Equity Builds Expertise

9 strategies to create equitable and inclusive STEM Instruction for All Students

Attention, STEM educators! Are you ready to transform your teaching and create an expertise-building environment for every student in your classroom? "Equity Builds Expertise: 9 Strategies for STEM Teachers to Reach All Students" is your essential guide to doing just that!

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Inside, you’ll find nine straightforward strategies designed to help you foster a culture which supports the learning of rigorous STEM concept for all your students.  Shana provides practical tools that empower you to reach every learner, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. With her warm, approachable style, she demystifies complex concepts and offers actionable steps to shift your mindset and enhance your teaching practices. 

Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your journey, "Equity Builds Expertise™" equips you with the insights and skills needed to engage all students effectively. Join Shana on this inspiring journey, and discover how to create an equitable, supportive, and stimulating learning environment where every student can thrive in STEM. Embrace the opportunity to be a catalyst for change—your students deserve it!

Table of Contents:

• Chapter 1: Seeing is Believing
• Chapter 2: Gatekeeping
• Chapter 3: The Average of Infinity
• Chapter 4: Know-taking in STEM
• Chapter 5: Wired with Words
• Chapter 6: Be C.E.R.tain of your Answers Around Data
• Chapter 7: More Access for More Students
• Chapter 8: All Are Not Created Equally
• Chapter 9: Make STEM Possible: Motivate! Motivate! Motivate!

Equitable Grading in STEM: a 30-Day Transformational Planner for Educators

Revolutionize Your Grading: A 30-Day Planner for Equitable Practices in STEM Education

Through this transformative planner you will:

• Transform your approach to grading by reflecting on current practices, empowering you to design assessments that truly reflect student understanding and growth.
• Shift your grading mindset to prioritize student knowledge and progress, ensuring that each student’s unique journey is recognize d and valued.
• Create a classroom culture where every student feels seen and supported, thanks to equitable grading practices that speak to their individual needs.
• Engage in daily reflection, and be equipped to make gradual, impactful improvements in your grading approach that align with your teaching philosophy.
• Learn to trust your judgment and create a grading system that accurately captures student learning, reducing reliance on traditional metrics that may not serve everyone fairly.

Reassess Your Grading: Empower Every Learner Today!

Before and After Scenario:

In Mr. Smith’s middle school math class, he often noticed students staring blankly at their desks during lessons. Many struggled to participate, fearing their grades reflected primarily on single assessments rather than their overall understanding. Despite his efforts, students seemed disengaged, and he felt frustrated as he couldn’t connect with some who were actively trying to learn. Mr. Smith often relied on traditional grading metrics and struggled to see the potential in each student’s unique journey, leading to a lack of growth mindset in his classroom.

After implementing equitable grading practices and daily reflections from the transformative planner, Mr. Smith experienced a remarkable shift in his classroom. He began focusing on students’ growth and mastery of the material rather than just their test scores. By using varied assessment methods and encouraging open discussions, he created a safe environment for students to share their thoughts and ask questions without the fear of getting a low grade. 

Students became more engaged, actively participating in lessons, and collaborating with peers. They took ownership of their learning journeys, inspired by the new feedback methods that highlighted their progress. Mr. Smith learned to adjust his grading practices continuously and address individual needs, leading to an environment where every student felt empowered to achieve true expertise in STEM and grow in their understanding of the content.

The classroom atmosphere transformed into one of support and encouragement, where students celebrated each other’s successes, fostering a strong growth mindset that fueled their passion for learning STEM subjects. Mr. Smith felt a renewed sense of purpose as he witnessed firsthand the positive impact of equitable grading on his students’ engagement and growth.

Time is of the essence! Transform your grading practices to genuinely reflect student learning. Grab your copy of the Equitable Grading in STEM planner today—help your students shine! 

About the Author:

Shana Pyatt-Buckner is a passionate educator with over 30 years of experience as a middle and high school English and Science teacher, school leader, graduate professor, and Senior DEI Director. This book brings together her rich expertise with the latest research in adolescent learning, neuroscience, memory retention, and culturally responsive teaching.