Re-Invigorating GATE Programming/Maintaining Advanced Math
While just 7% of Eureka’s students qualify for Gifted and Talented Education programming, a much larger percentage are high achievers.
- The District is in the process of creating a new GATE Master Plan that will inject new ideas and new rigor into this important program that will benefit not just our GATE qualified students but our many high achievers as well.
- Despite pressure from some educational groups, Renee led the charge to ensure that the District maintained its advanced math programs for students in grades 6 to 8th grade, allowing junior high students to take Integrated 1 prior to entering high school.
STEAM for All Students
Under Renee’s leadership, Eureka adopted Project Brainstorm, a TK-3 program for all EUSD TK-3 sites: Maidu, Greenhills, and Oakhills Elementary Schools. This program, initiated in the 2022-23 school year, provides all students with access to a novel, exploratory STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) disciple wheel. Students are learning about science, technology, arts, and mathematics through an inquiry-based learning approach.
Project Brainstorm also ensures that students are aware of the myriad of opportunities present in the STEAM fields. Not only is background knowledge expanded for students at an early age, interest and motivation to engage in various STEAM topics is promoted and inspired!
Project Brainstorm focuses on all the thinking skills that are under the umbrella of STEAM:
- Computational Thinking (T and M)
- Design (Creativity) Thinking (A, S, and E)
- Scientific Inquiry (S)
- Mathematical Thinking (M)
Vibrant STEAM education continues at the 4-6 sites with an emphasis on Environmental Sciences at Ridgeview through its expansive Eco-Lab and Coding & Robotics at Excelsior. Both Cavitt and Olympus Jr. High schools offer a robust Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program, which is an innovative project-based learning program that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math. PLTW empowers students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges in an exciting and engaging way.
Music Education for All
Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, students in grades K-3 will, for the first time, be provided with regular music education. This will enhance Eureka’s award-winning music program at the junior high levels and bring important benefits to all students.
- Music education greatly enhances students’ understanding and achievement in non-musical subjects.
- For example, a ten-year study, which tracked over 25,000 middle and high school students, showed that students in music classes receive higher scores on standardized tests than students with little to no musical involvement.
- In a study by Columbia University, it was revealed that students who participate in the arts are often more cooperative with teachers and peers, have more self-confidence, and are better able to express themselves.
- The social benefits of music education can continue throughout a student’s life.
Technology
As an innovative and high-performing school district, Eureka has worked diligently over the past decade to ensure that our students are ready to live and work in a digital world. Eureka has invested millions of dollars in state-of-the-art pro boards for each classroom, ensured that each student has their own Chromebook or Ipad, developed a master technology plan to ensure that it is maintaining its technology and its educational software and how it works with our curriculum.
One of the key benefits of incorporating technology into elementary education is its ability to enhance learning experiences. Interactive educational software, multimedia presentations, and online resources provide dynamic and engaging ways for students to explore concepts and subjects. Visual and auditory learners, in particular, can benefit from interactive simulations, videos, and games that cater to their individual learning styles, making complex topics more accessible and enjoyable.
Moreover, technology facilitates personalized learning experiences, allowing teachers to tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs of students. With adaptive learning platforms and educational apps, educators can provide customized content and assessments based on each student’s abilities and learning pace. This individualized approach not only fosters academic growth but also promotes self-directed learning and critical thinking skills.
Additionally, integrating technology into elementary education helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. Through collaborative online projects, virtual field trips, and communication tools, students gain practical experience in teamwork, digital citizenship, and global awareness. They learn how to navigate digital platforms responsibly, evaluate online information critically, and communicate effectively in diverse settings—all essential skills for success in today’s interconnected society.Furthermore, by familiarizing students with technology early on, educators can empower them to become creators rather than just consumers of digital content. Through coding activities, robotics projects, and multimedia presentations, students develop computational thinking skills and creativity while gaining hands-on experience with STEM concepts. This not only cultivates a deeper understanding of technology but also prepares students for future careers in fields such as engineering, computer science, and digital media.