I am honored to be in attendance at the Summitt around the announcement of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance. At the same time, I feel the weight of this awesome need. We talk much about our issues and those constraints that hold so many back from a fabulous STEM life and career. Time is NOW to walk a new path and be honest about what works and why. We need to pledge our energy and smarts to our most marginalized students in all geographies and communities. No more pledges without action and no more tons of programs without knowing what works, really!! Empowerment is vital and with real inclusivity and energy!
Until high school graduation requirements change, it is nearly impossible to influence the STEM pipeline from secondary school to college. States do not require advanceed math (Geometry or Calculus) or advanced science (Chemistry or Physics) for high school graduation. Without these two core STEM subjects high school grads are not prepared for a STEM major. Some schools try to substitute statistics or data analytics for calculus. The major problem with all these wel intentioned initiatives they work around the fringe and not the real cause of the STEM pipeline. There is a big disconenct between the federal goal (STEM) and the state and locally controlled K-12 education system tthat is focused on entry level workforce. We also need to be carefull with STEM related camps offered by non-profit groups and university sponsored campus. Generally, these camps do not generate new STEM candidates, rather they are additive to support students that have already self-identifed as STEM interest.
Jan Morrison You said it so well. I share the same feelings. Thank you so much. Today, we raised the roof on equity and excellence in STEM at the White House. Today, I saw a renewed excitement and commitment. Now there's a need to sustain the renewed commitments and excitement with follow ups and approaching the issue with what works rather than the same approach that hasn't work. There's a need to be smart and agile and open to the benefits diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Wouldn't it be so awesome to have another summit next year or ten years from now talking about the progress made STEM because of the excitement and commitments made today? It is time to raise the roof on this issue for the sake of our nation. RAISE THE ROOF!!!
Sean Kelley
2y
Yes, Jan Morrison! There are countless successful programs in our region alone, but until there is a more visible, better-connected, and clearer to navigate pathway for students, teachers, parents, and community partners (everyone else!) on which to begin and sustain a STEM education and career journey, we are going to struggle to reach the "missing millions." We absolutely can and must do it, but it has to begin with an honest take on the present landscape.
I totally agree that we need to filter what works well and why and put these successful ones in action everywhere in the world.
Great work!
Your Swiss Army Knife for all things STEM Education -- Advisement, Board Development, Content Creation, Advocacy, Design, Partnerships, Communication jeffweldLLC.org
2yEnough with "moving the needle" right Jan? Let's shatter the gauge and build modern systems of education aligned to modern realities. STEM has pioneered that new way of educating - now it's about scale and enculturation.