Agenda Item
a. STEM/STEAM Education Framework (Not to exceed $2,980,000) ~ Updated 5.12.2025
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Doryiane Gunter, Director of CTAE, Division of Curriculum & Instruction,
Ms. Janetta Greenwood, Director of Fernbank Science Center, Division of Curriculum & Instruction,
Ms. Andrea Wright, STEM Coordinator, Division of Curriculum & Instruction
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the contract for the Implementation of the CISTEMIC district wide STEAM Education Framework at a cost not to exceed $2,980,000.
Why: This request is to establish a Comprehensive STEAM Education System (CTEMES) framework using the Collective Input STEM Integrated Community (CISTEMIC) blueprint to equip students with 21st century-skills and workforce readiness to thrive in a global economy shaped by AI, robotics, and automation. By integrating STEM literacy across the entire district and the community, the DeKalb County School District will be launching a “first of its kind” in the country. This initiative positions DeKalb to leverage existing partnerships and foster new ones to emphasize the urgency of STEM literacy as the third core literacy- on par with reading and mathematics.
The DeKalb County School District will be designated as a “STEAM District”.
Details: This recommendation is for a one-year contract with 21stCenturyEd for the implementation of the STEM Literacy Framework across the DeKalb County School District. The implementation consists of curriculum development, professional learning for teachers and leaders, student access to STEM resources, and pdgogy AI which allows for customization and personalization of both student learning and student engagement from the individual student level to the community level.
Financial impact: Costs associated with implementation of the multi-faceted CISTEMIC strategy will be covered using the balance of the Superintendent’s Contingency.
GL Code: 100.2100.530000.02011.7000.9990.8010.010.0000
Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731
Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Research, Division of Accountability & Research, 678.676.0733
Mrs. Michelle Dillard, Chief of Schools, Division of Schools & Leadership, 678.676.0542
Ms. Doryiane Gunter, Director of CTAE, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0130
Ms. Janetta Greenwood, Director of Fernbank Science Center, Division of Curriculum & Instruction,
Ms. Andrea Wright, STEM Coordinator, Division of Curriculum & Instruction
Status: Submitted for Legal Sufficiency
April 17, 2025
RE: Sole Source Justification
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter serves as confirmation that Edifii.US, LLC, doing business as 21stCenturyEd, is the sole provider
of our proprietary Comprehensive STEM Education System (CSTEMES™), which is uniquely developed to
integrate STEM literacy into core instruction, intervention, enrichment, and professional development
across school districts.
21stCenturyEd offers a distinct and comprehensive approach to STEM education that no other organization
can replicate. Our exclusive offerings include:
1. CSTEMES™ Framework: A proprietary educational model that embeds STEM literacy into everyday
learning experiences. Our system utilizes the innovative STEM Integration Continuum™, designed
specifically to move districts from discrete to comprehensive levels of STEM integration.
2. Design Thinking-Infused Pedagogy (DTIP™): A proven method that empowers educators with
dynamic, interactive strategies for integrating STEM across curricula, enhancing teacher
effectiveness and student achievement through the cultivation of creativity, critical thinking,
collaboration, communication, problem-finding, and problem-solving skills (4Cs + 2Ps).
3. Pdgogy.ai™: An AI-powered digital platform uniquely designed to customize STEM curriculum and
professional learning experiences based on individual student and educator needs, enhancing rigor,
relevance, and personalized instruction.
4. Collective Impact STEM Integrated Community (CISTEMIC™) Model: A specialized framework for
fostering deep community partnerships, connecting education with local industry and community
organizations to provide authentic, real-world STEM learning experiences that align with workforce
needs.
6. Comprehensive Professional Development Programs: Our "Emerging STEM Leader" and
"Advanced STEM Leader" professional development pathways are distinctive certifications
verified by renowned institutions, including Howard University, designed specifically to build
sustainable educator capacity and leadership in STEM education.
7. Exclusive STEM Events and Experiences: 21stCenturyEd provides immersive, hands-on STEM
experiences, including STEMxpo™ and STEM Century™ Tours and Conferences, designed to
significantly enhance student and community engagement in STEM education.
Due to the unique combination of proprietary methods, exclusive technological platforms, specialized
training, and proven outcomes, no other vendor can provide an equivalent solution or match the
comprehensive impact on student outcomes and educator capacity delivered by 21stCenturyEd.
We appreciate your recognition of the distinctive value that 21stCenturyEd provides. If additional
information is required, please do not hesitate to contact us directly or visit our website at
www.21stCentEd.com.
Sincerely,
Marlon H. Lindsay
Founder and CEO