FCR-STEM is a newly created multi-disciplinary research center funded by the Florida Legislature. On February 21, 2007, Governor Charlie Crist announced that Florida State University in Tallahassee was competitively awarded the contract through a request-for-proposal process administered by the Florida Department of Education.
Mission
The mission of the Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (FCR-STEM) is to help the State of Florida improve K-12 teaching and learning in science, mathematics and technology and prepare students for higher education and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers in the 21st Century.
Targeted Student Outcomes
Through impacts on classroom practice, FCR-STEM strives to:
- Improve student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
- Narrow student achievement gaps in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
- Increase student pursuit of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers
FCR-STEM’s primary functions include:
- Research on student and teacher learning and the effectiveness of various curricula, teacher professional development approaches and technology-based interventions designed to increase student learning.
- Testing innovative in-service teacher programs designed to increase the recruitment, preparation, and retention of mathematics and science teachers in Florida.
- Technical assistance to the Florida Department of Education and local school districts through professional development and support for the implementation of evidence-based curricula and teaching practices.
- Dissemination of information on STEM education, evidence-based practices, and achievement trends in mathematics and science for Florida’s K-12 students.
The Center is jointly administered by the FSU College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education and Learning Systems Institute in the Office of the Provost.