“STEM” is an acronym for Science Technology Engineering and Math.  STEM education integrates these disciplines in real, authentic, and relevant ways.  STEM projects highlight designing, constructing, and testing solution to a real problem.  Students are asked to think critically, collaborate, and communicate in diverse ways.  Today, the term “STEAM” is being used to incorporate the Arts. 

The History of STEM
The term “STEM” was coined in the mid-2000s and referenced by then-President Bush in his 2006 State of Union address, when he announced the American Competitiveness Initiative.  He spoke of the need to support and grow the job market in the STEM fields (e.g. “pure” sciences, computer science, statistics, mathematics, robotics, biochemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, etc.).  Public education was given the charge to answer this call for graduates who could fill positions in these STEM fields.  What has evolved is an integrated approach to blend the STEM disciplines in meaningful ways.

Why “STEAM”?
Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Mathematics.   Our schools must educate our students to be prepared to live in a digital age.  This focus on the 21st Century Skills has led to an increase in demand for students who can think critical, communicate through a broad range of media, work collaboratively and productively with other people, embrace new and changing technology, research and interpret information, and create and innovate new solutions to new problems.

How is Newberg Preparing the Next Generation of Citizens?
We have a three-year plan to focus our teaching and learning on STEAM educations.  Currently, the citizens of Newberg have supported STEAM education by passing a bond in May 2011 to offer financial support.  As a result the two middle schools are being equipped with new classroom labs, technology, and curriculum; work is starting with the high school to align our curriculum and pedagogy.  After three years, our hope is to have adjusted our curriculum, formed partnerships with community organizations and educated our community.