21st Century Strands & Strategies
Chapter: Strands & Strategies: Deep Dive
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about STEM
Why is STEM education important to DoDEA?
Competence in STEM, especially proficiency in
mathematics and science gained in grades K–
12, forms the foundation of an educated, capable,
and technical future workforce. Likewise, careers in
STEM fields contribute greatly to the nation’s capacity
for innovation, our national defense and are among
the fastest-growing and highest-paying careers in the
economy. Therefore, it is vital that we engage and
prepare students in STEM education as well as excite
them about career opportunities in STEM.
What is DoDEA’s Role in STEM?
STEM education is driven by a national
demand to prepare students to live and work in
a world of computers, advanced telecommunications,
bioengineering, robotic surgery, human-machine
interaction, and much, much more; and what supports this effort is the work that
happens in our schools.
During School Year 2012, DoDEA undertook the
following to promote STEM education 1) piloted four
engineering applications courses- Biotechnology
Engineering, Gaming Technology Engineering,
Green Technology Engineering, and Robotics and
2) launched a system wide awareness campaign to
communicate the importance of STEM education,
which included a week-long STEMposium. However,
these efforts are only one prong of DoDEA’s
multifaceted approach to advance STEM
education.
As we move forward, it is important to recognize
that DoDEA’s main STEM goal is to increase the
number of students, particularly those from
traditionally underrepresented groups, who are
prepared for post-secondary studies and careers in
STEM.
To accomplish this goal, proficiency in mathematics and science is foundational
knowledge that all students need to acquire, and a solid knowledge base in these
areas enables students to succeed in high school, college and careers. More
