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Data, data, data ...
The proof lies all around us: STEM is the future. And, appropriately enough for the STEM disciplines, reams of research and data support that conclusion. This issue highlights a few of the most recent reports. |
STEM Jobs:
US Department of Commerce Gets Explicit
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US Department of Commerce report shows dramatic growth projections for STEM-related careers. |
At the federal level, a report from the US Department of Commerce this past summer helps put the effort to create a STEM pipeline into perspective. The explicity-titled report, Good Jobs Now and in the Future, leaves little doubt about why STEM matters. Download it at: http://www.esa.doc.gov/Reports/stem-good-jobs-now-and-future,
A few highlights:
* In 2010, the US had 7.6 million STEM workers;
* In 2010, one out of 18 workers were employed in a STEM field;
* Look for a 17% increase in STEM occupations through 2018;
* Look for STEM occupations to show double the growth rate
of non-STEM occupations. |
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Presidential Call to Action
PCAST report sets 7 goals for STEM
In September 2010 the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) wrote a clear call to action. STEM literacy, the Council wrote, is about more than jobs: it is about core citizenship:
 All U.S. citizens should have an understanding of scientific and technological knowledge ... Learning STEM is important even for people who will never become engineers, mathematicians, or scientists ... when American citizens make personal decisions, engage in civic discourse, serve on a jury, cast their ballots, or run for public office, they should have the knowledge, conceptual understandings, and critical-thinking skills that come from studying STEM subjects.
Given the importance of STEM, the report laid out seven goals:
- Support state movements for shared STEM standards;
- Recruit 100,000 STEM teachers who can prepare and inspire students;
- Recognize and reward great teaching by creating a STEM master teachers corps;
- Use technology to drive innovation by creating an advanced research projects agency for education;
- Create opportunities for STEM learning outside the classroom;
- Create 1,000 STEM-focused schools over the next 10 years;
- Provide strong and strategic national STEM leadership.
Read the full report at the Office of Science & Technology Policy:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ostp/pcast/docsreports |
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Mass Businesses to State:
Get us STEM-studying students! 
The Massachusetts Business Roundtable brings the call for STEM to the state level. In a one-page position paper, it cites a number of statistics including these two stark reminders:
- A 2004 study by Raytheon found 84% of U.S. middle school students would rather clean their rooms, eat their vegetables, take out the garbage, or go to the dentist than do math homework;
- A 2008 report by the College Board found the number of students expressing an interest in STEM careers was less in the state than in the nation: 20.5% of Massachusetts students who took the 2008 SAT indicated interest vs. 26.3% in the nation as a whole.
In response, the report sets goals for improving MA STEM education including doubling the number of STEM bachelor degrees by the year 2020. Tapping Massachusetts' Potential articulates this and other related Massachusetts Business Roundtable STEM goals. |
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Brookings IDs Economic Turnaround Key:
It lies in innovation and the power of STEM
 This week, think tank The Brookings Institution is releasing a new report along with a webcast about the innovation economy and how to harness new engines for growth. What's going to pull us out of the prolonged economic downturn? STEM education. One of three commentators on the report and topic is the Commonwealth's very own innovation advisor. Check it out on October 19 at http://www.brookings.edu/events/2011/1019_technology_innovation.aspx
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SE Mass Ahead of the Curve
STEM stats slightly outperform the state averages | |
According to the the Department of Higher Education, students in our Southeastern Region show slightly higher levels of interest and engagement with STEM than the state average, as measured against the four 2016 goals:
1. Increasing student interest in STEM as measured by a question posed to SAT takers; 2. Increasing STEM achievement, as measured by MCAS results; 3. Increasing percentage of students who are ready for college level STEM study, as measured by 4 years of math and 3 years of science; 4. Increasing the number of students who complete STEM degrees at the Bachelor's level.
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This series of tables shows how students in the Southeastern region stack up against the statewide averages in the four key STEM goals for the Commonwealth.
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STEM Stirrings: Events & Resources
STEM Regional Network Fall Meeting: Be There!
Be part of the Southeast region's fall meeting on November 2 at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro. With a theme of "Employers and Educators Bridging the STEM Gap," it provides the perfect platform for bringing together regional stakeholders to address STEM education and workforce needs -- plus a great chance to meet, mingle, and connect.
· What? Regional Network Fall Meeting - REGISTER TODAY!
· Where? Gillette Stadium, Foxboro
· When? Wednesday, November 2, 3:30 pm |
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 Hands-on: ROVs in your classroom
Middle and High School Teachers: Bristol Community College wants you to design, build, and test your own underwater vehicle -- and learn how to use it for teaching ocean exploration, technology, and basic physical science concepts. In this one day free workshop, find out how to build small scale Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) with your students and integrate lessons from the project into your classroom.
· When? Saturday, October 22, all day
· Where? Bristol Community College
· Cost? FREE, register by contacting Meghan at meghan.abella-bowen@bristolcc.edu or 508-678-2811 X2576.
Saturday Science for the Elementary Set 
Green Briar Nature Center at the Thornton Burgess Society in Sandwich turned a grant from GenOn Energy into a rolling cart of science activity every Saturday afternoon. Five rotating themes serve up explorations from the plant and animal kingdoms, to rocks & minerals, to science "recipes," designed for kids from ages 4-12 and their families. The program rolls out for homeschool science on Monday mornings as well.
· When? Every Saturday, 1:00-2:30 pm
· Where? Green Briar Nature Center, East Sandwich, online at http://www.thorntonburgess.org/
· Cost? $3, members; $5/non-members. |
Share your news!
We want to include all the cool stuff happening around our region. Plus, we'd love to share your news, as well as suggestions for things you find interesting. So ... Let us know! Email your news, events, and other interesting tidbits to southeaststemnetwork@connectsemass.org.
Plus, don't forget to register your organization in the SE MA STEM directory so that people seeking your STEM services can find you:
And be sure to check out the network website at :
Our mission is to connect southeastern Massachusetts students, educators, employers, and STEM advocates to resources and to each other.
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