DC recognizes the importance of STEM as part of a well-rounded educational experience. STEM skills and knowledge are not only valuable components to a solid academic program, but also core fundamentals for life experience. STEM skills and knowledge help students develop logic, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills that can be used in every discipline and that enable them to compete in the continually growing high-tech job sector.  As such, DC strives to improve STEM opportunities for all its students and has established the following statewide goals for STEM:

• Goal 1: To prepare all students in DC to graduate high school with a college- and career-ready mastery of math, science, engineering and technology
• Goal 2: To increase the number of DC students who major in STEM fields in college and enter STEM careers

Our Vision

A coherent statewide vision for STEM is critical to achieving DC’s STEM goals.  Under such a vision, DC will link programs, resources, students, teachers, and practices in the shared pursuit of STEM education.  The District’s approach focuses on the following strategies:

1. PK-16 STEM Education Pathways: Developing equitable pathways to support STEM awareness, interest, engagement, and achievement from pre-K through Postsecondary study.
2. Systems of Support: Developing a coordinated system of support to actualize a cohesive vision for PK-16 STEM education that promotes equitable access to STEM rich opportunities for DC students and families
3. STEM Workforce Development: Strategies aligned to address the demand for a highly skilled STEM workforce and create equitable opportunities for students to engage in career pathways.
4. STEM Community Engagement and Outreach: Coordinated systems of support to promote city-wide engagement and awareness of STEM education initiatives and opportunities.

STEM Projects at OSSE

• 21st Century Community Grants
• College and Career-Ready Standards (see also NGSS)
• Common Core-Aligned Career and Technical Education standards
• Common Core Aligned Early Learning Standards
• Early Childhood STEM Learning Through the Arts Program
• Environmental Literacy Program (ELP)
• Farm to School Program
• Math Science Partnership Grants
• OSSE Scholars
• School Garden Program

Teacher Resources

• American Society for Engineering Education
• DC Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Network Memorandum of Agreement
• International Society for Technology in Education
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
• National Science Teachers Association
• Strategic Plan for Advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education