📝 Teacher Self-Evaluation for C-STEM Excellence¶
This self-evaluation tool helps teachers assess their C-STEM instruction alignment with the NCEA's characteristics of effective STREAM schools and the 12 success factors for Catholic STEM programs.
📋 Overview¶
Purpose: Self-assessment tool for teachers to evaluate and improve their C-STEM instruction
Frequency: Complete at the beginning and end of each semester, or after each unit
Scoring: Honestly rate your current practice to identify areas for growth
🎯 Part 1: NCEA's 10 Characteristics of STREAM Schools¶
Rate your alignment with each characteristic:
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4 = Consistently exemplify this characteristic
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3 = Usually demonstrate this characteristic
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2 = Sometimes demonstrate this characteristic
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1 = Rarely or never demonstrate this characteristic
Characteristic 1: Catholic Identity Integration¶
"Integrate Catholic identity into every aspect of the curriculum"
| Indicator | Self-Rating (1-4) |
|---|---|
| Faith is woven throughout lessons, not just in opening/closing prayer | |
| Students see faith and science as complementary | |
| Catholic teaching is meaningfully connected to STEM content | |
| Scripture is used appropriately in STEM lessons | |
| Catholic scientists/heritage are highlighted | |
| Average Score: | /4 |
Reflection: How well do I integrate Catholic identity into my STEM teaching?
Action Step for Improvement:
Characteristic 2: Culture of Innovation with Ethics¶
"Promote a culture of innovation with commitment to ethical behavior"
| Indicator | Self-Rating (1-4) |
|---|---|
| Students are encouraged to innovate and create | |
| Ethical implications of technology are discussed | |
| Students consider impact of innovations on others | |
| Catholic Social Teaching informs technology discussions | |
| Responsible technology use is modeled and taught | |
| Average Score: | /4 |
Reflection: Do my students innovate while considering ethics?
Action Step for Improvement:
Characteristic 3: Inclusiveness and Growth Mindset¶
"Foster inclusiveness—operate on the premise that math and science competencies can be developed in all students"
| Indicator | Self-Rating (1-4) |
|---|---|
| All students are challenged appropriately | |
| Growth mindset language is used ("not yet") | |
| Diverse learners are accommodated | |
| Students believe they can succeed in STEM | |
| Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities | |
| Average Score: | /4 |
Reflection: Do all my students believe they can succeed in STEM?
Action Step for Improvement:
Characteristic 4: Problem Solving and Collaboration¶
"Encourage problem solving, group collaboration, and independent research"
| Indicator | Self-Rating (1-4) |
|---|---|
| Students regularly engage in problem-solving | |
| Collaboration is structured and purposeful | |
| Students have opportunities for independent inquiry | |
| Design thinking/engineering process is taught | |
| Students work together as "Body of Christ" | |
| Average Score: | /4 |
Reflection: Do my students collaborate effectively on challenging problems?
Action Step for Improvement:
Characteristic 5: Increasing Participation of Underrepresented Groups¶
"Seek to increase participation of underrepresented groups"
| Indicator | Self-Rating (1-4) |
|---|---|
| All students have equal access to STEM activities | |
| Diverse role models are highlighted | |
| Barriers to participation are identified and addressed | |
| Girls and underrepresented groups are encouraged | |
| STEM is presented as accessible to all | |
| Average Score: | /4 |
Reflection: Do all students feel they belong in STEM?
Action Step for Improvement:
Characteristic 6: Multiple Definitions of Success¶
"Define success in many ways across different learning environments"
| Indicator | Self-Rating (1-4) |
|---|---|
| Multiple forms of assessment are used | |
| Process is valued alongside product | |
| Different talents are celebrated | |
| Success includes faith growth and service | |
| Students set individual goals | |
| Average Score: | /4 |
Reflection: Do I celebrate diverse forms of success?
Action Step for Improvement:
Characteristic 7: Strategic Planning for Curriculum¶
"Use strategic planning as a blueprint for curriculum development"
| Indicator | Self-Rating (1-4) |
|---|---|
| Lessons follow a coherent curriculum plan | |
| Learning objectives are clear and measurable | |
| Lessons build on each other progressively | |
| Faith integration is intentionally planned | |
| Assessment aligns with objectives | |
| Average Score: | /4 |
Reflection: Is my curriculum planning intentional and strategic?
Action Step for Improvement:
Characteristic 8: Educator Training and 21st Century Skills¶
"Prioritize educator training, leadership, and 21st-century skill applications"
| Indicator | Self-Rating (1-4) |
|---|---|
| I pursue ongoing professional development | |
| I apply new learning to my teaching | |
| 21st century skills are explicitly taught | |
| I model lifelong learning for students | |
| I seek feedback and continuously improve | |
| Average Score: | /4 |
Reflection: Am I growing as a C-STEM educator?
Action Step for Improvement:
Characteristic 9: Community and Industry Partnerships¶
"Leverage community and industry partnerships"
| Indicator | Self-Rating (1-4) |
|---|---|
| I connect with parish/community resources | |
| Guest speakers or experts are invited | |
| Real-world connections are made in lessons | |
| Students engage with community through projects | |
| Partnerships enhance student learning | |
| Average Score: | /4 |
Reflection: How well do I connect students to the broader community?
