Association of American Universities (AAU) has developed a framework that can guide institutional commitment to using teaching practices shown by research to be effective in STEM education. The framework provides a set of key institutional elements that need to be addressed in order to bring about sustainable change. Different strategies will almost certainly be used to achieve improvement in STEM teaching and learning at different institutions, reflecting the engagement and creativity of each campus community. The framework and its associated resources are intended to be useful to the various individuals and organizations who work together to improve undergraduate STEM teaching and learning. Key elements of the AAU framework described in this report are organized around three layers: (1) pedagogical practices; (2) scaffolding; and (3) cultural change. "Essential Questions and Data Sources for Continuous Improvement in Undergraduate STEM Teaching and Learning" (ED613607) is a complementary resource to the framework.