Phenix City Schools Awarded Cognia STEM Certification

August 4, 2022

Phenix City Schools Awarded Cognia STEM Certification

PCS is the largest district in the nation to have each school receive Cognia’s STEM Certification

Phenix City, Ala.— Phenix City Schools (PCS) are now STEM certified, becoming the largest and fourth district in the nation. Every school in the PCS system earned Cognia’s STEM Certification in June.

According to Cognia, its STEM Certification Program, “guides leaders with a specific framework and improvement process, culminating in recognition for programs that demonstrate a strong and effective STEM focus… These standards, which Cognia identified through robust research and extensive observations, focus on characteristics like problem-based experiential learning and the integration of STEM thinking into a broad range of activities and learning opportunities.”

PCS met and exceeded each of the standards and expectations set forth by Cognia. Cognia recognizes and certifies PCS’ STEM program:

  • Promotes scientific inquiry and engineering design

  • Develops skill sets that transfer across career sectors

  • Bolsters students’ capacity for critical thinking and perseverance through complex tasks

  • Engages students in ways that connect learning to the real world

Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, Rachael Peters said, “The initiative to become STEM Certified, system-wide, was the work and achievement of many educators in our system. It was a rigorous process and I’m proud of the administrators, teachers and staff that worked towards this goal. PCS will continue to find ways to support its students and their academic successes.”

This announcement was made at PCS’ 2022 Institute, a system-wide meeting before the beginning of school. Jeff Langham-Regional Director for Alabama, Jeff Wooten-Senior Director for the Southeast, and Mark Quintana Vice President, Global Services of Cogina attended the event. Gov. Kay Ivey recognized this achievement with the Governor’s Commendation.

 

If you are interested in learning more about PCS’ STEM education programs and initiatives, contact STEM Coordinator, Brandi Laney at blaney@pcboe.net.

About PCS

Phenix City Schools offers a complete, one-of-a-kind education for all students, preschool through 12th grade. Its goal is to prepare all students for a career and/or college through inquiry-based pedagogy, innovative resources, and a learning environment that will have immediate and future societal impact.