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Oak Ridge Schools: A-bomb project inspires STEM in Tennessee town
A-bomb project inspires STEM in Tennessee town
Oak Ridge Schools’ chief Bruce Borchers pushes rigorous initiatives
By: Ariana Rawls Fine
Oak Ridge, a Tennessee city founded by the U.S. government in 1943 as a secret production site for the Manhattan Project, is steeped in technology.
It’s home to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Y-12 National Security Complex and a multitude of technology companies. The complex is a manufacturing facility that plays a role in the U.S. Energy Department’s nuclear security program.
Oak Ridge Schools Superintendent Bruce Borchers has worked with his board and administrators, and partnered with local businesses, to create a multifaceted program to bolster STEM education. From experimental scientific research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to industry certifications in welding, the district’s students are being provided with multiple avenues to train for STEM careers.
What inspired your STEM initiatives?
The driving force behind how this began was our “Seven keys to college and career readiness” initiative, which was created with input from our staff and community. The seventh key is the most important: “All students should participate in AP coursework, dual enrollment, industry certification or a military preparation program by graduation.”
We found that not all of our students were getting one of those four experiences. We needed to create new industry certifications or courses of study that would provide an opportunity for them when they leave Oak Ridge’s high school.
We are in one of the best locations for STEM, with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Y-12 and other STEM-related employers nearby. The world’s second fastest computer is housed in Y-12. We needed to go back to our community roots. We focused our mission on areas that would lead to STEM careers, pathways and industry certifications that our local businesses are looking for.
How have community resources and business partnerships contributed?
One local chamber of commerce focuses on ensuring that it is supporting the schools in STEM and looking for possible connections between our schools and businesses. We needed to be having conversations directly with business owners rather than looking at U.S. Department of Labor statistics that are usually three or four years old.
Oak Ridge School District
- Superintendent Bruce Borchers
- Schools: 8
- Students: 4,659
- Staff and faculty: 668
- Per child expenditure: $11,876
- Students on free or reduced-price lunch: 53%
- Yearly budget: $48,496,128
- www.ortn.edu
We are heading down the path of problem- or project-based learning by trying to develop ways or connections to make the learning real for the students, whether it is through summer camp or internships with Oak Ridge National Laboratories. We have a major partnership with Discovery Education.
We are collaborating with Roane State Community College on a dual-credit program that will enable Oak Ridge High School students to graduate and move on to the college for a mechatronics certificate and/or associate’s degree. In addition to partnerships with Tennessee Technological University, we have simulated business environments and work-based learning in our schools.
We are looking at digital tools that can help our teachers meet the various learning needs of students, including math-related tools with DreamBox at the elementary level.
Other partnerships cover multiple areas of study, including:
- Wetlands research through the Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization
- Computational/experimental scientific research with Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Computer science students working with National Institute of Computational Sciences professionals
- Materials sciences camp through The University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- Health sciences clinical internships at the Methodist Medical Center and other local healthcare facilities, including veterinary clinics
- Industry certifications in welding and dual credit toward post-secondary welding credentials
How has the district supported teachers and educators to drive innovation?
To encourage teacher leadership and new ideas, we have provided additional stipends to regular teachers in the schools. Part of the job of these new STEM innovators and coaches is to look at STEM lessons and how different departments can work together on problem-based issues. We have 50 STEM innovators and coaches across the district. They have license to try new things with this cross-curricular learning and to share the work they are doing in their individual schools.
There are so many great open source tools they can use to enhance engagement. For example, our middle school’s math and English departments worked with students to determine which local agencies had the most impact in supporting families. Through the teen activism STEM project, the students calculated ratios, made conjectures and created digital presentations.
We have a strategic and innovation committee as a structure to gather all the great ideas generated, as well as PLC coaches and analysts.
What STEM-related programs did the district create?
We have Project Lead the Way, robotics and 3D printing. Coding from pre-K and older means students come to the high school more ready to take on high-level math and science classes. We also have one of the best welding programs in the state. Our partnerships with area businesses enable us to offer even more opportunities while using resources not usually available to a school system.
The district is holding discussions with area businesses about how we can make even more additions, such as chemical sciences, given Y-12’s presence in our community. Other subjects being considered for eighth grade and up are composites, drone technology, industrial maintenance and mechatronics.
We are talking with a large local business to provide the material needed and possibly an employee to teach the STEM-related skills the company needs personnel for. Our school would provide the space. Students would benefit from an internship that would give them an industry certification.
We know there are other countries that are going to be producing students like ours. We should be preparing our own for those jobs.
What lessons did you learn?
This is not a one-person endeavor. Getting the chamber of commerce and our school board on board was important. It is very labor intensive talking to local chambers, businesses, colleges, employers, teachers and administrators. We needed to add making all those connections to the regular workload of running a district.
