Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Over the last several decades, innovations and advances in science, technology, engineering and mathematics have dramatically altered our world.  Today's knowledge-based economy thrives on invention and demands a workforce with an understanding of scientific and mathematical principles and a working knowledge of computer hardware and software.  Equally important, employees have indicated, workers must possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills – abilities taught and learned through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

The STEM Goal Office of the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is centered on enriching the state's Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade programs, curricula, and instruction to ensure students develop the integrative thinking, analysis, problem solving, and communication skills necessary to succeed as they advance to higher grades, post-secondary education, and the workplace. 

The STEM Goal Office is tasked with contributing to each of the state’s Pre-K–l2 Critical Goals, with particular emphasis on ensuring:

• Students perform at or above grade level in math by eighth grade. (Goal 5); and
• Louisiana Achieves this Critical Goal, regardless of race or class (Goal 9).