The Importance of STEM Learning
When compared to students from around the globe, research has indicated that US students lag far behind in math and science achievement.
Three reasons have been identified for the poor performance.
Students are not prepared adequately in grades K-12 STEM classes
Misalignment of elementary, middle, and high school STEM coursework
STEM teaching workforce is under-qualified
In our new global economy, states will need a workforce with the knowledge and skills to compete. A new workforce of problem solvers, innovators, and inventors who are self-reliant and able to think logically is one of the critical foundations that drive innovative capacity. A key to developing these skills is strengthening science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competencies in every K-12 student.
America’s economic growth in the 21st century will be driven by our nation’s ability to generate ideas and translate them into innovative products and services. A strong consensus is emerging among scientific, business, and education leaders that America’s ability to innovate and compete in the global marketplace is directly tied to the ability of our schools to adequately prepare all of our children in STEM.
The saturation of technology in most fields means that all students— not just those who plan to pursue a STEM profession — will require a solid foundation in STEM to be productive members of the workforce. Over the last several decades, innovations and advances in science, technology, engineering and mathematics have dramatically altered our world. Today's knowledge-based economy thrives on invention and demands a workforce with an understanding of scientific and mathematical principles and a working knowledge of computer hardware and software. Equally important, employees have indicated, workers must possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills – abilities taught and learned through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
In Louisiana, the stats are equally as discouraging. Over 36% of our graduates score below basic on the GEE. The STEM Goal of the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is centered on enriching the state's Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade programs, curricula, and instruction to ensure students develop the integrative thinking, analysis, problem solving, and communication skills necessary to succeed as they advance to higher grades, post-secondary education, and the workplace.
The STEM Goal Office is tasked with contributing to each of the state’s Pre-K–l2 Critical Goals, with particular emphasis on ensuring:
Students perform at or above grade level in math by eighth grade. (Goal 5); and
Louisiana Achieves this Critical Goal, regardless of race or class (Goal 9).
Red Stick Robotics can assist schools and districts in addressing the reasons for poor performance. We can
-- Identify best practices in STEM education and disseminate to schools
-- Improve teaching and learning through hands-on, authentic workshops
---Introduce teachers to STEM resources and activities through high quality professional development
-- Support new models that focus on rigor and relevance in STEM classrooms
More information on the importance of STEM Learning:
1) http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/story/2012-07-02/public-private-
manufacuting/56005466/1#.T_x5O96UemY.email
2) http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2012/07/la_officials_working_on_strate.html
Three reasons have been identified for the poor performance.
Students are not prepared adequately in grades K-12 STEM classes
Misalignment of elementary, middle, and high school STEM coursework
STEM teaching workforce is under-qualified
In our new global economy, states will need a workforce with the knowledge and skills to compete. A new workforce of problem solvers, innovators, and inventors who are self-reliant and able to think logically is one of the critical foundations that drive innovative capacity. A key to developing these skills is strengthening science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competencies in every K-12 student.
America’s economic growth in the 21st century will be driven by our nation’s ability to generate ideas and translate them into innovative products and services. A strong consensus is emerging among scientific, business, and education leaders that America’s ability to innovate and compete in the global marketplace is directly tied to the ability of our schools to adequately prepare all of our children in STEM.
The saturation of technology in most fields means that all students— not just those who plan to pursue a STEM profession — will require a solid foundation in STEM to be productive members of the workforce. Over the last several decades, innovations and advances in science, technology, engineering and mathematics have dramatically altered our world. Today's knowledge-based economy thrives on invention and demands a workforce with an understanding of scientific and mathematical principles and a working knowledge of computer hardware and software. Equally important, employees have indicated, workers must possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills – abilities taught and learned through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
In Louisiana, the stats are equally as discouraging. Over 36% of our graduates score below basic on the GEE. The STEM Goal of the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is centered on enriching the state's Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade programs, curricula, and instruction to ensure students develop the integrative thinking, analysis, problem solving, and communication skills necessary to succeed as they advance to higher grades, post-secondary education, and the workplace.
The STEM Goal Office is tasked with contributing to each of the state’s Pre-K–l2 Critical Goals, with particular emphasis on ensuring:
Students perform at or above grade level in math by eighth grade. (Goal 5); and
Louisiana Achieves this Critical Goal, regardless of race or class (Goal 9).
Red Stick Robotics can assist schools and districts in addressing the reasons for poor performance. We can
-- Identify best practices in STEM education and disseminate to schools
-- Improve teaching and learning through hands-on, authentic workshops
---Introduce teachers to STEM resources and activities through high quality professional development
-- Support new models that focus on rigor and relevance in STEM classrooms
More information on the importance of STEM Learning:
1) http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/story/2012-07-02/public-private-
manufacuting/56005466/1#.T_x5O96UemY.email
2) http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2012/07/la_officials_working_on_strate.html
Partner with Red Stick Robotics and watch your students become
inspired, motivated, and prepared.
For more information, contact Annie Cagle at (225) 772-7652
acagle@redstickrobotics.org
acagle@redstickrobotics.org
