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Learn about the STEM crisis, characteristics of STEM programs, rating criteria, national programs, and outcomes of Project Lead The Way in Michigan. Discover desired actions to support STEM initiatives in Michigan.
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Michigan at Risk: A STEM Solution Presented at the 2011 Governor’s Education Summit Lansing, Michigan
The Crisis • only about 4 in 10 Americans have obtained either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree by their mid-twenties. • the United States now has the highest college dropout rate in the 30 industrialized countries • it is projected that STEM occupations will increase 22 percent over the next 10 years • the US has far fewer STEM graduates
The Crisis-continued • jobs requiring STEM degrees are projected to increase four times as fast as overall job growth. • K-12 students from the United States perform below students from other industrialized countries on international tests of math and science. • less than 40% of students intending to major in STEM fields actually complete a degree. For underrepresented minorities the rate is below 25%.
Important Characteristics of “STEM” Programs • Exploratory • Outcomes Based Curriculum • Assessment dimension based on standards • Multi-disciplinary (S, T, E, and M standards and benchmarks-inclusive of these disciplines) • Professional Development Standards
Criteria for Rating STEM Programs • Outcomes Based • Integrated disciplines including Math, Science, Technology, and Engineering • Cross walked with the “state required” curriculum • Flexibility of delivery systems • Cost of Equipment and Materials • Access to Professional Development
Criteria for Rating STEM Programs-continued • Assessment system (achievement measures, collection procedures) • Systematic approach to curriculum review and updating • Accommodation for students with diverse backgrounds and abilities
National STEM Programs • Project Lead The Way • Infinity Project • Ford PAS • International Technology and Engineering Educators Association • After School Programs (US FIRST and Vex Robotics)
Project Lead The Way • Premier STEM program for middle and HS students in the US • Currently serves 350,000 students in more than 4,000 schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia • Rigorous pre-service and in-service is required • A national assessment is conducted for each class • Successful students can get college credit in more than 38 universities. • The competency-based curriculum is linked to the state curriculum
PLTW Outcomes • Increased Math Achievement • Increased Science Achievement • Influences Students to Select a STEM Career Path • PLTW Students Who select a STEM path complete at a higher rate than non-PLTW students
PLTW Outcomes-Continued • PLTW seniors- higher ACT composite scores and higher ACT math & science scores than their peers. • The average attendance of PLTW seniors was eight days higher than non-PLTW seniors. • PLTW middle school students began 6th grade: • at lower proficiency in math, reading and science • with lower attendance rates than non-PLTW students. • by the 8th grade, those gaps had been eliminated. (University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Report – December 2009)
PLTW Outcomes-Continued • PLTW students exceeded the average academic growth rate in science concepts and processes and mathematics. • A three-year study of PLTW high schools in Wisconsin found that both academic achievement and student engagement are enhanced when compared to a control group.
Desired Actions • Encourage the Michigan Department of Education to take the lead in supporting promising STEM initiatives • Strengthen the Public and Private Partnership Group that Supports PLTW • Validate the PLTW Effort with Support from the Private Sector
For additional information please contact: • pkuwik@emich.edu • jdugger@emich.edu • http://www.pltw.org/ • http://www.pltwmichigan.org/