About TIES
History
TIES was founded in 1999 by Jan Morrison and in association with
Lou Rosenblatt as a firm devoted to support the teaching of science, technology,
engineering and mathematics for the Baltimore City Public School K-12 teachers.
Funded both publicly and privately, TIES worked over ten years
in reform of STEM education in Baltimore City Public Schools. In 2000, the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation High School Reform Committee called upon TIES
to design and implement innovation high schools for Baltimore City students.
TIES created The Baltimore Freedom Academy now in its sixth year of
operation as well as e-Power High School which is still in the design process. Through
work with the National Science Foundation, Johns Hopkins University and others,
TIES has evolved into a national consulting group focusing on Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education throughout the country.
TIES is a founding leader of SEEK-16, Strategies for Engineering
Education K-16, which works to identify exemplary means of delivering engineering
education K-16 and represents a grassroots effort from higher education and the
STEM corporate community.
Today
TIES understands the importance of developing a national imperative
in STEM education. TIES is driving the design and construction
of networks in all STEM communities. A single STEM community of practice that includes
education, businesses and higher education addresses the STEM pipeline issues and
the great need for innovation throughout our country. Our youngsters are the innovative
fuel for our future. Thus, TIES works closely with private philanthropy,
corporations and governments to promote these advances.
TIES currently serves as the Senior STEM Consultants to the Directors
at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as they design and implement a national
STEM Learning Network. TIES teams are in all states working to
create statewide STEM initiatives that address the STEM pipeline issues and the
need to advance STEM education for all youngsters. Texas, Ohio, North Carolina,
New York, California and Washington are focused on this work. TIES
teams also work with the National Governors Association Innovation America STEM
Centers.
TIES serves as STEM technical assistance management for the Ohio
STEM Learning Network operated by Battelle Memorial Institute.
Objectives and Goals
Develop a STEM community of practice throughout America
Develop and document a working platform that demonstratess
- The significant value of public-private collaboration and professional networking
in improving STEM education;
- The potential benefits and practice of full and deliberate inquiry-based and project-based
STEM learning in the public schools;
- The importance of connecting theory and practice in teacher training activities,
professional development, which are both practitioner-based and student centered;
Contribute substantially to the significant improvement of STEM education by
- Strengthening the reasoning and problem-solving skills and enriching the understanding
of STEM content and method among low income youngsters;
- Improving the understanding of STEM phenomena and ability to reason for the STEM
teachers and classroom teachers required to teach STEM disciplines;
- Build increased capacity for teacher advancement by supporting teacher leaders in
the STEM disciplines while contributing to the more widespread and effective use
of inquiry and project-based learning in STEM teaching practices;
- Improve STEM knowledge and appreciation among administrators, teachers and students
in a concentrated and coordinated way in urban, low income school districts and
thereby effecting a change in the culture of STEM education in these communities
and our country.