Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Education

Preparing Rhode Island Students for Success Through STEM Education

Integrated STEM education combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to engage students in meaningful, real-world learning experiences. When art and design are incorporated into STEM learning, the approach is often called STEAM. Integrating the arts encourages innovation and creative thinking. Through collaborative, problem-based activities, students apply knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines to investigate challenges, develop solutions, and make connections to their everyday lives.

Integrated STEM education helps prepare students for success in college, careers, and civic life by developing the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world. RIDE supports schools, educators, and families by providing resources, professional learning, community connections, and statewide initiatives that prepare students for success in STEM.

RI STEAM Month

November is RI STEAM Month!

Check out the RI STEAM Month webpage for:

  • Resources for planning STEAM Events
  • Information about the RI STEAM Educator Awards
  • Calendar of STEAM Month Events in the Community (will be posted in October)
PK-12 STEM Programs & Initiatives
PK-12 STEM Education Resources

RIDE PK-5 Integrated STEM Educator Endorsement

Cohort of pilot iSTEM educators at capstone event
Pilot Cohort of PK-5 iSTEM Educators
This endorsement was designed to recognize certified educators who have advanced expertise in Integrated STEM instruction for students in pre-Kindergarten through grade 5.

Content & Pedagogical Competencies: Educators must provide evidence of advanced expertise of the following competencies, attained through completion of a RIDE-approved program:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and understanding of grade level concepts related to STEM as described in the standards for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as well as knowledge of the vital role of STEM in local and global communities. 
  2. Design and implement grade band-appropriate problem-based Integrated STEM instruction that engages students in STEM-related design processes and Cross-Curricular Skills. 
  3. Understand and apply techniques to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture for STEM that encourages active learning, interaction, participation, and collaboration. 
  4. Create and implement assessments that measure student progress in development of Integrated STEM-related processes and skills; using this information to inform instruction. 

Please note:

  • An endorsement is an add-on to a valid RI educator certificate for grades Pre-K - grade 5 (or a subset of these).
  • RIDE does not require the PK-5 Integrated STEM endorsement for school assignments, but schools/districts may require or prefer endorsed applicants for elementary STEM-related assignments.
  • Endorsements can only be earned by completing a RIDE-approved program.  
  • There is no transcript/credential review process to earn an endorsement.

This 50-hour advanced professional learning course equips educators with the knowledge and skills to design and deliver high-quality, integrated STEM instruction aligned with evidence-based practices and high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). Across nine synchronous virtual sessions and four application-based coaching sessions, participants will deepen their understanding of the engineering design process, NGSS three-dimensional learning, and integration of technology, computer science, and mathematical thinking into daily instruction. The course culminates in the design and implementation of an integrated STEM project that is classroom-ready, culturally responsive, and grounded in best practices to promote student problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Access more details at the New England Basecamp website.

The STEM Education Center at WPI partners with educators, schools, districts, and WPI faculty to foster high-quality STEM learning experiences with a lens of equity and inclusion, seeking systemic ways to broaden the participation in science and STEM, especially those that have been historically excluded in STEM.  Program participants complete 4 graduate courses (total of 12 credits) to earn a Graduate Certificate in Integrated STEM Education from WPI. Courses are conducted online, synchronously. Courses are interactive, combine theory and practice, and model a variety of collaboration opportunities and strategies. The STEM Education Center offers 1-2 courses each term (Winter/spring, summer, and fall). Participants are able to complete the certificate in 2 sessions to 4 sessions depending on their enrollment.  Interested teachers are able to extend the certificate by taking 6 additional courses, earning a MS in Integrated STEM Education from WPI.  Get more information at the STEM Center at WPI website.