Enlarging the pool of science and math education in the United States

science and math educationInfusing 21st century skills into the classroom is the main focus of STEM education. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics academic discipline. It focuses on collaboration, creativity, communication and critical thinking. STEM has influenced the education policy, immigration policy, curriculum choices in schools, and even national security in the United States.

Lack of a pool of qualified individuals in the US prompted the National Science Foundation, the Office of Science division of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists and the US government to work together to change the old SMET program into the current STEM program. The program promotes incorporation of engineering education at a younger age and elementary grades and making it available to all students not just selected few. The Federal budget provides block grant awards to improve teacher education by state governments. The program aimed at incorporating math and science education in K-12 education, strengthening teacher skills by training, and enlarging the pipeline of science and engineering students entering college and post graduate studies. State governments of California, Ohio, and Maryland are leading many programs and add pilot programs to create promising programs and finding ways to implement them.

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