STEM Education: “Just Fine” or Needs Work?
Yet another survey has found that Americans are conflicted when it comes to mathematics and science instruction. While a big majority say that strong math and science education is key to the country’s future, most parents think that the science and math classes that their kids take are “just fine,” according to a press release posted at Earthtimes.org.
The survey of 1,400 Americans, including 646 parents of K-12 students, was conducted by Public Agenda and funded by the GE Foundation. Eighty-four percent of those surveyed said that many future jobs will require STEM skills, and 90 percent said that advanced math and science courses are useful to all students, even those who don’t pursue STEM careers. Eighty-eight percent also said that taking advanced math and science gives kids a better shot at getting into college. A “national curriculum” for math and science won the support of 80 percent and 78 percent of respondents, respectively. The survey also found solid support among parents for schools spending more on labs, computers, and other equipment.
However, when it comes to their own children, only 42 percent said they felt their kids should take advanced math and science courses, like calculus and physics. And, 70 percent said science teaching could be put off until high school. That’s a perception problem that needs to be overcome, explains Jean Johnson, Public Agenda’s education insights director. “Many parents don’t realize the importance of starting children in science early on.” While it’s great that Americans are becoming more enthusiastic about STEM education, the release quotes Johnson as saying, “much more has to be done to help them understand what’s needed for kids in their local schools to have a world-class science and math education.”
Filed under: K-12 Education News
