As you are aware, I am a major proponent of STEM education, not only in this country, but around the world. But apparently, America’s STEM education system isn’t as great as it could (and should) be. According to a recent article from HechingeReport.org, many Americans consider the quality of our nation’s STEM education system to be lacking when compared to most other countries. Why is this?
Firstly, it’s important to note that in 2006, President George W. Bush started the “American Competitiveness Challenge” with the intention of improving our country’s science and technology initiatives. Then, in 2009, President Barack Obama created a program designed to teach 100,000 STEM educators about the program in order to attract minorities and women to the field.
The survey also revealed that several aspects of the system seem to be dysfunctional. 55% percent of those surveyed believe that teachers spend too much time meeting state demands instead of focusing on practical uses.
With positions in STEM on the rise, our education system needs to find a better way of educating our youth so that America is on the forefront of innovation in STEM.