Dallas ISD STEM Department Brings Learning to Life in Schools

DALLAS — From underwater robotics to computer coding, the Dallas Independent School District STEM Department briefed trustees on the amazing work happening inside schools.

STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, provides students with opportunities to grow through hands-on activities and inquiry-based learning.

Assistant Superintendent Vince Reyes told trustees that he has made it a directive that Dallas ISD become the public school district that sends the most students on to four-year universities for computer science.

“We have the students that can make that happen,” Reyes said.

The district has been working to ensure STEM programs seamlessly sequence from elementary to high school. Students have the opportunity to earn high school credit in middle school for STEM courses such as Algebra I, Astronomy, Physics, and in Computer Science.

At the board meeting, students talked about the huge benefits STEM learning has on them.

Here are some notable Dallas ISD STEM facts shared at the board meeting:

• The number of students participating in the District Science Fair grew by 36 percent this year;
• Ten comprehensive high schools and two magnet schools offer the computer science and STEM endorsement;
• Dallas ISD is home to 20 SeaPerch Underwater Robotics teams;
• 35 middle schools teach an Intro to Robotics elective course;

5,140 middle school students are enrolled in classes for high school credit.