Creating the Workforce of the Future: The STEM Interest and Proficiency Challenge. BHEF Research Brief

Institution	Business-Higher Education Forum
Titel	Creating the Workforce of the Future: The STEM Interest and Proficiency Challenge. BHEF Research Brief
Quelle	(2011), (2 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Monographie
Schlagwörter	Quantitative Daten; Employment Projections; Education Work Relationship; Grade 12; Student Interests; Science Careers; Mathematics Achievement; Student Diversity; Mathematics Education; Gender Differences; Racial Differences; African American Students; Hispanic American Students; Asian American Students; White Students; American Indians; High School Students; Minority Group Students; Economic Progress; STEM Education; Labor Force Development; Educational Policy; College Readiness; Educational Needs; Labor Needs + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Beschäftigungsentwicklung; School year 12; 12. Schuljahr; Schuljahr 12; Studieninteresse; Mathmatics sikills; Mathmatics achievement; Mathematical ability; Mathematische Kompetenz; Mathematische Bildung; Geschlechterkonflikt; Rassenunterschied; African Americans; Student; Students; Afroamerikaner; Schüler; Schülerin; Studentin; Hispanic; Hispanic Americans; Hispanoamerikaner; Asian immigrant; United States; Asiatischer Einwanderer; USA; American Indian; Indianer; High school; High schools; Oberschule; Economic growth; Wirtschaftswachstum; STEM; Arbeitskräftebestand; Politics of education; Bildungspolitik; Educational need; Bildungsbedarf; Labour needs; Arbeitskräftebedarf
Abstract	A strong economy requires a highly educated workforce, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. In the United States, STEM degree production has stagnated, despite employment projections forecasting a 17% growth in the field over the next decade. Two key criteria influence progression through the STEM education pipeline and into the workforce: proficiency and interest. Research has shown that students who graduate high school proficient in math are generally ready to pursue STEM majors in college. In addition to academic preparation, however, students must also be interested in STEM fields. Analysis of 12th grade students' STEM interest and proficiency produces sobering results: (1) Too few 12th grade students are both STEM interested and math proficient; (2) Twelfth graders have low STEM interest even when math proficient; (3) African-Americans are least likely to pursue undergraduate STEM degrees; and (4) Minorities are more likely to be STEM interested but not math proficient. Current interest in STEM fields and proficiency in math are not sufficient to meet U.S. workforce demand. As the country's population becomes increasingly diverse, gender and race/ethnicity disparities in STEM interest and proficiency will exacerbate workforce challenges. Policy interventions will require a nuanced two-pronged approach focused on increasing STEM interest and improving math proficiency. (Contains 2 figures and 2 footnotes.) (ERIC).
Anmerkungen	Business-Higher Education Forum. 2025 M Street NW Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-367-1189; Fax: 202-367-2269; e-mail: info@bhef.com; Web site: http://www.bhef.com
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10