Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Science and Technology/Engineering

In Massachusetts, science education includes life science, physical science, earth and space science, and technology/ engineering. Science is way of knowing and understanding the natural and designed world.

The science and technology/engineering standards are intended to drive engaging, relevant, rigorous, and coherent instruction that emphasizes student mastery of both disciplinary core ideas (concepts) and application of science and engineering practices (skills) to support student readiness for citizenship, college, and careers.

STE Learning Standards

2016 STE Curriculum Framework (click to view a section of the Framework)

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2016 STE Standards

Statewide Science Assessments (MCAS)

STE Instructional Resources

• Professional Development Resources
  

• Curriculum Planning Tools
  
  

  Science & Technology Engineering Standards: Connections to the Mathematics and English Language Arts /Literacy Standards	This Connections document is a resource for educators and curriculum planners to draw from as they look for intersections between the 2016 Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework, the 2017 Mathematics Curriculum Framework, and the 2017 ELA/Literacy Curriculum Framework. Educators are encouraged to use this tool to purposefully plan, align, and recognize relationships across content to strengthen learning for all students.
  Prek-8 Crosswalk: Organized by 2016 MA STE Standards Prek-8 Crosswalk: Organized by 2001/06 Standards Bio Crosswalk organized by 2016 MA STE Standards Physics Crosswalk organized by the 2016 HS Crosswalk: Organized 2016 MA STE Standards	A key question for transitioning to the 2016 STE standards is "what's different?" DESE has developed crosswalk documents that show the alignment between the 2001/2006 STE Standards and 2016 STE Standards. Teachers and administrators can use these documents for curriculum planning.
  Strand Maps of 2016 MA Science and Technology/Engineering Standards	Strand maps illustrate the conceptual relationship between standards within and across grades that allow for targeted pre-assessment, contextualization, and/or identification of boundaries for any particular standard that is being taught. They can be an efficient way to visualize how concepts progress over time and how curriculum and instruction can productively relate standards to support student learning. Schools and districts have found strand maps to be particularly useful in vertical team meetings, curriculum mapping workshops, and interdisciplinary meetings.
  STE Quality Review Rubric	Piloting new curriculum? DESE has developed a rubric to help educators determine the quality, rigor, and alignment of lessons and units to the 2016 MA STE Curriculum Framework.
  Quick Reference Guide: Establishing an Effective Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Program   Quick Reference Guide: Integrating Technology & Engineering with High School Science Quick Reference Guide: Administrators Guide to Elementary School Science	DESE has identified five components districts should attend to when designing a rigorous, coherent and relevant pre-K-12 STE education program. Educators, administrators and curriculum designers can refer to this guide for brief descriptions and resources for each component. This guide provides recommendations for the integration of the Technology/Engineering Standards into typical High School STE course sequences. This resource provides recommendations for high-quality science in the elementary classroom.

• Classroom Resources
  

• STE Networks and Associations
  

• Grant Opportunities
  

Contact the STE Team