Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in California

Why STEM Now? The United States Department of Labor’s most recent 10-year employment projections indicate 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014 require significant mathematics or science preparation.

Why STEM Now? California’s competitiveness in the global economy increasingly depends on our ability to: better educate our young people in the STEM subject areas attract more of our best and brightest students into STEM careers. California has 44 percent of the domestic space market and 21 percent of the international space market. This accounts for over $31 billion

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Why STEM Now? National Assessment of Education Progress (NAPE) results for California indicate students in grade 4 and in grade 8: 50 percent of scored below the basic level in science 40 percent ranked below the basic level in mathematics.

Percent of All Students Scoring at or Above Proficient on Grades 4 thru 7 and Algebra 1 (Grades 7 and 8) CST Mathematics Tests for 2004*, 2007, and 2010 * In 2004, there was no data on students in grade 7 taking the Algebra 1 test. Source: CDE, Standards and Assessment, STAR, CST End-of-Course results, 2004, 2007, and 2010

Percent of All Students Scoring At or Above Proficient on Grade 5, 8, & 10 CST Life Science Tests for 2004*, 2007, and 2010 *In 2004, scores were not available for grades 8 and 10. Source: CDE, Standards and Assessment, STAR, CST results, 2004, 2007, and 2010

Standards for California Public Schools Mathematics 1997 Science 1998 ( Reprinted 2003) Career Technical Education 2005 Free at Common Core Adopted 8/2/2010

Frameworks for California Public Schools Mathematics 2005 Science 2004 Career Technical Education 2007 Free at

What Does STEM Look Like 1. STEM 3. steM 5. SteM 7. STEAM 2. S T E M 4. S T E M 6. M S te 8. Stem

Science Literacy Technology Literacy Mathematical Literacy Engineering Literacy

Science Literacy is the ability to: use knowledge in science to understand the natural world, and participate in decisions that affect it.

Technology Literacy is the ability to: use new technologies, understand how new technologies are developed, and have skills to analyze how new technologies affect us

Engineering Literacy is the ability to: use the systematic and creative application of scientific and mathematic principles to practical ends, operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes, and systems.

Mathematical Literacy is the ability to; analyze, reason, and communicate ideas effectively through posing, formulating, solving, and interpreting solutions to mathematical problems in a variety of situations.

STEM literacy is an interdisciplinary area that adds another dimension to the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. to understand complex problems and to innovate to solve them. shifts learners away from memorizing towards investigating and questioning the interrelated facets of the world.

The whole is more than the sum of its parts. --Aristotle, Metaphysica

Disciplinary STEM = Program outcome, target, or goal.

Multidisciplinary STEM = Program outcome, target, or goal.

Interdisciplinary = Program outcome, target, or goal. S T E M

Science Fairs- An Interdisciplinary Approach to Project Based Learning

Something New Transdisciplinary = Program outcome, target, or goal. ? S T E M

In Elementary Grades STEM education: Provides the introductory and foundational STEM courses that leading to challenging and applied courses in secondary grades. Introduces awareness of STEM fields and occupations. Provides standards-based, structured inquiry- based, and real-world problem-based learning that interconnects STEM subjects. Stimulates student interest in “wanting to” rather than “having to” take further STEM related courses. Bridges and connects in-school and out-of-school learning opportunities.

In Middle Grades STEM education: Introduces an interdisciplinary program of study consisting of rigorous and challenging courses. Continues to provide standards-based, structured inquiry-based and real world problem-based learning that interconnects STEM-related subjects. Bridges and connects in-school and out-of-school learning opportunities. Increases student awareness of STEM fields and occupations, especially for underrepresented populations. Increases student awareness of the academic requirements of STEM fields and occupations. Begins student exploration of STEM related careers, especially for underrepresented populations.

In High Schools STEM education: Provides a challenging and rigorous program of study focusing on the application of STEM subjects. Offers courses and pathways for preparation in STEM fields and occupations. Bridges and connects in-school and out-of- school learning opportunities. Provides opportunities for student exploration of STEM related fields and careers, especially for underrepresented populations. Prepares students for successful post- secondary employment, education, or both.

Science Technology Engineering Math Career Technical Education Career Technical Education Effective STEM Instruction Effective STEM Instruction Inquiry Based Thematic/ Big Idea Instruction Cooperative Learning Problem Based Co-Teaching Standards Suggested Elements of Effective STEM Education

Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen -- and thinking what nobody has thought.

Presented by Dean Gilbert Science/Math Consultant Division of Curriculum and Instructional Services Los Angeles County Office of Education (562) Visit the Dept. of Ed. STEM Web page at sp sp