Welcome to the SMTM Frequently Asked Questions Page. Here you will find answers to the questions we hear most often from students, parents and community members. Please send additional questions to Skyview.SMT@vansd.org
A: No and Yes. While we respect the Running Start Program and the positive learning that goes on at the Clark College campus; the SMTM Faculty has decided that it is important for students participating in the SMTM Program to remain a part of the physical community here at Skyview. Therefore we require that SMT English 9, all Science, all Math and all Technology credits be taken here at Skyview (see SMTM Grad requirements). Students, therefore, may take courses outside of the fields of math, science and technology at Clark College. For example: Language credits earned at Clark College will count towards SMTM Graduation. ***Exceptions do exist for students who's knowledge base has progressed beyond that of the SMTM course offerings. For example: if a student has previously taken Calculus II (BC) and wishes to continue with upper level math at Clark College those credits earned will count towards SMTM graduation.***
A: No. The SMTM faculty wants students to maximize their academic potential. Thus the faculy is seeking students who wish to maximize their opportunities and do more.
A: The SMTM faculty acknowledges that creating a 4-year high school plan can be tricky. Thus it is highly recommended that students and parents take the time to map out a 4 year plan that integrates the SMTM credit requirements into state level graduation requirements. The SMTM approved courses list encompasses many courses that can fulfill both state and SMTM graduation requirements. For example: Graphic design is recognized as an ART credit at the state level, while also counting as an SMTM TECHNOLOGY credit. More information about state level credit categories can be found in Skyview's curriculum guide.
A: Skyview's SMTM and iTech are significantly different. Skyview is a comprehensive high school with extensive academic and extracurricular offerings. The Science Math and Technology Magnet represents an opportunity for students to receive academic recognition (an SMTM diploma) for thier success in taking more STEM courses, competing in the a science fair, and being active participants in the STEM community. iTech by contrast is a full day high school wherein the goal is to implement project based learning with a STEM vision across the broad spectrum of curriculum.
A: No. Ideally, we would like students to relate their service experience to the various science, math and technological fields; however, we understand that not all students have avenues to those experiences.
A: The research groups will be assembled by the SMTM faculty based on information provided on the student application. It is the intent to place each student in their first selected project group. Unfortunately it is likely that not every student will get their first choice due to project group leveling.
A: Preference will be given to upperclassmen. Seniors will have first priority followed by Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen.
A: NO.
A: Yes. Students are welcome to reapply to participate in a different research group when the application window opens for the following year's project cycle. The project cycle reopens with an application process each May. There will be a process by which students can maintain their spot in a particular research group should they choose to continue to participate.
A: Students are primarily responsible for informing parents about pertinent information regarding their project process. Information regarding application and participation will be posted in the 600 wing, available on the SMTM calendar, and individual questions can be directed to Skyview.SMT@vansd.org.
A: Research will be conducted outside of the school day. Each research group will hold its own independent schedule that will be tailored to meet the needs of the students within that group. The SMTM Faculty is very aware of the many commitments our students have outside of the school day and will attempt to create meeting times that are flexible. Student will be responsible for communicating meeting times to parents.
A: Yes. Students will be doing detailed research with similar requirements comparable to the International Science and Engineering fair.
A: Students are only required to participate in doing a research project for 1 year. While dropping is not ideal (the SMTM faculty strongly recommends 2 years of participation) a student could drop the research course during junior year and reapply to participate during senior year. In dropping the research group a student will risk receiving a no credit designation on their transcript for the research group.
A: This requires supervision and district level approval (still pending).
A: Freshmen are welcome to participate in the research groups, however, it is not recommended. What are the targeted competitions? -Washington State Math council annual competition. -WSU Imagine tomorrow -Watershed council -Youth Apps Challenge Dates will come available soon.
A: Year to year the answer to this question will be largely dependent on the totally number of students who apply to participate. Ideally there will be no more than 20 students per research group with sub team divisions of 3-5 students.
A: Yes EDD will fulfill the project requirement. EDD is the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) senior level cap stone course. It is a project based course that is recommended to be taken after a student has successfully completed the PLTW sequence of courses: Intro to Engineering Design (IED)->Principles of Engineering POE->Digital Electronics (DE) or Environmental Sustainability->EDD
A: No.