STEM Educational Reform Mandy Mackin Teresa Traini

What is STEM? Acronym used in the Educational World ScienceTechnologyEngineeringMath Began in 2001 Used as a way to incorporate mathematics and science into technology and engineering as well as the rest of the curriculum Change the typical “teacher-center” classroom to a “discovery learning” setting Hands-on, collaborative, problem- solving activities that relate to real- world problems

Strategies used to implement STEM Since STEM is a relatively new initiative, many of the strategies used to implement it and still in the developmental stages. Three main ways STEM has been implemented: Professional Development Colleges and Universities Governmental Power/Pressure

STEM Assumptions Students test scores will rise in science and in math. STEM will make students more interested in STEM related careers and make them competitive for those jobs in the work-force STEM will help students develop six key character traits that will help them solve real-world problems and be analytical thinkers. With STEM, students will become: Problem Solvers InnovatorsInventorsSelf-Reliant Logical Thinking Technology Literate

STEM Critique To improve STEM learning, we must strengthen the selection, preparation, and licensure of elementary school teachers. International tests demonstrate that U.S. students have fallen behind their international peers in math and science. -In 2003, 2006, and 2009, U.S. students scored below the average in math on the the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) Assessment scores on Math and Science exams are dropping, however, a large amount of money has been put into STEM programs in the past few decades. Low income students for the most part, do not have access to Math and Science instruction outside of school

Alternative Change Strategies to STEM Increase the selectivity of programs that prepare teachers for elementary grades. Implement teacher compensation policies, including performance-based pay. This could make teaching more appealing to college graduates and STEM career changers. Include more science based classes in college education programs. When applying for a teaching license, teachers should have to pass math and science sections of licensure based exams.

Article One Discussion Discovering and Developing Diverse STEM Talent: Enabling Academically Talented Urban Youth to Flourish Why is the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) successful? How do you think a school like IMSA is possible? Could schools similar to IMSA be possible in other inner-cities? Would a school like IMSA be successful in Baltimore City? Why or why not?

Article Two Discussion Education Week: Latest Wave of STEM Schools Taps New Talent Most STEM focused schools serve the top performing math and science students, how do you think a STEM school would work with low income or inner city students? Do you think a STEM focused school is the answer to raise the American students’ math and science scores? How is it possible for Howard County to implement STEM into schools without creating special STEM focused schools?

STEM Lesson Objective- Build the tallest tower. It must be able to hold the weight of the stuffed animal for five seconds Materials- One bag of marshmallows and one box of toothpicks Try and see if you are incorporating all of the STEM procedures as you are working with your partner/group!!