(2) Submit Evidence for Classroom Environment

2.1 INSTRUCTION INTEGRATING CONTENT

Model: At least 75% of all teachers provide at least one learning opportunity per week in which their subject-area is explicitly, intentionally integrated with another subject-area (any subject area – the arts, humanities, other STEM subjects, CTE, etc.), requiring students to organize knowledge across disciplines. A teacher can create these opportunities by themselves, through their lesson plans, or in collaboration with other teachers. 

2.2 VARIED LEARNING APPROACHES

Model: At least 75% of non-STEM-related content area teachers implement authentic, relevant, and student- centered/personalized lessons at least twice per week.

At least 75% of STEM-related content area teachers consistently use hands-on (including design-based software) learning opportunities in their classes.

The vast majority of students complete at least two projects per year in which teachers across at least two subject areas collaborate and coordinate, engaging students in project-based learning.

2.3 MULTIPLE ASSESSMENT TYPES

Model: At least 75% of all teachers consistently use multiple and varied assessments to monitor student learning, such as projects, portfolios, performance-based assessments, etc. along with traditional quizzes and tests.

2.4 TEACHER COLLABORATION

Model: At least 75% of all teachers collaborate with colleagues at least every two weeks for the specific purpose of designing learning outcomes and instruction that integrate multiple STEM-related and non-STEM-related subject areas.

2.5 COMPREHENSIVE ADVISING

Model: Both counselors and at least 75% of STEM-related content area teachers have knowledge regarding STEM career pathways and ecosystems, as well as the job-search and postsecondary enrollment process, and frequently provide formal or informal advising to students on STEM opportunities.

Counselors and students have developed one-on-one relationships and use both face-to-face and virtual communication at least three times per year to discuss and plan the alignment of the student’s interests to relevant course work, extracurricular opportunities, internships, jobs, and postsecondary education.