TDOE Announces the First Fifteen Schools to Receive Tennessee STEM School Designations

Education Commissioner Candice McQueen announced today that fifteen schools have received the Tennessee STEM School Designation, the first in the state to receive this award. This designation, developed in collaboration with the STEM Leadership Council and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, is designed to recognize schools that promote and implement rigorous STEM-related learning opportunities for all […]Read more The post TDOE Announces the First Fifteen Schools to Receive Tennessee STEM School Designations appeared first on Tennessee STEM Innovation Network.

Education Commissioner Candice McQueen announced today that fifteen schools have received the Tennessee STEM School Designation, the first in the state to receive this award. This designation, developed in collaboration with the STEM Leadership Council and the  Tennessee STEM Innovation Network , is designed to recognize schools that promote and implement rigorous STEM-related learning opportunities for all students that lead to postsecondary achievement and high-quality careers.

“STEM-related careers are among the fastest growing in Tennessee and right now too many jobs are left unfilled, meaning our graduates are missing valuable opportunities for their futures,” McQueen said. “I am proud to recognize these fifteen schools as STEM Designation Schools because they are providing students with the knowledge and skills to be successful in high-demand STEM careers in our state.”

Each school was evaluated through a rigorous application process. Schools were asked to complete a self-evaluation, participate in interviews, and host site visits with the Tennessee STEM Designation review team. The designation rubric included five focus areas: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and postsecondary partnerships.

As a part of the process, schools were required to submit a plan of action for implementing and sustaining STEM education for the next five years. All K-12 schools serving students in Tennessee, both public and private, were eligible to apply. From this process, a total of 14 public schools and 1 private school received the Tennessee STEM School Designation. They are:

STEM education is a unique approach to teaching and learning that fosters creativity and innovative thinking in all students. It is focused on building critical and creative thinking and analysis skills by addressing how students view and experience the world around them. Strong STEM teaching and learning opportunities rest on inquiry, technology, and project-based learning activities and lessons that are tied to the real world.

*Shared from the Tennessee Department of Education

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