| Session Title: Building a Community to Set a Direction for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Evaluation: What Can We Learn From Each Other and What Will Best Support Collaboration? |
| Think Tank Session 877 to be held in La Jolla on Saturday, Nov 5, 9:50 AM to 11:20 AM |
| Sponsored by the Pre-K - 12 Educational Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Jack Mills, Independent Consultant, jackmillsphd@aol.com |
| Discussant(s): |
| Veronica Smith, data2insight LLC, veronicasmith@data2insight.com |
| Kathleen Haynie, Haynie Research and Evaluation, kchaynie@stanfordalumni.org |
| Tom McKlin, The Findings Group LLC, tom@thefindingsgroup.com |
| Abstract: This session will foster a conversation among evaluators of programs aimed at increasing the quality of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. STEM program aims include: increasing precollege student achievement, increasing scientific literacy among the public, and broadening participation of underrepresented groups in STEM careers. Four experienced STEM evaluators began an on-going discussion following AEA-2010, hoping to elevate the theory and practice of STEM evaluation by sharing insights, concepts, tools and tools. The think tank will be organized around following questions: 1. Should we form a group devoted solely to STEM Evaluation? How shall we organize ourselves? 2. What barriers prevent freely sharing approaches, methods, instruments, reports, and broad findings among STEM evaluators? How can we remove these barriers? 3. How might the quality of our work improve by being a part of a STEM evaluators' community? 4. What are next steps for building this community? |