Waterford Today

The Clarkson Science, Math (CSM) Tech program was a topic of discussion during the Clarkston Schools board of education April 10 meeting.

The contingent included teachers and administration that included Michael Olsen, John Webster, Kyle Hughes, Kelley Senyszyn and Kelly Allen. The group informed the board that CSM, a four-year cohort STEM program, within Clarkston High School makes students bond with one another as they tackle the challenging program while learning valuable skills.

The program combines fun experiences with learning objectives where students get the chance to conduct crime lab exercises, cadaver labs, tech days with catapults and group events. The program also offers AP calculus, AP physics, AP chemistry and AP biology to students. Teachers in attendance were very complimentary of the merits of the program that has been cultivated to prepare students for college and a pathway towards a career in the sciences.

“Our goal tonight is to provide a very thorough update on the Clarkson Science, Math and technology program at Clarkson High School,” said Superintendent Shawn Ryan. “We're going through some changes. I think we're taking steps in a positive direction to bolster the program. And hopefully you'll hear some of that tonight. And it will help inform your thinking on the program as we move forward.”

The program has seen some decreases in enrollment over the past few years, with around half of the initial students making it all the way through the four years. The district took a student survey to determine what students wanted to get out of the program and how they would like to see it change and improve.

Data showed that students desired flexible scheduling so they could balance other interests and extracurricular activities. The team is addressing these by adding a fourth CSM teacher to the program and fine tuning the teachers’ schedules to best fit their planning needs, along with adding greater flexibility to student’s schedules with an open flexible sixth period.

The teachers finished their presentation by adding that the program will continue to adapt based on student input and success of other tech programs in the area.