the flexibility and freedom to design your own curriculum. The
opportunity that exists for STEAM to come alive through
point of STEAM is that if everyone is involved and works on how
partnerships like these between schools and outside
to creatively come up with a solution to a real world problem,
organizations.
that’s when you get everyone to the table.
What do you say to people who think that businesses and
How is STEAM going to help students move towards success
in the 21st century economy?
organizations are getting too involved in schools?
I think it all boils down to what is the purpose of businesses and
We have so many organizations and forces that are contributing
organizations involved in school. Is it to promote their company
to the education of our kids outside of the school day: parents,
or is it to help educators and students be better equipped to
guardians, church groups, YMCA, you name it. All of these
succeed in the 21st century? For instance, if a company comes
groups outside of the classroom can help get our kids interested
in a provides everyone with a set of iPads but doesn’t provide
in these things. If our kids don’t have things that inspire or
professional development in how to use those iPads in
motivate them to learn outside of the school setting, we’re
instruction, they haven’t done much to help the school.
shortchanging their potential. If we can get other organizations to
Businesses and organizations really need F