TEEAP News

So, here we are with one of the first real discussion related topics. As was said in the 2008 Summer edition of the TEAP Journal, the summer is a great time to look around your local area for things to do. These local places are often not only enjoyable, but can be used as references in your classrooms for students to go and learn more about what you teach. For instance, where I live in the Lehigh Valley we have the DaVinci Science Center as well as the Reading Public Museum which often has some great events that are technology related. Currently, we also have the Kutztown Folk Festival which not only has arts and crafts but is a great way to see the history of technology in the Pennsylvania Dutch region. This year they have a great set up about Electric cars showing how they are not exactly NEW technology. My son and I plan to visit the Franklin Institute and maybe even take the drive out to the Air & Space Museum near Washington where they have the shuttle Enterprise as well as the SR71 Blackbird. Sure, my kid just wants to make sure it really isn’t a Decepticon, but I am sure we can fit some other learning in there as well.

So, now it is your turn. Please leave comments on places all around Pennsylvania that we as educators can use to help our students gain more knowledge about technology right here in Pennsylvania. We have a great history be it canals, coal mining, or even the first oil wells. Let’s us know what else is out there and we can build a list on the TEAP Website for future use!

International Technology Education Association Board of Directors Statement of Action January 17, 2009

The Board of Directors approved the following proclamation pertaining to the T & E of STEM as follows.

Proclamation:
ITEA’s Position on the “T & E” of STEM
Whereas; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) literacy is critical for the advancement of students to enter all careers of tomorrow, be it known that the (ITEA) International Technology Education Association believes that it is necessary for K-12 students to gain 21st Century knowledge, skills, and thinking abilities for the technological world.

ITEA’s Board of Directors, on behalf of its membership proclaims that the delivery of STEM education content is closely aligned with the same core content as Standards for Technological Literacy. Furthermore, the goals of our content are essential for all students to achieve both academic and technological abilities in all career pathways and for future leadership in Technology, Innovation, Design and Engineering.

Further, that the content contained within our standards is the foundation for students to develop 21st Century STEM literacy—the very core of abilities needed for students to become advanced problem solvers, innovators, technologists, engineers, and knowledgeable citizens. ITEA believes that all true STEM programs must include Standards for Technological Literacy as a ladder to help students achieve STEM literacy.

Therefore, it is proclaimed that the Technology and Engineering within STEM is delivered by our content area. ITEA and its Standards for Technological Literacy continue to be supported by NASA, The National Academies of Science and Engineering, the National Science Foundation, and the National Assessment for Educational Progress. ITEA believes our content and standards are the foundation through which students may achieve STEM literacy with the partnership of science and mathematics to help all students achieve 21st Century skills.

Board members voting for the Proclamation were as follows: Litowitz, Denton, Stephenson, Warner, Fitzgerald, Meyer, McDonald, DeMiranda, Miller, Wright, and Whiting. There were no votes against this action. The action was deemed approved by President Litowitz on January 17, 2009.