Opening up the STEMx archives
by Michael Feder, Director of STEMx
Today, we’re rolling out a major upgrade to the STEMx website, which includes a cleaner look and the launch of the STEMx endorsed resources.
It’s my great pleasure to recognize the work of STEMx members who have created the tools that received the STEMx “seal of approval.”
Each month, I work with “Practices” committee to identify high quality tools developed across the STEMx network. The Practices committee has been working for the past 12 months to achieve a simple vision: Find the best tools that sum up how STEMx networks grow their capacity and improve STEM education, and share them with you.
Today, we get to open the books to you with our first 17 committee-approved tools. These resources come from STEMx members across the country, from Washington to South Carolina. In each entry, you’ll find brief descriptions. These cover questions like: What’s the goal of the tool? What were its impacts in the state or community it was used? And of course, we’ve included links to download or access every single one of these resources. You can learn more about the tools in the upcoming STEMx webinars.
Here are a few key questions I hear from STEM advocates all the time with answers from our new database.
- How do I ensure that STEM schools are really providing access to high quality STEM learning opportunities? We’ve got answers from four different states: Texas, Arizona, Tennessee and South Carolina. Tools from these networks have been developed to work in the unique context of their state, but there are aspects of each state’s tool that can inform the work in your state.
- How can I advocate for STEM in powerful ways? Both the DC STEM Network and Tennessee STEM Innovation Network offer tools on this question. These tools, along with the STEMx communication (which will be released next week) and the Every Student Succeeds with STEM campaign , can help you take your STEM communications work to the next level.
- How do networks continue to grow their capacity to lead? This is a big one so it’s not surprising we have four different answers. STEMx members have created templates for conducting landscape surveys (D.C) , developing memorandums of understanding with regional partners (Washington) , guiding those regional partners (Oregon), coordinating STEM statewide (Indiana) , and much more.
We will be looking for additional tools to review beginning later this month, so start thinking about which of the tools you have developed could benefit other networks.
