STEM Star
Program Overview: STEM Students and Teachers Achieving Reform
STEM STAR was built from the ground up to address this challenge addressing CCSS Math, NGSS Science and other STEM standards through the creation of technology-infused rigorous projects. STEM STAR prepares teachers and students to spearhead the effort. STEM STAR is an innovative and proven way to address the STEM challenge.
STEM Star uses a student-centered approach aligned with high academic content and achievement standards to improve performance in STEM subjects in rural schools. More than 10,000 STEM projects have been created using the STEM STAR online resources.
Teachers receive high-quality and collaborative professional development give them models and resources to implement STEM projects in their classrooms. A Student Technology Leader (STL) program will ensure adequate support for teachers using new technology and project-based learning.
Alternative Method
STEM Star offers educators an alternative to technology testing that focuses on rote memorization and testing out-of-context skills. There is a persistent myth that only paper or computer-based multiple choice assessments can produce valid quantitative data. However, there is abundant research showing that assessing authentic projects is a better indicator of actual student proficiency than standardized, one-size-fits-all tests.
Relying on decades of research on project-based learning, STEM STAR creates a structured approach to meeting technology standards. STEM STAR allows students to show their STEM and technology proficiency using real technology to solve real problems. We believe teachers are best suited to make decisions regarding the educational needs of their students. No standardized test can replace a teacher with an intimate knowledge of his or her students. Peer editing and collaboration contribute to a productive learning context for students and frees teachers from extra marking. STEM STAR models and embraces peer editing in an authentic context.
STEM STAR is not just assessment -- it provides educators with a way to offer students high-quality, empowering experiences with technology.
STEM Star Resources
Curriculum
STEM STAR utilizes all the TechYES Curriculum but contains extra resources specific to STEM projects.
Four Basic STEM STAR Units:
- Preparing Student Technology Leaders (STLs)
- Introduction to TechYES and Internet Safety and Ethics
- Becoming a Web Critic
- TechYES Projects
There are 12 other units in the categories of Communication, Creativity, and Extensions to TechYES. These additional units are available in the TechYES Extended Edition. Typically, these extended units are meant for teachers teaching technology skills.
Online Collaborative Tools
STEM STAR includes a number of online tools that support the students, STEM teachers, the STEM STAR facilitator, and the whole school. These tools are available through a password protected site accessible once you have licensed your STEM STAR class. The STEM STAR online tools are fully hosted on our secure server, accessible through any browser, and require no downloads or special hardware or software.
Features:
- STEM STAR teacher and student dashboards
- Class management and collaboration tools for STEM teacher
- Access to all curriculum, resources, tools, and account settings
- Student home page shows projects and help requests
- Online access to student resources
- Unlimited student logins and groups
- Admin logins available for districts and service centers
- In depth report system on student progress
Purchase Option
Due to variations in school size and the customizable options we offer, give us a call (toll-free) at (888) 941-4369 to find out what the price for your school will be. To purchase student accounts on our system and utilize our curriculum, you will have to fill out an order form.
Sole Source Letter: This is a generic sole source letter. If you need a customized letter, please call and we would be happy to help you.
Shipping Policy: We will ship print materials (if any) and enable your Generation YES online account on receipt of a P.O., a P.O. number from a school institution, or check. Please use the order form to indicate your payment method.
New York State Cooperative Service (COSER) information: GenYES and TechYES are available through the New York Instructional Computing COSER #6360. Please contact our office for more details, toll-free (888) 941-4369.
Did you know?
- Connect projects to standards:
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- Common Core Math & ELA and Next Gen Science Standards
- ISTE Standards for Students
- Teacher-specified
- Customized Features:
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- Curriculum Unit addressing STEM
- Project Showcase searchable by many STEM topics and standards
- Updated links to STEM resources
- Student STEM project ePortfolio
