STEM Ed Update 6/24/2016

Please enjoy this week's STEM Ed update.

Top Article:

STEM Educators Fear Spending Bill Undermines Goal of New U.S. Law

ScienceMag

A federal grant has helped 500 teachers in Tampa, Florida, discover new ways to teach science at every grade level. The knowledge they've gained over the past 3 years has translated into 24 new lessons and a curriculum that includes hands-on strategies such as engineering design challenges. But the fate of that and dozens of other federally funded programs to improve STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in U.S. elementary and secondary schools is up in the air following the first move by Congress to fund a new education law that reshuffles money allocated for STEM activities..

Read more here.

Stay in the Know:

Latest STEM Education Policy News Across the U.S.

Sec. King: It's Time to Invest in STEM Education and Build a Nation of Makers

US News & World Report

From June 17 through 23, our nation celebrates the National Week of Making. This week recognizes that makers, builders and doers - of all ages and backgrounds - always have had a vital role in pushing our country to develop creative solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. As President Barack Obama has noted, during this week, "We celebrate the tinkerers and dreamers whose talent and drive have brought new ideas to life, and we recommit to cultivating the next generation of problem solvers."

Read more here.

In Elementary Education, 'Doing Science' Rather Than Just Memorizing It

PBS Newshour

The battle over Common Core education standards is playing out across the country, but a new set of requirements for teaching science is creeping into curricula without the same fanfare. Some states are voluntarily adopting the practices, which emphasize more consistent science instruction as well as hands-on experimentation. Special correspondent John Tulenko of Education Week reports.

Read more here.

Just 25 Percent of U.S. High Schools Offer Computer Science Classes

AMI Newswire

A new study says the nation's schools have not focused enough on teaching computer science, with just one in four high schools offering such classes. Even amid new pushes for STEM education and a shortage of educators who can teach classes in science, technology, engineering and math, most U.S. schools need more rigorous computer science courses to keep up with the emerging economy, the report found.

Read more here.

Around the Community:

NSTA: Get Involved in Your State's ESSA Planning

Many states are moving ahead rapidly in planning for implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA requires that state and district stakeholders-including teachers-be given opportunities to shape how the new law will be implemented. This law will significantly affect science and STEM education for years. Do you know what your state is doing? If not you should.

State leaders want to hear from teachers, and this is a perfect chance for your voice to be heard.
Read more here.

Check out the STEM Learning Report from the Education Development Center

Apple Announces Everyone Can Code

Apple is excited to announce Everyone Can Code, a new approach to coding that gives everyone the power to learn, write, and teach code.

Apple created Everyone Can Code because they believe coding is an essential skill and one that everyone should have the opportunity to learn. Learning to code teaches you how to solve problems, work together in creative ways and build amazing things that bring your ideas to life.

Read more here.

Campaign for Afterschool Toolkit
Election season presents an important opportunity to put afterschool on the radar of policy makers and the public in a visible and meaningful way. During election season, voters' concerns are brought to the forefront of the public debate. But what concerns will be raised? Ultimately, the voices of people like you in local communities drive candidates' campaigns. This toolkit will help you bring afterschool into the conversation.

Read more here.

Join the Coalition!

We at the STEM Education Coalition hope you have enjoyed this week's edition of the STEM Ed Newsletter.

Any organization may join the Coalition, and there is no cost to become an Affiliate Member. Affiliate members are listed on our website, receive periodic communications on policy matters, and will be signed up for the weekly newsletter.

Your organization can also apply to join the Coalition's Policy Council, where they play an active role in setting the public policy agenda for the Coalition and are invited to participate in frequent interactions with policymakers.

If you would like to join the Coalition at any level, please read our message to prospective members or email us at [email protected].

We appreciate your continued support and involvement.

Our Coalition's Co-Chairs

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