This document summarizes a discussion on creating equitable STEM learning opportunities for K-12 girls. It begins with introductions of the panelists and an outline of the discussion topics. Research findings are presented showing girls have lower perceptions of their tech skills from an early age and less interest in STEM careers. Data also suggests interest decreases with age and mobile devices/games may increase engagement. The panel then discusses programs in Metro Nashville schools and across the country to engage girls in STEM. The discussion concludes with an invitation for audience questions and comments on Twitter.

1. CREATING EQUITABLE STEM LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR K-12 GIRLS
Sharon Dixon Gentry, Ed.D
Board President
Metro Nashville PS
Kecia Ray, Ed.D
Exec. Director of Learning Technology
Metro Nashville PS
Julie Evans
Chief Executive Officer
Project Tomorrow

2.  Welcome and introductions
 Setting the context – research findings
 What works?
 In Metro Nashville Public Schools
 From across the country
 Personal insights from panelists
 Your questions/comments/ideas
Today’s Discussion

3. Use your devices to tweet your ideas, comments or
questions during today’s session:
#nsbagirlsSTEM (special for this session!)
#NSBA2015, #NSBAConf
Let’s be
interactive!

4. Setting the context
Why is this an important topic for
discussion and action?

5. Need for STEM professionals
STEM jobs are good paying jobs
STEM industries are important
Equity of opportunity for all students

6. Setting the context
Reality Check

7. Warm Up Game:

8.  Women hold 24% of STEM jobs
Is this statistic “Fact” or “Fiction”
regarding women in STEM?

9.  Women hold 24% of STEM jobs
 Amongst Silicon Valley startup tech
companies, only 14% of senior managers
are women
Is this statistic “Fact” or “Fiction”
regarding women in STEM?

10.  Women hold 24% of STEM jobs
 Amongst Silicon Valley startup tech
companies, only 14% of senior managers
are women
 In IT positions, only 9% are held by
women
Is this statistic “Fact” or “Fiction”
regarding women in STEM?

11.  Women hold 24% of STEM jobs
 Amongst Silicon Valley startup tech
companies, only 14% of senior managers
are women
 In IT positions, only 9% are held by
women
 Today, only 18% of computer science
majors are women
Is this statistic “Fact” or “Fiction”
regarding women in STEM?

12.  Women hold 24% of STEM jobs
 Amongst Silicon Valley startup tech
companies, only 14% of senior managers
are women
 In IT positions, only 9% are held by
women
 Today, only 18% of computer science
majors are women
Reality Check?

13.  Women hold 24% of STEM jobs
 Amongst Silicon Valley startup tech
companies, only 14% of senior managers
are women
 In IT positions, only 9% are held by
women
 Today, only 18% of computer science
majors are women
Reality Check? All facts!

14.  Women hold 24% of STEM jobs
 Amongst Silicon Valley startup tech
companies, only 14% of senior managers
are women
 In IT positions, only 9% are held by
women
 Today, only 18% of computer science
majors are women – in 1983, it was 37%
Reality Check – all facts!

15. Similar pattern in education
School District technology leadership
positions:
 CIO/CTO
 Director of Technology
 IT Director
 Directors of Education Technology

16. Similar pattern in education
School District technology leadership
positions:
 CIO/CTO
 Director of Technology
 IT Director
 Directors of Education Technology
3X more males than females in these positions

17. Setting the context
Pipeline Problem

18. Setting the context
Views of K-12 Girls

19. Setting the context
 Research data from the Speak Up National Project
 Online surveys in Fall 2014
 Conducted through schools
 430,000 K-12 students nationwide
 Analyzed for gender differences

20. Setting the context
Did you know that?

21. Tech skill level
compared to peers
K-2
Girls /
Boys
Gr 3-5
Girls /
Boys
Gr 6-8
Girls /
Boys
Gr 9-12
Girls /
Boys
My skills are
advanced
26% / 32% 21% / 32% 21% / 34% 20% / 37%
My skills are
average
48% / 46% 61% / 53% 74% / 60% 76% / 58%
My skills are
beginner level
25% / 22% 18% / 15% 5% / 6% 4% / 5%
Did you know that?
Girls and boys have different perceptions of their
technology skills – and it starts in elementary school
Students’ self assessment of tech skills
Source: Speak Up 2014 National Data

