Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics and Science, Albuquerque New Mexico

ACADEMICS

The Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics and Science at University of New Mexico (AIMS@UNM) is the only high school affiliated with the University of New Mexico. Devoted to the education of motivated mathematics and science students, our mission is to educate a blend of culturally, ethnically and economically diverse students in a culture of rigor and strength of fortitude; driven by motivation, fueled by innovation and guided by a Samaritan heart. We believe high school students do especially well when they are encouraged to reach for high standards. Because of our commitment to bridge the gap between school and the world beyond, AIMS will look and feel different than a traditional high school.

AIMS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: 25 CREDITS
  • 4 English
  • 3.5 Social Studies
  • 4 Mathematics
  • 4 Science
  • 2 Japanese or Chinese
  • 1 Physical Education
  • 1 Mentorship/Internship
  • .5 Community Service
  • .5 Health
  • .5 Economics
  • 8 college classes concurrently enrolled (minimum)
    *Note: this translates to 4 high school credits

The Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics and Science at University of New Mexico (AIMS@UNM) is currently the only high school affiliated with the University of New Mexico. Devoted to the education of motivated mathematics and science students, our mission is to educate an intellectual blend of culturally, ethnically and economically diverse students in a culture of rigor and strength of fortitude; driven by motivation, fueled by innovation and guided by a public service. We believe high school students do especially well when they are encouraged to reach for high standards and we believe this is equally true of middle school students. Because of our commitment to bridge the gap between school and the world beyond, AIMS@UNM looks and feels different than a traditional high school/middle school.

Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics and Science Design Principles:
Common intellectual mission - All students pursue the same rigorous curriculum and must demonstrate mastery through presentations of learning before promotion to the next grade level.

The AIMS@UNM model provides a real opportunity for improvement in teaching, particularly math and science, in our middle and high schools. AIMS@UNM, with assistance from UNM, will collaborate to disseminate this model. Additionally, the best practices identified in the schools will be shared to assist in improving the teaching methods of math and science

Besides quality instructional techniques, AIMS@UNM will actively solve problems within rigorous and meaningful contexts that are applicable to real world problems. Projects will offer students an opportunity to learn about their community and give back to their community. Projects will incorporate four curriculum strands:

   • Math/Science/Technology
   • Literacy/Humanities
   • Ethics/Responsibility
   • Art/Design

Other methods include, but are not limited to:

Infusion of technology: all student work, including projects, performance-based assessments, and digital portfolios. The graduates of Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics and Science at UNM will be engaged citizens who are thoughtful, self-motivated, competent, and lifelong learners prepared to thrive throughout their lives in anything they do.

Dual enrollment: Students at AIMS@UNM will concurrently enroll at the University of New Mexico.

A balanced calendar: To facilitate the utilization of concurrent enrollment, AIMS@UNM will follow a calendar that is accommodating of the University of New Mexico calendar.

Seamless transition between mid school-high school-and post secondary educational pursuits. The addition of a 6-8 grade will allow a seamless transition in grades 6-15.

A curriculum which meets or exceeds the minimum credits required by the state: AIMS@UNM will graduated with 26 credits which is 3 credits beyond the state of New Mexico’s requirement of 23 credits.

A rigorous curriculum: Curriculum will be rigorous and will meet or exceed the standards of the State of New Mexico.

Next Step Plan: The Next Step Plan is a state requirement pursuant to § 22.13.1.1, NMSA 1978. The purpose of the Next Step Plan is to provide a structure for mid and high AIMS@UNM s students to think about their future. Students will explore and determine their respective interests, goals, and plans. The Next Step Plan will be revisited and updated each year by the parents/guardians, advisor and student. The Next Step Plan includes:

   • Student Information
   • Student Goals
   • Student Course of Study
   • Student opportunities and linkages to the community and higher education
   • Signatures of student, the parents/guardians and advisor
   • Post 6-12 AIMS@UNM Plan (for seniors)

Service Learning Component: In keeping with the Mission of AIMS@UNM, all students will complete a service learning component that will be incorporated into the core content area grades of math, science, language arts and social sciences. Each project will be community based, and will require students to utilize standards from each of the above stated content areas.

REAL-WORLD CONNECTION
Internships, field studies, and other community-based learning
  • Students learn problem-solving and higher order thinking skills
   in authentic, meaningful contexts
  • All students explore professional interests and see how adults put together careers
  • Student projects contribute to the workplace or community
  • Students form one-to-one relationships with adult mentors beyond school

Close connection between internships and academic learning
  • Staff analyze placement sites for learning potential and observe students in the field
  • Staff and outside mentors regularly discuss the students’ learning goals and work
  • Students debrief and reflect on their internships in seminars
    that deepen and extend learning
  • Projects incorporate academic content

COMMON INTELLECTUAL MISSION
At AIMS@UNM every student will encounter the same high expectations to meet rigorous content standards. By definition, all students attending AIMS will be attending college. All students are required to take classes at UNM concurrently, and to graduate with college credits.

To achieve intellectual coherence at AIMS@UNM, all work at every grade level refers to five school-wide “habits of mind.” They will be used by students and teachers alike to focus student thinking and goals on important questions, lend a sense of connection across disciplines, and infuse the school community with the culture of lifelong learning, personal excellence and service to community. The “habits of mind” are:

AIMS@UNM students, teachers, and administrators will incorporate the following learning objectives
within each academic discipline, and within a framework of rigor and fortitude:
  • Effective communication
  • Scientific inquiry
  • Quantitative reasoning

  • Historical knowledge
  • Cultural understanding
  • Technological proficiency

Common core goals across the curriculum for all students
  • All students attend classes at a post secondary institution during their high school career
  • Excellence and pride in work produced
  • A sense of service to community

Academic courses connect with field experiences and vice-versa
  • Curricular projects relate to authentic problems
  • Technology resources reflect those of the modern workplace
  • Teachers with practical field experience
  • All students complete work-site internships linked to academics

Assessment focuses on demonstrations of learning
  • Students and teachers apply the same standards for critical thinking across subject areas
  • Students will not only “think great thoughts”, they will produce “great works”
  • Promotion and graduation are linked to demonstration of proficiency of standards