This intro session explores the NC STEM School of Distinction process and the STEM Schools Progress rubric for school improvement. Learn how to use the rubric as a powerful roadmap and evaluative tool for what a good STEM school or program looks like. Gain valuable insight if, as a school leader, you are asked, "What is a STEM school?" or "How can our school become a high-quality STEM school?" Participants will collaborate through an introductory conversation on the STEM Schools Progress Rubric, identifying common school processes that support the indicators and ways to showcase them (both in narrative and artifacts).