From Standards to STEMpathy
Teachers' curricula often need to meet various educational standards, whether at the national, state, or district level. While these standards may seem restrictive while designing lesson plans that incorporate concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we show how various frameworks make space for—and even encourage—STEMpathy.
NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas
A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines four disciplinary core ideas that all students should be familiar with by the end of high school: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences, and Engineering. The framework offers guiding questions for the fields’ core standards, as well as expected benchmarks for students of various grade levels. This guide condenses the information found in A Framework by highlighting the high school-gradeband endpoint for each standard. As students build this knowledge, we encourage educators to explore the ways in which they may tie in discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion. By the end of 12th grade, educators will have thus equipped students with the tools to act with STEMpathy.
The ISTE Standards
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards aim to guide the use of technology to create high-impact, equitable learning experiences for all learners. For over 20 years, the standards have continued to align with educational best practices and the UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals. The standards target all members of an educational community: students, educators, education leaders, and technology coaches. STEM Redefined seeks to provide classrooms with digital tools that improve the learning experiences of both students and teachers. If applied, the curated collection of resources can aid the two parties in meeting their ISTE Standards.
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Charlotte Danielson’s “The Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument'' uses empirical studies and theoretical research to identify teachers’ responsibilities that improve student learning. The Danielson Framework opens opportunities to justify and promote DEI in the classroom. As such, DEI practices are not a burden to teachers, but tools to help them achieve their greatest potential as a professional.