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A first-of-its-kind STEM strategy charts path to help educators

Posted 10/12/2018 by Ron DeChristoforo, State Policy Director, Texas Instruments

In a first-ever undertaking of its kind, four of the nation’s key education leadership groups have partnered to define a strategy for improving and advancing STEM learning for all students. Over the past year, Advance CTE, the Association of State Supervisors of Mathematics (ASSM), the Council of State Science Supervisors (CSSS) and the International Technology and Engineering Educators (ITEE) have collaborated in order to lay out a framework that can help educators across disciplines equip all students for a world that’s increasingly demanding STEM competencies.


"A project of this nature has never been done before – assembling disparate yet dependent education organizations to learn from each other and collaborate together."

Joleigh Honey, vice president of ASSM

The mission was simple, but rare, and hugely difficult: create an opportunity for policy leaders across each of the STEM disciplines to work together to develop common ground for advancing equity and opportunities in STEM education. The group reached across disciplines to find ways to give students the most effective learning experiences, while staying true to their individual subjects and standards.


"The current educational landscape brings great opportunities and great challenges which require thoughtful leadership and planning."

Peter McLaren, Executive Director of Next Gen Education

“A project of this nature has never been done before – assembling disparate yet dependent education organizations to learn from each other and collaborate together,” said Joleigh Honey, vice president of ASSM. “Despite an abundance of initiatives, additional efforts are needed to ensure more students choose to pursue and are better prepared for college majors or careers in STEM.”

According to the National Science Board, only 25% of 12th graders achieved a level of proficient or higher in mathematics and only 22% achieved a level of proficient or higher on the science assessment in 20151. The case for action is clear.

“The current educational landscape brings great opportunities and great challenges which require thoughtful leadership and planning,” said Peter McLaren, Executive Director of Next Gen Education and facilitator of this position paper. “Acknowledging the need for change is not enough; real change requires clear policy initiatives and collaboration along with a blueprint for implementation and practice.”

As a collaborative, the education leaders identified three principles to drive and implement outstanding STEM education research and practices.

  • Principle 1: STEM education should advance the learning of each individual STEM discipline.
  • Principle 2: STEM education should provide logical and authentic connections between and across the individual STEM disciplines.
  • Principle 3: STEM education should serve as a bridge to STEM careers.

In the complete report, STEM4: The power of collaboration for change, each principle is accompanied by concrete, recommended actions that will drive access to knowledge, skills, and career pathways crucial for student success.

picture of STEM paper

Register for the “Gateways to STEM Education” virtual event: here.
Join Texas Instruments, in collaboration with Education Week, on October 23rd from 1-3pm ET, for a deep dive into STEM education and preparedness. This free, online summit will provide a unique opportunity to directly interact with reporters, educational leaders and STEM practitioners about overcoming obstacles that prevent more students from succeeding in STEM. Register for the “Gateways to STEM Education” virtual event: here. TI will also host a discussion room during the virtual event where you can ask questions and discuss the STEM4 paper directly with the authors.


1National Science Board (2018, January) Science & Engineering Indicators 2018. Retrieved from https://www.nsf.gov/ statistics/2018/nsb20181/report/sections/elementary-and- secondary-mathematics-and-science-education/highlights

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