The push to focus on STEM education in the classroom is a big trend in schools all across the country. Adding STEM to your school's mission is all well and good but properly executing STEM curriculum will help students succeed in the long run. According to Middle Web blogger Anne Jolly, when it comes to each school's particular program, there are always ways to improve and redefine science, technology, engineering and math education.

Jolly gives teachers five hot topics in STEM education for teachers to think about this school year. One of the necessary questions Jolly asked teachers to answer is exactly how STEM will be defined in their school. 

Jolly suggested that teachers ask themselves what their STEM program looks like, and if they are implementing S.T.E.M. or STEM. 

"In other words are you focusing on [1] adding or strengthening individual STEM subjects such as higher level science and math? Or [2] are you focusing on an integrated approach where all subjects must come together to solve an engineering challenge?" Jolly asked. 

The first option, she said, is easier and doesn't require much change. The second option, she said, is the "generally agreed on" way of approaching STEM in K-12 classrooms. This way, students leave high school with a well-rounded "grasp of 21st century knowledge and skills."

"Both industry and higher education want students who can innovate, create, and be entrepreneurs," she said. "Classes in which students 'sit and get' all period, doing their work individually, lack the culture of inspiration, discovery, and innovation that students need to require to fully develop those skills. Which way does your school want to go?"

Futhermore, teachers may want to question whether or not their school is providing STEM education to all, regardless of academic level or even interest. It can be challenging to improve students' knowledge of science when the curriculum doesn't allow for additional time, but Jolly shares that afterschool programs and summer camps might just offer what children need.

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Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor

Anything else administrators and teachers should keep in mind when enhancing their existing STEM curriculum? Please share in the comments.