Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in California: A Panel Discussion Featuring Assemblymember Susan Bonilla

The Lamorinda
Democratic Club's next meeting on Friday, October 11, will feature a
conversation about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education
in California with Assemblymember Susan Bonilla and Craig Cheslog, Principal Advisor
to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

 Bonilla represents the
14th Assembly District and is the Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on
Increasing the Integration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in
Education in California K-14 Schools. Her legislative priorities include
improving our educational system, fostering economic development and job
creation, improving access to health care, and rebuilding California's
transportation system.

 Cheslog currently
serves as the Principal Advisor to California State Superintendent of Public
Instruction Tom Torlakson at the California Department of Education. His
responsibilities in this role include serving as personal strategist, advisor
to, and spokesperson for Superintendent Torlakson; serving as the
Superintendent's liaison to other major external individuals and organizations;
coordinating major education initiatives; and managing the Superintendent's
Initiatives Office. He also is the Past President of the Lamorinda Democratic
Club.

 Bonilla and State
Superintendent Torlakson convened a STEM Task Force to explore the status of
STEM education in curriculum, instructional practices, professional learning
for teachers, student testing, existing resources and infrastructure, and
community and business partnerships. The STEM Task Force members assessed the
state's future needs, as well as recommended a blueprint on how to improve
teaching, learning, and equal access to STEM-related courses and careers for
students in kindergarten through grade twelve. That Blueprint will be released
in the coming weeks.

 The STEM Task Force
identified and developed guidelines for effective STEM instructional practices
and strategies during and outside of school time, including career-technical
education and informal education opportunities. The guidelines addressed all
student groups, including traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM areas.

 Bonilla and Cheslog will
discuss the report produced by the task force and consider how implementation
of this report will improve the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
education and knowledge in California.