Professional development is always key; as is sitting down with local companies to see what they need in general, not only tied to STEM, to find pathways locally for our students. We needed to ask ourselves: “Are the offerings across the system aligned with the real needs of students and of employers?”
We have incredible teachers and administrators. Honoring those who take on extra duties is vital; they are giving more because they want more. Our school board is a wonderful, collaborative group that supports our STEM initiative. We have maintained the Tennessee School Boards Association’s Board of Distinction status since 1999.
We are changing the instructional environment from what we are used to, to make it real for the students, whether it’s through activities, career pathways or internships. Making it more real for them captures their interest.
When we say we want to be the premiere STEM district in the country, we mean it; our mission is to highlight it from pre-K to grade 12. It has re-energized our staff, especially those in the elementary schools. We can teach literacy by reading a science book or doing a science project. One of our elementary schools even received a $10,000 grant for coding from the private, nonprofit Code.org.
Ariana Rawls Fine is newsletter editor.
TOSS December Feature on Mr. Mark Griffith
Mr. Mark Griffith is superintendent of Marion County Schools which consists of Jasper, Monteagle, South Pittsburg, and Whitwell Elementary Schools; Jasper and Whitwell Middle Schools; and Marion County, South Pittsburg, and Whitwell High school. He has made a career in education for the last fourteen years spending eight of those years as director of schools in Marion County. Mr. Griffith finds that the best part of being a superintendent “is helping students in the rural district which directed my [his] path through life.” Marion County Schools are currently implementing RTI and PLC at the K-12 level. This is an exciting step for the system and Mr. Griffith feels it will be beneficial because it will aid in “helping students that would have fallen through the cracks.”
When Mr. Griffith decided to take on a larger leadership role by becoming superintendent, it was because he wanted to help students in Marion County. “I wanted to make a difference as teachers from my past have made a difference in my life.” Mr. Griffith specifically mentioned his high school math teacher, Glenn Price, as a person who helped inspire and encourage him to be the person he is today. Glenn Price was also a teacher that taught him the value of hard work. Mr. Griffith was also able to find inspiration during his time as superintendent of schools in his daughter, Kennedy. “ . . . Kennedy inspired me by her courage and determination and seeing that live on through her sisters Kolbe and Hagan daily continues to inspire me. Mr. Griffith stated that he would advise a principal or teacher that hopes to take on a larger leadership role “to familiarize themselves with all state board policies and laws surrounding education. We are only one dumb mistake away from a CNN truck pulling up to broadcast a mistake.”
Education has evolved in many ways since Mr. Griffith was a student in Marion County. Some of the changes that have occurred are the state testing, graduation rate impacts, and high pressure evaluations. “I think there is less time to relax,” he shares. However, he mentions, “It is always a great time to see students enjoying this magical time of the year.” Mr. Griffith is fond of visiting each school [during the Christmas season] and feeling the family atmosphere of all of our schools.” His own favorite things about Christmas growing up were opening presents and spending time with family. As an adult enjoys traditions such as going to “church services on Christmas and coming back watching the kids open gifts.” Best Christmas gift he ever received? “I remember a 20 gauge shotgun from my grandfather.” Mr. Griffith still enjoys such hobbies as hunting and fishing today.
Mr. Griffith shared a few of his favorite things. His favorite subject growing up was History. His favorite sports team is the Tennessee Vols “and whoever is playing Alabama!” Favorite thing to do when it snows? “Spend time with my daughters, play in the snow, and have a big bowl of chili.”
“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.
– Franklin D. Roosevelt, favorite quote that inspires
TOSS November Feature on Susan Bunch
“There has never been a time when I have wanted to give up and kept on going. If I get to that point, I will squint my eyes and muscle-up.”
Mrs. Susie Bunch, Superintendent of Lexington City Schools, started her career in education as a Kindergarten teacher at Karns Elementary in Knox County until she was “called ‘home’ to Henderson County to teach Kindergarten. Mrs. Bunch was interviewed for the job in Knox County by Ms. Mildred Doyle.
I was scared to death because I heard she was a tyrant, and I would never pass her “inspection”. We talked for over an hour. She was one of the smartest, strongest, straight-forward women I had ever met, and we took an instant liking to each other. I am so glad that my first formal interview was with Mildred Doyle. I went home to teach Kindergarten for 12 years. I then was Supervisor of Instruction (Supervisor of the Year in 2002-03) in Henderson County, Superintendent in Henderson County (2003-2006), Asst. Commission of Education for Teaching and Learning (2006-2008 when the TN Diploma Project was approved), Program Director for the Mississippi Center for Education Innovation (2008-2011), and then back home to the other end of Monroe Ave as Director of Schools in Lexington City in 2011. This is my 4th year in Lexington City as Director of Schools. The book I am writing is called “On Either End of Monroe”.
