AES Gets Certified As STEM School By IDOE

Aurora Elementary School is now the first and only STEM certified school in southeastern Indiana. 

(Aurora, Ind.) – Today, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced 12 additional Indiana schools now certified in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or better known as STEM.

Of these newly certified schools, one local elementary school made the list.

Aurora Elementary School (AES) is now first and only STEM certified school in southeastern Indiana. 

In 2017, AES began their STEM journey when the administrators and staff made a commitment to provide students with the opportunity to engage in activities, including improving their critical thinking skills. 

“It has been rewarding to see the excitement from both staff and students as learning experiences have evolved within our school,” says AES Principal Mary Bailey.  

To become certified, AES provided evidence of several commitments, including community partnerships. 

“We are fortunate to have several community partners which have played an important role in our certification. Purdue Extension, Dearborn County Recycling Center, and Aurora Public Library help plan and implement activities which promote creativity, collaboration, investigation, and problem-solving," adds Bailey.   

Other community partners include:  Community Mental Health Center, Highpoint Health, City of Aurora, Aurora Fire Department, Aurora Police Department, and Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department.

Through the STEM program, students were exposed to career exploration. 

Careers explored include but are not limited to:  farmer, firefighter, policeman, K-9 officer, mechanic/truck driver, military personnel, civil engineer, astrologist, meteorologist, park ranger, zoologist, banker, professor, baker, archeologist, contractor, and electrician/lineman.

“Mrs. Miller, Assistant Principal, and I are very proud of the staff for their hard work and devotion to providing our students with these opportunities,”  stated Bailey. 

Since its creation in 2015, the STEM Certified Schools program has seen an increase of over 16 percent. The total of STEM Certified schools in the Hoosier state is now 90. 

The STEM Certified Schools program recognizes Indiana schools that focus on a commitment to teaching STEM disciplines beyond the classroom.

Schools that receive this certification exemplify a highly non-traditional approach to education, employing a great deal of inquiry, project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurship, student centered classrooms, integration into humanities and related arts, and out-of-school STEM activities.

These certified schools not only take this non-traditional approach, but also follow the educational policies set by the state and excel under the system of accountability.

To receive this certification, each school had to complete a rigorous application and review process.

“Creating environments whereby students are immersed in STEM activities is a priority for Indiana schools,” said State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick. “I am grateful for the student-focused passion exemplified by our STEM Certified schools and commend our 2020 schools for furthering Indiana’s dedication to STEM.”

To see a list of the newly added STEM certified schools, visit www.doe.in.gov/news/indiana-department-education-announces-number-stem-certified-schools-continues-climb.

For a complete list of Indiana STEM Certified schools, visit www.doe.in.gov/wf-stem/indianas-stem-certified-schools.

For more information on IDOE’s efforts to increase STEM education across the state, visit www.doe.in.gov/wf-stem/indiana-stem-education-science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics.