Effective Instruction- Breakout Session
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.”
STEM Literacy Through Computational Simulation: Thom Dunning Jr., Professor and Director of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Edee Wiziecki, Assistant Director, National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Rebecca Canty, Superintendent, A-C Central CUSD #262, Ashland, IL; Brett Block, Teacher, Paris High School, IL |View ICLCS Presentation | View Paris HS Presentation
Equal Access to Quality STEM Experiences- Breakout Session
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.
Metro Early College High School: Mindy Wright, Assistant Provost, Ohio State University; Andrew Bruening, founding teacher and Dean of Students, Metro Early College High School
The Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program: Kenneth Hill, President & CEO, Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program, Inc.; Margo Corona De Ley, Partnership Coordinator, Office of Access and Enrollment, Chicago Public Schools; Suzanne Wasson, K-3 and Middle School Program Administrator, Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program |View Presentation I Handout | Newsletter | Video
Supportive Infrastructure for STEM Learning- Breakout Session
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.
Illinois Pathways: Jason Tyszko, Deputy Chief of Staff, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; Jeff Mays, President, Illinois Business Roundtable; Steve Parrott, Technology and Engineering Education Consultant, Career and Technical Education, Illinois State Board of Education
UIC College Prep: Building a Strong University Partnership with a STEM High School: Audrey Borling, Dean of Instruction, UIC College Prep; Martin Gartzman, Executive Director, Center for Elementary Mathematics and Science Education, The University of Chicago and former Assistant Vice Chancellor for High School Development, The University of Illinois at Chicago; Babette J. Neuberger, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Director of Graduate Studies, School of Public Health, The University of Illinois at Chicago |View Presentation
Synthesis and Discussion
Reflections from synthesizers and participants on the day’s presentations and conversations, highlighting major issues, concerns, and recommendations of participants
Jeanne Century , Director of Science Education, Research and Evaluation, The Center for Elementary Mathematics and Science Education, University of Chicago
Janice Earle , (moderator), Coordinator, EHR Evaluation Acticvities, National Science Foundation
Karen King , Director of Research, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Michael Lach , Director of STEM Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Urban Education Institute and Center for Elementary Mathematics and Science Education (CEMSE), University of Chicago
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.
