STEM Pathways

STEM education is an approach to teaching and learning that integrates the content and skills of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with the arts and humanities. Through rigorous engagement in inquiry, applied practice, collaboration, and investigation students will engage in project-based challenges and diverse assessments that focus on real-world applications.

Defining the Tuxedo STEM Academy Student

Academy proficient students are able to answer complex questions, investigate global issues, and develop solutions for challenges and real-world problems while applying the skills developed through the Standards of Practice and the processes outlined through the STEM fields. We have established a series of learning goals, in which our...

• Students will actively engage in project-based, collaborative learning environments that incorporate and promote the use of digital technologies and 21st century learning skills set for by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Partnership for 21st Century Learning, and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA).

• Student coursework will incorporate the Standards of Practice set forth by the Tuxedo STEM Academy as well as the learning standards established by the New York State Department of Education, with a stronger focus on hands-on, problem-based, collaborative learning ingrained with digital literacy and informational technologies.

• Students will meet the requirements for either a Regents or Advanced Regents diploma per the graduation standards set forth by the New York State Department of Education through Part 100.5.

• Students may choose one of the STEM Pathways—Applied Sciences (Engineering), Computer Science, Health Science, or Environmental Science—as their primary program of study during their sophomore year and complete all required courses for graduation.

• Students who do not choose one of the four outlined STEM Pathways may submit a Creative Design Plan that incorporates the requirements set forth by the STEM Pathways using courses from a combination of two or more Pathways and fulfills all graduation requirements set forth by the New York State Department of Education.

• Students will be active learners and decision makers in their educational development by developing student portfolios that include sample work, rubrics, and self-evaluations.

• Students will take part in collaborative group projects, internships, and/or job-shadowing opportunities at least once during the four-year program.

Ultimately, graduates will have their portfolios to present to postsecondary institutions and potential employers as substantive, compelling evidence of marketable, real-world core competencies.

By infusing the aforementioned standards and curriculum within our program, we will be able to provide a relevant curriculum that meets the requirements set forth by CCLS and The New York Board of Regents while also providing numerous opportunities and resources geared towards student success in the information age.

The combination of these standards and curriculum will further the students’ knowledge of classroom knowledge, driving them to develop the skills and abilities laid out within the program including but not limited to:

• Global, Financial, and Economic Awareness

• Civic, Health, and Environmental Literacy

• Information and Communication Technology Literacy

• Social and Cross-Cultural Awareness

• Initiative, Adaptability, Self-Direction, and Accountability

• Leadership and Responsibility