Course Description
An examination of trends and issues in STEM education from historical and current perspectives. National, state, and local concerns regarding public education, changing demographics in schools, curriculum standards, teaching, and professionalism will be studied. Students will critically examine persistent problems in middle and high school STEM education and determine promising solutions.
Athena Title
National Trends STEM Education
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in EMAT 6720
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- A student who successfully completes this course will critically examine and understand selected issues and trends.
- A student who successfully completes this course will identify and understand persistent and current issues related to STEM education and schooling.
- A student who successfully completes this course will examine recent changes in STEM education associated with national, state, and local initiatives.
- A student who successfully completes this course will develop an inclusive view of equity and diversity in STEM education to include issues of race, gender, culture, language, SES, disability, sexual orientation, and differentiated learning.
- A student who successfully completes this course will develop an informed opinion based on new information, data, and experiences with issues pertaining to the STEM education of each and every student.
- A student who successfully completes this course will identify and investigate a current trend or issue in STEM education and explore its implications for STEM teaching, learning, and research.
- A student who successfully completes this course will participate in a STEM teaching and learning community.
- A student who successfully completes this course will consider ways to create and guide a rigorous and appropriate STEM learning environment for students.
Topical Outline
- History of STEM Education
- National Standards for Mathematics and Science
- Current Trends and Issues:
o The Corporate Reform Movement: Public, Private, and Charter Schools
o Tests, Testing, and Achievement Gaps
o Opportunity Gaps and Poverty
o Teacher Effectiveness
o Teaching by Tracks: Block Scheduling, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Remedial Support, Online Courses
- Promising Solutions:
o Motivation and Positive STEM Identities
o Solutions: Classrooms Structures
o Solutions: School Structures: Access and Equity in STEM
