Page 39 - Technology plan fy2023-27

from how we communicate to how we work and live daily. Computer science and robotics are
utilized in every industry for both low-level functioning and high-level functioning. The need to
prepare our students for STEM-related positions is vital to our economy, and for the United
States to become a global leader in STEM innovation and employment.

A plan for STEM is not complete without considering coding as the majority of all new jobs in
STEM are in computing (67%). Palm Beach County formally partnered with Code.org to bring
awareness and curriculum resources to all grade levels. This is an important step for the district
to take as nationwide data from code.org shows 9 in 10 parents want their child to study
computer science while only 1 in 4 schools actually teaches computer programming. The
district is also encouraging schools to continue participating in The Hour of Code, which takes
place annually in December as part of Computer Science Education Week, an annual program
dedicated to inspiring K-12 students to take interest in computer science.

The School District of Palm Beach County, has 11 STE(A)M choice school sites for Elementary
and 3 STE(A)M choice school sites for Middle & High levels. Additionally, the district has a
department that specialized in STEM integration and implementation, offering leadership and a
variety of professional development opportunities:

● STEM Program Development: Work directly with schools to develop quality STEM
initiatives and programs.
● Leader of Palm Beach County STEM Education Council: Represents a unified voice
advocating quality STEM education for all students in Palm Beach County. An alliance of
public, private, and non-profit sectors, the Council works collaboratively to create and
promote a world-class approach to STEM education.
● Foster a connection between classrooms and industries. Provide continuous support and
training for these live interactions.
● Promote collaboration and growth opportunities with STEM educators, through monthly
‘STEM Social’ meetings.
● Provide virtual field trips to expose students to STEM opportunities within their
community.
● Develop and enrich strategic partnerships by strengthening existing relationships and
developing connections between educational institutions, employers, and their
communities.

Many of the STE(A)M programs are supported by accelerated coursework, such as Advanced
Placement (AP) and Cambridge Assessment International Certificate for Education (AICE)
courses. The courses vary in degree of difficulty, from beginner to advanced, and align with the
needs of STE(A)M programs. Open enrollment policies of these programs allow for students
who have been underrepresented in this field to find their place in it. And even though students
can earn college credit by taking AP and AICE courses, the strength in enrollment is that they
offer opportunities to develop cross-curricular critical thinking skills that will be necessary in
real-world situations within the STE(A)M field.

34 | Page