Research

Introduction

“All students deserve access to excellent and equitable STEM teaching and learning so they reach their highest potential” (NMSI STEM Success Framework). Studies show, however, that typical teacher preparation and STEM education for most teacher certification programs is low (Fulp, 2002). This leads to a lack of elementary teacher confidence and efficacy in teaching STEM content and curricula (Bleicher, 2006). According to the 2012 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education ( almost 900 elementary school teachers), 46 percent felt well prepared to teach early algebra (Malzahn, 2013), 40 percent felt very well prepared to teach science, and 4 percent felt very well prepared to teach engineering (Trygstad, 2013). 

These curated resources provide additional data and credence to our belief that the key to early elementary student success in STEM begins with the teacher’s mindset that they are capable and confident educators who believe fiercely in the abilities of all of their students.

How to Develop a STEM Mindset in Teachers?

• Developing and Supporting Elementary Teacher Self-Efficacy in STEM

• Assessment Tools for STEM Mindsets

• Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Mindset

• Carol Dweck Revisits the 'Growth Mindset'

General Background

• NSTA Position Paper

• Discretion and Disproportionality

• Successful K-12 STEM Education: Identifying Effective Approaches to STEM

• NSTA “I Am A Scientist” Slide Presentation

Videos

• Developing a Growth Mindset

• STEM Education: Developing 21st Century Problem Solvers

• Integrating STEM into the Elementary Classroom

• The Importance of Early Math