Proposed Engineering Course;  8 VAC-543

It is my belief and experience that this proposed course, seperate from the courses already being offered to students in the commonwealth would be a mistake. Current research dictates that integrated Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathamatics, STEM education, is the best approach to preparing students along career paths in the Engineering and Technical fields. A "Silo" approach would be a step backwards. Career & Technical Education classes (CTE), Technology and Engineering education courses included, under the direction of the Virginia Department of Education have and are preparing the commonwealth's students to be College and Career ready. Technology education classes in the commonwealth have been national leaders in incorporating engineering courses and content since 1988 and this was further solidified in 2011 with Senate resolution 308 directing the shared responsibility for engineering content across Science, Technology & Mathamatics classes. Integration of and among these content areas is essential to establishing a strong future workforce. Further, the Engineering Design Process has been and will continue to be  a foundational skill taught and implemented in a "Hands On" learning environment within Technology and Engineering classrooms.

Again, I believe this added course is redundant and uneccessary. Creating a "Silo" course when research indicates "Best Practice" is an integrated approach, would be a huge step backwards for the commonwealth and the students it serves.

Sincerely,

Andy Stephenson

Past President, ITEEA