What are the Pullout and Push-in STEM Program Models?

 Pullout

Sites new to STEM education may decide on the pullout program. In this model, students are pulled out of other programming to receive instruction in STEM. It is said to be one of the least intrusive models. Since the STEM specialist provides instruction for an entire school, regular programming is not disrupted. The STEM program is usually taught in a lab setting, with easy access to supplies and materials. In elementary schools, this may look like a special class, in a rotation with music, art, physical education, and media. In a high school setting, students might select STEM courses as electives to the core curriculum.

The benefits of choosing the pullout model include minimal start-up costs and staff development due to the structure of the model. The main objections to this model are limited opportunities to study topics in-depth and the inability to integrate STEM across disciplines. Even so, schools with few resources, wanting to offer STEM programming, may choose the pullout model.

Push-in

The push-in STEM model is similar in many ways to the pullout program. The main difference is that the STEM specialist comes into the classroom to team-teach with the regular education teacher. The benefits of this structure include minor changes to existing schedules and minimal start-up costs. The classroom teacher does not need to be a STEM expert. This is seen as another advantage of the push-in model.

A push-in program might be seen in an elementary setting when the STEM specialist and classroom teacher team-teach lessons or a particular unit. This most likely would occur on a rotation with other grades. In middle schools and high schools, the STEM specialist might be a member of a teaching team. The responsibilities of the specialist could include coordinating and supporting STEM instruction throughout the year.

Due to the collaborative nature of the push-in model, team-teaching professional development is highly recommended. A disadvantage of this model is the inadequate time allocated to STEM instruction.

Discuss here: What are some STEM strategies that can be implemented in any classroom?

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