PEAR’s STEM Work
The PEAR Institute (Program in Education, Afterschool and Resiliency) has created a comprehensive suite of tools that provides information on the quality of students’ science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning experiences and provides a common language around STEM outcomes so students can learn in school and after school settings. The two tools in this suite are:
The Common Instrument Suite – self-report surveys that measures a variety of STEM-related attitudes, including STEM interest, STEM career knowledge, and STEM identity
Dimensions of Success – observation tool with twelve indicators of STEM program quality in out-of-school time (e.g., afterschool, summer camps, etc.). The tool allows researchers, practitioners, funders, and other stakeholders to track the quality of STEM learning opportunities and to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses
The PEAR STEM instruments have been used in many evaluations of STEM program quality in afterschool settings. Access to the instruments are not publicly available, but A Guide to PEAR’s STEM Tools: Dimensions of Success & The Common Instrument Suite is available and provides more detailed information on the dimensions measured in the surveys, as well as best practices in administering and using the instruments.
Note: This tool or measure included in the CSAI library was chosen based on its wide use, and its selection is not intended to convey any endorsement. Please use your own professional judgment in selecting, using, or purchasing this product.