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FAST FORWARD Novmeber 7, 2005 OSMTech LIVESOnce Threatened Science Academy Finds New LifeOf The Oakland Press
CLARKSTON - On a digital chalkboard facing about a dozen students enrolled in the Oakland Science, Mathematics and Technology academy, math teacher Kyle Hughes explained the intricacies of a two-dimensional scurve created by a polynomial equation the students had been asked to solve.
While the veteran OSMTech instructor offered both explanation and further queries, students punched away busily at scientific calculators wired into a computer system driving the digital chalkboard display.
Soon, student-generated graphs began to align on the correct answer's plot.
"I don't remember the last time I've felt so creative," Hughes said.
The comment offers stark contrast to sentiment surrounding the program just over a year ago.
It was then that the very future of OSMTech came into question. Run by Oakland Schools as a pilot program since 1994, the integrated curriculum approach to math and science education had been scheduled for termination due to funding and enrollment challenges.
But an alarming outcry from students, parents, educators and other advocates kept discussion of preserving the academy alive. In light of this and the tremendous success OSMTech graduates have achieved, Oakland Schools elected to extend the program temporarily.
Meanwhile, Clarkston Community Schools Superintendent Al Roberts and a number of other program advocates began formulating a plan to adopt administration of OSMTech. This fall, two of the program's original teachers and a newly hired math and physics teacher opened a new chapter for the program in a handful of classrooms at Clarkston High School.
"This is a fairy tale ending to a very rocky road," Hughes said.
In many ways, OSMTech continues to offer students the same hands-on learning experiences they came to appreciate while attending classes at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northwest in Clarkston. Some course offerings have been changed and two teachers associated with the program are no longer involved.
But both Hughes and fellow founding teacher Mike Olsen say the availability of new technology and a great deal of flexibility in integrating it into classroom lessons has given OSMTech new life and hopes for an exciting future.
Students say despite having to adjust to a new location and some changes in program rules, the academy is as rewarding as ever.
"We all want to be here to learn and there's no one holding us back," said Stevi Edmunds, a Brandon High School senior. "(The instructors) get to know us better and tend to push us harder to do well."
In that sense, little has changed. Students can still expect to be given rigorous lessons in advanced math, biology, chemistry, physics and technology.
"We're going above and beyond what you would see even in a regular (advanced placement) class," said Jesse Luezey, a Clarkston High School senior.
"It's more of a challenge," added fellow Clarkston senior Brad Gale.
Now working through a rebuilding phase, teachers and administrators are looking at a number of ideas for expansion, including welcoming more than the four school districts now participating and possibly creating an eighth- through ninth-grade feeder academy.
Hughes said she is also taking time to savor what feels like starting a new career.
"To get the kids inspired is huge," she said. "I know each one of these kids is going to go out and make a difference in the world."
Olsen agreed, adding, "They say that teaching is a profession of delayed gratifi cation, but we're gratified to be here on a daily basis."
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