From his One Shell Square window, David Huete doesn't see a business that couldn't benefit from an improved math and science curriculum at local grade schools.
"There is a compelling economic argument about exposing children to math and science early and consistently, but another benefit we receive as a community is an increase in their critical thinking
skills," said Huete, a senior staff civil engineer at Shell.
In addition to his duties with Shell, Huete is president of the board that oversees Core Element, a businessbacked educational program that aims to shore up math and science curriculum and, in turn, the local work force.
"This program is about exposure, creating an interest, and developing life skills that bring value no matter where a student chooses to go in life," Huete said.
Core Element, previously known as the Greater New Orleans Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Initiative, offers 30 hours of training to third- through 12-grade teachers in Orleans and Jefferson parish schools. The goal of the training, which unfolds over a two-year cycle, is to help teachers introduce more hands-on learning opportunities for students, bolstering the strength of the curriculum. The program's strength is its connection to cutting-edge techniques, access to practical learning experiences, and ability to connect with some of the best academicians, curricula and resources throughout the country.
Shell is the primary financial backer of the program. But several other businesses --
particularly science and technology companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin -- also are involved. A partnership with the National Science Foundation and the Smithsonian Institution has provided additional financing.
Business-backed educational program emphasizes math, science curriculum
Woody Oge, who represents Northrop Grumman on Core Element's advisory board, thinks the program will grow the local pool of qualified job candidates and diversify business opportunities throughout the region.
"There are many emerging fields in this area, such as digital media, and more established fields, such as manufacturing and construction, that need applicants that are science- and math- savvy," said Oge, director of business for Northrop Grumman in Jefferson Parish. "Ihave met with every business in the region and they need this segment of the work force to grow, not just in number but in quality."
Improving the math and science abilities of the local work force also will help balance out the economy. According to industry research, there are significant numbers of residents that are college graduates, but there is a dramatic need for more people with the skills to fill midtier positions in the economy.
Oge also said that while many educational programs focus on students, Core Element is unique because it focuses on training teachers first so they can bring theory to life.
"We are beyond the days of reading a textbook," said Oge, who leads several local and state work-force development initiatives. "This program is about preparing our young people so we can leap-frog ahead."
Mi Wha Fontenot, a gifted resource teacher at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in New Orleans, has participated in Core Element training programs and thinks they have helped her foster an atmosphere of high-level learning.
"The teaching techniques and the resources provide a higher level of learning," Fontenot said.
Since participating in Core Element, she has introduced Lego Robotics competitions to her students and spiffed up her lesson on Galileo's gravitational pull.
"We are stretching the opening of the funnel to give every child an opportunity to learn and enjoy science and math," Huete said. "No longer do we want students to feel like they can't learn this or didn't know a certain job existed or that they can't be anything they want to be. This program is a vehicle for both teachers and students to move ahead."
© 2009 NOLA.com. All rights reserved.
Business-backed educational program emphasizes math, science curriculum
http://blog.nola.com/business_impact/print.html?entry=/2009/10/business-backed_educat... 10/20/2009
On August 18th and 19th the fourteenth (14th) Annual Deep Water Technical Symposium was held. “Expanding the Frontier” was co-sponsored by the Delta Chapter of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), The New Orleans Geology Society and American Association of Drilling Engineers. The symposium attracted over 400 oil industry professionals who came together to discuss emerging technologies, alternate energy, geoscience, drilling and regulatory issues.
In 2006 a collaborative effort with higher education, area businesses and the Public School System was formed to address the issue of lagging student achievement in math and science and to improve teacher training and enhance economic competitiveness for the Greater New Orleans region. The collaboration initially was called The Greater New Orleans STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Initiative. In the spring of 2009, to better meet regional education needs, this initiative spun off into a (501c3) not-for-profit: core element. core element trains teachers in curriculum and use of equipment that allow them to provide their students with “hands-on, mind’s on” learning opportunities. The ultimate goal is through engaged learning, students will come to understand the real-life applications of science and math and gain exposure to the careers of their future.
SPE Delta Region has been very responsive and instrumental in supporting the long-term success of core element and assisting with the goal to focus on Kindergarten to 12th grade students and STEM education. core element was invited by SPE-Delta to be an exhibitor at the Deep Water Technical Symposium to help educate industry professionals about their mission and create awareness of the organization. On Wednesday, August 18, the Young Professionals of SPE sponsored the first masquerade gala fundraiser at Harrah’s Vieux Carre ballroom to benefit core element. The gala and silent auction was an overwhelming success. The packed house of over 200 merry-maskers of industry professional and local teachers attended the fundraiser and helped double the initial fund raising goal. “The gala committee is thrilled that we doubled our original goal of $10,000”, said Shell employee and SPE Young Professional’s chairperson, Jenny Young. “Baker Hughes, event co-sponsor, was delighted that they could contribute to the overall success of the evening.”
Jan Catalano, SPE Delta Section President, indicated that “Over 80% of jobs created in the next decade will call for math and science skills. It is vital for the future of our students and the Greater New Orleans economic development that we support the mission of Core Element to positively impact S.T.E.M. education in the region. SPE would like to recognize the SPE young professionals and committee members that were responsible for this outstanding fundraising gala. Their hard work is appreciated and will make an impact on the future of our industry and our school-children.”