What’s Hot! Educate to Innovate

Oh, no, this is not the news we educators want to hear! Despite notable progress in math, the U.S. has failed to raise student achievement in science over the past decade. Results of the 2008 Trends in International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) assessment showed that students in the U.S. continue to rank in the middle of the pack in both math and science.

Because math and science ingenuity and innovation are essential to America’s economic leadership and success, American society must raise awareness of the importance of science, technology, engineering and math among educators, parents and students. Individual classrooms, schools, communities, government, businesses, and professional organizations must find new and creative methods of generating and maintaining student interest in these areas of study.

 

The “Educate to Innovate” campaign has been launched by the U.S. Department of Education to reaffirm our country’s commitment to math and science education. Three overarching priorities for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education include:

·     Increase students’ critical thinking in math and science;

·     Improve the quality of math and science teaching through teacher training, professional development and collaborative tools;

·     Expand education and career opportunities for under-represented groups, including women and minorities.

 

STEM education requires the participation of many elements of society, including governors, philanthropists, scientists, engineers, educators, and the private sector. Partnerships with with private corporations and non-profit organizations have made a combined commitment of over $260m in public-private financial support to STEM education.

 

“Inspiring and training a new generation to excel in science, technology, engineering, and math is critical to America’s health, security, and energy future.”                 President Obama

 

Let’s Talk:

What efforts are being made to raise awareness and inspire students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and math in your school?  What are you doing? What are your school and your community doing about it? How’s that working out?