"We have detailed the problem. Here's one example of people working for a solution. After four months of deliberation, the 110-member Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Task Force of the Council on Post Secondary Education (CPE) has released its findings and recommendations for enhancing the state's capabilities in these fields, which have been identified as crucial elements of New Economy professions. The following information is taken from the executive summary of the task force's findings and its recommendations for improvement.
Executive Summary of "Kentucky's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Imperative — Competing in the Global Economy"
The STEM Task Force was charged by the Council with developing "a statewide P-20 strategic action plan to accelerate Kentucky's performance within the STEM disciplines." Task force members encourage the adoption of the following interrelated recommendations that create a bold and comprehensive plan for change. The approach to STEM education, STEM attainment, and the creation of knowledge economy jobs in the commonwealth must change.
The CPE STEM Task Force echoes the urgent concerns voiced in almost 20 recent national reports that America's scientific, technological, and innovation capacity and leadership are seriously eroding.
Diverse STEM stakeholders agree that fundamental change is necessary among: " the entire community of stakeholders: those responsible for budgets, policies, and programs that affect research and education in STEM fields at the national, state, and local level; those responsible for the quality of STEM research in America's educational institutions; those potential employers of STEM graduates; and all citizens in a society in which science and technology have a significant impact on most aspects of our lives."
Task Force recommendations:
1. Energize and fund a statewide public awareness campaign to help Kentuckians understand the critical importance of STEM to their own economic competitiveness and to that of the commonwealth.
2. Create incentives and a supportive environment for students, teachers, and institutions that pursue, succeed, and excel in STEM disciplines throughout the P-20 pipeline.
3. Implement international benchmarks and best practices in professional development programs for P-16 STEM teachers to increase the intensity, duration, and rigor of professional development.
4. Improve teacher preparation programs and encourage people with undergraduate and graduate STEM degrees to enter the teaching profession.
5. Revolutionize how STEM subjects are taught, learned, and assessed and implement a statewide research-based STEM curriculum that is aligned with global workforce and academic standards.
6. Engage business, industry, and civic leaders to improve STEM education and skills in the commonwealth and create incentives for Kentucky businesses that employ and invest in STEM educated students.
7. Develop an ongoing, coordinated, statewide STEM initiative that maximizes the impact of resources among state agencies, schools, colleges and universities, and businesses and is focused on developing and attracting STEM-related jobs to Kentucky.
8. Target energy sustainability problems and opportunities in Kentucky and the nation as a primary objective of statewide STEM enhancements.