Mini-Course: An Introduction to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Policy: School, District, and National Perspectives
Description
Instructor: Michael Lach
Michael Lach is the Director of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education at UChicago’s Urban Education Institute. Previously, he served as Special Advisor to the Secretary for STEM Education with the U. S. Department of Education, and continues to consult with the Department on national policy issues. He led curriculum and instruction efforts in a variety of roles for the Chicago Public Schools from 2001 to 2009.
In addition to his organizational experience, Michael has ten years of high school science teaching experience in New Orleans, New York City, and Chicago, and was named Illinois physics teacher of the year and one of Radio Shack’s top 100 technology teachers in the US.
Course Details
Course Overview
There is an increasing sense that while improving the entire educational system is not only good for individual kids but good for all of America, a particular focus needs to be placed on increasing achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This course will explore policies and practices to improve K-12 STEM teaching, learning, and leading, focusing on classroom and school level policies, then those of large districts, and then recent Federal efforts.
Key questions that we will consider include
- How do efforts to improve K-12 STEM education intersect with efforts to improve education overall?
- At each level of government, what are the available and appropriate levers to pull in order to drive change?
- In order to make and enact those policies, what actions can and should leaders take?
Class will be organized around authentic artifacts of practice, including performance data, memorandum and reports, and videoclips of classrooms and leaders.
Dates: November 8, 15 and 29
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: 289A
An RSVP is required by Monday, November 5, 5:00 p.m.
