The Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) announced 13 schools have received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM School Designation for 2024. This honor recognizes schools across the state for preparing students for postsecondary and future career success by committing to promote STEM/STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning for all students.
Since the designation program launched in 2018, 127 schools have earned the Tennessee STEM/STEAM Designation, which provides a roadmap for schools to successfully implement a STEM/STEAM education plan at the local level.
“These designations are testaments to the state’s commitment to educational excellence and preparing students for their futures,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “We commend these schools for prioritizing math and science education, ensuring that Tennessee students are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
Each school that received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM School Designation underwent a rigorous application process, including completion of a self-evaluation, participation in interviews, and hosting site visits. Schools could either apply for a STEM or STEAM Designation through the designation rubric, which includes five focus areas: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and postsecondary partnerships.
For the 2023-24 school year, a total of 13 new schools received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM School Designation. Once schools have reached five years of implementing and sustaining STEM/STEAM education through the designation process, schools can complete a redesignation cycle. Moore Magnet Elementary was one of 15 schools this year to achieve redesignation for a second time.
STEM/STEAM education is an interdisciplinary curriculum in which activities in one class complement those in other classes. Additionally, it offers teaching and learning opportunities focused on inquiry, technology, and project-based learning activities and lessons connected to the real world. All K-12 schools serving students in Tennessee are eligible to receive the designation.
To read about the impact of the Tennessee STEM and STEAM School Designation process, click here.
To learn more about the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN), click here.
