Berkner T-STEM Designation
Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Initiative (T-STEM)
Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Initiative (T-STEM)
Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) Academies are rigorous secondary schools focusing on improving instruction and academic performance in science and mathematics-related subjects and increasing the number of students who study and enter STEM careers:
- Provide dual credit at no cost to students- Offer rigorous instruction and accelerated courses- Provide academic and social support services to help students succeed- Increase college readiness- Reduce barriers to college access- Align to regional workforce needs for ICIA, P-TECH, and T-STEM models
Designation
Designation
School districts or open-enrollment charters may apply for a campus to be awarded T-STEM designation if certain criteria are met. Campuses awarded T-STEM Designation are provided technical assistance and professional development to ensure implementation of the T-STEM Blueprint with fidelity. Sample designation criteria are below:
- Target and enroll students who are at-risk of dropping out of school.- Be a school of choice with no requirements for enrollment such as test scores, essay questions etc.- Serve grades 6-12 or grades 9-12 with an active relationship with the feeder middle school(s).- Implement the T-STEM Blueprint and demonstrate progress on the Blueprint continuum.
Texas is home to 94 state designated T-STEM Academies and has 9 planning year campuses for the 2018-2019 school year.
Benchmark 1 - School Design
Benchmark 1 - School Design
- Annual Training and PD Calendar
- Mentor/Induction Program Plan*
- T-STEM Leadership Meetings and Agenda Notes
Benchmark 2 - Target Population
Benchmark 2 - Target Population
- Admission Policy
- Recruitment Plan
- Recruitment Materials & Brochures
- Communication Plan
Benchmark 3 - Strategic Alliances
Benchmark 3 - Strategic Alliances
Benchmark 4 - Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Benchmark 4 - Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Benchmark 5 - Work-Based Learning
Benchmark 5 - Work-Based Learning
- Work-Based Learning Documentation
- Regional STEM Demand List*
- Work-Based Experiences and Certifications*
- Student Artifacts and Work Samples
Benchmark 6 - Student Support
Benchmark 6 - Student Support