Our Insights
STEMming Something STEAMy by Dr. Dalane E. Bouillion, Educational Planner
The high school graduation program in Texas changed with the 2014-2015 incoming freshmen, and provides for flexibility and student choice. Under House Bill 5 (HB 5), students must fulfill the requirements of the Foundation High School Program; however, they also have options, and are allowed to pursue interests in five different areas, identified as endorsements: STEM; Business & Industry; Public Service; Arts & Humanities; and Multidisciplinary Studies. While an endorsement is not a requirement in order to graduate, most students will achieve at least one endorsement. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) have become much more than a trend. The content of these four areas will drive much of the future careers of our students, as
we are teaching and preparing for something that we cannot yet envision. That is the beauty of education – shaping the minds of the future, knowing they will shape the future of our democracy. The STEM endorsement is the only endorsement that currently requires upper level math and/or science. While school districts have some flexibility in providing the courses that best meet the needs of their community, and reflect the interests of their students, it is clear that students pursuing this endorsement are serious about their education, and are not fearful of difficult tasks. They are generally analytical thinkers, and will make their impact on the world by their logical inquisitive nature. They are our future chemists, geologists, energy 2015 | EXPERIENCE | Inside VLK
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