Effective Instruction: The Successful K–12 STEM Education report notes that “effective instruction capitalizes on students' early interest and experiences, identifies and builds on what they know, and provides them with experiences to engage them in the practices of science and sustain their interest.” This session highlighted programs in which teachers use what they know about students’ understanding to actively engage students in science, mathematics, and engineering practices. As stated in the report, "in this way, students successively deepen their understanding both of core ideas in the STEM fields and of concepts that are shared across areas of science, mathematics, and engineering."
Erin Fitzgerald , Senior Professional Development/Curriculum Associate, Museum of Science
Andrew Shouse , Associate Director, UW Institute for Science and Mathematics Education
Cary Sneider , Associate Research Professor, Portland State University
Equal Access to Quality STEM Experiences: The report discusses findings that draw a direct line between a nation's competitiveness and K–12 STEM education to support the next generation of scientists and innovators. Thus, a goal for K–12 STEM education is a focus on the flow of students into STEM courses, majors, and careers. An important dimension of this goal is to increase the participation of groups that are underrepresented while ensuring equal access to quality STEM learning experiences for all students. Therefore, this session highlighted practices that lead to opportunities for all students to become engaged in strong STEM learning.
Babette Moeller , Senior Research Scientist, Education Development Center, Inc.
Oscar Porter , Executive Director, California's Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program
Supportive Infrastructure for STEM Learning: The Successful K-12 STEM Education report highlights that, “Research suggests that although teacher qualifications matter, the school context matters just as much [including]. . . multiple factors that strengthen and sustain those learning communities (e.g., school and district leaders, parents, and community).” This session highlighted programs that have proven strategies to develop the essential infrastructure required to support teachers and students.
Supportive Infrastructure from Administrators, Community, and Parents
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Break
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Synthesis and Concluding Remarks STEM education leaders reflected on the day's presentations and conversations highlighting major issues, concerns, and recommendations of participants.
This project is funded by the National Science Foundation, grants # 0822241, 1449550, 1650648, 1743807, and 1813076. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.