Randall Expands Tech Academy to Two Classes Starting Next Fall

From Silicon Valley to the White House, STEM programs have been lauded as a way to advance students in math and science. In Milpitas, one program with fifth- and sixth-graders is about to expand in its second year.

A class of 31 students launched last fall as the pilot program for Randall Elementary's Math, Science and Technology Academy. And last month, the district announced it would create a second class starting in the fall, totaling 64 students in the program. The applicants must be entering fifth or sixth grades in any of the schools in the district.

"It's a unique and exciting way to learn," said Principal Kristian Lecours. One of the visions is to provide opportunities to students and families to use technology, he said.

With few models available for the two grade levels, teacher Jeanine Thomas said at a presentation to the school board that the challenge in creating a model is that the technology is constantly changing.

One of the tenants of the program is project-based learning, which requires students to collaborate, whether editing a video or using software to create a visual math "dictionary" defining geometry terms with photos and basic animation.

In some cases, students are getting hands-on exposure for the first time. 

"He's very comfortable at the computer right now," said his mother, Mee Chang.

"I didn't even know how to turn on the computer," said Isaac Chang, a fifth-grader who transferred from Sinnott Elementary, about his experience before he started the STEM academy.

Now he blogs. Once a month, students write a blog entry about a book they've read, similar to a book report.

Students are exposed to software such as Adobe Premiere (video editing), Photoshop and Microsoft Office programs, said Scott Keller, technology director for the district.

Keller's previous job was at Milpitas High's engineering academy. "I dealt with [technology in the classroom] first-hand and saw how engaged the kids were," he said.

In addition to software, the students learn how to be "digital citizens," which includes learning about plagiarism and copyright, he said. It also includes appropriate online behavior, posting responsibly and the impacts of cyberbullying. 

Both Keller and Lecours said students without computers at home can participate in the program. One way is through the afterschool sessions teacher Jeanine Thomas holds twice a week.

Lecours said Thomas has a combination of practical teaching experience as well as a technical background in professional development for showing teachers how to use technology.

Jennifer Smith, a fifth-grader at the academy this year, is learning how to use technology in her day-to-day life, such as homework.

If she and her mom need clarification on the assignment, "we go on 'chat' and see if we can get Ms. Thomas to help," she said.

"These days, you can't find a child that doesn't care about technology," said parent, Nadya Smith, whose daughter, Jennifer, transferred from Rose Elementary to attend the academy.

"If the child likes the challenge, I would recommend it," she said.

"I suspect we'll have more than adequate number of students to fill the spots," Michelle Dimas, assistant superintendent of educational services, said at the school board meeting on March 22.

Dimas noted that no children dropped out of the program, even though they were allowed to return to their regular schools if they didn't like it.

"We have had zero complaints this year," she said.

The parent night for the Randall Math, Science and Technology Academy is scheduled for May 5 at 6:30 p.m. RSVP with the MUSD Educational Services Department at 408-635-2600, ext. 6006, or to nweinste@musd.org. 

Applications are due back to the school district on May 20.