Revolutionizing STEM Learning in Pennsylvania

Posted by PA Statewide STEM Ecosystem on April 9, 2024

We have new academic standards in Pennsylvania. The newly adopted Pennsylvania Integrated Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) were developed jointly to ensure consistency, coherence and cohesive K-12 integrated approach to science education in the Commonwealth. On July 16, 2022, the Pennsylvania Bulletin published these new standards designed for full implementation by July 1, 2025. These standards replace the previous standards which were approved in 2002. We join many other states in the nation who have adopted standards based on the Next Generation 3-Dimensional Science Standards. These PA STEELS Standards are unique to Pennsylvania in that they include not only science, but also technology & engineering and environmental literacy & sustainability standards in the approved documents.

Why are new standards necessary for Pennsylvania? A lot can be learned from the standards documents themselves, especially the introduction which states, ”Businesses and industries are growing in Pennsylvania, and they want skilled and well-educated workers who are prepared for the 21st century economy. Students need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to enter the workforce and to be successful in a science and technology-driven global economy. To best prepare students for the 21st century economy, Pennsylvania aims to establish an equitable and innovative culture so every student can be included in science, engineering, technology, environment and ecology education. The PA Integrated Standards for Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) were established on the following foundational beliefs:

• Every student is capable of science, engineering, technological and environmental literacy.
• Science, environment, ecology, technology and engineering can be explored through an integrated and active learning process.
• Iteration and reflection are a critical component of the learning process.
• Success depends upon the partnerships between educators, students, families, postsecondary institutions and providers, legislators, businesses and industries.”

Pennsylvania Statewide STEM Ecosystem (PSSE) is in support of these standards. We published a Policy Memo in January 2023 titled, Revolutionizing STEM Learning in Pennsylvania. We are currently drafting another around the topic: Diversity & Teacher Pipeline: PA must recruit and retain a diverse group of talented STEM teachers. We are excited for the changes to education that these standards encourage, and will continue to work with our cross-sector partnerships to illuminate new and promising methods their implementation will offer.