Action Step for Improvement:
Characteristic 10: Wonder and Faith-Based Approach¶
"Approach STEM through the lens of faith and wonder"
| Indicator | Self-Rating (1-4) |
|---|---|
| Wonder questions spark curiosity | |
| Students experience awe at God's creation | |
| Faith enhances scientific inquiry | |
| Joy in learning is evident | |
| Students see STEM as exploring God's world | |
| Average Score: | /4 |
Reflection: Do my students experience wonder in STEM learning?
Action Step for Improvement:
📊 Part 2: The 12 Success Factors Self-Check¶
Rate your implementation of each success factor:
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4 = Fully implemented and consistent
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3 = Mostly implemented
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2 = Partially implemented
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1 = Not yet implemented
| Success Factor | Rating (1-4) | Evidence/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Faith-Reason Integration - Faith and science as complementary | ||
| 2. NCEA Characteristics - Alignment with 10 characteristics (above) | ||
| 3. Hands-On, Project-Based Learning - Students actively engaged | ||
| 4. Service-Oriented STEM - Connection to Catholic Social Teaching | ||
| 5. Cross-Curricular Integration - Connections across subjects | ||
| 6. Balance with Traditional Subjects - Whole-child approach | ||
| 7. Start Early - High-quality STEM from early grades | ||
| 8. Professional Development - Ongoing teacher learning | ||
| 9. 21st Century Skills - Explicit skill development | ||
| 10. Catholic Heritage in Science - Highlighting Catholic scientists | ||
| 11. Community Partnerships - External connections | ||
| 12. Wonder and Curiosity - Foundation of learning | ||
| TOTAL SCORE | /48 |
Score Interpretation¶
| Score Range | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 40-48 | Exemplary | You are modeling C-STEM excellence |
| 32-39 | Proficient | Strong implementation with room to grow |
| 24-31 | Developing | Good foundation; focus on improvement areas |
| Below 24 | Beginning | Significant opportunity for growth |
🎯 Part 3: Lesson-Level Self-Assessment¶
Use this quick checklist before or after teaching a C-STEM lesson:
Pre-Lesson Check¶
Before teaching, have I:
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Planned meaningful faith integration (not just prayer)?
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Prepared hands-on/inquiry-based activities?
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Included a "wonder" question to spark curiosity?
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Planned for collaboration and communication?
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Connected learning to serving others?
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Differentiated for all learners?
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Identified Catholic heritage connection (if applicable)?
Post-Lesson Reflection¶
After teaching, I observed:
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Students expressed wonder or curiosity
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Faith and science connection was clear to students
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Students collaborated effectively
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All students were engaged and included
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Service orientation was understood
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Students could articulate learning and faith connection
Quick Rating¶
| Aspect | Rating (1-4) |
|---|---|
| Faith Integration | |
| Student Engagement | |
| Hands-On Learning | |
| Collaboration | |
| Overall Effectiveness |
📈 Part 4: Growth Planning¶
My C-STEM Strengths¶
My Growth Areas (choose 2-3 to focus on)¶
SMART Goals for Improvement¶
Goal 1:
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Specific:
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Measurable:
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Achievable:
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Relevant:
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Time-bound:
Goal 2:
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Specific:
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Measurable:
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Achievable:
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Relevant:
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Time-bound:
Resources I Need¶
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Professional development on:
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Materials/equipment:
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Collaboration with:
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Time for:
Support I Will Seek¶
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Colleague:
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Administrator:
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Resource:
📋 Part 5: Student Feedback Collection¶
Consider gathering student feedback on these questions:
Elementary Students (K-3)¶
- Do you like learning about science and technology? 😊 😐 ☹️
- Do you know that God made everything we study? Yes / Sometimes / No
- Do you work well with your friends on projects? Yes / Sometimes / No
Upper Elementary (4-6)¶
- How much do you enjoy C-STEM class? (1-5)
- Do you understand how faith and science work together? (1-5)
- Do you feel like your ideas matter in class? (1-5)
- Have you learned how STEM can help others? (1-5)
Open-Ended¶
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What do you like most about C-STEM?
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What would make C-STEM even better?
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How has C-STEM helped you grow in faith?
🙏 Educator's Prayer for C-STEM Teaching¶
Lord, help me to be a faithful teacher of Your truth. May I integrate faith and reason seamlessly, Showing my students the harmony of Your creation.
Give me patience to nurture every learner, Creativity to engage curious minds, And wisdom to connect learning to service.
Help me cultivate wonder in my classroom, That students may see Your glory in all we study. May I never tire of learning and growing So that I may better serve Your children.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
📅 Evaluation Schedule¶
| When | What to Complete |
|---|---|
| Beginning of Year | Full Parts 1-4 |
| After Each Unit | Part 3 (Lesson-Level) |
| Mid-Year | Parts 1-2, Update Goals |
| End of Year | Full evaluation, Plan for next year |
Date of This Evaluation: _________________
Next Evaluation Date: _________________
Signature: _________________________
Evaluation Version: 2.0
Framework: C-STREAM
Based on: NCEA STREAM Characteristics & Catholic STEM Success Factors