Why does STEAM matter in education?

Education is evolving. Our educational system was designed by Thomas Jefferson in the 1700s as a process to “to rake the genius from the rubble”. Today we want all students to reach their full potential. This is evaluated and documented via yearly student growth formally and informally in individual classroom, district, state, and national assessment programs. 

As the future of the US economy rests on its ability to be a leader in innovation the public is demanding a stronger emphasis in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) fields across the country within our educational system. Students MUST be prepared for a global economy and to accomplish this business/manufacturing/industry must work with PreK-12 (public & private), Higher Education, and After-school/Informal educators to meet this need for a highly skilled workforce. Learning takes place more effectively if we emphasize real world problem solving within each discipline and show how they are interconnected. 

Numerous research reports indicate a skilled teacher can make a significant difference in the achievement of students from all backgrounds in math and science.  An important part of The Ozarks SySTEAMic Coalition is helping to provide educators with best practices, ideas, news, and opportunities to bring STEAM to life in their classrooms.

State & Regional Organizations for Educators                                                                       

Science Teachers of Missouri                                                     

Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics                       

Watershed Committee of the Ozarks                                                  

James River Basin Partnership                                                 

Technology Education of Missouri

MO Center for Career Education