The Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (FCR-STEM) is a multi-disciplinary research center created by the Florida Legislature in 2007. Our mission is to help the State of Florida improve teaching and learning in K-12 science, technology, engineering and math and prepare students for higher education and STEM careers in the 21st century. Located at the Florida State University, FCR-STEM is jointly administered by the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Education and the Learning Systems Institute.
Through impacts on classroom practice, FCR-STEM strives to:
- Improve student achievement in STEM fields
- Narrow student achievement gaps in STEM fields
- Increase student pursuit of STEM fields
We accomplish these goals primarily through rigorous research, professional development and technical assistance. As part of this three-prong mission, FCR-STEM:
- Conducts research using rigorous methods on how math and science learning can be improved
- Provides professional development for principals and teachers to use the results of new research
- Creates award-winning online teaching tools, networks and portals that are easy to use and save schools time and money
- Builds a powerful state-wide standards and information system that includes a course-code directory
- Prepares the next generation of science and math teachers
- Develops a formative assessment system for early elementary mathematics
- Designs a plan to increase participation and achievement of females and minorities in STEM
- Coordinates development of a collaborative, business-driven plan to improve STEM performance for all Floridians