The state Department of Education is partnering with Purdue University to help K-through-
12 schools improve their efforts in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
education— commonly known as STEM.
At the Indiana STEM School Summit on the West Lafayette campus Tuesday,
Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz says the university's College of
Education is providing key guidance in curriculum and teaching methods.
Ritz says the state isn't producing enough students to fill STEM-related jobs.
She says currently there are nearly two-and-a-half STEM jobs available for every
unemployed Hoosier.
"I don't think that need is going to go away," Ritz said. "There's always going to be STEM availability with jobs, and technology is driving that. Technology has just advanced every career aspect in the nation, and we have to keep up."
Ritz says starting this Fall, schools that implement identified best practices in
curriculum and teaching methods can apply to receive STEM certification.
She says the goal is to ensure every student in the state is given the best chance at
success in college and careers.