5. STEM Education Policy Agenda
for California
• Quality STEM Learning Experiences
• Great STEM Educators
• Innovative STEM Networks
6. Quality STEM Learning Experiences
California’s new subject matter standards and school
accountability systems must be designed and implemented
in ways that:
• support more effective STEM teaching and learning in
school
• align with college and career-readiness expectations
• include strong linkages to informal and work-based
STEM educational experiences.
7. Great STEM Educators
California’s teacher preparation programs, credentialing
policies and professional learning practices
must be redesigned to attract, prepare and retain more
educators who are ready and well-supported to deliver
rigorous and engaging STEM education.
8. Innovative STEM Networks
• We must build robust cross-sector partnerships
at the state and regional levels to increase
efficiency, speed innovation and ensure
sustainability of high-quality STEM education
programs and practices.
• Sustainable Resources for STEM Networks
• Alignment of Educational & Economic Development
Investments
Cross-cutting skillsInterdisciplinaryReal World Contexts
Cross-cutting skillsInterdisciplinaryReal World Contexts
Common Core:integration of science, technology and engineering content and practices in implementation of the new Common Core State StandardsNGSS Implementation Plan: includes increased investment in professional learning and instructional resources significant roles for informal educators, community and business/industry partners.Science Curriculum Framework: ensure the framework provides for rigorous implementation of science and engineering practices, expansion of hands-on and real-world learning opportunities, andcurriculum and instructional resources are adaptableAssessments: performance-based assessments development of science assessments that use a comprehensive systems approach supports cross-disciplinary instruction and integrated learningSchool Accountability:place greater weight on science along with appropriate and authentic measures of college and career readiness, development of Local Control and Accountability Plans that drive improved access to and achievement in STEM. Graduation Requirements:Align CAHSEE with CCSS and NGSS increase the minimum graduation requirements make computer science an allowable course to fulfill graduation requirements.
Teacher Preparation Program Standards: Revision of the state’s program standards for teacher preparation to strengthen preparation in STEM content and pedagogy, especially for PK-8 educators, and to improve and expand clinical practice experience.Professional Learning: Increased investment in professional development and instructional resources for in-service educators to strengthen preparation in STEM content and pedagogy that includes cross-disciplinary, hands-on and real-world learning experiences.Higher Education Institutions: Investments in innovative models to increase student enrollment and success in STEM coursework, especially students from underrepresented groups, and to align instruction with CCSS and NGSS.Recruitment and Retention: Development of a new campaign and incentives to draw more candidates, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds, into STEM education careers and retain highly capable teachers.
Sustainable Resources for STEM Networks: Stable revenue sources to support the core functions of the state and regional coordinating organizations that are essential to developing broad multi-sector collaborations that can bring STEM education solutions to scale. Alignment of Educational & Economic Development Investments: Policies that incentivize education and workforce training partnerships to align to regional economic development needs and focus on preparing students for high-demand STEM fields.