a Change grant from the national Argument Driven Inquiry educational organization.

The $75,000 grant will fund “Future Ready Graduates: Elementary Integration with ADI,” an expansion of CCSD’s successful argument driven inquiry program (ADI) already in place for grades 6-12 into elementary schools to further enhance science and math instruction. The research based instructional model increases students’ math and science knowledge while also developing their writing, presentation, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

“STEM knowledge, problem solving and critical thinking are among the most in-demand skill sets in today’s workplace, and we’re dedicated to ensuring our students graduate future ready,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “We have seen ADI make a positive difference in our students’ learning in our middle and high schools, and we look forward to starting this model in elementary schools to further prepare our students for success. Our Curriculum and Instruction team has done an outstanding job of identifying the best resources and partners to help fulfill this goal, and earning this grant is another example of their commitment to our teachers and students.”

The grant will be used to fund training and materials for fourth- and fifth-grade math and science teachers to begin using the ADI instructional model. Six CCSD elementary schools currently are piloting the ADI model, and the grant will fund bringing the program to all elementary schools.

This press release was produced by CCSD. The views expressed here are the author's own.