S.T.E.M. Education in Toronto's Inner City Schools

The Model Schools for Inner Cities program is currently building capacity in their 150 schools by engaging administrators and their teacher leaders in a focused collaborative inquiry on the benefits and impact of Science Technology Engineering and Math on student learning and teacher practice in the inner city. Our goal is to use the inquiry process as a means to maintain high expectations, integrate various disciplines and engage all students in creative, critical and innovative 21st century learning. Our exciting journey into S.T.E.M. education and its impact will establish the context for this session. Participants will travel to three "stations" where they will learn and discuss the following:
   1) Culturally Relevant Responsive Pedagogy in S.T.E.M.
   2) From problem-based learning to authentic student inquiry
   3) Collaborative teacher inquiry within S.T.E.M.

Biographies

Donna Quan is the Director of Education for the Toronto District School Board. Ms. Quan, brings 30 years of education experience to her current role. She began her education career in 1983 with teaching roles in a number of elementary schools, including experience in French Immersion and Out-of-Province Native Reserve schools. Donna has held a number of progressively senior positions within the TDSB including Principal, Families of Schools Superintendent, System and Executive Superintendent, with leadership for Caring and Safe Schools, Alternative Programs and Schools, School Improvement, Inner City and Information Management. In addition, she has worked at the Ministry of Education and has contributed as a presenter and speaker at International forums.

Vicky Branco was principal at Firgrove P.S. in Toronto's Jane and Finch neighbourhood when it first became a Model School for Inner Cities. Since then, she has been the Lead Principal and Central Coordinating Principal for the program. She has been a part of the change process as the program evolved from a small initiative involving just a few schools to a system response to poverty, involving over 150 of Toronto's neediest schools. Vicky is currently the Superintendent of Education for the East Region Family of Schools, as well as continuing to have the MSIC program as part of her portfolio within the Toronto District School Board in Ontario, Canada.