“Our nation’s success depends on strengthening America’s role as the world’s engine of discovery and innovation. Our leadership tomorrow depends on how we educate our students today - especially in STEM.”
- President Barack Obama
America’s ability to compete and prosper as a nation in the 21st century and beyond relies heavily on the younger generations in school at this very moment. There are strong concerns surrounding rapid technological advancements because of its affect on global competition with other international powerhouses. Technology allows for faster, simpler communication not only across a nation but across the world. Thus, meaning most of our children in school now will be in competition with individuals from around the world for careers available here in the United States. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in our schools to ensure our younger generations have the best possible chance to help themselves and our nation.
With this in mind, the federal government has made a promise to improve our nation’s educational system to keep in step with that of others. And there is much work to be done as it appears our nation is falling behind in science and math skills. For example, in the 2003 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), the United States ranked 28th in math literacy and 24th in science literacy out of 40 participating nations. Although the students’ scores outscored the international averages in this assessment, the United States landed in the middle of the rankings. Additionally, the United States ranked 20th among the countries for number of 24-year-olds earning degrees in science and engineering.
In 2005, the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed some hope for our students’ education, but there is still room for improvement. For 4th and 8th graders, 2 out of 5 students achieve only partial mastery of mathematical skills. In 12th grade, although the percentage of students achieving only basic math skills is higher than elementary grades, the percentage at the proficient or above math level is much smaller. In science assessments, less than one-third of both 4th and 8th graders score proficient or above. Less than one-fifth of 12th graders score proficient or above on their science assessment. However, in the 2009 administration of the NAEP, no progress at any grade level was reported.
As apparent from the results of these assessments, there is a need across the board for STEM education. Science and mathematic education need to begin at the elementary level and continue on through college for students of today. But it should also integrate into the postgraduate and professional development of our teachers in the education system now. What better way for our future leaders to learn than from highly qualified and experienced teachers, professors, and leaders of today?
Several other areas for improving our STEM education here in the United States have been identified collaboratively by the National Academy of Sciences, the STEM Education Coalition, the president’s “Educate to Innovate” Campaign, and many others. These include:
- Improve elementary & secondary preparation in math/science
- Recruit new elementary & secondary math/science teachers
- Retool current math/science teachers
- Increase the number of undergraduate STEM degrees awarded
- Support graduate & early career research
Through his campaign, President Obama has promised to use investments of over $250 million to help prepare 10,000 new STEM teachers along with training 100,000 existing STEM teachers. Also, it is suggested to increase the amount of STEM immersion for students through laboratory experiences in class or summer internships with STEM companies. Competitive grant programs or scholarship opportunities should be available to students enrolling in STEM degree programs.
Our federal government has started a long and grueling process to better the education and career outcomes for the future generations and the nation as a whole. More work needs to be done by the government and our schools alike, but the agencies mentioned above provide a great starting point. Providing novel experiences and opportunities at young ages may help to create a lasting interest to turn into a career. I believe it is important to also develop ideas to interest both males and females in the STEM education fields to promote equal opportunity. With this new attitude toward math and science, it is almost certain the trend will catch on with students. Progress has been made in obtaining the skills and should continue.
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