SARSEF Endorsed School
The SARSEF Endorsed school program is a rigorous set of standards that aim to ensure quality and robust STEM education opportunities exist in Arizona PreK-12 learning communities that will serve to increase equity, accessibility, and diversity throughout STEM culture and opportunities.
SARSEF Endorsed Schools are recognized and celebrated for reaching high-quality STEM education standards
Reaching the standards for endorsement is an outstanding accomplishment, and it means that your school has worked hard to establish exceptional STEM education practices. Not only do your students benefit from a high-quality STEM education, your school receives recognition and proof of its dedication and success.
- Establish a sustainable STEM culture by embedding a science and engineering mindset throughout the school’s culture, enhancing overall academic performance and potentially improving school grade ratings.
- Enhance equity and diversity by providing equitable STEM experiences for every student, fostering inclusivity and representation, which can attract families seeking strong (STEM) education for their children.
- Expand students’ critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through real-world, hands-on STEM practices and research, contributing to higher student engagement and attendance.
- Engage students in meaningful science communication, connecting them with the wider scientific community through events like science fairs and STEM programs, connecting students with diverse possible futures.
- Cultivate a schoolwide dedication to innovation by actively utilizing available resources to enrich STEM opportunities and promote a problem-solving mindset.
How it works
All PreK–12 schools in Arizona are eligible to apply at no cost. Endorsements last for 3 years.
Evaluate and progress
- Complete our self-evaluation checklist
- Determine steps to improve
- Iteratively implement progress plans
Apply for endorsement
- Review our application requirements
- Prepare materials to include in your application
- Submit an application by the current school year’s deadline
Benefit from your endorsement
- Receive proof of endorsement to showcase your school’s dedication
- Receive public recognition in SARSEF events and materials
- Maintain endorsement by reapplying within 3 years
Your journey towards endorsement
Assemble a committee
A school’s endorsement committee should include at minimum…
- one administrator,
- one educator,
- one caregiver,
- and one student.
One of these individuals will act as the applicant. However, input will be required by all members of the committee. The student and caregiver will provide input by means of a letter of recommendation.
Complete a self-evaluation
This checklist should serve as a self-evaluation for your school. Please have those on your Endorsement Application Committee review this and determine your school’s score. If your score is higher than 45, you are encouraged to begin the application process.
Implement a progress plan
Identify areas where your school already excels and areas for improvement. Encourage your staff to participate in professional development workshops that strengthen inquiry-driven teaching practices. As your school’s STEM education practices grow, re-evaluate your standing in regular intervals with the self-evaluation checklist.
We can help
Prepare to submit your application
Once you are confident that your school meets a rating of at least 15 in each section (Innovation, Equity, and Engagement), you are encouraged to begin preparing your application.
Schools must complete an online application that includes:
- Evidence of inquiry-based instruction being embedded in the curriculum.
- Description of current STEM initiatives or research projects conducted by students.
- A plan to sustain and grow a culture of science inquiry over the next three years.
It is strongly recommended that you look carefully at the online application before you begin preparing your materials.
You should have all evidence documents prepared and ready to upload before you begin filling out your application. Examples of evidence are listed under each section on the self-evaluation. One to three pieces of evidence should be uploaded for each section, making 6 pieces of evidence required for application. Letters of recommendation from one student and one caregiver (committee members) are also required. Permitted file types include images (jpg, jpeg, png), documents (doc, docx, pdf), spreadsheets (xlsx, csv), slides (ppt, pptx), and others. Audio and video files are not accepted.