I read to the kids at the beginning of each new school year and anytime the teachers ask me to do so . . .Tikki Tikki Tembo, Millions of Cats, The Little Red Hen. I love books where the kids have a rhyme or a chant they can say along with me.
Reading was Mrs. Bunch’s favorite subject in school. She expressed her excitement about the new reading standards in TN and the things teachers are learning about teaching reading as well as the use of both fiction and informational texts in their classrooms. “If I were to go back into the classroom, I would want to be a reading teacher today.” While Mrs. Bunch isn’t in the classroom daily anymore, she still reflects on the fond memories that have stayed with her of former students.
I recently had the honor of going to a class reunion . . . the class reunion of my first class of Kindergarten kids in Henderson County. I looked at the kindergarten group picture of all of them and remembered all of their names prior to the reunion. Two of my kids had passed away when they were in their 20’s. The organizer of the reunion passed away unexpectedly only a few weeks before. Most of the kids still lived in Henderson County, and I would see them from time to time at Walmart or Big Star (where everyone sees everybody). All but 5 of the class of 29 who left were going to be in attendance. When I drove up to the home where the picnic was held, someone yelled, “here she is !” They all came down the hill to greet me. I could not identify one of my little boys (actually he is 44 years old) who had black hair with some gray in it because I had not seen him since Kindergarten, and he was a little blue eyed blond then. I said, “Let’s go up the hill to the picnic,” and they all formed a line behind me, not because they thought it would be fun, but because that‘s what they were supposed to do if I was in the lead! That night, the blue-eyed blond turned black-hair with gray in it Kindergarten boy came to me with tears in his eyes and said, “Mrs. Bunch, I have carried you in my heart all my life. You have always been with me.” For someone who taught little ones so very long ago, I have the most wonderful “fan club” any former teacher could ever have, and it has lasted for 39 years. If I did anything right, I taught them to love to learn, and I taught them that I loved them. (and the letter T and the color orange)
It was someone who Mrs. Bunch loved very much that inspired her and helped her begin her own journey toward being a leader – her mother.
My mother inspired me to be a leader. She was a leader in our little community, in our church, in the school, district, and state PTA organizations. She was well-read, well-spoken, and chosen for committees that typically were for “men only”. She was quick-witted and admired by young and old alike. But she did not seek attention or notoriety. I learned through her actions that you had to read, write, study, speak-up, stand for something, and yet still be courteous and respectful. She passed away after my son’s first birthday. She was not alive to see how my career has developed and some of the accomplishments I have had a role in. But she was very proud that I was the first generation college graduate of our family and a teacher. The rest of my story I’d like to think was what she expected me to do anyway.
As Mrs. Bunch continues to lead and grow the students in her school system, she is excited about the things unfolding in Lexington City. She specifically highlighted such things at RTI development, professional growth of the system’s teachers, and the promising aspects of stronger standards in TN.
I am most excited about watching the RTI(2) process unfold and develop in both our elementary and middle school. We worked hard on understanding the components of RTI(2) and building our teams, PLCs, data structures, and communication measures in 2013-14. And I believe that the reason we did well in both achievement and growth in 2013-14 is because we knew where and how all of our students were going and growing. But it’s Showtime this year! We have added personnel to assist in the groupings needed to meet the needs of students and with each new grouping comes a change in scheduling. This is easy for me to talk about because I am not living the scheduling changes like the principals and teachers, but I am proud of how they accept changes for benefit of students.
The professional learning of our teachers and administrators is growing by leaps and bounds. I attribute this to the quality summer training from the department and follow-up to the training by our administrative team in the schools and in the central office through PLCs, grade-level meetings, embedded professional development from our academic coaches and spot-on staff development on the most timely topics that will prepare students and teachers for the spring assessments.
"It is easier to build strong children than to fix broken men."
Frederick Douglas
Finally, I hope, the state is nailing down our standards and our assessment. I have been a believer in Common Core even before I came back to TN from Mississippi. Any tweaking the new task force will do in the next year or so will just strengthen an already strong set of standards. That works for me. The new assessment was designed to measure CCSS and also configured to be tweaked along the way if needed. We all are ready to get back to the business of knowing which standards to teach and how they will be measured….no more game playing at the expense of our students and teachers.
Mrs. Bunch shared some advice that might be beneficial to new superintendents, things she has learned through her own experiences as superintendent. “The most important decision you will make as superintendent is who you hire as a principal,” she stated. “Hire great people and let them do their job [s]. Step back and give people credit.” She also shared some things about communication and having a good relationship with the school board. “Keep your board informed. Know what is yours to manage and what the principal should manage. Don’t get the two confused.” Also, “Work the crowd.” She spoke of the importance of taking care of your family and putting them first. Mrs. Bunch also expressed the strength in balancing rest and hard work. “Take a vacation whenever you can. Always have a purpose. Hustle.”
