STEM education is important to prepare students for success in today's global, technology-driven world. The nature of work is changing and students now need skills like critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and technology literacy to compete in a new global economy. Traditional education models focus on memorization and single subjects, but the 21st century requires mastery across disciplines and integration of life skills. STEM programs that engage students in hands-on learning help develop the skills needed for their future careers and life outside of school.

1. STEM Education WHY??

2. 1990 curriculum Solve problems Remember the textbook Follow directions Work alone "Cover" the curriculum

3. 2010 curriculum Ask: Find problems Investigate: Multiple sources/media Create: Engage actively in learning Discuss: Collaborate; diverse views Reflect: Learn how to learn

4. Old Rules, New Game Old Rules Economics use capital Capital is mobile, and it seeks productivity Old Game Productivity used labor Education of the few, labor by the masses Education process reflect a community New Game Productivity uses technology & knowledge Education of all, knowledge for the masses Educational results create a community

5. Really Big (and Hard) Questions.. How do we prepare our students for success in a knowledge based, technology driven, globally competitive world? How do we align to our community aspirations for quality of life & strategies for economic opportunity How do we transform our schools into high performance environments where students are expected to be and are high achievers?

6. The Primary aim of education is not to enable students to do well in school, but to help them do well in the life they will lead outside of school.

7. So where is this all leading…. STEM EDUCATION

8. Why are 21st Century skills so important?

9. U.S. students must compete in a new global economy. Hershey is opening their next plant in…… MEXICO!!!

10. The U.S. is falling behind.

11. The nature of work is changing.

12. Why 21 st Century Skills? Subject Matter Mastery 20 th Century 21 st Century Number of Jobs : Job Requirement Teaching Model 1-2 Jobs Mastery of One Field 10-15 Jobs Critical Thinking Across Disciplines Integration of 21 st Century Skills into Subject Matter

13. The requirements of the 21 st Century work force are changing?

14. We need to prepare our students to be effective 21 st Century citizens.

15. What is the Framework of 21 st Century Skills?

16. 20 th Century Education Model Core Subjects Assessment

17. Framework for 21 st Century Learning

18. Life Skills Leadership Ethics Accountability Adaptability Personal Productivity People skills Self direction Social Responsibility

19. 21 st Century Content Global Awareness Financial, Economic and Business Literacy Civic Literacy Health & Wealth Awareness

20. Core Subjects English Reading and Language Arts Mathematics Science Foreign languages Civics Government Economics Arts History Arts History Geography

21. Thinking and Learning Skills Critical Thinking & Problem Creativity & Innovation Skills Communication & Information Skills Collaboration Skills

22. ICT Literacy Information and communications technology (ICT) is the ability to use technology to accomplish thinking and learning skills: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Creativity & Innovation Skills Communication & Information Skills Collaboration Skills

23. Today’s students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach. Prensky, 2001

24. Students learn from thinking….thinking is engaged by activity. Jonassen, 2003

25. How many students that start high school finish college???? Go ahead take a guess…….

26. Out of every 100 ninth graders….

27. 68 will graduate from high school

28. 40 will enter college

29. 26 are still enrolled in the sophomore year

30. 18 will graduate from college

31. The goal is an organization that is constantly making its future rather than defending its past. Hamel & Valiksngas, 2003

32. How can this be done? Programs like Robotics, Technology, Science and Engineering Fairs, physical education, health education and out of classroom activities increase student awareness and expertise in science and technology. Which will lead to greater understanding and expertise. Preparing them for the future and their career whatever it may be…..

33. Willard Wirtz There aren’t two worlds -- education and work, there is one world -- life.

34. Thoughts….. OUR STUDENTS (your children) are our future, and given the supports they need, will achieve great things Thank you for attending today