STELAR Materials

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The ITEST LRC (2003-2012) and the STELAR Center (2013-present) have produced reports, webinars, and other events as resources to all those working to broaden participation in the STEM workforce to traditionally underrepresented populations. Browse the resources, and let us know what else you would like to see by emailing stelar@edc.org.

Management Information System (MIS) Reports

ITEST Snapshot 2018: An Overview of NSF's ITEST Program

(Publications) The attached document provides an overview of the National Science Foundation's ITEST Program.

ITEST Data Brief: Partnerships in ITEST

(Publications) ITEST Data Brief Volume 5, Issue 1, August 2018. This data brief explores the partnerships that ITEST projects engage in for project planning and design, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation.

ITEST Data Brief: ITEST Dissemination Strategies

(Publications) ITEST Data Brief Volume 3, Issue 4, January 2017. This data brief explores the strategies that ITEST projects use to communicate their findings, including the products they create, where they disseminate their work, and what audiences they reach.

ITEST Data Brief: Research Methods in ITEST

(Publications) ITEST Data Brief Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2016

ITEST Data Brief: ITEST Projects Funded in 2015

(Publications) ITEST Data Brief Volume 3, Issue 2, July 2016

ITEST Data Brief: ITEST in Action

(Publications) ITEST Data Brief Volume 3, Issue 1, March 2016 This data brief provides information on the composition of ITEST project participants, what activities they engage in, in what settings, and what projects feel contributes to their project's success based on projects submissions to the 2014-2015 ITEST Management Information System (MIS) Annual Survey.

ITEST Data Brief: Project Strategies to Engage Underrepresented Populations

(Publications) ITEST Data Brief Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2015

ITEST Management Information System (MIS) 2012: Final Report Describing Active ITEST Projects

(Publications) The fourth annual MIS report, a program-wide summary of ITEST projects, was released in January 2013.

ITEST Data Brief: ITEST Participants - Reaching Underserved and Underrepresented Groups

(Publications) ITEST Data Brief Volume 1, Issue 3, June 2012

ITEST Data Brief: Published Instruments Used by ITEST Projects to Measure Impact

(Publications) ITEST LRC Data Brief Volume 1, Issue 2

ITEST Data Brief: Summary of Project Findings from the 2011-2012 ITEST Management Information System (MIS)

(Publications) ITEST LRC Data Brief Volume 1, Issue 1

ITEST Management Information System (MIS) 2010: Final Report Describing Active ITEST Projects

(Publications) The second annual MIS report, a program-wide summary of ITEST projects, was released in July 2011.

ITEST Management Information System (MIS) 2009: Final Report Describing Active ITEST Projects

(Publications) The first annual MIS report, a program-wide summary of ITEST projects, was released in June 2010.

Newsletter Archive

Thematic Highlights Archive

Accessibility

(Highlight) Making STEM content and activities accessible for all learners, including those with disabilities, is essential to truly broaden participation in STEM. During the NSF Next Generation STEM Forum i

Youth Motivation 2.0

(Highlight) Since its inception, the ITEST program has funded projects developing strategies, tools, and models focused on increasing students' awareness of STEM and STEM careers and motivating students to pur

Informal Science

(Highlight) One of the keys to having youth pursue STEM careers is developing their personal interest in science and technology. Often, hands-on activities in out-of-school contexts provide diverse youth with low-pressure, non-academic environments in which they can explore their interests more freely than they may be able to in a school setting.

Workforce & Career Education

(Highlight) ITEST projects are informed by career education theory and engage students in experiences that: (1) increase student awareness of STEM and related careers; (2) motivate students to pursue the education necessary to participate in those careers; and/or (3) provide students with technology-rich experiences that develop their knowledge of related content and skills (including critical thinking skills) needed for entering the STEM workforce. Below are selected resources to help you learn more about workforce development in STEM education.

Research in ITEST

(Highlight) All ITEST projects are expected to produce empirical findings and/or research tools that contribute to knowledge about which models and interventions with K-12 students and teachers are most likely to increase capacity in the STEM workforce of the future.

Computer Science Education

(Highlight) The Hour of Code is upon us! This national campaign is designed to encourage students around the world to try their hand at computer programming. Below are selected computer science-focused projects, resources and publications that provide a rich history of what the ITEST program has achieved in this area.

Working with Diverse Populations

(Highlight) This month, we highlight resources that offer guidance in recruiting and retaining diverse participants in STEM programming.

Evaluation in the Context of ITEST Projects

(Highlight) A key component of the technical support offered by STELAR (and by the LRC from 2003-2012) has been in

Professional Development in ITEST

(Highlight) This STELAR Monthly Highlight showcases existing resources on the STELAR website focused on professional development.

