Florida TWLC campus exceeds expectations
STUART, Fla. — According to a school self-assessment and parent survey, students participating in the Tiger Woods Learning Center Campus at Murray Middle School in Stuart, Fla., showed increased science grades and interest in the topic. Analyzing change between the students’ first and fourth quarter grades uncovered that 70 percent of the students in the program improved their science scores.
The Tiger Woods Learning Center focuses on STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) while using hands-on activities to create an engaging and innovative learning environment. In its first year, the Murray Middle School campus offered a free forensic science course with curriculum centered on a “CSI” theme reinforcing the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.
“When I visited the campus, the energy and enthusiasm about our forensic science program was contagious,” Woods said. “It’s always our goal for that excitement to carry over into their regular classroom, and I’m thrilled to see these results here in Florida.”
Results from a survey revealed that within the first year of establishing the TWLC campus, Murray Middle School students showed an increased interest in science, particularly in forensic science, with many eager to take additional classes on the topic.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to continue our relationship with the TWLC,” Murray Middle School Principal Doug Peterson said. “Our goal this year is to build on the success from last year and allow even more students to participate in such a unique educational opportunity.”
The TWLC campus not only provides hands-on learning but also introduces the students to a variety of career options.
“Our program has given the students a better understanding of the connection between what they are learning in the classroom and future career options,” said Kathy Bihr, vice president & executive director of the Tiger Woods Learning Center.
Parent responses in the survey also noted positive behavioral changes in their children, including gained self-confidence, improved attitude toward school and an interest in attending college. Of the parents surveyed, 95 percent said they would recommend the program to other parents and 97 percent of parents hope their child continues to attend the classes. One parent wrote, “My child has gained a new love for school and leaning.”
