STEM Ed Update 5/5/2018

Please enjoy this week's STEM Ed update.

Top Article:

Enrichment Program Boosts STEM for Black Students but Leaves Latinos Behind

Cornell Chronicle

Researchers trying to figure out how to get more black and Latino students into science, technology, engineering and mathematics usually focus on those students' college years. In a new study that capitalizes on data from the National Center for Educational Statistics and methods that address causality, Cornell sociologists looked at an earlier portion of the pipeline - in high school, when students' commitment to STEM fields tends to solidify... Continue reading here.

Stay in the Know:

Latest STEM Education News

How American Students Truly Rank in International Testing

Observer

One of the biggest political battleground issues for 2018 is going to be education policy, and America's international test scores serve as evidence for the need to change. But before we rush headlong into another attempt to remake our schools, we need to understand how our students performed compared to other countries and what we really need to focus on in order to help kids succeed. Continue reading here.

The STEAM-Powered Elementary School: Montour Opens World's First Lego-Themed Brick Makerspace

The Journal

Pennsylvania's Montour Elementary School stands out even among schools that have embraced STEAM education, the maker movement, hands-on learning and augmented and virtual reality. So when the K-4 school opened the world's first "Brick Makerspace" - a Lego Education-powered STEAM lab ... Finish the story here.

CTE and Non-Cognitive Skills: A Match Made in Heaven?

Fordham Institute

Non-cognitive skills are an increasingly popular topic in education. These include capabilities like perseverance, grit, self-efficacy, work ethic, and conscientiousness. Research shows that possessing them can affect both scholastic and life outcomes. Read more here.

STEM in the States:

Wolf: Budget Aims to Bolster Economy, Workforce through Education, Skills Training
GANT News

On Tuesday Gov. Tom Wolf laid out his plan to ensure Pennsylvania's workforce has the skills and education to succeed in 21st century jobs as the commonwealth's economy continues to grow. The proposal includes the first major investment in workforce development and skills training, including dedicated funding for STEM and computer science education. Continue reading here.

Worried About The Skills Gap? Here's What One State Is Doing
Forbes

Iowa's employers, like most around the country, are ringing alarm bells about a skilled worker shortage, and the state's leaders are responding - by setting a goal for 70 percent of Iowans in the workforce to acquire education or training beyond high school by 2025. Continue reading here.

Around the Community:

What One Community Has Done to Create a Culture of STEM

Fipboard

In case you haven't heard, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education is incredibly important to maintaining America's historical role as the world's biggest and most innovative economy. Oh, wait...you have probably heard that. In fact, we've all heard that.

Read more here.

Life Imitates Art as Disney Opens STEM Center in Oakland with Black Panther Money

AV Club

Disney is just shoveling up money thanks to Marvel's Black Panther, but there are only so many disappointing Toy Story-themed Disney World attractions you can blow your money on at one time. So, in what seems to be an overt nod to Letitia Wright's teenage genius Shuri, Disney has announced that it's donating $1 million to the Boys & Girls Club Of America to help expand its STEM programs. That comes from ComingSoon, which says Disney's money will also be used to establish a STEM Center Of Innovation in Oakland, California. Read the full story 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

-------------------------------------------------------------