Supporting STEM for All Students in Diverse Elementary Schools

• In Event: 31.023 - Challenging the Dominant Narratives: Social Justice Leadership in High-Needs Contexts

Abstract

With changing economies establishing a growing need for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs, it is increasingly critical for schools to provide comprehensive and integrated STEM education for all students. This has elevated the importance of STEM teaching in elementary schools for the foundation of quality STEM learning in secondary schools. This study examines leadership for STEM that encourages the development of communities of practice centered on the integration of STEM in underrepresented elementary schools. Schools participating in a STEM grant through a university partnership were examined for supportive structures in relationship to changes that occurred in teacher confidence about STEM learning. It was found that active and shared leadership facilitated changes in STEM practices within the school culture.

Authors

• Janis Slater, University of Oklahoma

• Jean Cate, University of Oklahoma

• Linda Atkinson, University of Oklahoma