Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education (STEM)
Education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) has recieved increased attention in recent years due to fears that a failure to produce enough students with high-quality STEM skills will hamper America’s ability to compete in an increasingly global economy.
States are are beginning to evaluate their own education systems and considering strategies that will improve the overall quality of education in order to prepare students for jobs in a 21st Century workforce.  States are considering policies that would increase the rigor of high school, address the problem of losing students who were college-bound, and improve the quality of the teaching and leadership within a school.
Legislators are also beginning to focus on policies related directly to STEM education, in part because American students are being consistently outperformed in these areas on international tests. There is also a comparatively low percentage of American students that study in the STEM area in college and graduate programs in relation to other countries. As a result, states are considering a variety of policies, which range from increasing graduation requirements in math or science to providing incentives for teachers in STEM areas. Other notable state actions include enhancing the use of technology in school buildings, and providing incentives for students who pursue math and science during post-secondary studies. NCSL tracks legislation in this area.
LISTEN TO A PODCAST ABOUT STEM EDUCATION: [ PODCAST]
STEM Projects at NCSL
Professional Science Masters Degree
NCSL has partnered with the Sloan Foundation to enhance the national dialogue about a new and innovative graduate degree called Professional Science Masters (PSM) degree. PSM programs are being created to meet growing industry needs for applied scientists and mathematicians and to provide rewarding career opportunities for undergraduate science and math majors. Nearly 100 PSM programs have been established at 54 universities in 24 states. More than 1200 students are enrolled nationally, and more than 660 graduates are in the workforce. Learn more about the PSM and NCSL's activities on this project.
Science and Technology and Public Policy
Most state legislative policy issues have some science and technology connection. Science and technology affect topics as diverse as education, economic development, transportation, energy, the environment, health care and criminal justice. Many of the leading issues today, such as global warming, stem cell research, DNA testing, intelligent design, alternative fuel research and even RFID chips and driver's license security, require an understanding of complex technical and scientific issues. For all these topics, lawmakers need accurate and unbiased information about the science involved in order to make sound policy decisions.
NCSL's Science and Technology in Public Policy Project is intended to create links that will help state legislators and the research community work together. NCSL, with its project partners, is developing resources that will make it easier for lawmakers to understand science-based issues and quickly access unbiased resources on topics of concern. The project will also provide opportunities for researchers to receive direct feedback from state legislators, to help justify and sell research and provide materials to legislators that meets an actual need.
Check back for additional information.
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