Recently, the U.S. Department of Education provided guidance to states and school districts on available federal funding that can support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs. The letter issued by the department outlines opportunities within the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Perkins Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to use federal funds to supplement STEM education efforts. Specifically, the letter addresses ways to:
- Increase equitable access to STEM courses and experiences, including career pathways.
- Support educator knowledge and expertise in STEM disciplines through recruitment, preparation and retention strategies.
- Increase access to materials and equipment needed to support inquiry-based pedagogy and active learning.
For example, the department notes that Perkins funds can be used to support collaborations with business and industry to offer work-based learning opportunities for careers in STEM fields. Additionally, funds provided through Title II of ESSA can be used for educator professional development on incorporating technology into STEM instruction. The full letter is available here.
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