The Handbook of Research on STEM Education, Volume II brings together leading global scholars to examine how STEM education is evolving across policy, research, and practice. It introduces chapters on newly salient topics such as computational thinking, evaluation, and global perspectives, and substantially updates core areas from the first volume, including STEM policy, STEM integration, equity, and research methods. Organized into six thematic sections, the volume addresses emerging frameworks for STEM integration, research methodologies, equity and participation, PK-12 teaching and learning, teacher education, postsecondary and informal STEM, and the use of evidence to inform future directions. Chapters explore critical topics such as intersectionality, asset-oriented and justice-focused approaches, early childhood STEM, professional development models, informal learning environments, program evaluation, and end with a global call to action on STEM reform.

This volume is intended for researchers, graduate students, teacher educators, policymakers, and practitioners who seek a comprehensive, research-based understanding of contemporary STEM education. Readers will benefit from synthesized research findings, conceptual frameworks, and methodological guidance that support both scholarly inquiry and applied decision-making. By foregrounding issues of equity, access, systems change, accountability, and evidence-based practice, the handbook equips readers to design, study, evaluate, and implement more inclusive and effective STEM learning environments. Ultimately, Volume II serves as both a reference work and a catalyst for advancing STEM education in ways that respond to societal needs, workforce development, and the diverse strengths of learners around the world.