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| Competitive proposals to support the creation of STEM Platform School and Regional STEM Innovation Hub in East or West Tennessee* | Dec 30, 2011 | Recipients:
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| Competitive proposals to form a Middle TN Hub and East TN Hub.* | July 11, 2011 | Recipients:
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The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) is established to promote and expand the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in K-12 public schools across Tennessee. Modeled in part on the Ohio STEM Learning Network managed by Battelle Memorial Institute, TSIN will bring together existing, emerging and new STEM education partners and stakeholders in a learning network intentionally designed to share best practices, enhance critical start-up efforts and boost student achievement. Through this unique partnership and the sharing of STEM education practices throughout the state, Tennessee will not only expand educational opportunities and outcomes, but also create new STEM teaching and learning models that can be shared with the rest of the country.
As a network, STEM educators, advocates and practitioners can work together in ways that go well beyond individual programs to lift the STEM education participation, practice and achievement Tennessee needs for a vital economic future. Not only will individual programs share information and support each other, but they also will leverage funding, grow effective STEM teaching and learning in unique ways and prepare Tennessee students for future success. Bringing together the knowledge, skill and acumen of K-12, higher education and business to this work amplifies the opportunities for students to experience real-world STEM problem solving and to understand how their school-work links to future opportunities.
A series of statewide RFPs will be released beginning in May 2011 to establish Regional STEM Innovation Hubs, STEM Platform Schools, and a Virtual STEM Platform School/Hub throughout Tennessee. For those interested in the future Regional STEM Innovation Hub grants, the RFP documents posted here will be a valuable tool in planning your future applications. For those interested in applying for a STEM Platform School grant, a guidance document for STEM Platform Schools will be posted later this month. Information on all subsequent RFPs will also be found at www.tn.gov/firsttothetop.
To support the TSIN, the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has designated a STEM Director within the organization. The role of this individual is to coordinate and communicate the First to the Top (FTTT) STEM activities, needs, and challenges across TDOE. In addition, she oversees the TDOE STEM related FTTT contracts, reporting, deliverables and participates in TSIN planning and implementation. A critical aspect of the STEM Director’s role is to assure articulated deliverables of the FTTT STEM work occur on time and on budget, with proper reporting in place to document the work. In addition, she works directly with the FTTT leadership team, other state agencies and Battelle on planning and implementation issues. The STEM Director will ensure the STEM-related funds allocated by the department flow appropriately and also have a thorough understanding of the objective of those funds.
The TSIN Advisory Council is a group of Tennessee education, business and policy leaders who will provide strategic guidance and direction to the TDOE and Battelle on the operation of the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network. The STEM Advisory Council will also counsel the TN Department of Education to promote and expand the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in K-12 public schools across Tennessee.
Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle) is a 501(c)(3) charitable trust headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. This organization employs 22,000 in more than 130 locations worldwide are dedicated to scientific, educational, technology and community endeavors and investments for a safer, healthier, and more productive tomorrow. Battelle is the world’s largest, independent research and development organization, working to advance scientific discovery and application. From Education and Laboratory Management to National Security and Energy Technology to Health and Life Sciences, Battelle provides innovative solutions to address the world’s most pressing needs. By partnering with government, industry, and communities, Battelle works to enhance quality of life for people everywhere. In Tennessee, Battelle has joined forces with the University of Tennessee to form UT-Battelle, LLC. to provide management of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. At Battelle, experts are working in leading edge facilities, partnering with experts at the national laboratories, universities, and utilizing best instruments and best practices to address the world's most pressing problems.
Battelle Memorial Institute is practiced at creating STEM learning networks, and is designated via gubernatorial Executive Order to manage the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network. In this role, Battelle works with Oak Ridge Affiliated Universities and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (managed by UT/Battelle) to connect, leverage and support shared learning between established STEM assets in Tennessee and new investments in schools and Hubs to amplify STEM education in the state. Battelle provides technical assistance as these organizations and programs learn from each other and brings to the table opportunities, protocols and mechanisms to help this happen effectively and on a real-time basis. Battelle does not run programs per se, but facilitates the network infrastructure for the purpose of amplification. In addition, Battelle works to connect the Tennessee work with that of the Ohio STEM Learning Network and other emerging STEM networks across the country.
Battelle also serves as a grantee of First to the Top (FTTT) funds for selected STEM education work in order to best direct the establishment of the Network and build meaningful regional initiatives. Battelle additionally works closely with the STEM Advisory Council, Tennessee Department of Education and Tennessee Higher Education Commission in the execution of grants and contracts to realize maximum alignment and leveraging of resources to grow STEM education in the state.