According to the U.S. Department of Education, the number of U.S. jobs available in STEM fields will increase between 2010 and 2020. The department estimates that by the end of that time period, biomedical engineering position openings will increase by 62 percent, medical science jobs will increase by 36 percent and system software development positions will increase by 32 percent. Other jobs are likely to have more positions as well. In order to fill these jobs, schools need to produce students who are college and career ready between now and 2020. The key is to boost interest and education in science, technology, engineering and math.
STEM and the Common Core
The Common Core State Standards outline benchmarks for English/language arts and math. The English section also has benchmarks for literacy education in science. The goal of the CCSS is to prepare students for college and careers by teaching students how to think critically and giving them the content knowledge they need. However, math is only one part of STEM. In order to bolster STEM content in schools, some states have also adopted the Next Generation Science Standards, which specifically target science education.
Because the Standards (both the CCSS and NGSS) aim to prepare students for life after K-12, they ideally do all the STEM work they need to – that may mean supporting student interest and guiding them toward a collegiate STEM path. What's more, although the Common Core doesn't have standards for the use of technology per se, it does include benchmarks that require students to know how to use computers and other devices proficiently.
The presidential plan
Between familiarizing students with technology and giving them a solid foundation in math, the Common Core should help students start the path toward STEM. However, many want schools to have more support for STEM subjects. The USDE noted that President Barack Obama has a 2015 plan to start boosting STEM activity. For instance, districts and schools that partner with colleges to increase student interest in STEM majors will be eligible for grants. This promotes an attitude of working together to increase student engagement in STEM subjects.
By improving training for STEM teachers, partnering schools and colleges and awarding grants to schools, the USDE hopes to create an education system that produces students who are ready to tackle STEM at the college level.
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