2. Methods
A needs assessment based on the decision-oriented
approach was conducted in the spring and fall semesters of
2013 to collect data to support decision making in preparing
highly qualified STEM teachers for high-need school
districts in South Texas. It was expected that appropriate
decision alternatives would be identified through analyzing
the data, which would assist in program planning.
Two sets of needs assessment survey questionnaires were
developed: Teacher Survey and Student Survey. A website,
Future STEM Teachers in South Texas (http://southtexasstemteachers.
org/survey.php), was built to introduce the
initiatives and to collect data for the needs assessment.
The Student Survey was conducted in the spring and
fall semesters of 2013. The survey questionnaire was distributed
to any freshman or sophomore students in STEM
courses who wished to participate in the survey whether
or not they had an interest in becoming a STEM teacher