Bureau of Curriculum and Instruction
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Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
The Office of STEM works collaboratively with the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Bureau of School Improvement (BSI) to define research-based state education policy and programs for the state of Florida and increase student knowledge and performance in STEM related content areas.Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) Grants
The Department of Education has issued the following communication regarding Mathematics and Science Partnership Request for Proposals. You may view the documents at:- MSP Memo (PDF)
- MSP RFP (PDF)
Clarification on Page 1: The priorities are:
3. Develop K-12 teacher training in the provisions of challenging mathematics course content based on the CCSS for Mathematics and Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects that includes the integration of appropriate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content, and strategies for instruction provided to English language learners (ELL), students with disabilities (SWD), and Florida's minority student populations. The training must be based upon Florida's 2014-2015 mathematics course descriptions. The professional development must promote and support the development of Lesson Study Teams and be aligned to the Professional Development System Evaluation Protocol. Please For information on the protocol please visit the Professional Development Standards page.
Clarification on page 8: Administrative Costs including Indirect Costs: The district is held to their negotiated rate, which is approved by the State comptroller annually. - Application (PDF)
- Budget Narrative (PDF)
- Percent Allocated (PDF)
- Budget narrative Form Instructions (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (Word, 48KB) - re-posted on May 21, 2013.
What Constitutes a STEM Program of Study?
A Guide for Florida's Public Schools (PDF, 118KB)
The acronym STEM is fairly specific in nature referring to science, technology, engineering and mathematics; however, the concept of STEM encompasses much more than the sum of its parts. Workers in STEM occupations use science and math to solve problems and drive our nation's innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas, new companies and new industries. STEM programs of study are typically classified based upon four occupational clusters: computer technology; mathematical sciences; engineering and surveying; and natural, physical and life sciences. STEM programs in Florida's Public Schools must embrace the integration of technology and engineering in science and mathematics.
Standards
The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics were adopted by the Florida State Board of Education on July 27, 2010. These standards are to be fully implemented with the beginning of the 2013-14 school year.- 2010 Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (Common Core) Mathematics
- 2007 Mathematics Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
- Countdown to the Common Core
- Common Core Weekly Tips
The Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Science were adopted by the Florida State Board of Education in February 2008.
Frameworks
Florida is taking a systematic approach to identifying "STEM" career and technical education programs based on STEM occupations. Programs that lead directly to STEM occupations or are included in a career path that leads to a STEM occupation identified through national and state research and labor market information have been identified at http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/stem_cluster_frame11.asp. As further research is completed, this list continues to evolve. Programs that meet the Race to the Top criteria for STEM programs are included on this list and are annotated as such.Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (FCR-STEM) - Mathematics Formative Assessment System (MFAS)
The Mathematics Formative Assessment System for the K-3 Common Core State Standards (K-3 MFAS-CCSS) is designed to support effective teaching and learning of more rigorous K-3 mathematics concepts associated with the Common Core State Standards, and for all students, higher mathematics achievement and a stronger conceptual foundation essential to the development of advanced mathematical reasoning and problem solving. Teachers practicing formative assessment ask students to perform tasks, explain their reasoning and prove their solution. The evidence gathered enables teachers to differentiate instruction based on students' cognitive strategies rather than solely on incorrect answers. Approximately 400 tasks will be available for K-3 teacher this summer. In addition, this project has been expanded to include grades 4-8, Algebra 1, and Geometry.FloridaLearns STEM Scholars (FLSS)
Recognizing the need for small and rural districts to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula for gifted and talented secondary students, the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium (PAEC), in partnership with the Heartland Educational Consortium (HEC), and the North East Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC) will implement the FloridaLearns STEM Scholars (FLSS) program. This program includes innovation to make more rigorous STEM courses available, STEM Summer Challenges led by university staff and STEM professionals, increased opportunities for real-world STEM problem-solving and research, and academic and career guidance from qualified counselors. The program will also enhance educators' ability to provide instruction addressing specific learning needs and building on the strengths of each student. This initiative will enable nearly one thousand participating students to make informed career choices and create a framework to increase the likelihood of their success in post-secondary STEM curricula or in the workplace. Two significant by-products are the collaboration of students from across the state and the networks fostered among business, post-secondary, agency, military and education professionals.STEM Showcase
Sunshine State Scholars
The Sunshine State Scholars program recognizes Florida's top STEM students and introduces them to the vast postsecondary and career opportunities available right here in their home state. The list below is the minimum selection criteria for district scholars as well as an alternate from each district. Districts may establish additional criteria for selection as appropriate.- The student has achieved Junior class status and has an interest in pursuing postsecondary education opportunities in Florida.
