Stimulating our economy
STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is considered by many to be the missing link in America's economic recovery. On a global scale, America has slipped precipitously in many aspects of technology. We rank 48th in quality of math and science education, and 72nd among countries in density of mobile telephone subscriptions. Currently, 93 percent of U.S. public middle-school students learn physical sciences from a teacher without a degree in physical sciences; 69 percent learn math from a teacher who never got a math degree (or certificate). Americans spend more on potato chips than our government devotes to energy research and development!
More rigorous training in STEM could not only jump-start our economy, but also restore America's global leadership in innovation and technology. Some people feel that STEM should be rephrased as SHTEM (no, not a Yiddish phrase!), meaning "science, humanities, technology, engineering and math." In a world of almost 7 billion people, all aspects of science increasingly require some understanding of human activities.
Last fall, I participated in two science education summits in Washington, D.C. As one outcome, an open letter was crafted to the president, summarizing our thoughts. Through new styles of learning, such as informal science education and a resurgence of civic engagement, perhaps STEM education can restore America's global leadership and economy.
Dear Mr. President,
This past autumn, several hundred diverse American science education leaders convened at two summits. One was hosted by your Department of Education, and included government leaders as well as educators. The second, titled Environmental Literacy for a Sustainable World, included additional stakeholders from religion, business, technology and youth. Both focused on our shared goal of civic engagement for all citizens to achieve community well-being. Collectively, the organizations represented at these meetings serve millions of Americans who share the common dream of leaving the world a better place for our children. We salute the current leadership for its advances in sustainable practices, clean energy initiatives, and support of science and education. But we also believe that the findings from our Summits represent a resource for both regional and national government who strive to achieve a more sustainable America.
At both Summits, attendees shared concern about the velocity of change confronting the United States. We believe that our country's most serious challenge for the 21st century is America's readiness for an uncertain future. We discussed actions to restore a strong sense of civic engagement via a strong education platform throughout our country. Objectives should include:
1. provide sustainability education for all;
2. train a green work force of diverse citizens; and
3. bolster the economy and jobs through sustainability pathways (i.e metrics for best practices to ensure that adequate resources remain for future generations).
Our umbrella for this so-called "sustainability education" involves the renewal of civic engagement at local and national levels. Re-activating America's educational assets to insure national security, healthy children, and global competitiveness is critical at this juncture. In the past, civic engagement during World Wars, the Depression, and after natural disasters, has empowered Americans to overcome great hardships and work together for change.
The solutions to current economic issues may need not further burden the taxpayer and could be delivered, we believe, by exploring diverse pathways of funding and execution. The private sector offers robust models for solving many problems; civic leadership abounds through many diverse organizations; and new technologies offer innovative ways to teach science and sustainability practices in our schools. Thousands of informal institutions currently engage in research and education of the public about water, energy, food and health. But these vibrant groups are not integrated under one umbrella. Our summit attendees agreed that the creation of a unified effort could save time, money and energy if coordinated by appropriate leadership.
Engaging students in civic problem-solving skills to bolster industry is essential for the next generation, and can unite our region (and/or nation) while improving their education. Galvanizing our teachers by prioritizing their professional development is a critical element of America's economic recovery. Empowering our students to manage declining resources through creative problem-solving will also ensure America's global leadership.
We believe that addressing the notion of civic engagement for all students as an education platform, will enable America to regain its competitive global status. We encourage you to engage your leadership to seek actions that address the uncertainties of our future through sustainability education.