Episode 105: Rodolfo Andres Urby
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(April 13, 2012) Once seen as the cradle of knowledge for scientists and engineers around the world, the United States has fallen behind other first world countries in science and technology education. Schools today face the challenge of preparing students in the STEM areas of science, technology, engineering and math. The challenge is even greater as minority, low-income and female student populations grow – students who schools have traditionally underserved. Rodolfo Andres Urby is one teacher who has seen a transformation. A high school physics teacher and robotics club coach at a high-poverty, high minority school, he shares the story of how his school is becoming STEM focused. Rodolfo is interviewed by Nilka Avilés, Ed.D. Send comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Sign up to receive free e-mail notices when new episodes are available.

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See resource links and show notes. (14.4 MB; 00:15:35 min.)

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Resources

The Need for Minority High Schools with a STEM Focus             
by Nilka Avilés, Ed.D., IDRA Newsletter

Diversifying the STEM Pool – Revisiting the Recruitment of Underrepresented Students in STEM Careers
by Paula Martin Johnson, M.A., IDRA Newsletter

Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation – America ’s Science and Technology Talent at the Crossroads 
National   Academy  of Sciences. 

Engage to Excel: Producing One Million Additional College Graduates with Degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics 
President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)

Prepare and Inspire: K-12 Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) for America ’s Future 
President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)

IDRA South Central Collaborative for Equity

SCCE Sex Equity and Desegregation Web Page
Includes forms of bias descriptions, terminology and articles.

American Association of University Women
Promotes education and equity for women and girls.

Minority Women in Science: Forging the Way (student workbook and teacher guide)
Includes profiles of seven minority women scientists who have surmounted barriers to forge the way for themselves and future scientist, science lessons, and life skills lessons for the classroom.

Related podcasts

Principal on  Creating a College Going Culture – March 24, 2011

Creating Dynamic Math Classrooms – September 8, 2010

Teaching Opportunities through Discovery on Science – May 19, 2008

Fostering Gender Equity in the Classroom – March 23, 2007

Access to Higher Levels of Mathematics – May 30, 2007

Show Notes
* Rodolfo shares highlights from the robotics club he has led at his school, noting how the boys and girls have worked together.

* Rodolfo talks about how he has integrated technology and online tools into his classroom.

* Rodolfo emphasizes the importance of building a technology-based curriculum for his students, who increasingly have access to smartphones.

* Rodolfo talks about exposing students to professionals in STEM fields through the school’s partnerships with Toyota and a local computer technology company.

* Rodolfo explains how online technology helps shift classroom accountability from teachers back to students.

* Nilka asks Rodolfo about the support systems that need to be in place for teachers and parents to access and understand new technologies.

Show length: 15:35

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