- The student has expressed or demonstrated an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) related studies.
- The student has a weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.9 or higher.
- Based upon information available at this point in time the student should be on track to qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars Award according to the current guidelines established for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science). Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Florida's 2011 PAEMST, Kathleen Jones from Panama City Beach and Stephen Fannin from Tallahassee, were recently recognized in Washington D.C. for their excellence in teaching.For additional information please visit Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Florida State University Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
FSU STEM offers a variety of Summer Camps for students of all ages.- Challenger Learning Center - First- through eighth-graders can attend RoboCamp (robots, Legos & more), Future Flyers (rocket camp), Astronaut Academy, and Zero-G Zone (all about aerospace)
- Research Experiences for Undergraduates - This 8-week summer internship program matches qualified undergraduate students with scientists and researchers at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory's three sites
- Saturday-at-the-Sea Summer Day Camp - Invited area high school students develop a research project based on observations made at the FSU Marine Lab during this one-week camp
- SciGirls Summer Camp - An award-winning, hands-on, two-week summer science camp for 10- to 16-year-old girls
- Young Scholars Program - High school students conduct advanced study and research in science, mathematics and computer science, and develop an individual research project under the mentorship of an FSU scientist during this 6-week, campus-based program
Websites for STEM Lesson Ideas
PBS Teachers STEM Education Resource Center: PBS offers the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning through television and online content.
NASA STEM Program: As the United States begins the second century of flight, the Nation must maintain its commitment to excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to ensure that the next generation of Americans can accept the full measure of their roles and responsibilities in shaping the future.
The STEM Education News: The STEM Education News (previously the TCEB or Triangle Coalition Electronic Bulletin) is an e-newsletter featuring articles on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Articles highlight the latest programs, resources, reports, and other news related to STEM education.
A Framework for K-12 Science Education (National Academies Press): The Framework for K-12 Science Education was released by the National Research Council (NRC) in July 2011. The framework identifies the key scientific ideas and practices all students should learn by the end of high school. The framework is also designed to be useful for curriculum and assessment designers, teacher educators, and others who work in K-12 science education.
Safety in the Science Classroom
Florida DEP School Chemical Cleanout Campaign (SC3): includes Inventory Procedures, Chemical Inventory Spreadsheet, Table of Excessive Risk Chemicals, Disposal Guidelines for School Facilities, Identifying Unknown Chemicals in Science Labs, SC3 Basic Training Notebook, and SC3 Instructional Video.
NSTA Safety in the Science Classroom: access to the OSHA Training Requirements and Guidelines for K-14 School Personnel, Tips for the Safer Handling of Microorganisms in the School Science Laboratory, Science Demonstration Videos, and Safety Resources List.
NIOSH School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide: access to the safety guide School Science Laboratories: A Guide to Some Hazardous Substances developed by the Council of State Science Supervisors, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The document provides teachers with information to take the appropriate precautionary actions and prevent or minimize hazards, harmful exposures, and injuries in the laboratory.
Contacts
Jackie Speake
Science Curriculum Specialist
Deb Willacey
Mathematics Curriculum Specialist
Jodi Tillman
Career and Technical Education Liaison
for the Division of Public Schools
Latasha Fisher
Bureau of School Improvement
Differentiated Accountability STEM Coordinator

