The K-12 STEM Education Ecosystem is composed of regional STEM networks, which are structured interorganizational groups that use collective action to achieve specific education goals with a final outcome of preparing students for K-12 STEM academic and careers. These collaborative groups, which may exist at the school, division, or regional level, share a common purpose, employ structured processes, and are committed to expanding STEM awareness and programs in Virginia. Their focus is on building STEM academic and career awareness. Core characteristics of successful networks include:
Clear vision: Effective networks begin with a clear vision and shared focus on ambitious student learning outcomes.
Leadership and skilled facilitation: Successful networks feature deliberate leadership and skilled facilitation while adopting a "ground-up approach to provide mutual assistance" by placing their members at the center and honoring their expertise.
Immediately relevant and useful: To maintain engagement and prevent a network from being seen as "new work" for already busy educators, its efforts must be focused on the immediate, pressing challenges and needs of its members and the students they serve.
Transformative: Truly effective networks do not aim for incremental adjustments but rather for systemic change.
Balances structures and flexibility: Successful networks have enough structure to be effective while remaining flexible enough to be tailored to the unique needs of their members.
Leads to action: Networks are not simply forums for sharing ideas and challenges; they are designed to facilitate collective learning and action based on that learning.
Incentivize partnerships: Divisions are encouraged to partner with higher education, industry, and organizations to support educators with integrated and iterative STEM instruction and to provide opportunities to students through providing STEM programs both during and a outside of the traditional school day.
Align supplemental learning: Successful networks should provide guidance and support to ensure that supplemental programs are aligned with grade-appropriate STEM concepts.
Virginia STEM Ecosystem Vision
All Virginia preschool through grade 12 students haveaccess to education and enrichment programs that cultivatestrong STEM literacy, to include the integration of coreacademic knowledge and technical skills, applied problem-solving, and innovative thinking. This education willempower students to thrive in their everyday lives, pursuein-demand careers, and engage as informed, active citizensof the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Virginia STEM Ecosystem Mission
The Virginia STEM Ecosystem supports innovative,inclusive, and community-driven STEM education thatprepares preschool through grade 12 students in all regionsof Virginia for post-secondary enrollment, employment andenlistment by fostering a culture of continuous innovation,collaboration, and leadership in the global STEM landscape.
