The Georgia Department of Education awarded science, technology, engineering and mathematics certification to Liberty Elementary School on March 13, according to a news release from the school system.
LES became the first school in the Liberty County School System to be awarded State STEM program certification. This recognition makes LES the 35th elementary school and the 60th school (K-12) out of over 2,200 schools in the state to receive state STEM distinction.

STEM education is defined as an integrated curriculum (as opposed to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics taught in isolation) that is driven by problem solving, discovery, exploratory project/problem-based learning, and student-centered development of ideas and solutions. LES students are supposed to be involved in solving problems specifically related to coastal sustainability.

To earn STEM certification, the school had to submit an application showing that it meets criteria, including evidence of teacher collaboration, business and industry partnerships, high levels of math and science instruction and an integrated, project-based STEM curriculum. A team from the Georgia Department of Education visited the school to observe the program.

Additional information regarding state STEM certification can be found at stemgeorgia.org. For more information about the local program, contact Kimberly Boucher at kboucher@liberty.k12.ga.us.