Berkner T-STEM Designation

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


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 2 - Target Population

Benchmark 5 - Work-Based Learning