Recruitment & Retention
Improved Student Performance On PRAXIS Subject Assessments
Another need that Building Together aims to address is the need for improved student performance on state-required PRAXIS subject assessments. LWC faculty in STEM and education alike recognize the need to ensure that biology and math education curricula align with current PRAXIS assessment areas—adequately preparing STEM students for their subject exams and ultimately STEM classrooms—while maintaining programs of study that can be achieved within four years. State academic standards are revised approximately every seven years in Kentucky. Although the curricula for biology and mathematics education programs at LWC underwent minor updates in 2017, these curricula have not undergone a comprehensive review and revision since 2012.Increased Enrollment In STEM Education Programs
One of the fundamental needs that this project seeks to address is increased enrollment of STEM educators at LWC. As summarized in Table 1, student interest in LWC’s two STEM majors is substantial, although student interest in the two STEM education options has historically been minimal. The 2020- 2021 school year produced four new STEM educators, doubling the total produced over the previous four years combined. LWC hopes to build upon this recent, modest growth, so a primary focus of Building Together is to generate new student interest in the College’s STEM education offerings. One activity to address this need is to implement new marketing strategies to generate interest in STEM education at LWC. The project will also expand upon an existing articulation agreement with a nearby community college—Somerset Community College (Somerset)—which is home to a sizable population of students in associate degree programs that could transfer to LWC as aspiring STEM educators. Additionally, a project Advisory Committee will play an integral role in recruiting new STEM educators through existing partnerships and establishing new partnerships with LEAs and community colleges.STEM and STEM Education Enrollment and Graduation Chart
Current STEM Education Enrollment