T-STEM Benchmarks
Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) Academies are rigorous secondary schools focusing on improving instruction and academic performance in science and mathematics-related subjects and increasing the number of students who study and enter STEM careers. T-STEM Academies are demonstration schools and learning labs that develop innovative methods to improve science and mathematics instructions.
Benchmark 1: School Design
- Annual training and professional development calendar and plan for teachers
- Mentor Induction Program Plan
- T-STEM leadership meetings and agenda notes
Benchmark 2: Target Population
- Written admission policy and enrollment application
- Written recruitment plan including a timeline of recruitment and enrollment events, and recruitment materials for distribution at feeder schools and other appropriate locations in the community
- Brochures and marketing in Spanish, English, and/or other relevant language(s)
- Written communication plan for targeting identified audiences, parents, community members, school board, higher education personnel, etc.
Benchmark 3: Strategic Alliances
- Meeting Agenda and Minutes, with action items and decision logs
- Final, signed, and executed MOU with IHE – Dual Credit Memo of Understanding Between SEE and St. Philip’s College 2017-2020
- Final signed and executed MOU with business/industry partner (Campuses must submit their final signed MOU to TEA when initially applying for designation or are provisionally designated)
- A list of strategic partners with each member’s organization, title, and role in providing work-based learning for students by grade level
Benchmark 4: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Four-year crosswalk document
- Master schedule
- Curriculum alignment documents
- Testing calendar and schedule for TSI, ACT, and SAT
- Documentation detailing a minimum of three course of study examples that outline student pathways from high school, to associate degree, to industry certifications and beyond
Benchmark 5: Work-Based Learning
- Documentation of appropriate work-based learning experiences available for students at all grade levels (6-12)
- Current dated regional high demand STEM occupation list:
- Aggregate data describing T-STEM student participation in work-based learning experiences as well as a percentage of students earning industry certification and credentials by type
- Sample of Student Artifacts
Benchmark 6: Student Support
- Bridge Program Calendar
- Tutoring and other intervention/remediation program schedules
- Saturday School Intervention
- Family Outreach Calendar of Events
- Schedule of regularly scheduled counseling/advisory events and records of completion for these support services
- Wolfpack Mentorship