Eastlake and Montwood high schools have received the Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) application planning year approval and designation, respectively, by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the 2018-19 school year.
T-STEM Academies are rigorous secondary schools focusing on improving instruction and academic performance in science and mathematics-related subjects. They increase the number of students who study and enter STEM careers.
“We are excited to have been awarded the T-STEM designation and planning year approval at Montwood and Eastlake High School,” said Carmen Crosse, assistant superintendent of secondary education. “The innovative instruction and support our students will receive through these programs is another endless opportunity they can benefit from.”
This is the first year Eastlake High School receives the planning year approval for its computer science program.  Eastlake’s computer science T-STEM Academy will engage in a year of planning with TEA-selected technical assistance providers to meet the design elements and requirements in the T-STEM blueprint.
Upon successful completion of the planning year, the school will be eligible to apply for the provisional designation in 2019-20.
“Receiving the T-STEM application planning year approval from TEA is truly an honor for our campus,” said Gilbert Martinez, principal at Eastlake High School. “We are very excited for students and teachers. Our computer science classes are a prime example of extending the most opportunities for all students in Socorro ISD as a T-STEM school.”
Montwood’s Synergi4 Academy has earned the designation since 2014.
“We are excited to continue providing our Synergi4 biomedical and engineering students with the great opportunities that come from being a TEA T-STEM designated campus,” said Carlos Guerra, Montwood principal. “We are happy to continue making Montwood High School and Team SISD the best place to be.”
T-STEM academies have access to professional development, receive technical assistance, and participate in the network of T-STEM Academies. Students can receive a high school diploma while earning college credit, they also can complete industry certifications and credentials.
T-STEM campuses are designated based on a rigorous designation process, according to the TEA website. Once a campus is designated, professional development and technical assistance are provided to designated T-STEM academies to serve as demonstration schools and learning labs.
Designated academies showcase innovative instruction methods which integrate technology and engineering into science and mathematics instruction.
“Thank you for Socorro ISD’s hard work and dedication in providing STEM opportunities for students so they may accelerate their learning and graduate from high school prepared for the post-secondary path of their choosing,” said Commissioner of Education Mike Morath, in a letter.
