21 Apr Report recommends state science, technology, engineering and math education strategy
MADISON – The Wisconsin Technology Council released a report today that recomends that state business leaders, educators and policy leaders embrace targeted efforts to advance science, technology, engineering and math education.
The study, “Educating a Tech-Savvy Workforce in Wisconsin,” caps a series of tech council sessions held to gather citizen opinion about science, technology, engineering and math (or STEM) education. The meetings held January through March attracted about 575 professionals, business owners and educators to discuss the shortage of workers Wisconsin now or face in these fields.
“The United States and Wisconsin have been slowly but steadily losing ground to other nations when it comes to producing science, technology, engineering and math graduates,” according to council President Tom Still. “Wisconsin can fight and even reverse that trend by embracing proven ways to engage students, teachers and businesses. A deliberate public-private strategy can help produce a workforce that will make Wisconsin a more competitive, attractive place to build a business.”
The report outlines five recommendations to help Wisconsin educate a workforce equipped to compete in the 21st century “knowledge economy.” The report advises that the state: 1. Use student assessments effectively. 2. Provide teachers with the training they need. 3. Engage businesses in meaningful ways. 4. Celebrate successes in a highly visible, public way. 5. Make STEM education a statewide public policy priority.
View the report online at the Wisconsin Technology Council.
The report points out successful programs such as Project Lead the Way, Science Olympiad and FIRST Robotics, which have private roots and have been adopted in a growing number of public and private schools.