PBL + STEM/STEAM
Learning in Massachusetts

Learning Objectives

Initiatives to Improve Learner Outcomes in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has adopted various programs and initiatives to improve learner outcomes and support career and college readiness. The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks prioritize STEM, STEAM, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) across all grade levels, ensuring students develop the necessary skills for the future.

Additionally, the state promotes high-quality project-based learning (PBL) through the PBLWorks School Leader Network, integrating real-world applications into STEM and STEAM education.

The Innovation Career Pathways program is a significant CTE initiative that connects students with coursework and real-world experience in high-demand industries. This program emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and capstone projects to prepare students for future careers.

These initiatives provide a robust foundation for fostering academic and practical skills essential for student success.

Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks: Prioritize STEM, STEAM, and CTE education across all grade levels | Learn More
Innovation Career Pathways Program: Connects students with real-world experience in high-demand industries | Learn More
PBLWorks School Leader Network: State-level initiative supporting high-quality PBL | Learn More

See SmartLab in Action!

STEM, STEAM, PBL and CTE in Massachusetts

Enhancing Student Engagement and Achievement through Applied Learning

SmartLab aligns seamlessly with Massachusetts’s educational goals, offering hands-on, minds-on instruction that contextualizes STEM, STEAM, and CTE concepts for students of all abilities. By integrating project-based learning (PBL) through state initiatives like the PBLWorks School Leader Network, students connect academic concepts to real-world applications.

SmartLab programs support the goals of the Innovation Pathways program by providing practical learning experiences, industry-relevant tools, and career exploration opportunities. This approach not only supports academic achievement but also develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, preparing students for future careers.

Hands-on Instruction: Engaging students in practical STEM, STEAM, and CTE activities | Learn More
Real-World Applications: Connecting classroom learning to real-world scenarios through PBL | Learn More
Skill Development: Fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration | Learn More
Career Connections: Helping students explore and prepare for future career paths using professional-grade tools and software | Learn More

Why SmartLab?

SMARTLAB STANDARDS ALIGNMENT

Alignment with Massachusetts Adopted Standards

SmartLab programs are designed to ensure alignment with the most prominent national STEM standards as well as those adopted by Massachusetts.

SmartLab’s supplemental curriculum is in 70% or greater alignment with these standards:

Science, Technology, and Engineering Standards:
The Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Standards are based on the NGSS but have been adapted to include additional Massachusetts-specific content and structure. This ensures that students receive a comprehensive and contextually relevant science education. | Learn More

Mathematics Standards: The Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework is based on the Common Core State Standards, emphasizing rigor, conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and practical application. | Learn More

ISTE Standards: Additionally, SmartLab’s supplemental curriculum aligns with the ISTE Standards, ensuring students gain essential technology skills.

SmartLab Standards Alignment

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Discover Your Funding Options

The Creative Learning Systems team has helped public, private, rural, urban, large, and small schools secure funding. Your regional sales manager can:

Clarify the alignment between SmartLab objectives and allowable use of Title I, II, and IV funds
Help you navigate the ESSER, ESSA, and EANS allocation process
Help you identify a wide variety of technology-friendly grant programs that best match your school or district’s needs and resources
Prepare a free, customized report of funding partners to pursue
Provide you with a free grant proposal template and editing services