Standards-Based Technology and Engineering Education

Book excerpt: This book brings together authors from around the world to discuss the Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy: The Role of Technology and Engineering in STEM Education (STEL) released in July 2020 by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA). The various chapters examine and elaborate on how educators must understand the structure of the standards used and their alignment with educational programs at specific levels and contexts, both in the context of the USA, and internationally. It also showcases case studies analyzing the use of standards in their various contexts from a number of countries which have either adapted STEL, or which have national Standards in Technology Education. The STEL represents a major update to the content standards that has guided the field of technology education (and, later, technology and engineering education) in the USA since 2000. In contrast to previous standards, STEL presents a substantial reduction in the number of standards and associated benchmarks, and the benchmarks have been operationalized to identify the key knowledge, skills, and dispositions associated with each standard. It also emphasizes a focus on core standards that should allow for deeper levels of understanding and engagement on the part of students, who in comprehensive educational programs will continue to revisit these core standards in increasingly sophisticated ways as they progress from Pre-K through Grade 12.