STEM

With the "flattening" of the global economy, the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has taken on new importance as economic competition has become truly global. STEM education has evolved into a meta-discipline; an integrated effort that removes the traditional barriers between the four subjects, and instead focuses on innovation and the applied process of designing solutions to complex contextual problems using current and innovated tools or technologies. Engaging students in high quality STEM education requires programs to include rigorous curriculum, instruction, and assessment, integrated technology and engineering practices. STEM must also promote scientific inquiry and the engineering design process. All students must be a part of the STEM vision, and all teachers must be provided with the proper professional development opportunities preparing them to guide all their students toward acquiring STEM literacy. By focusing on student engagement, educators from institutions of higher education and K-12 schools can work together to develop pedagogical models that provide rigorous, well-rounded education and outstanding STEM instruction.