1. Ontario Ministry of Education: STEM Learning Initiative

Objective: To strengthen STEM education from Kindergarten to Grade 12

Direct impact on Grade 9 Science courses

Destreaming of Grade 9 Science

Challenging Impact on Students: Adjustments to learning in new de-streamed instructional and evaluative environments

Challenging Impact to Other Departments: Perhaps the non-STEM courses (Drama, Phys Ed, Art etc) will have a change in funding and resources as more students take STEM related courses and pursue those pathways

Inclusion of coding and mathematical applications

Positive Impact for Students: Further accessibility and foundational skill building to lead to post-secondary STEM programs

More inquiry-based learning

Positive Impact for Students: Increased exposure to STEM competencies, skills and possible career opportunities

Positive Impact for Students: Practice in applying higher order thinking skills such as critical thinking and creativity in new contexts

Impact on Teaching Staff

Science Teachers: Need for professional development to integrate coding and engineering concepts

Science Teachers: Adjusting assessments for de-streamed courses

Science Teachers: Further differentiation required

Math Teachers: Increased collaboration with Science department to foster interdisciplinary learning

Technology Teachers: Implementing coding concepts and engineering skills into their course programming

Guidance Counselors: Engage in career pathway discussions to shift and reflect the emphasis on STEM

Impact on School Administration

Professional Development: Ensuring all disciplines touching STEM trajectories are trained well in coding and differentiated STEM instruction and evaluation

Resources: That a principal and the team is able to purchase and allocate resources effectively for programs (i.e. laptops, software)

Equity: Ensuring that all students can benefit and access the STEM learning without barriers

Community Involvement: Bring school leaders together to plan and host guest speakers, co-op placements etc. to bring the learning to life and bridge gaps with work and post-secondary institutions

Summary: Curriculum that emphasizes coding, hands-on learning experiences and their real-world applications