K–12 STEM educators are expected to inform STEM
learning and encourage pursuit of future STEM education
and careers. However, Newman et al. (2011) identified that
less than 9 % of undergraduate university students with
disabilities reported majors in engineering and only 6 %
reported majors in either science or computer-related
areas. Resultant of global discovery and development, the
effectiveness of STEM education is important for national
wealth and welfare in the future (President’s Council of
Advisors on Science and Technology (US) 2010). STEM
education helps prepare citizens to make informed decisions
and adapt to life and work in an increasingly technological
world. However, students with disabilities and LEP
often have systemic barriers to engagement (Newman et
al. 2011) and are consequently less likely to pursue STEM
majors or careers. Although there is a growing job market
in STEM-related areas, for undetermined reasons, these
groups of students are less likely to participate. Posteducational
career prospects for these students can be
enhanced through accessible and meaningful STEM education
opportunities. Student STEM educational experiences
in secondary education influence pursuit of STEM-related
careers (Yu et al. 2012). Equitable access to these experiences
would prospectively encourage these traditionally
underrepresented students (students with disabilities and
students with LEP) to choose STEM majors and, subsequently,
future careers.
It is imperative that students with LEP receive quality
STEM educational experiences where practitioners are not
only equipped to address specific educational needs but
position themselves within an advocacy role (Zehr 2010).
Similarly, STEM practitioners are expected to individualize
and differentiate instruction to build meaningful learning
experiences for students with disabilities (Sotomayer
2013). Genuine understanding and informed advocacy are
also central features in ensuring access for learners while
enhancing preparations to maximize learner outcome
(Goeke and Ciotoli 2014). Capacity building opportunities
for teachers traditionally come in the form of professional
development offerings. Professional development opportunities
may not provide prescribed context for curricula
but help teachers transfer knowledge into instructional
practice (McCutchen et al. 2002). “Enhancing the quality
… of K–12 STEM education is inextricably linked to the
continued professional development of K–12 teachers”
(Nadelson et al. 2012, p. 69). Podhajski et al. (2009) indicate
that effective professional development has a
positive influence on students’ scientific-associated abilities.
Nimisha et al. (2012) found that professional development
engaging teachers with useful pedagogy in
mathematics solidified teacher’s familiarity with such
strategies. Further, quality professional development
improves teacher skills of identifying and addressing
student misconceptions, as well as improving teacher
pedagogical content knowledge