What is STEM Education?

STEM education in Jeffco emphasizes an interdisciplinary, innovative, and authentic approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  

Our STEM programs embrace a student driven, inquiry embedded instructional approach, utilizing educational models such as Project/Problem Based Learning and Design Thinking.  Some of our Jeffco Schools partner with organizations such as The Buck Institute for Education, New Tech Network, and EL Learning to support these instructional approaches.

 

Why STEM Education?

Students will need STEM related knowledge and skills to be our future global leaders and ensure the security and progress of society.  The creation of STEM pathways promotes equity and efficacy for all students.  Our students have the potential to solve  the world's greatest and most complex problems and STEM education will allow them to develop the necessary skills to turn those ideas into reality.

According to the 3/2017 update from the US Dept of Commerce's Economics and Statistics Administration:

• In 2015, there were 9.0 million STEM workers in the United States. About 6.1 percent of all workers are in STEM occupations, up from 5.5 percent just five years earlier.
• STEM occupations are projected to grow by 8.9 percent from 2014 to 2024, compared to 6.4 percent growth for non- STEM occupations.
• STEM workers earned 29 percent more than their non-STEM counterparts in 2015. 
• STEM degree holders enjoy higher earnings, regardless of whether they work in STEM or non- STEM occupations. A STEM degree holder can expect an earnings premium of 12 percent over non-STEM degree holders, holding all other factors constant.

COLORADO STEM ENDORSED DIPLOMA

In May of 2017 the state of Colorado passed legislation allowing for a STEM Endorsed Diploma provided students demonstrate specific STEM related outcomes throughout their high school education.  To earn the endorsement students must:

• earn 4 STEM related credits, beyond those required for graduation*, with a 3.5 GPA (in those STEM courses)  *learn more about Jeffco's Graduation Requirements here

• demonstrate a high proficiency in mathematics (as determined by specified state and/or national assessments)
• Complete a STEM Capstone that demonstrates mastery of specified STEM Skills.

Currently, Jeffco Schools is proud to offer students the opportunity to earn a Colorado STEM Endorsed Diploma from the following schools:

• Arvada High School
• Bear Creek High School
• Conifer High School
• Evergreen High School
• Golden High School
• Green Mountain High School
• Ralston Valley High School
• Wheat Ridge High School
• Warren Tech (students may complete requirements for endorsement via WT programs, but diplomas are issued by home high schools)

Please see the following resources for more information about the Colorado STEM Endorsed Diploma:
Colorado Department of Education - STEM 
Colorado legislation regarding STEM Endorsed Diploma 
Colorado Succeeds

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