STEM: Why it Matters

STEM is an education curriculum based on teaching students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  What makes STEM unique, however, is that rather than teach the four disciplines as separate subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning program with ties to real-world applications. According to the STEM Coalition, by 2020 there will be a demand for STEM professionals with over 1 million jobs in STEM-related fields.

STEM education is different from traditional math and science teaching in that is uses a blending learning approach. This approach shows students how science, math, engineering, and technology are central to everyday life and integrated into all that we do. According to an article from Live Science, “What is STEM education?”, the goal is to gain student interest in these fields so that they will want to pursue them as careers. STEM education begins in the elementary school with introductory courses and subject awareness. In middle school courses become more rigorous and students begin to explore career opportunities. By high school, students are focused on application and are exposed to career pathways and exploring post-secondary options.

According to the US Department of Education, “all young people should be prepared to think deeply and to think well so that they have the chance to become the innovators, educators, researchers, and leaders who can solve the most pressing challenges facing our nation and our world, both today and tomorrow.”

(US Dept. of ED)

Go to the Pepper Resource Library and visit STEM Builder for STEM curriculum resources. Be sure to check out all our Pepper course offerings.

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College and Career Readiness--Ensuring Students' Success in the Future!

College and Career Readiness (CCR) is an enormously important part of the Common Core State Standards. As an educator, it can be difficult at times to find creative, effective ways to bridge the gap between the K-12 classroom and the world of post-secondary education and career training. One helpful strategy is to understand what it is that businesses and growth-oriented careers actually look for and need when they're hiring.

To get a better idea of what awaits your students when they leave the classroom, CHECK OUT BUSINESSANDEDUCATION.ORG, a fantastic collection of resources and information supported by achieve.org, an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit education reform organization focused on making CCR an education priority.

On the website you will find extensive, well-supported information about CCR, along with an overview of CCR standards and links to business and career-related resources. You can even look at what's happening with the CCR initiatives in your state and see how you can integrate your classroom practices with these initiatives!