STEM for Everyone: A Mixed Methods Approach to the Conception and Implementation of an Evaluation Process for STEM Education Programs for Students With Disabilities

Some students with autism spectrum disorder and other learning differences may have superior visual acuity, increased attentional focus, logical thinking abilities, lending to an affinity for science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) fields. At the same time, economists report that, United States will experience a 28.2% increase in STEM-related jobs between 2014 2024. Although disabilities (SWD) can help fill those positions, 85% of SWD graduates are either underemployed or unemployed as they enter young adulthood. Thus, there is need develop, evaluate, outcomes STEM preparation programs specifically tailored SWD. This mixed-methods study was designed develop evaluation procedure measure school’s program analyze first two years data shape process. A comprehensive model education children developed tested. Implications practice future research discussed.