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National test scores show 'sobering' results in math, reading, science

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 11:58 GMT by Lincoln Journal Star
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Lincoln County Schools Launch Ambitious STEM Initiative to Keep Students Competitive

A recent announcement from the Lincoln County School Board has set the entire district abuzz with the launch of a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiative that promises to transform the way students learn and engage with the sciences. The initiative, unveiled on March 28, 2025, will roll out over the next two academic years and is designed to give every student in the district—across elementary, middle, and high schools—hands‑on experience with coding, robotics, and 3‑D printing, while also recruiting a new cadre of certified STEM teachers.

A Clear Need, a Clear Solution

The district’s decision came after a comprehensive audit of student achievement data, which revealed that while literacy rates had risen steadily over the past decade, math and science proficiency remained below the state average. In its report, the Lincoln County School Board cited the need to “prepare students for a future dominated by technology and to close the skills gap that threatens our local economy.”

“We’re not just talking about adding more computer labs,” said Superintendent Dr. Emily Navarro at the board meeting. “We’re creating a full curriculum overhaul that integrates STEM concepts across all subjects and levels. The goal is to make learning relevant, engaging, and forward‑looking.”

The Blueprint of the Program

The core of the initiative is a three‑tiered plan that will be implemented across the district’s nine schools:

1. Infrastructure Upgrade – The district is installing 3‑D printers and micro‑controller kits in each school’s science wing. Teachers will receive professional development on how to incorporate these tools into lessons, and a district‑wide “Tech Hub” will be established at the high school to serve as a resource center for students and teachers alike.

2. Curriculum Integration – The new curriculum includes a mandatory “Coding & Algorithms” module for all middle‑school students and a “Robotics & Automation” elective for high‑schoolers. The board also announced the launch of a district‑wide robotics competition in partnership with the local community college, giving students the chance to apply their knowledge in a real‑world setting.

3. Teacher Recruitment & Retention – To staff the new courses, the district has secured a $2.3 million grant from the State Department of Education (see the linked press release). This grant will fund competitive salaries for STEM teachers and a comprehensive mentor‑training program for new hires.

According to a detailed plan posted on the district’s website—linked in the original article—students will begin the new coding curriculum in the fall of 2025, with robotics electives slated for the 2026‑2027 school year.

Community and Industry Partnerships

The initiative’s success is expected to hinge on strong partnerships with local businesses and higher‑education institutions. The article highlighted a collaboration with the Lincoln County Tech Park, which will provide students with internship opportunities and real‑world problem‑solving projects. In addition, the local community college has committed to offering a dual‑enrollment course in introductory programming, allowing high‑school students to earn college credits while still in high school.

“We’re excited about the dual‑enrollment component,” said the president of the community college, Dr. Alan Rios. “It provides a clear pathway for students to transition smoothly into post‑secondary education and to the workforce.”

Financial Blueprint

Funding for the initiative is a mosaic of sources. The district will allocate $800,000 of its own budget over the next three years, with the remaining $1.5 million coming from a state grant and a private‑sector contribution from the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. The article linked to the state grant announcement details how the district met the criteria for a STEM Education Innovation Grant, citing its data‑driven approach and community partnership model.

Reactions and Concerns

While most community members have expressed enthusiasm, some parents and teachers have raised logistical questions. A parent of a fourth‑grade student, Sarah Martinez, voiced concerns about how the new STEM activities would fit into the existing schedule. “I understand the importance of STEM, but I’m worried that we’ll lose time on reading or other subjects,” she said. Dr. Navarro responded that the new curriculum is designed to weave STEM concepts into existing core subjects, not replace them.

Teachers, too, have mixed feelings. Two veteran science teachers expressed optimism but also highlighted the need for sustained professional development. “We’re excited about the tech tools, but we also need continuous training to use them effectively,” said Ms. Jennifer Lee, a 12‑year‑old science teacher at Lincoln Middle School.

Looking Ahead

The district’s board plans to monitor the initiative closely, publishing quarterly progress reports and holding community forums to gather feedback. If successful, the program could serve as a model for neighboring districts, many of which face similar challenges in STEM education.

“We’re at the beginning of an exciting journey,” Dr. Navarro concluded. “By investing in technology, teachers, and partnerships, we’re laying the foundation for a generation of innovators who will drive our county—and our state—forward.”

The original article, published by the JournalStar on March 28, 2025, provides an in‑depth look at the initiative’s rollout, interviews with district officials, and a detailed breakdown of funding sources. For readers seeking more information, the piece includes links to the district’s official STEM initiative page, the state grant announcement, and the community college’s dual‑enrollment program—resources that offer a deeper dive into the ambitious plan that is set to reshape education across Lincoln County.