This engaging discussion was led and moderated by Tonika Cheek Clayton, Managing Partner of NewSchools Venture Fund joined by five other speakers:
- Bill Kurtz, CEO of DSST Public Schools
- Chris Lehmann, Principal at Science Leadership Academy
- Jessie Woolley-Wilson, CEO at Dreambox
- Dan Meyer, Chief Academic Officer at Desmos
- Margaret Honey, CEO of New York Hall of Science
This session discussed the state of STEM learning in the country and showcased innovative STEM learning ideas. Each of the speakers provided an overview of the organizations or schools they lead and how they are approaching STEM education. Panelists discussed the need for deep understanding of the core concepts grounding STEM subjects.
It is critical that educators provide students with engaging, hands on activities to spark interest in STEM learning in the classroom and beyond. For example, Bill Kurtz of DSST Public Schools highlighted a program in which students traveled to Uganda to teach children abroad about the importance of clean water. This initiative, among others has helped spark an interest in science, teaching and learning.
Edtech, especially combined with personalized learning, has the potential to help educators reimagine STEM in their in classrooms and schools. However, panelists agreed that it is important to determine the pedagogy and then determine which technological and educational tools best meet the unique needs of students.
