"The Global STEM Alliance (GSA) STEM Education Framework aims to identify best practices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. It reflects current education research and draws on innovative and effective practices employed around the world. 

The framework details 26 features of quality STEM education in 3 essential areas: 

• Core Competencies: To what extent are students provided with opportunities to develop 21st-century skills needed to thrive in the modern workplace? 

• Instructional Design: To what extent do the materials and/or program design reflect research-based pedagogy and a cohesive system of learning objectives, supports, and assessment resources? 

• Implementation: To what extent are necessary supports or services available to facilitate distribution and ensure effective implementation? 

This framework is intended to be used by anyone engaged in STEM education—curriculum developers, content providers, teachers, students, parents, school leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists—to help guide the development and evaluation of high-quality instructional programs and materials. It was developed by the New York Academy of Sciences in collaboration with SRI International and an advisory board of STEM education experts. For details about the development process and research supporting the framework, see STEM Education Framework Research Foundations." 

-Introduction, STEM Education Framework, The New York Academy of Science-