Two recent reports address student interest in and access to STEM. CTE is, for many students, a pathway to STEM education and careers, engaging students in hands-on learning that integrates technical and academic knowledge and skills.
The underrepresentation of women and people of color in STEM jobs is the focus of a new report from the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity. The publication addresses academic achievement gaps in STEM fields of study among students of different races/ethnicities, as well as the lack of interest in STEM courses shown by certain sub-populations. It explores how to “rebalance the education equation” to equitably connect students to STEM literacy and competency, with recommendations including enhanced professional development in providing an equitable environment. The report highlights the role of CTE pathways and CTE-related credentials in closing STEM gaps.
In addition, ACT’s Condition of STEM 2015 shares that about half of high school graduates express an interest in STEM, with a small increase in computer science and math interest and a small decrease in interest in medical and health studies. In addition, students who both state their interest in STEM and show evidence of their interest through coursework perform better on the ACT test for math and science.
Comments