The document discusses the state of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in the US compared to other countries. It notes that the US ranks low internationally in terms of STEM degrees earned and test scores. Several initiatives are highlighted that aim to improve STEM education in the US by making subjects more relevant, collaborative, and hands-on. The document advocates for increasing STEM opportunities and encouraging students to take challenging math and science courses.

1. . Internationalizing STEM (science , technology, engineering and math) education

2. US vs the World In the US 1% of college undergraduates receive degrees in science, compared to 38% in South Korea, 47% in France, 50% in China, and 67% in Singapore.

3. US ranks 20 th among all nations in regards to 24 year old students earning degrees in science or engineering

4. US citizen opinion In the fall 2007 primary exit polls, 86% of US voters reported believing that the number of workers with a background in science and math MUST be increased in order for the US to compete in the global marketplace

5. By 2012, 90% of the world’s scientists and engineers will live and work in Asia (NSF Indicators 2008)

6. US schools spend an average of 90 minutes/week on science in K-8, while European, Asian and Australian schools spend an average of 300 minutes/week on science.

7. PISA 2003: US 15 Year-Olds Rank Near The End Of The Pack Among 29 OECD Countries Source : NCES, 2005, International Outcomes of Learning in Mathematics, Literacy and Problem Solving: 2003 PISA Results. NCES 2005-003

8. 2003: U.S. Ranked 24 th out of 29 OECD Countries in Mathematics Source: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), PISA 2003 Results , data available at http://www.oecd.org/

9. Problems are not limited to our high-poverty and high-minority schools . . .

10. U.S. Ranks Low in the Percent of Students in the Highest Achievement Level (Level 6) in Math Source : Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), PISA 2003 Results , data available at http://www.oecd.org/

11. PISA 2003: Problem-Solving, US Ranks 24 th Out of 29 OECD Countries Source : NCES, 2005, International Outcomes of Learning in Mathematics, Literacy and Problem Solving: 2003 PISA Results. NCES 2005-003

12. More than half of our 15 year olds score at problem-solving level 1 or below on the PISA Source: OECD Problem Solving for Tomorrow’s World. 2004

13. Using global problems makes science and math relevant Environmental issues-GLOBE International sporting events-Olympics Human Genome project-bioinformatics Energy exploration Disease transmission Inventions and patents Sports and recreation Medicine International competitions-science/math

14. My research 2 years-surveyed 1000 students with 9 different teachers Inquiry, collaboration,relevance, supportive teacher 90 “at risk” students International sharing By end of year all students scored 85% or better 2008 86 of 90 graduated from college

15. CMS Global initiatives-Reach Further Global project annually for students Global Issues database from Thomson Gale Global Scholar: K-12 Reading and Math Senior Study/Travel program SMILE-Science and Math International Learning Experiences Charlotte World Affairs Council competitions/teacher travel

16. Engineering is Elementary 20 multicultural stories about children using the engineering process to solve problems Produced by the Boston Museum of Science Includes 3-5 inquiry experiences with each story Engages community members (engineers), teachers, parents, and students

17. You don't have to know calculus, Just make sure I do. By the time your child enters the workforce, almost every good job will require technical skills. Your job? To make sure your kid stays interested and keeps taking the tough courses. For tips, go to: mathsciencesuccess.org

18. Middle School Issues Many middle school teachers are not highly qualified to do inquiry (6 th grade) Find informal institutions (museums, parks, etc) to engage students Use competitions (Science Olympiad, Math Olympiad, Science Fair, NASA/SEMAA Robotics competitions, Quiz Bowls, eCybermission

19. She's not afraid of spiders, snakes, or science. Especially science. Why? Because she got interested in it early. Now she'll keep taking math and science courses, which will give her far more opportunities later on. For tips on keeping your kid on track, go to: mathsciencesuccess.org

20. National reports National Action Plan for Addressing the needs of the US Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education System-presented to Congress October 30, 2007 by NSB Innovation America: Building a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Agenda-released by NGA Feb 2007

21. Bipartisan Legislation Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Act of 2008-Honda (CA) 1-Reorganizing the President’s office of science and technology policy to establish a working STEM education committee 2-Establishing an office STEM education at the DOE 3-Establishing a consortium of states on STEM education 4-Establishing an NSF Repository of best practices programs in STEM

22. The fastest-growing, highest-paying jobs are all in fields that require solid math and science skills. So do your child a favor - encourage him to keep taking the tough courses. For tips, go to: mathsciencesuccess.org Expect more from me. You won’t be disappointed.

23. Stay informed! National STEM Ed Coalition www. stemedcoalition .org Georgia’s website www. mathsciencesuccess .org Information about STEM colleges www. edtrust .org

24. In conclusion: “ Do or do not, there is no try” Yoda

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