Now a curriculum director in Illinois, former public school principal Tara Kristoff supervised teachers and encouraged parental involvement. Tara Kristoff’s professional interests as a teacher and principal include the under-representation of girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

1. AAUW’s Suggestions for
Enhancing Women’s
Advancement in the
Sciences
Tara Kristoff

2. Introduction
• Now a curriculum director in Illinois, former public
school principal Tara Kristoff supervised teachers and
encouraged parental involvement. Tara Kristoff’s
professional interests as a teacher and principal include
the under-representation of girls in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Concerned by the persistent lack of representation of
women in these fields, the American Association of
University Women has proposed several measures to
correct the problem, such as having girls take advanced
math and science courses in high school. Other ideas
for advancement include:

3. Sciences
• - Breaking the power of stereotypes. The false idea that men are
inherently better than women when it comes to STEM has held many
women back. Highlighting the successes of female role models in the
sciences as they overcome sexism helps girls acknowledge their skills
and erodes the power of stereotypes in general.
- Building confidence. In addition to learning about female high
achievers, girls should be taught that success in STEM subjects do more
than help them get into college. It also develops specific skills needed
for jobs in computer science, physics, or engineering.
- Leveraging skills for academic success. Girls can free themselves from
stereotypes by adopting a “growth mindset.” This belief posits that
intelligence changes and grows over time, as opposed to being an
immutable condition. Giving girls access to construction toys and 3D
games enhances their ability to think spatially, a key predictor of moving
ahead in STEM.