STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. The United States has become a global leader in large part because of the genius and hard work of its scientists, engineers and innovators. Today, that position is threatened because not enough American students pursue careers in STEM fields and because there is an inadequate pipeline of teachers skilled in those subjects in our public education system.
The U.S. Department of Labor expects that there will be 1.2 million job openings in STEM-related fields by 2018, but there won’t be enough qualified graduates to fill them. According to the US Department of Education, “Only 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career.” (https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2011/09/what-does-stem-stand-for)
Many people would agree that STEM is the key to innovation and job creation in the United States and therefore the one key element in our survival as a key leader in innovation. This class will provide STEM resources and suggestions for teaching STEM subjects at home. (http://www.ed.gov/stem)