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Webinar Archive

STELAR Webinars: 2020 NSF ITEST Solicitation and Q&A Session

(Event) In April and May of 2020, STELAR hosted National Science Foundation Program Officers for a series of informative webinars on the Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Program’s Solicitation (NSF 19-583). View the presentation, slides, and additional resources provided during these events.

STELAR Webinar: 2019 NSF ITEST Solicitation

(Event) On Thursday, June 20, 3:00-4:30 pm STELAR hosted National Science Foundation Program Officers Alejandra Sorto and Amy Wilson-Lopez for an informative webinar on the 2019 Innovative Technology Exper

STELAR Webinar: National Science Foundation Funding for Maker Education Projects

(Event) On May 30, 2019 STELAR hosted NSF Program Officer Robert Russell for a webinar that shared information about NSF Maker initiatives and NSF funded work in the Maker Education field.

STELAR Webinar Series: Charting the Future of Making in STEM Education

(Event) In December the National Science Foundation convened nearly 60 Principal Investigators from projects funded through the Dear Colleague Letter (

STELAR Webinar: Writing Successful NSF ITEST Annual Reports

(Event) This webinar featured expert guidance for ITEST PIs and evaluators on writing successful and useful NSF ITEST annual reports. During the webinar Drs.

STELAR Webinar: NSF Opportunities for Broadening Participation in STEM

(Event) On Thursday, June 14, STELAR brought our community the 3rd Annual NSF Opportunities for Broadening Participation in STEM webinar hosted by the

STELAR Webinar Series: Work at the Human-Technology Frontier

(Event) Join authors of STELAR's recent publication entitled Building the Foundational Ski

Convenings

NSF EAGER Maker Summit

(General Site Content) In December 2018, nearly 60 NSF EAGER project PIs were invited to meet for two days and spent time exploring topics of interest to NSF and the Maker community.

NSF ITEST Proposal Writing Workshop: Developing a Strong ITEST Proposal

(Event) STELAR hosted this one-day workshop on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL), which was designed for people who have no

STELAR Reception at NSTA

(Blog) On April 2, 2014 the STEM Learning and Resource Center (STELAR) hosted an outreach event to introduce the goals of STELAR, celebrate the launch of our website, and to make new con

Advancing Research on Youth Motivation in STEM: A Report on the NSF ITEST Convening

(Publications) This report outlines the discussions and outcomes of the Advancing Research on Youth Motivation in STEM Convening held at Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA) in September 2011.

ITEST Afterschool Convening: Defining an Afterschool Research Agenda

(Event) EDC, in partnership with the National Girls Collaborative Project and MPR Associates, Inc., convened a 3-day meeting comprised of NSF-funded ITEST grantees, researchers in STEM workforce development and informal learning, STEM industry leaders, and philanthropic organizations.

Annual PI Summit

2019 NSF ITEST Summit Online Program

(General Site Content) NSF ITEST PI & Evaluator Summit 2019 Living, Learning, and Working in the Digital Age

2018 STELAR ITEST Principal Investigator and Evaluator Summit

(Event) On behalf of the National Science Foundation, STELAR hosted more than 90 ITEST projects at the 2018 Summit.

STELAR ITEST PI & Evaluator Summit 2017: Building the Foundational Skills of the Future Science and Engineering Workforce

(Event) The STELAR ITEST PI & Evaluator Summit is an annual opportunity for ITEST Principal Investigators (PIs) and evaluators to come together and share su

STELAR ITEST PI & Evaluator Summit 2016: Making Connections to Broaden Participation in STEM

(Event) The STELAR ITEST PI & Evaluator Summit was held on Monday and Tuesday, May 2-3, 2016, at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, VA.

NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Principal Investigator & Evaluator Convening 2014

(Event) STELAR hosted the NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Principal Investigator & Evaluator Convening on Tuesday, August 19, and Wednesday,

Ninth Annual NSF ITEST Summit

(Event) Recorded webinar sessions from the Ninth Annual NSF ITEST Summit are linked below.

Seventh Annual NSF ITEST Summit: STEM Career Development: Nurturing Interest, Persistence, and STEM Self-efficacy

(Event) In addition to an NSF cross-program panel and keynote addresses, this Summit featured numerous breakout sessions hosted by ITEST project PIs and evaluators in 4 strands: Shapin

Fifth Annual NSF ITEST Summit: Using Evaluation Research Methodology to Inform Workforce Development Strategies and Project Scale-up

(Event) This Summit's focus was on Using Evaluation-Research Methodology to Inform Workforce Development Strategies and Project Scale-Up.

