Download the 2016 STEM Accelerator White Paper
A globally competitive, knowledge-based economy is a fact of life for students — now and for the foreseeable future — and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are critical drivers in that economy. Quality STEM education prepares all students to graduate with flexible and adaptable competence in mathematics, science and technology, while also developing the ability to design and communicate solutions to real problems with confidence, ingenuity and thoughtfulness.
With the launch of STEM Accelerator – Next Generation Learning for North Carolina, NC New Schools/Breakthrough Learning, in partnership with teacher leaders, higher education and industry from across the state, will accelerate proven STEM education approaches and develop new ones designed around emerging practices and standards in mathematics and science education.
The initiative will build on the proven efforts of NC New Schools/Breakthrough Learning to advance effective STEM education opportunities for students of all demographic and socio-economic backgrounds. STEM Accelerator will:
- Model new and comprehensive approaches to training and development for teachers and administrators;
- Advance the use of inquiry, exploration and applied learning so that all students graduate with the skills to solve, create and collaborate in careers and in college;
- Support the adoption of next generation science and mathematics standards through intensive professional learning for teachers and administrators; and
- Establish a statewide network of high quality, university-linked STEM schools to accelerate implementation of effective STEM education in every community.
Defining the Need
The seismic shift in the global economy requires a similar shift in how students are educated, with an emphasis on deeper understanding, critical thinking and applications to solving real-world problems. These shifts represent substantial change for mathematics and science education and pose a significant challenge for teachers who will need deeper, sustained support for high-performance teaching and learning that leads to strong student achievement.
- Focus: From superficial instruction of many topics (“mile wide, inch deep”) to an emphasis on teaching for deeper understanding of fewer, essential topics
- Coherence: From isolated knowledge and skills to an emphasis on building connections across topics, disciplines, and grade levels
- Relevance: From facts and procedures to an emphasis on engaging in the practices that mathematicians, scientists and engineers use daily in their work; e.g., critical thinking, effective communication, application of knowledge to solve real problems.
Phased Approach
The STEMAccelerator includes a phased approach, blending proven best practices with emerging innovation:
- Phase 1 – Research and development: NC New Schools/Breakthrough Learning will bring together educators, higher education and industry partners to design new instructional programs focused on the emerging needs of the STEM economy. Co-development will ensure alignment between education and the workplace.
- Phase 2 – Pilot: Newly developed programming will be piloted with a core group of educators to validate and refine the content and delivery methodology. Specific emphasis will be placed on developing a virtual delivery component to support rapid, low-cost scaling.
- Phase 3 – Roll-out: Refined final programs will deliver next generation learning for all students.
Building on Experience
Since 2003, NC New Schools/Breakthrough Learning has partnered with K-12 education, higher education, industry and communities across the nation to build the knowledge, skills and capabilities of educators with the goal of graduating every student ready for college, careers and life.
Find out more about our work in STEM education.
