Abstract
In postsecondary STEM programs retention of students is challenging. This paper presents a principle-focused evaluation system to be applied to STEM education programs in higher education institutions to optimize student persistence. We transformed a STEM education persistence framework developed to increase STEM student retention in higher education into a set of evaluation principles. We argue that these principles provide higher education institutions with a novel practical frame for system-wide development and evaluation of their STEM education programs. Application of our principles will increase STEM education retention and inherently will improve program quality for individual students, courses, programs, and the overall institution.