ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics

CONTACT DIRECTOR OFFICE CONTACT ONLINE INFORMATION Steve A. Schneider 400 Seaport Court, Steve Schneider WestEd.org/program/ Suite 222 [email protected] science-technology- Redwood City, California tel: 650.381.6410 engineering-mathematics- 94063-2767 fax: 650.381.6401 stem/

The Science, Technology, Engineering, & HIGHLIGHTS

Mathematics (STEM) program, spanning RR Continued partnering with innovative technology firms to grades preK–16, offers a diverse portfolio of advance their Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects by winning Phase II awards from Institute of Education Sciences projects that enhance teaching and learning (IES), and a first award from the National Institutes of Health. across all STEM subjects. Chosen by the New Schools Venture Fund to provide similar research and evaluation expertise to the tech firms it funds.

The STEM program pursues cutting-edge research, RR WestEd’s K-12 Alliance and ten diverse California schools are evaluation, curriculum development, assessment, and funded by the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation to pioneer strong professional development. STEM staff members study implementation of NGSS. That Foundation also funded other issues in topics such as early childhood mathematics STEM Program staff to evaluate the implementation. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is supporting researchers in STEM and learning, technology literacy, and the use of apps and WestEd’s Evaluation Research Program to study academic aspects simulations to enhance student learning and assessment. of the NGSS project.

STEM also has been increasingly conducting work in RR Won another round of funding from the U.S. Department of cognitive science and computer science education, Education (ED) for the Ready to Learn (RTL) team’s research with staff now studying high-profile national projects and evaluation efforts to measure the effectiveness of PBS educational products. This five-year project with the Minneapolis that address the computer science gap in middle and PBS affiliate is one of only two RTL grants awarded. high schools. RR Through the National Center for Cognition and Learning, won In addition, STEM staff have strong expertise and WestEd’s first-ever efficacy study from the IES panel for Cognition resources for addressing Common Core mathematics and Student Learning. STEM staff were also asked to serve on standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). this panel. In addition, the Center won an NSF grant to explore teachers’ understanding of cognitive science principles.

RR Expanded STEM’s early childhood work in mathematics, including a first award from the ED program for Partnerships and Collaborations Focused on Problems of Practice or Policy. Presented findings of research in this area on Capitol Hill and for ED leaders. ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics

Algebraic Thinking in the Common Core Teacher Workshop Featured Helps mathematics teachers, grades 6–10, deepen understanding of algebra/algebraic thinking. Services K–12 Alliance Professional Development Increases participants’ science or mathematics knowledge and pedagogical skills for teaching science through strategies including teacher-leader development, lesson studies in teachers’ classrooms, and more. Making Sense of SCIENCE Helps teachers learn how to implement Understanding Science professional development courses in their school, district, local education agency, university, or school reform organization. Math Pathways & Pitfalls Institute Teacher participants learn ways to help students overcome pitfalls, boost learning of key mathematics standards, and develop academic language. The institutes also highlight crucial strategies for working with diverse learners. Partnership for the Assessment of Standards-Based Science (PASS) Uses multiple kinds of item types and is a pioneer in use of hands-on performance tasks. PASS science assessments have been used by states, districts (over 450 in 25 states), schools, and textbook and test developers (e.g., MacMillan McGraw Hill, Glencoe, The College Board). The PASS group is the contractor to develop new large-scale NGSS assessments for the District of Columbia. External Evaluation of STEM Projects and Programs Researchers serve as external evaluators of 30 projects and programs in STEM education funded federally by Institute of Education Sciences, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Institutes of Health, and NSF, and privately by foundations and corporations.

Featured Projects Featured Research

National Center on Cognition & Mathematics Instruction External Evaluation of the Amgen Redesigning an existing mathematics curriculum in ways that will substantially improve Biotechnology Experience student outcomes. Evaluating a long-standing, growing international program for grades 6–12. Teachers train to provide Silicon Valley Math Initiative, a Partnership with WestEd students with hands-on experiences using the same Helps districts in Southern California prepare for the successful transition to Common Core equipment and tools found today in the laboratories mathematics standards and Smarter Balanced assessments. of global pharmacology firms.

National Science Foundation-Funded Visit the STEM web page, WestEd.org/program/science-technology-engineering- Study of Developing Computer Science mathematics-stem/, to learn more about this program, including services, Teachers in High Schools research, resources, and projects. Studying Technology Education and Literacy in Schools, a program created by Microsoft staff and Featured Resources described widely in such media as CNN. In this pioneering intervention, corporate computer Field Guide to Geometric Transformations, Congruence, and Similarity science professionals provide multiyear, on-the- job computer science education professional Making Sense of SCIENCE K–8 Professional Development Courses development to high school teachers. Math Pathways & Pitfalls K–8 Intervention Curriculum Technology to Support Next-Generation Classroom Formative Assessment for Learning