Louisiana STEM Initiative

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) encompasses the knowledge, skills, and ways of investigating and making sense of our world that are essential to each of the STEM disciplines (from National Research Council, 2014):

Science refers to both the body of knowledge that explains our natural world as well as the practices we engage in to build this knowledge.

Key Initiative One-Pager

Technology is any human-designed tool or process that solves a problem.
Engineering is a body of knowledge about the design and creation of technology as well as the process and practices we engage in to solve problems.
Mathematics is the study of patterns and relationships among quantities, numbers, and space, including logical arguments and claims.

Students who engage in quality STEM experiences are better equipped to respond to life’s challenges and make informed decisions as empowered members of society. Engineering design offers students an opportunity to develop their problem-solving abilities, which in turn supports the foundations of math problem solving and algebraic processes. Scientific thinking and understanding are useful tools, not just for scientists and other STEM professionals, but for our students as they approach complex challenges in their everyday lives.

SCHOOL SYSTEMS, SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION, AND EDUCATORS

K-12 Quality STEM Implementation Guidance

The Quality STEM Implementation Guide offers support to system leaders, school administrators, and K-12 educators, ensuring all students across Louisiana have access to high-quality STEM experiences. This document provides information regarding STEM literacy, K-8 STEM resources, 9-12 STEM Pathways, STEM awards, competitions, and clubs.

Please reach out to STEM@la.gov with any questions.

Computer Science Education Week December 9-15

Computer Science Education Week (CS EdWeek) is a nationwide initiative to promote computer science education. CS EdWeek 2024 will take place from December 9-15, with the theme of the Impacts of Computing. Teachers are invited to participate in CS EdWeek and incorporate computer science education experiences in their classrooms using lessons and activities for grades K-12.

2024 CS EdWeek School System Resources

Please use the following social media tags to help us celebrate your school’s event: @LABelieves, @LACSEdWeek, @CSLA, and @LASTEM.

More information about computer science education in Louisiana can be found on the LDOE Computer Science webpage.

STEM Teacher Leader Advisors

Louisiana STEM Teacher Leader Advisors play an influential role in:

the creation of STEM resources and tools for K-12 educators;

professional learning needs for future work; and
supporting schools and systems to broaden STEM education.

Interested educators can access the application and learn more about the role by visiting the Teacher Leader Advisors page.

STEM Pathways

The Louisiana Department of Education, the Louisiana Board of Regents, the LaSTEM Advisory Council and the Governor’s office have teamed up to ensure Louisiana’s students have exposure to STEM courses and credentials starting in elementary school and continuing through college.

The Louisiana STEM Pathways are part of the Jump Start Initiative, Louisiana’s innovative career and technical education (CTE) program. The STEM Pathways better prepare students to seek a STEM degree in college or enter the workforce having earned certifications in high-wage career sectors. STEM Pathways are designed for students seeking either a TOPS Tech Diploma or University Diploma.

Current

STEM Renaissance Webinar Training

High school students who begin a STEM Pathway in grade 9 in the 2024-2025 school year must follow the STEM Renaissance Pathway brief course progression. High school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 of the 2024-2025 school year must continue the STEM Pathway brief progression found under the Archived section.

STEM Renaissance Pathway Counselor Scheduling Tool

File	Download
STEM Renaissance Computing & Cybersecurity Pathway Brief	Download
STEM Renaissance Digital Design & Emergent Media Pathway Brief	Download
STEM Renaissance Environmental Protection & Sustainability Pathway Brief	Download
STEM Renaissance Pathway Descriptions	Download
STEM Renaissance Pre-Engineering Pathway Brief	Download
STEM Renaissance Pre-Healthcare & Pe-Veterinary Pathway Brief	Download

Archived

File	Download
Archived STEM Pathway Briefs	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Biomedical Sciences	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Computing	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Digital Design and Emergent Media	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Environmental Protection and Sustainability	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Pre-Engineering	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Pre-Pharmacy	Download

STEM Pathway External Provider Course Approval Process

The STEM Pathway Approval Process ensures that all students and teachers receive high-quality instructional materials and training for STEM education in Louisiana. Potential Pathway providers will need to download the external provider course approval document. Applications are due by 4 p.m. CST on November 29, 2024.

Please reach out to STEM@la.gov with questions.

If you have questions about the development of any of these courses, or would like for your school to participate in a pilot, please contact STEM@la.gov.