Welcome to the SciMathMN Network, working with our learning partners toward common goals of STEM awareness, quality teaching and learning, and increased interest in the STEM workforce!
Computer Science Standards and Learning
The Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards set the expectations for achievement in every content area (Physical Education, The Arts, Science, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Mathematics) for K-12 students in Minnesota.
Beginning in 2017 computer science was identified as an important skill and each standard development committee has used the Minnesota Information and Technology Educators of Minnesota (ITEM) Standards. Computer science content and practices are integrated at the benchmark level.
If you are looking for CS lessons and resources, make sure to check out Northern Lights Collaborative for Computing Education. They support K-12 educators and their students through programs designed to improve access to computing education. Northern Lights offers curriculum and professional learning in integrated K-8 computing and in standalone high school courses. Access their resources HERE.
Minnesota Compass- Is MN STEM Ready for the Future?
As we begin the new biennium, planning potential youth-based STEM activities and updating our classrooms, it may be helpful to review data that is driven by our STEM-based learning outcomes. One of our key network partners, Minnesota Compass, is a Wilder Foundation project focused on collecting and reporting data on Minnesota. It includes a data set measuring the necessary STEM competencies needed in each domain for success for students. The key questions we continue to look at:
How does Minnesota fare on key measures of STEM success, from PreK to mid-career?
What strategies can stakeholders employ to ensure that all Minnesotans have access to a high-quality STEM education?
The Minnesota Compass STEM project provides a data-rich tool to explore key dimensions of ensuring that Minnesota students have access to STEM opportunities and Minnesota’s communities access to career ready workers. The project, historically supported by industry, tracks 15 key measures, including a comprehensive list of STEM occupations and fields of study leading to those occupations.