STEM Ed Update 6/26/2017

Please enjoy this week's STEM Ed update.

Coalition Update:

Coalition Raises Issues with Education Department Over Response to Science Accountability in ESSA Plans

The STEM Education Coalition and the Natio nal Science Teachers Association have co-authored a let ter to Acting Undersecretary Jason Botel and Secreta ry Betsy DeVos regarding recent feedback the state of Delaware received regarding science accountability in their ESSA plan. Both organizations share the concern that ED may be sending the signal to states that they should not prioritize science education in their plans. The letter requests public clarification on ED's position. You can read more coverage of the letter here.

Stay in the Know:

Latest STEM Education Policy News

Is DeVos Sending Mixed Messages on Advanced Courses and Accountability?

Education Week

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos seems to be sending some confusing signals when it comes to whether states will be allowed to use Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate tests, the SAT, dual-enrollment courses, or career certifications to figure out if students are ready for college and the workforce, some experts say. Rating schools based on whether they get kids ready for college and the workforce was all the rage in state's plans to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act . And at least eight states-that's about half of the 17 that have turned in plans so far-want to use AP, IB the SAT, dual enrollment courses, or career certifications for accountability. Read more here .

Teaching Computer Science Great, But Its Not Enough

EdWeek

Self-driving cars, robot-assisted surgery, automated news writing, a huggable, humanoid Mickey Mouse character at Disney World-these are just a few examples of the many ways computer science is changing the way we live, work, learn, and play. This push toward the automation of tasks and jobs, and the creation of more intelligent technologies that can simulate human decisions and emotions, has substantial benefits for society. Read more here.

Girls Still Lag Behind Boys in Pursuit of STEM Careers, Junior Achievement Says

Westword

According to a new survey conducted by Junior Achievement USA, a large gap still exists between the number of boys and girls interested in p

ursuing STEM-related careers. More than one-third (36 percent) of boys aim to pursue careers in STEM fields, w

hile only 11 percent of girls demonstrate similar interest.

In explaining why career paths are still so evid ently determined by gender, Kim McGrigg, JA-Rocky Mountain 's director of communications, points to a f ew obstacles. Read more here .

Around the Community:

National Society of Black Engineers Host Summer Camp to Promote Careers in STEM

Dozens of elementary school students spent the week learning about force, motion and the effects of weight on a glider. Daud Foster is a fifth grader at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary in Kansas City, Missouri.

The 10-year-old wants to be an engineer when he grows up. Foster is just one of the many students participating in the National Society of Black Engineer's Summer Engineering Experience for Kids, also known as SEEK. Read more here.

Q&A: Mae Jemison, first woman of color in space, talks STEM gaps and science fiction

The Seattle Times

In September, Dr. Mae Jemison will celebrate the 25th anniversary of her journey into space in 1992 - a trip she envisioned since her childhood. The voyage marked

the first time an African-American woman left the earth's atmosphere. Jemison was in Seattle on Tuesday to speak at a conference. In light of her science literacy and education work - she created an international space camp for teens shortly after leaving NASA in 1994, and advocates for Bayer's Making Science Make Sense program - we asked her to talk about her passion for expanding opportunities in STEM for women and people of color. Continue reading here.

Join the Coalition!

We at the STEM Education Coalition hope you have enjoyed this week's edition of the STEM Ed Newsletter.

Any organization may join the Coalition, and there is no cost to become an Affiliate Member. Affiliate members are listed on our website, receive periodic communications on policy matters, and will be signed up for the weekly newsletter.

Your organization can also apply to join the Coalition's Leadership Council, where they play an active role in setting the public policy agenda for the Coalition and are invited to participate in frequent interactions with policymakers.

If you would like to join the Coalition at any level, please read our message to prospective members or email us at [email protected].

We appreciate your continued support and involvement.

Our Coalition's Co-Chairs

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