El Paso T-STEM Center

Goals

The El Paso T-STEM Center was aimed at achieving four key goals:

• transform and build the capacity of all math and science teachers to know and understand math and science content and standards; effectively implement high quality curriculum and instruction programs; and ensure engagement and learning among all students;
• build the leadership capacity of school and district administrators to support high quality T-STEM instruction in secondary schools;
• broadly disseminate information regarding best practices and research-based strategies in K-12 STEM teaching and learning; and
• align STEM teaching and learning K-16, and into the workforce.

Results

The El Paso T-STEM Center has had a significant impact on both student academic achievement across area schools and districts, as well as teacher and administrator knowledge and skills. Among the clearest indicators of impact are the following: 

• A very significant increase in the proportion of middle and high school students passing TAKS Mathematics and Science from the beginning of T-STEM to its conclusion;
• A large increase—to over 90% of all students—in the proportion of students enrolled in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Biology and Chemistry, with very large proportions of those students successfully completing the courses;
• A dramatic increase in the proportion of entering students prepared for college-level mathematics at UTEP, with a moderate increase occurring at EPCC;
• A significant increase in math teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge, knowledge of how to teach high-level mathematics content;
• A significant increase in the number of principals prioritizing STEM teaching and learning and knowledgeable about how to support teachers in teaching at the highest levels.