S2TEM (Simple Frameworks from which to "Sift & Winnow" & Craft a Compelling STEM Story @STEMconnector)

Tools for STEM Schools from S²TEM Centers SC

Submitted by Tommy Cornelis on July 19, 2013

This is a guest blog post by Dorothy Earle and Susie Teague, Education Specialists for S²TEM Centers SC.

Looking for free tools to guide your thinking and actions for STEM implementation in your school? Everything you need for your STEM journey can be found at S²TEM Centers SC.  Take a look at our three, ready-to-use resources: 

* The Theory of Action (TOA) for STEM Success is the foundational tool.  At a click, within this framework, users will find a repository of information, reflection questions, and self-assessments to guide them in meeting their STEM education goals. The TOA highlights ten characteristics of successful STEM schooling organized under two broad categories:

• STEM Mindedness describes the STEM school’s culture, vision and values. The characteristics are highlighted under the headings of STEM for All, Innovation, Collaboration, Continuous Learning, and Data.

• Total Instructional Focus describes the full community’s shared responsibility for instruction that prepares each student for success in STEM.  The characteristics are highlighted under the headings of Engaged Community, Curriculum, Assessment, Professional Learning, andInstructional Support.

* Innovation Configuration (IC) Maps are a set of tools that complement the TOA and are available for download.  IC Maps highlight characteristics of high functioning STEM schools and provide detailed support in guiding schools along the continuum from getting started to sustaining an exemplary STEM program.

  

* The STEM Self-Assessment is a short, online tool that provides immediate feedback to help schools identify a starting point for exploring the TOA and IC Maps.

To stay abreast of updates to these tools and to learn more about S2TEM Centers SC’s programs and services, visit: www.s2temsc.org and join our mailing list.  Like us on Facebook at:facebook.com/s2tem.centers.southcarolina and follow us on Twitter @S2TEMCentersSC.

Take your next steps in STEM education at Next Steps for STEM Schools in Charleston, SC September 30 – October 2. To learn more about the Next Steps Institute, please visit: nextstepsinscience.org.

About S²TEM Centers SC:
S²TEM Centers SC, is an innovation partnership managed by South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science. Established in 1993, the mission of S²TEM Centers SC is to promote economic and workforce development through improvement in K-12 STEM education in South Carolina schools.