Friday, September 3, 2010
Empire State STEM Learning Network

On June 10th, 2010, the Empire State STEM Learning Network Conference took place in Troy, New York.  The purpose of the event was to accelerate the transition from "progressive dialogue" to "progressive community." Currently, diverse stakeholders across the state of New York have recognized the need to advance STEM education: the interdisciplinary teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Among the panel participants was LI Works’ own Executive Director, Cheryl Davidson, who illustrated how Long Island Works has brought greater involvement in STEM Education to the region by exposing middle school students to the STEM career fair.  Additionally, Ms. Davidson illustrated the need for Career Academy program learning, where students learn the connection between STEM and real world industries from passionate businesspeople and mentors.

Additional speakers and contributors included President Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,  Margaret E. Ashida, Moderator and Program Creator of the Empire State STEM Learning Network, Joseph P. Dragone Ph.D., Margaret Honey Ph.D.,Phillip Ortiz, and Mark D. Vaughn, Ph.D.

The primary goal of the conference was to accelerate students to a level of rigor sufficient to produce critical thinkers and problem solvers across all fields of endeavor who can thrive in the 21st century economy.  Specifically, the conference focused on the principles dubbed, “The Four P’s” – policy, professional development, partnerships, and platforms.  This 2 hour session featured highlights from the dialogue on STEM education and announcement about actions underway and planned for the future.


For access to the video conference,  click this link:
http://mediasite.itops.rpi.edu/Mediasite5/Viewer/?peid=73a708dc9d834e7289c9a3611a8f8f2a.