Early spring is an exciting time. A time to enjoy the changing of the seasons, and a time to look ahead to new things. We have new academic standards in Pennsylvania. From PDE SAS, “The newly adopted Pennsylvania Integrated Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability 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 41 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.”
NEIU 19 is leading the charge in NEPA to assist districts in this transition. We are offering many opportunities for strategic planning, professional learning and networking around this shift. Join us for some upcoming opportunities:
- The Everest Experience: An Immersive Experience that is an Introduction to the Essential Shifts of the STEELS Standards
- February 15, 2024
- Everest for Administrators: An Immersive Experience that is an Introduction to the Essential Shifts of the STEELS Standards optimized for district administrators
- April 11, 2024
- NEPA STEELS Professional Learning Network
- 3rd Wednesday of each month
- Open Sci Ed for Middle School Educators
- March 25 and 26, 2024
- Everest, Now What?: A Follow Up to the Everest Experience
- April 22, 2024
- Technology and Engineering and the New PA STEELS Standards
- April 12, 2024
- Environmental Literacy and the STEELS Standards
- April 29, 2024
- Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) Educator Experience Day
- June 12, 2024
- Ways to Vet High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM)
- By request
- District State of Science Audit
- By request
- District Strategic Planning
- By request
- District Curricular Design and Alignments
- By request
Pre Registration for most events is required. See complete listing here: https://www.mylearningplan.com...
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