ERIC Number: ED617139
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Sep-27
Pages: 65
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Closing Inspiration and Achievement Gaps in STEM with Volunteer-Led Apprenticeships
Fountain, Alyssa Rulf; Velez, Melissa; Gamse, Beth
Abt Associates
The vast majority of American students are neither prepared nor sufficiently engaged to become science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-literate citizens or innovative STEM professionals (National Research Council, 2007; Carnegie Corporation and the Institute for Advanced Study, 2009; National Science Board [NSB], 2010; President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology [PCAST], 2010). The Citizen Schools Expanded Learning Time (ELT) model is defined by two core components: Apprenticeships and Academic Support, both of which are built into a lengthened school day. The Apprenticeships are the cornerstone of the Citizen Schools ELT program model; they are designed to engage student interest in a broad array of subject areas and experiences by leveraging expertise and commitment from local communities. Over the past several years, Citizen Schools has endeavored to increase both the number and range of STEM-focused apprenticeships, responding to increased demand and recognizing the importance of engaging middle school students in STEM subjects through a combination of hands-on learning and exposure to enthusiastic ambassadors for professional careers in STEM fields. This study examines whether the STEM-focused apprenticeships, in particular, serve to engage students in STEM learning, and increase their interest in STEM subjects more so than apprenticeships in other topics. [The report was prepared for Citizen Schools.]
Descriptors: STEM Education, Achievement Gap, Volunteers, Apprenticeships, Extended School Day, Student Interests, School Community Programs, Middle School Students, Experiential Learning, Professional Personnel, Program Effectiveness, 21st Century Skills, Gender Differences, Instructional Program Divisions, Scores, Program Implementation, Fidelity, Teacher Role, Mathematics Achievement
Abt Associates. 4550 Montgomery Avenue Suite 800 North, Bethesda, MD 20814. Tel: 301-347-5000; Fax: 301-634-1801; Web site: http://abtassociates.com
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Abt Associates, Inc.
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Program for International Student Assessment; National Assessment of Educational Progress
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
What Works Clearinghouse Reviewed: Meets Evidence Standards with Reservations
WWC Study Page: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Study/89841