Allen ISD’s Leadership Academy recently spent a full day at the STEAM Center, participating in hands-on activities, touring the facility, and gaining a deeper understanding of the district’s learner services framework.
The event opened with a joint session led by Assistant Superintendent for Learner Services Jennifer Wilhelm and STEAM Center Director Dr. Ashleigh Bible. Their presentation, “Learner Services & STEAM: Who We Are,” provided insights into how the district supports all students through instructional design, compliance, and innovation.
“You don't realize the amount of effort that is made every year to enhance learning,” said Steve. “At the STEAM Center we got to see hands-on learning, which is always fun, but what really impressed me was how much work is going on behind the scenes in learner services to keep students engaged and supported.”
Participants explored the facility through a tour led by student STEAM Center Ambassadors and took part in a K–8 engineering challenge facilitated by Dr. Kirk Evans, STEAM Center Pre-K - 8 Learning Facilitator. The activity mirrored what students experience in the classroom, involving budgeting, team collaboration, and problem-solving with air-powered devices.
“Our team was very competitive,” said Kellie Worcester, another Leadership Academy participant. “I have an engineering degree, and our team included another engineer and an Allen ISD coach, so we took the challenge seriously. It gave us great insight into how collaborative, hands-on projects help students learn from one another and adapt quickly.”
“You could drive right by the STEAM Center and not realize what’s inside,” he said. “But if you take the time to stop and visit, you find a really amazing facility that Allen students get to experience every year.”
Thank you to the Allen ISD Leadership Academy for spending a day focusing on collaboration, creativity, and getting a deeper understanding of the district’s learner-focused initiatives.
View the photo gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCEdTj
