Across the United States, initiatives at all levels are converging to improve the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for undergraduates. From the Federal STEM Education 5-year Strategic Plan to a sourcebook on Achieving Systemic Change authored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Association of American Universities, Association for Public and Land-grant Universities, and Association of American Colleges and Universities, a clear vision for advancing undergraduate STEM learning is being implemented. For all these changes in the learning environment to take hold, metrics, indicators, and assessment tools need to be aligned with the new learning goals. Preparing a globally competitive workforce - including future teachers - and a scientifically literate populace depends on our collective success in furthering a robust research and implementation infrastructure. This talk will focus on both progress and challenges ahead in spreading improvement in undergraduate teaching and learning. A reception with light refreshments will follow the lecture.