Fourth Annual NSF ITEST Summit: New Learning and the New Learner: Harnessing IT to Reinvent the Education Landscape

(Event) This Summit's focus was on New Learning and the New Learner: Harnessing IT to Reinvent the Education Landscape.

New Skills, New Experiences - The Future of Learning: Highlights of the ITEST 2005 Symposium

(Publications) The 2005 Summit Symposium event brought together ITEST project staff and invited external thought leaders.

Additional Reports and Resources

Building the Foundational Skills Needed for Success in Work at the Human-Technology Frontier

(Publications) The proliferation of new technologies has changed the way we live, learn, and work.

Next Generation STEM Learning for All: Envisioning Advances Based on NSF Supported Research

(Publications) This report presents important takeaways from a one-day National Science Foundation (NSF)-supported Forum, “

A Program Director's Guide to Evaluating STEM Education Programs: Lessons Learned from Local, State, and National Initiatives

(Publications) In today's world of high accountability, strong evidence on intended outcomes is key to building credibility and replicability of science, technology, engineering and mathemati

ITEST Engineering Model: Building a Better Future for STEM Learning

(Publications) The report includes examples drawn from projects in the national ITEST program which seeks to ensure the breadth and depth of the U.S. STEM workforce.

Computational Thinking for Youth

(Publications) The ITEST Small Working Group on Computational Thinking (CT) has completed its White Paper titled: Computational Thinking for Youth. The paper a

Preparing Tomorrow's STEM Workforce through Exploration, Equity, and Engagement

(Publications) Preparing Tomorrow's STEM Workforce through Exploration, Equity, and Engagement is a product of the previous ITEST Learning Resource Center (LRC) and includes a series of six articles (plus a preface) highlighting key themes and lessons learned in the first five years of the ITEST program.

ITEST Info Brief: Meeting the Needs of STEM Workforce Development

(Publications) This 2010 ITEST Information Brief shares examples and data about how the ITEST program strives to connect workforce development needs and K-12 learning in and out of school.

Insights and Innovations in STEM Learning: Learnings from ITEST Project Evaluations

(Publications) The first issue of the Insights and Innovations in STEM Learning series synthesizes learnings from a thematic analysis of ITEST projects’ reported outcomes, challenges, and inn

The ITEST Learning Resource Center's Online Evaluation Database: Examples from the Collection

(Publications) The ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC developed an online database of instruments developed by ITEST project evaluators and researchers from 2003 to 2007.

Connecting Informal STEM Experiences to Career Choices: Identifying the Pathway

(Publications) The focus of this literature review is out-of-school time activities in informal environments, a “vastly understudied” set of experiences (Carnegie Council on Adolescent Develo

Engaging Girls and Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: The Future Workforce

(Publications) This report on a webcast hosted by the ITEST Learning Resource Center identifies resources and key success strategies for engaging girls in STEM, offere

ITEST Idea Brief: Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Participants through Community Partnerships and Other Strategies

(Publications) In this Idea Brief, Principal Investigators from three youth-based ITEST projects discuss how community partnerships strengthen their efforts to recruit and retain diverse participants.

ITEST Idea Brief: Summer Programs Tips & Tricks

(Publications) ITEST LRC Idea Brief Volume 1, June 2005

ITEST Idea Brief: Accessibility: Creating Inclusive Learning Environments

(Publications) This Idea Brief from the ITEST LRC provides a concise, information-rich reference that reveals what inclusive programs can look like and offers some practical tips for getting there.

New Skills, New Experiences - The Future of Learning: Highlights of the ITEST 2005 Symposium

(Publications) The 2005 Summit Symposium event brought together ITEST project staff and invited external thought leaders.

ITEST Info Brief: Active Learning in the Information Age

(Publications) ITEST LRC Info Brief Volume 1, July 2004

ITEST Info Brief: Equity in On-line Professional Development

(Publications) ITEST LRC Info Brief Volume 2, September 2004

Seven Lessons Learned in Eight Years Hosting the ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC

(Publications) On July 11, 2011 Joyce Malyn-Smith and Siobhan Bredin presented “Seven Lessons Learned in Eight Years of Hosting the ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC,” as part of a panel

STELAR Brochure 2015

(Publications) The STELAR Brochure is a two-page document that contains detailed information about STELAR's goals and the services STELAR provides to the ITEST community.

Spring 2014 ITEST conference presentations

(News) Check out these upcoming presentations at NSTA, AERA, ASEE and ISTE. Click on the PDFs for more details about each in the handouts.

EDC to continue leadership of ITEST Resource Center in “STELAR”

(News) The National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected EDC to continue its role as the resource center for the ITEST (Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers) p