"Successful STEM Education: A Workshop Summary" by rapp. Alexandra Beatty

The report describes the primary types of K-12 schools and programs that can support successful education in the STEM disciplines and examines data and research that demonstrate the effectiveness of these school types. It also summarizes research that helps to identify both the elements that make such programs effective and what is needed to implement these elements.


What students learn about the science disciplines, technology, engineering, and mathematics during their K-12 schooling shapes their intellectual development, opportunities for future study and work, and choices of career, as well as their capacity to make informed decisions about political and civic issues and about their own lives. Most people share the vision that a highly capable STEM workforce and a population that understands and supports the scientific enterprise are key to the future place of the United States in global economics and politics and to the well-being of the nation. Indeed, the solutions to some of the most daunting problems facing the nation will require not only the expertise of top STEM professionals but also the wisdom and understanding of its citizens.

Although much is known about why schools may not succeed, it is far less clear what makes STEM education effective. Successful STEM Education: A Workshop Summary discusses the importance of STEM education.

Contents
1 INTRODUCTION
The Importance of STEM Education
Defining Success
2 FOUR KINDS OF SCHOOLS
Selective Schools
Inclusive STEM-Focused Schools
STEM-Focused Career and Technical Education
STEM Education in Non-STEM-Focused Schools
Using State Databases to Identify School Outcomes
3 PRACTICES THAT SUPPORT EFFECTIVE STEM EDUCATION
Science
Mathematics
Assessment
4 CONDITIONS THAT PROMOTE EFFECTIVE STEM SUCCESS IN SCHOOLS
Supports for Teachers
School Characteristics
Partnerships to Enhance STEM Education
5 LOOKING AHEAD
Implications for Standards and Assessments
Other STEM-Related Activities
Closing Thoughts
REFERENCES
APPENDIXES
A Workshop Agendas
B Registered Workshop Participants
C Commissioned Papers
D Biographical Sketches of Committee Members