1. » Improve the quality of STEM education and experiences » U.S. needs 400,000 new STEM graduates by 2015 » Change the status quo concerning learning and teaching STEM » Increase the number of qualified STEM teachers » Cultivate the next generation of innovators and big thinkers

2. Emphasize solving problems correctlynot creatively! Target and reward mathematics and science content knowledge And, the ability to remember facts Yet, these are not 21 st Century Skills!

3. Prepare individuals capable of new solutions and better decisions. Increase creativity, inventiveness, ingenuity, and imagination capabilities Deliver technologically literate graduates Challenge every student greater creativity Cultivate quantity and quality of STEM teachers Remove stigma that makes it unattractive to students. Decrease percentage of students needing remedial help with STEM concepts and courses Increase the number of students pursuing STEM careers.

4. STEM education is not for everyone Huge job opportunities in STEM is enough to attract students Increased science/math capability is enough Most students are receiving an adequate STEM education A STEM focus in specialty or magnet schools is enough STEM is being delivered in most schools

5. The ISEA STEM-Excellence Award Honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools whose faculty and administration have implemented a comprehensive integrated STEM education program at very high levels or have made significant progress and/or significant strides in achievement through the implementation of comprehensive STEM programs.

6. The ISEA STEM-Champion Award The STEM-Champion Awards program honors public and private elementary, middle, high school teachers and teacher educators that have served as a champion for integrated STEM education in their school and community.