DISCUSSION
As indicated earlier, STEM is typically used as an acronym for four separate discipline areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The current high school curriculum in Texas aligns well with this approach. Students preparing for college complete four years of
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mathematics and science; however, these students have not typically had access to courses or experiences in technology and engineering. The typical student enrolls in biology, physics, chemistry, and an advanced science. In mathematics, the pathway is commonly Algebra I, geometry, Algebra II, and pre-calculus. Most students in the college pathway do not enroll in any technology or engineering courses. The state of Texas has revised its standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, to include engineering and to make technology courses available to non-tech prep students. However, simply making courses in engineering available will not guarantee that students will enroll in them considering many students enroll in Advanced Placement and other elective science classes.