Change the Equation – Staff Writer
“STEM advocates who sometimes feel as if they’re toiling in the vineyard can take heart in a major new finding by the Pew Research Center: Both the public and scientists see the United States as behind other nations on K–12 STEM education…At first blush, this finding might seem dispiriting. We see it differently. Public perceptions are shifting to a clear-eyed understanding that we are no longer preparing students with STEM literacy or advanced STEM competencies they need to succeed. Americans seem to understand that our global competitors are doing a better job. Moreover, public views are aligning with those of Change the Equation and other STEM advocates that have been sounding alarms about inadequate rigor in STEM education and gaps in STEM learning opportunities and performance. (See, for example, our Vital Signs reports and STEMtistics). Now, we have clear evidence that our research and messages are taking hold. This is an immensely positive development.”(more)