Elementary STEM
prep programs requiring STEM coursework for pre-service elementary teachers
Full Challenge: The number of preparation programs that require rigorous STEM coursework for pre-service elementary teachers.
Challenge Description: Teacher preparation programs typically lack rigorous STEM course requirements for candidates pursuing certification at the elementary grade levels. As a result, many elementary teachers have little experience with STEM content and practices.
Progress
Catalyzing Change in Math Education: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities in Elementary and Beyond
Watch "Catalyzing Change in Math Education: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities in Elementary and Beyond", a recorded "Steal This" presentation...
"I was pretty underwhelmed with the offerings out there for elementary teachers to receive STEM training"
One day my daughter (then 3) asked me, “Mommy, are you not happy anymore?” I was stunned. I didn’t realize that the joy I once had developing new STEM...
Elementary teachers often lack access to STEM professional development.
Published July 2017. Elementary students are minimally exposed to science, technology, mathematics, and science (STEM) content areas (National...
ASU Brings a STEM Focus to Elementary Teacher Preparation
What challenge is ASU tackling? Many teacher preparation programs do not require rigorous coursework in the science, technology, engineering, and...
Pre-service teachers often lack effective coaching.
Published July 2017. Teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is difficult to do well, even for veteran teachers.
Few elementary teacher preparation programs have a STEM focus.
Published July 2017. Teacher preparation programs are faced with a seemingly insurmountable task: Instill teacher candidates with the theory,...
Many elementary teachers have anxiety about teaching STEM subjects.
Published July 2017. Research literature—not just in the United States, but in nations across the world—broadly shows that elementary teachers lack...
STEM content and pedagogy are not integrated.
Published July 2017. Improvements in teacher preparation to better focus on the unique characteristics of 21st-century teaching and learning have been...
Many teacher preparation programs do not account for local or regional needs.
Published July 2017. Local teacher shortages abound, according to recent reports, particularly with respect to finding qualified and well-prepared...