The Four Pillars

Michigan, together with business, education, and community partners, is embarking on a journey to create a MiSTEM Network throughout the state. This opportunity grew out of Governor Snyder’s MiSTEM Advisory Council recommendation to make Michigan a world leader in STEM education. The Council report lists four pillars as necessary components to establish a system that will produce STEM-equipped students and educators. These pillars are: create a STEM culture, empower STEM teachers, integrate business and education, and ensure high quality STEM experiences. The work of the MiSTEM Network is to build on existing STEM networks to create a STEM ecosystem that supports and implements the components outlined in the four pillars. Per Public Act 108 of 2017 Section 99r, the MiSTEM Network Plan was submitted by the MiSTEM Network Committee on December 1, 2017. In order to view the full functionality of the report, we recommend that readers view it electronically.

• Initiative Update Slides (External Website, opens in new window)
• Associated speaker notes (PDF, opens in new window)

Putting the Pillars into Action

Jump to:

• Pillar 1: Creating a STEM Culture
• Pillar 2: Empowering STEM Teachers
• Pillar 3: Integrating Business and Education
• Pillar 4: Ensuring High-Quality STEAM Experiences

Pillar 1: Creating a STEM Culture

By building STEM awareness and promoting opportunities

What we’ve done

Wayne RESA has developed a groundbreaking Career and Workforce initiative, which includes:

• A new workforce website (External Website, opens in new window) to promote both classroom and workforce career resources in Wayne County.
• Dedicated Career Counselors to provide customized career coaching for high school students in post-secondary options.
• Literacy lab "Pop Ups" integrating engineering and literacy. Students utilize engineering hands-on activities, read informational texts, and write.

Pillar 2: Empowering STEM Teachers

To provide authentic STEM experiences for students and teachers

What we’ve done

• We have compiled resources to help educators understand science standards(Internal Link, opens in new window) and math standards(Internal Link, opens in new window), plan assessments, and integrate engineering into instruction.
• We have provided a collection of Maker/STEM materials(External Website, opens in new window) available for educators in Wayne County to borrow at no cost.
• Professional learning opportunities are provided in the use of these materials and how to integrate them into curriculum.
• We leverage our partnership with NASA through the AREN project(External Website, opens in new window) to support student design and engineering projects.
• Math Recovery training and support, and the development of a curriculum framework that supports math instruction across the county.
• Mathematics leadership network is building momentum for math improvement across the county.
• Specialized projects including Biology Pilot, NGSX Science Professional Learning, and K-8 Engineering Professional Learning.

The state of Michigan has adopted new Science and Mathematics Academic Standards. These new standards require a major shift in teacher practice. Michigan teachers need support understanding these new standards, changing their own professional practice, and creating/utilizing aligned resources.

Pillar 3: Integrating Business and Education

To provide authentic STEM experiences for students and teachers

What we’ve done

• Connected students with businesses through STEM Career Days, using resources from MiCareerQuest Southeast(External Website, opens in new window) and MFG Day(External Website, opens in new window).
• The Geospatial Technologies Talent Consortium received nearly $1 Million through the Marshall Plan for Talent Grant to support dual enrollment, ESRI certifications, FAA Drone certifications, and paid internships.

If you are a business interested in connecting with the Wayne Regional MiSTEM network, contact Greg Johnson (johnsog@resa.net). Connecting educational systems, students, and employers is vital to the local STEM economy.

Pillar 4: Ensuring High-Quality STEM Experiences

To promote the region’s STEM workforce

What we’ve done

• Created a Ready to Launch Career Counselor Initiative(External Website, opens in new window).
• Connected dedicated Career Counselors with high school students to explore STEM career pathways, including apprenticeships.
• Supported the teaching of computer science K-12.
• Carnegie STEM Pathway: 6 Wayne County schools received continuous improvement training and funding to support STEM efforts.
• STEM Maker Summit at the Henry Ford Museum, engaging teachers in the creative process of design and fabrication.