The best and most challenging thing about being CEO of a school district? “Being a superintendent is either very satisfying or very frustrating. I find I try to make every satisfying situation last as long as it can and solve the problem that is causing the frustration as quickly as possible. Sometimes, just pure Facebook gossip/drama is a huge challenge that has no solution at all.”
As Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and it is fast approaching, I asked Mrs. Bunch about some of her favorite things connected with “Turkey Day.” She shared that as child her favorite float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade was Popeye the Sailor Man. “I still have a thing for squinty-eyed sailors with muscles to this day!” She also mentioned her love for dressing – one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving dinner as well. “My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is chicken and dressing. I ate a ton of it while my Grandmother made it when I was little. Now, I am the champion chicken and dressing maker in both my family and my husband’s family because I know what it’s supposed to taste like before it is cooked.”
As for any new adventures on the horizon, while Mrs. Bunch continues to write new chapters of her life story. “If I could have a new adventure, I would like to be a back-up singer to Tim McGraw. Not that I can sing, but the view would be great.”
Please Click the Photo Above to Visit the Lexington City Schools Website.
Cheers to new adventures, great views, and gratitude as we all approach each day! We don’t have to look to far to find a blessing.
“How blessed am I? Extremely. When I look at the world around me, I should never complain about a thing for the rest of my life. Shame on me if I do.”
TOSS October Feature on Dr. Jesse Register
“My goal for this year is to develop an effective plan to eliminate priority schools in the district!”
Dr. Jesse Register has been superintendent for Metro Nashville Schools since January of 2009. He began teaching as a middle school Language Arts teacher before moving into administration as an assistant principal, principal, and later an assistant superintendent. Overall, Dr. Register has served as superintendent for 26 years, including systems in North Carolina and other parts of Tennessee.
When asked what he was most excited about in his district this fall, Dr Register shared about Metro’s pre-k expansion program.
I am very excited about our pre-k expansion program for 550 additional 4-year old children in three model pre-k schools. They are research based, state-of-the-art programs that will be models for all pre-k programs in 57 other schools and for Headstart in Davidson County. We have worked with early childhood experts and consultants to build an outstanding program.
Our district is 72% FARM, but less than half our children have pre-k opportunities. We think this start will have a positive impact that ripples through the elementary grades. We hope to continue expansion in the coming years.
Metro Nashville school system is comprised of 157 schools, including 19 charter schools. As Dr. Register is superintendent of a large district I inquired of him the best things and the most challenging things in taking on such a role.
Nashville is a wonderful city that supports public education. We have a very supportive Mayor and Metro Government. I consider our diversity to be an asset and a resource. Our children speak over 130 languages and come from all over the world. We do not have a majority race, and have approximately 30% of the state’s English Language Learner population.
Helping our urban, culturally diverse population is definitely both a challenge and a great opportunity … The challenge is getting to all schools and having an opportunity to meet and work with as many of our 10,000 [member] staff as possible.
Metro Nashville employs 5,800 teachers in 157 schools, so encouraging the teachers of this system is no small task. “It isn’t possible to see them all on a regular basis. I try to meet with teachers in their faculty or area meetings,” Dr. Register stated. “I have invited them to cluster area meetings to come in and talk about any issues they are dealing with. I regularly send out written communications to all teachers via email to encourage them and keep them updated on current topics. We also use the website to keep them informed of all district issues.”
Dr. Register also talked about his hope for the students of the very diverse city of Nashville.
Nashville is very diverse, with 29% of the state’s English Learners population. We have great kids. One of our main focuses is on social and emotional learning for their academic success. My biggest hopes for the students of Nashville are that they will be prepared for college or good careers.
When questioned on the subject of tips or advice he wanted to give new superintendents Dr. Register shared about going out into the field.
Visit all schools the first 90 days. Meet with principals, teachers, as well as parents and community. Also meet with community leaders, civic groups and others to get a good overall impression of the perceptions of the public schools.
This is important for new superintendents even if they are already in the district. I did this in Nashville and it helped me form my approach to the first years of my time here, including building a foundation for our first strategic plan.
So what does the superintendent of such a large district do to relax?
I am an avid golfer and try to play every week. The rule is … no talk about work. Although we have a small (city) yard, I also enjoy doing my own yard work. I exercise at 5:30 a.m. most days. It’s the only time of the day that is generally free!
My wife and I also love to travel, and we plan ahead for several long weekends a year or over holidays to visit the children and grandchildren in North Carolina, a trip to the beach, or a weekend in New York City for a play and great food.
One of Dr. Register’s favorite things to do in the cool fall weather is to entertain on his and his wife’s outdoor patio. “Fall is a great time for a low country boil on the patio.”
What was an interesting job you had while growing up? "I was a produce worker in high school and an Avis car rental agent in college. I ran the downtown night office in Charlotte, NC. I met many very interesting characters!