STEMspired is Cedar Hill ISD’s mindset of systemwide STEM implementation. It derives from the district’s motto of Educate. Empower. Inspire, and means science, technology, engineering and math education that arises from an external creative impulse. 

In February 2021, Educate Texas and the Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation awarded Cedar Hill ISD with a multi-year, multi-million dollar grant to make STEM education available to every scholar. STEMspired is CHISD's system-wide plan.

Redesign Learning

• Engage scholars in learning experiences that build the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing, technologically rich, and global economy. 

Develop Talent

• Ensure that teachers and leaders are equipped to provide evidence-based, engaging instructional strategies that increase STEM literacy. 

Build Partnerships

• Increase equity and access to high-quality STEM education both inside and outside of the classroom environment. 

Learn and Adapt

• Monitor and evaluate CHISD district-wide STEM education and adjust when necessary by following our board approved continuous improvement model.

Redesigning Learning

• STEM experiences are embedded in content and aligned to TEKS
  • STEM experiences are taught through Project-based learning (PBL) and design-based challenges 

    STEM clubs offered at every elementary and middle school
• Implementation of AVID at all levels
• Opening of Dr. Peggy M. Wilson STEM Center
• SELebrate STEM Events
• STEM Summer Camps
• STEMspired Saturdays

Build Partnerships

• Leverage business and industry for mentors, project-consultants, internship hosts, etc.
• Addition of Communities in Schools on CHISD campuses
• Participation in Texas A&M Hunger Summit

Develop Talent

• Form an MOU with at least one local college
• Micro-credentials is to improve teacher instruction and scholar learning
• Principal Leadership Coaching
• National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) Training for Central Office Administrators
• Defined Learning PBL Training for teachers & principals
• Project-based learning training for Career & Technical Education Teachers

Learn and Adapt

• STEMspired Dashboard
• Semi-annual reports to Educate Texas
• Development of STEMspired Think Tank

A STEMspired Community

The benefits of STEM education will be felt not only in the classroom but in the greater Cedar Hill community. Within the STEMspired initiative, there are opportunities for businesses, civic organizations and higher education institutions to join the movement.

Higher Education Partners: Design and implement practicums for teacher candidates with opportunities to learn from exceptional STEM educators.

Business Community: Partner with CHISD campuses to provide scholar (paid and non-paid) and teacher internships, job shadows, and tours within STEM and CTE companies.

Civic & Religious Organizations: Enhance community engagement, increase awareness and establish systems for continued and expanded school support of STEM. 

Parents & Families: Participate in setting the career goals for scholars by instilling the importance of career exploration.