22. Did you know that? Value of technology use in learning
63%
66%
55%
57%
Technology Use = Increased Interest
Gr 6-8 Girls Gr 6-8 Boys Gr 9-12 Girls Gr 9-12 Boys
Both girls and boys say that using technology
increases their engagement and interest in learning
Source: Speak Up 2014 National Data

23. Did you know that? Interest in STEM Careers
29%
15%
37%
20%
19%
13%
36%
32%
Not interested
No opinion
Somewhat interested
Very interested
Boys Girls
And they have different aspirations for STEM careers too
Source: Speak Up 2014 National Data

24. Did you know that? Interest in taking a coding class?
Girls in various
grades
Yes, I am
interesting in
learning how to
code or program
a computer
Girls –
Grades 3-5
64%
Girls –
Grades 6-8
50%
Girls –
Grades 9-12
37%
Decreasing level of interest – sweet spot is
elementary grades
Source: Speak Up 2014 National Data

25. Did you know that? Interest in taking a coding class?
Girls in various
grades
Yes, I am
interesting in
learning how to
code or program a
computer
Girls –
Grades 3-5
64%
Girls –
Grades 6-8
50%
Girls –
Grades 9-12
37%
Decreasing level of interest – sweet spot is
elementary grades
What
can
change
this?
Source: Speak Up 2014 National Data

26. Did you know that? Drivers to increase STEM interests
Having a mobile device matters here too! Girls with mobile
devices are more likely to be interested in learning how to
code
 79% of girls in grades 9-12 who are
interested in coding also own a
smartphone
 39% own a tablet
Source: Speak Up 2014 National Data

27. Did you know that? Drivers to increase STEM interests
Having a mobile device matters with STEM interest too!
Girls with mobile devices are more likely to be interested
in a STEM career field
 83% of girls in grades 9-12 who are
interested in STEM also own a
smartphone
 41% own a tablet
Source: Speak Up 2014 National Data

28. Did you know that? Drivers to increase STEM interests
Playing games has a relationship with STEM interests
 57% of girls in grades 6-8 who said they
play digital study games are also
interested in a STEM career field
Source: Speak Up 2014 National Data

29. Did you know that? How to learn about STEM careers
Top ways that middle school girls want to learn about
STEM careers:
1. Visit companies and meet with career professionals (73%)
2. Take a quiz to assess skills and interests (62%)
3. Learn from career professionals who guest teach (60%)
4. Learn from teachers with STEM career experiences (53%)
5. Use mobile apps and websites to explore various careers
(52%)
6. Have a mentor (46%)
Source: Speak Up 2014 National Data

30. Did you know that? How to learn about STEM careers
Top ways that middle school girls want to learn about
STEM careers:
1. Visit companies and meet with career professionals (73%)
2. Take a quiz to assess skills and interests (62%)
3. Learn from career professionals who guest teach (60%)
4. Learn from teachers with STEM career experiences (53%)
5. Use mobile apps and websites to explore various careers
(52%)
6. Have a mentor (46%)
Common denominator: socially-based learning
Source: Speak Up 2014 National Data

31.  Welcome and introductions
 Setting the context – research findings
 What works?
 In Metro Nashville Public Schools
 From across the country
 Personal insights from panelists
 Your questions/comments/ideas
Today’s Discussion

32. Sharon Dixon Gentry, Ed.D
Board President
Kecia Ray, Ed.D
Exec. Director of Learning
Technology
Our Experts

33.  Welcome and introductions
 Setting the context – research findings
 What works?
 In Metro Nashville Public Schools
 From across the country
 Personal insights from panelists
 Your questions/comments/ideas
Today’s Discussion

34. Post to Twitter:
Your questions for the panel
What surprised you from our discussion so far?
What is most useful for you?
Use these hashtags:
#nsbagirlsSTEM
#NSBA2015, #NSBAConf
Let’s be
interactive!

35. Thank you for joining us today!