The local, national, and global challenges related to STEM disciplines give reasons to review the meaning and potential of K–12 STEM education. This chapter begins with a discussion of how the STEM acronym is used and the need to discuss the acronym and its varied uses in education. STEM has developed a broad and variable, but inconsistent, role in American education. It is past time to look beyond a general use of the acronym and begin designing ways for STEM to become a consistent component of the American education system. A list of priorities is highlighted in this chapter. Teacher background information is included in this book selection, as well as the Table of Contents, Preface, Acknowledgments, About the Author, References, and Index.