The United States possesses the most innovative, technologically capable economy in the world, and yet its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education system is failing to ensure that all American students receive the skills and knowledge required for success in the 21st century workforce. The Nation faces two central challenges to constructing a strong, coordinated STEM education system:
- Ensuring coherence in STEM learning, and
- Ensuring an adequate supply of well-prepared and highly effective STEM teachers.
This action plan was developed by the Board over nearly 2 years, with input from leaders in STEM education at a series of Board-sponsored hearings, a Board-established advisory committee - the Commission on 21st Century Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - and the findings of previous reports, panels, task forces, and commissions that have called for a major transformation of STEM education in the United States.