The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workgroup is tasked by ESSB 6444, Sec. 501 to develop a comprehensive plan to improve policies and practices to ensure that a pathway is established for elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, postsecondary degree programs, and careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The STEM Workgroup will:

• Develop a plan with shared vision, goals, and measurable objectives
• Ensure that a K – STEM careers pathway is established, including:
  • recruiting, preparing, hiring, retraining, and supporting teachers and instructors
  • creating pathways to boost student success
  • closing the achievement gap, and
  • preparing every student to be college and career ready

The workgroup will develop a report with recommendations, including a timeline for specific actions to be taken. The report is due to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2010.

STEM Workgroup Members

OSPI's STEM supervisor, Dennis Milliken, chairs the workgroup. The workgroup also includes at least one representative from the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Achievement Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee, and others with appropriate expertise.

• Jonelle Adams, Executive Director, Washington Alliance for Better Schools (STEM Workgroup Facilitator)
• SusanEllen Bacon, PhD, Associate Dean of Professional Development Continuing Education, Seattle University
• Rudi Bertschi, Principal Researcher, OSPI/Center for the Improvement of Student Learning
• Greta Bornemann, Director, Mathematics, OSPI
• Bruce Cannard, Principal, Edison Elementary School, Kennewick School District
• James Dorsey, Director, Washington MESA
• Jeff Estes, Manager, Science and Engineering Education, Organizational Development, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
• Jane Field, M.A., Labor Market and Economic Analysis, Washington State Employment Security
• Peter D. Finch, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, West Valley School District 208
• Dave Gering, Executive Director, Seattle Manufacturing Industrial Council
• Susan Jung, Principal, Central Kitsap Junior High, Central Kitsap School District
• Catherine Kernan, President, Mukilteo Education Association
• Carolyn Landel, Education First Consulting
• Kevin Laverty, President, Washington State School Directors Association
• John Lederer, Associate Director, Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Kathleen Lopp, Assistant Superintendent, Career and College Readiness, OSPI
• Dennis Milliken, Supervisor, STEM Education, OSPI (STEM Workgroup Leader)
• Trish Millines Dziko, Executive Director/CEO, Technology Access Foundation
• Bill Moore, Coordinator, Assessment, Learning, Teaching, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
• Mea Moore, Director of Educator Pathways, Professional Educator Standards Board
• Rebecca Porter, Career Counselor, Bothell High School, Northshore School District
• Wes Pruitt, Policy Analyst/Legislative Liaison,Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
• Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, Washington State Legislature
• James Sullivan, Teacher, Sci-Ma-Tech, Brier Terrance Middle School, Edmonds School District
• Kathe Taylor, Policy Director, Washington State Board of Education
• Gilda Wheeler, Program Supervisor, Environmental and Sustainability, OSPI