The current focus in public education has been the development and proliferation of STEM (Science,Technology,Engineering and Math) programs and schools designated for these programs. Virginia will be adding a 16th STEM academy as a result of the State Board of Education’s actions at the October 25, 2012 meeting. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2012/oct25_gov.shtml
This newest STEM program, the Lynchburg Regional Governor’s STEM Academy, will be located at Central Virginia Community College. Public education in Virginia has definitely embraced this combination of content areas for advanced learning.
Increased funding nationally for the generation of STEM programs has allowed for this growth of these specialized learning academies/schools. These funds have been developed through a partnership of philanthropic groups, states, federal government, universities and other non-profits. This funding has been established based on the call by President Obama in his 2011 State of the Union Address for the recruitment of new STEM teachers. The funding will secure the future of this national focus on these programs as well as for what we have developed in Virginia.
While the original STEM proposals concentrate on the four academic areas, new hybrids of the STEM teaching/learning process have been developed. ST2REAM, a STEM model of connected learning which includes technology, thematic instruction, scientific reasoning, technologies and art are incorporated to aid in critical and creative thinking. STEM programs may also be extended to include visualization and language learning. STEAM adds art to the teaching/learning process which is essential to the design and engineering components of this learning model.
If you would like more information regarding STEM education, Trevor Greene, principal at Toppenish(WA) High School, the 2013 MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year, will present a webinar, STEM: Establishing a Culture of High Expectations on Wednesday, November 14. You can register at: www1.gotomeeting.com/register/116449577
