Summit STEM Principles: DRAFT May, 2011

1. Cultivate goal-oriented and collaborative processes.
2. Increase the breadth and depth of STEM outcomes by implementing both incremental progression and breakthrough changes.
3. Support the district and other educational providers while advocating for STEM improvements.
4. Ensure STEM programs (and thus outcomes) remain accessible to everyone.
5. Serve more than the people who already want to participate - reach out to new STEM audiences. Promote STEM outcomes, encourage participation, and market STEM opportunities.
6. Support development of the “building block” skills required to achieve success in STEM. Provide caring support for those who get stuck or feel threatened (ie: provide mentoring, encouragement,
support, tutoring, counseling, “fun” STEM activities, celebration of achievements) Ultimately, see failure in and of itself as a “building block” experience rather than a reason to look for a different field of study.
7. Impact both students and teachers - in particular secondary teachers
8. Implement excellent STEM outcome standards and pedagogy. Remind ourselves the protocols for achieving excellent STEM outcomes are undergoing intense development and growth. Achieving cutting edge outcomes requires constant re-assessment and revision of techniques.
 
Leadership and Governance Principles:

1. Pursue a paid position to lead the organization.
2. Achieve outcomes by coordinating and augmenting the efforts of other organizations. The steering committee will serve as a superordinate “umbrella” to local STEM providers.
3. Operate with two committees – one for steering course and one advising us on content.