Common Core vs. STEM

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gunPS

gunPS

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I'm a fairly new Irvine resident, and I have two pre-K kids are a year away from entering public school.  I recently start to contemplating between STEM vs. Common Core.  I've always known that IUSD has excellent education system regardless which school you enroll your kids.  However I really worry that common core may not prepare our kids with the necessary skills for the future work.  Can anyone share some experiences with me?  Thanks in advance.
 
STEM all the way. Common core is for chumps and people who want their kids to go to cal state schools.

Ask yourself gunPS, do you want a "cal st Fullerton parent" sticker on you car or do you want a "USC Parent"? The choice seems easy doesn't it?
 
Qwerty,

Thanks for your brutal honesty.  So why does so many young parents still move to Irvine, knowing the IUSD doesn't have STEM or STEAM focused schools?  I understand that IUSD traditionally have excellent schools, and cranks out top API and etc.  Obviously many kids have after schools and tutor to help. Not logical.
 
gunPS said:
Qwerty,

Thanks for your brutal honesty.  So why does so many young parents still move to Irvine, knowing the IUSD doesn't have STEM or STEAM focused schools?  I understand that IUSD traditionally have excellent schools, and cranks out top API and etc.  Obviously many kids have after schools and tutor to help. Not logical.
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The common denominator between every school district or school that does well is high income parents that value education. That exists in many areas outside of Irvine. I think the Irvine draw is the the total package the city provides, not just the schools. Centrally located, safe, good schools and lots of jobs. Other areas that have good schools may come with a long commute. Irvine kind of has it all. I bought in Tustin, a new STEAM elementary is opening within a five minute walk this September. I get pretty much every Irvine benefit without overspending for the Irvine address.
 
Thanks.  I couldn't find much info about heritage's STEM curriculum.  Do you have any knowledge about STEM courses offered to students?  :)
 
Common Core are state standards. STEM/STEAM is usually offered as a magnet program in certain schools. These schools still need to meet and follow the common core state standards.
 
gunPS said:
Qwerty,

Thanks for your brutal honesty.  So why does so many young parents still move to Irvine, knowing the IUSD doesn't have STEM or STEAM focused schools?  I understand that IUSD traditionally have excellent schools, and cranks out top API and etc.  Obviously many kids have after schools and tutor to help. Not logical.
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Isn't the new high school and elementary schools in beacon park / portola springs supposedly a lot more catered to STEM. Not sure if it is STEM or not, but I've read a lot of stuff of how high tech it is supposed to be from a science and tech perspective. 
 
peppy said:
Common Core are state standards. STEM/STEAM is usually offered as a magnet program in certain schools. These schools still need to meet and follow the common core state standards.
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Yes, I also read that it's an integration of CCSS and STEM(STEAM).  As most experts say that STEM/STEAM is more hands-on and project-based learning experience. 
 
Bullsback said:
gunPS said:
Qwerty,

Thanks for your brutal honesty.  So why does so many young parents still move to Irvine, knowing the IUSD doesn't have STEM or STEAM focused schools?  I understand that IUSD traditionally have excellent schools, and cranks out top API and etc.  Obviously many kids have after schools and tutor to help. Not logical.
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Isn't the new high school and elementary schools in beacon park / portola springs supposedly a lot more catered to STEM. Not sure if it is STEM or not, but I've read a lot of stuff of how high tech it is supposed to be from a science and tech perspective. 
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I've done research, but unable to find STEM school or curriculum offered at IUSD.  I do believe that most ( If not all ) of the newer Irvine schools ( Cypress, Portola Springs and Beacon ), plus the new PS high school will have high tech integration.  But what I know is that STEM/STEAM is more hands-on learning approach. 
 
gunPS said:
I'm a fairly new Irvine resident, and I have two pre-K kids are a year away from entering public school.  I recently start to contemplating between STEM vs. Common Core.  I've always known that IUSD has excellent education system regardless which school you enroll your kids.  However I really worry that common core may not prepare our kids with the necessary skills for the future work.  Can anyone share some experiences with me?  Thanks in advance.
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Wow, really early planning. I don't think you can blame the curriculum since supposingly it's standardized through out the US.

I say it's up to the kid and the parents to choose what path they want to take. Ultimately critical thinking, presentation skills, adaptability are key in the workplace.

When parents are too harsh on kids. I say to myself, do they really think their kid will be the next Mark Z.? As a parent do the best you can and help guide them.
 
gunPS said:
As most experts say that STEM/STEAM is more hands-on and project-based learning experience.
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I wonder where you've heard that, especially when it comes to elementary school education. I find that STEM gets hyped quite a bit lately (and I'm an E for a living). When I see STEM executed at the early elementary and pre-school levels it is nothing more than a bunch of flashy demonstrations or infotainment.
 
I wonder where you've heard that, especially when it comes to elementary school education. I find that STEM gets hyped quite a bit lately (and I'm an E for a living). When I see STEM executed at the early elementary and pre-school levels it is nothing more than a bunch of flashy demonstrations or infotainment.
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So what you are saying is that STEM is just a marketing gimmick for early elementary.  Would you say that incorporation of STEM in middle and HS is better fit?

 
gunPS said:
I wonder where you've heard that, especially when it comes to elementary school education. I find that STEM gets hyped quite a bit lately (and I'm an E for a living). When I see STEM executed at the early elementary and pre-school levels it is nothing more than a bunch of flashy demonstrations or infotainment.
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So what you are saying is that STEM is just a marketing gimmick for early elementary.  Would you say that incorporation of STEM in middle and HS is better fit?
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Absolutely. For additional exposure I'd look into enrichment programs and possibilities that are offered in Middle and High School. If your child is gifted, there are additional opportunities  that start becoming available later in Elementary school (but are not offered at all sites).
 
Dresden215 said:
gunPS said:
qwerty said:
Looks like orchard hills has a steam program. Seems pretty limited though
http://www.tustin.k12.ca.us/Page/4911
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I believe only offered to 7th and 8th graders.
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Yes, it's only offered to 7th & 8th. My kid was in the OH STEAM class when it first began at the school in 2011. Curious to see how much the program has grown since my youngest will be taking the class this year.
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How was your personal experience about OH STEAM class? 
 
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