Submitted by Jaime Sharp on April 11, 2023
From Education Commission of the States: For decades, racial, ethnic and socioeconomic inequities and gender stereotypes have prevented students from accessing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. These barriers have negatively impacted high school STEM advanced placement course access, postsecondary persistence and entrance into STEM occupations. However, early STEAM education — which adds the “A” for arts — presents opportunities to improve access, equity, inclusion and outcomes.
This Policy Outline highlights strategies to provide STEAM education to students in pre-K through fifth grade and shares three innovative programs that are supporting equitable outcomes for young learners through STEAM education.