Overview of Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (Other)

In 2020, the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) published Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy: The Role of Technology and Engineering in STEM Education (STEL) [1]. These standards open with a clear rationale why all Pk-12 students should study technology and engineering: Technology and engineering are pervasive in all aspects of our lives. Every human activity is dependent upon the products, systems, and processes created to help grow food, provide shelter, communicate, work, and recreate. As the world grows more complex, it is increasingly important for everyone to understand more about technology and engineering [1, p. 1]. The goal of STEL is not to turn Pk-12 students into technologists or engineers—although many students may end up pursuing these career paths—rather STEL was created to broaden all student’s technological and engineering literacy so they can make informed decisions about the technologies they encounter in the world around them, and better contribute to their design, development, and use. This paper will provide a brief history of Pk-12 technology and engineering standards in the United States, an overview of STEL [1], and recommendations for STEL implementation.