Indiana Department of Education Releases STEM Strategic Plan

INDIANAPOLIS– The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) today released its six-year science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) strategic plan.

“An education built upon science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is vital for academic success and life beyond high school,” said Dr. Jennifer McCormick,Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Today marks a continuation four commitment to STEM partnerships and education. I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to the work ahead.”

More than a priority in IDOE’s 2018 legislative agenda, STEM has been a focus of the Department’s mission since 2017. Working to align our outcomes with Indiana’s NextLevel agenda, IDOE has:

• Created Indiana’s first six-year development of the Indiana STEM Council
• Increased the number of STEM infused K-12 districts by 60
• Delivered STEM-focused professional development to 16,000 Indiana educators, including 300 computer science certifications
• Identified and vetted quality STEM curricula in support of developing students’ 21st Century skills
• Launched implementation of Graduation Pathways by offering 11 statewide trainings and the development of a new website
• Aligned IDOE staffing to meet the demands associated with Graduation Pathways
• Pursued and secured a $60 million grant to support high-quality charter school programs, emphasizing the need for transparent accountability
• Developed the capacity of over 1,000 school leaders by embedding “systems thinking” in innovative school improvement models
• Served on the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet and participated in two subcommittee work groups
• Expanded computer science professional development opportunities to an all-time high

Moving forward, IDOE will continue its focus on ensuring all Indiana students graduate with critical thinking skills and are prepared for an innovation-driven economy by creating more opportunities for students to access quality, world class STEM education. Outlined in the STEM Strategic Plan, IDOE will carry out its plan by placing an emphasis along three objectives: Improve STEM Instruction, Implement Evidence-based STEM Curriculum in Classrooms, and Foster Early STEM Career Exposure. Doing so will also help IDOE work with Indiana’s educators and prepare them to provide every K-12 student with an evidence-based effective STEM education. IDOE’s goal is to accomplish its STEM objectives for students and staff by 2025.

To learn more about IDOE’s role in STEM education or to view IDOE’s STEM Strategic Plan, please visit: www.doe.in.gov/wf-stem/indiana-stem-education-science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics. For more information on IDOE’s 2019 legislative priorities, please visit: www.doe.in.gov/news/superintendent-mccormick-releases-2019-legislative-priorities-and-shares-mid-term.