The History of Specialized STEM Schools and the Formation and Role of the NCSSSMST
Jerald Thomas and Corinne Williams
Synopsis: This article discusses why Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools were created and how they have helped science education. Specialized schools moved from gearing boys to specialized technical areas in the workforce to becoming a place where gifted or talented individuals could come to expand their interests in certain domains. Schools became interested in helping students with science and technology due to the launch of Sputnik in 1957 and the Space Race. Citizens were concerned about the lack of talent in these areas. Due to the high numbers of gifted students, states created statewide secondary STEM schools. Certain schools then joined together to create the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST) to exchange ideas. The goal of the NCSSSMST was to chance education to meet the needs of the future.
Reflection: The creation of STEM schools is an improvement to certain areas of our education. Individuals who have a gift in these areas can attend these schools to further their education and hone their skills. These are people who will move us forward in the future and become our next inventors. STEM schools are expensive to start and continue due to the high price of technology needed. STEM schools work because of the high level of student interest and that the resources needed are provided to give these students opportunities for the future.
Article: http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy.kennesaw.edu/eds/detail?vid=5&sid=2f10c284-3258-4930-87f7-ce9586fb2c9a%40sessionmgr15&hid=102&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=47194243
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteThis sounded like an interesting article, and reminded me about some of the things Obama talking about in his speech about education at TechBoston. He mentioned the fact that each student gets a laptop as soon as they enter the school, and obviously that is not a cheap task. However, I think that this is an amazing tool to use everyday because of the level of interest our students have in technology. I had actually not heard of the phrase "STEM" until a few weeks ago, so any new details I read or hear regarding the topic continue to interest me. Your posting was very informative. My school does not currently have a STEM program in place but I think it would definitely benefit our students in the long run.
Krista,
ReplyDeleteThe phrase STEM was introduced to me while I was subbing at a school this past year. The classroom was an Inspired classroom and did a lot with STEM. While I was subbing, the students were asked to use Edmodo to go on STEM websites chosen by the teacher. The students loved it and were engaged and having fun the entire time. I think this is something that we should aim to have in all schools to accommodate those students who are either gifted or have a interest/talent in these areas.