Research and Policy Implications of STEAM Education for Young Students. Policy Brief

Overview & Synopsis

In collaboration with the Arts Education Partnership, Education Commission of the States is turning its attention to STEAM education (adding the "A" for arts), which can promote a more comprehensive approach and provide state policymakers with more policy levers. Several states have already begun implementing STEAM education and are making progress. Yet more can be done to capitalize on the early years to build strong foundational skills. To explore the positive impacts of STEAM education for young learners in pre-K through fifth grade, this Policy Brief highlights four trends from arts integration and STEAM research over the past 20 years. It includes examples, along with implications for each trend, and closes with considerations for state policymakers.