STEM Jobs by 2018

We hear so much about future job opportunities for students who excel in STEM subjects, but exactly what types of careers in these areas are predicted to be the most promising? According to data from US-BLS Employment Projections, 2008-2018, 71% of jobs will be related to computing, 16% in traditional engineering, 4% in life sciences, 2% in mathematics, and 7% in physical sciences. When the Computer job area is segmented, it looks like 27% of jobs will be available in software engineering, 21% in computer networking, 10% in systems analysis, 2% in database administration, 7% in computer support, 1% in research, and 3% other.

Considering these statistics, schools would be wise to offer both introductory courses in computer science as well as Advanced Placement courses.

Good News: Students & Math & Science

A new report from the National Center for Education Statistics relates the good news that more students are opting for rigorous courses in the STEM subjects. For example, the percentage of students taking calculus increased from 7% to 16% between 1990 and 2009. The percentage of those taking chemistry in 1990 was 49% and in 2009, 70%. Percentages of students in Grades 9-12 taking physics went from 21% in 1990 to 36% in 2009.  Racial/ethnic group percentages for math and science increased during this time period, as well. The report also found that students enrolled in private schools were more likely to select advanced level STEM courses than those in public schools.

Why Pre-Kindergarten? Why Tech in Pre-K?

Studies find that students who attend Pre-Kindergarten:

1. Are less likely to develop drug and alcohol problems.
2. Are more likely to graduate from college.
3. Earn an average of 50% more than those who didn't attend Pre-K.
4. Are more likely to own their own homes and have longer marriages.

Considering that many Pre-Kindergartners come to school accustomed to the fast-paced world of television and digital devices, use of appropriate apps and educational games available for digital devices will help with the transition to school and provide learning activities in a format understood by these students. Combining the use of software and traditional Pre-K learning activities is a good idea for today’s Pre-Kindergarten classes.

Cultural Hype: Who’s Special?

Teacher David McCullough Jr. delivered the commencement address, “You’re Not Special”, at Wellesley High School. Not only did he say the graduates weren’t special, he told them that they’ve “been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped.” McCullough stressed that no matter what achievements the graduates have already achieved, after commencement, the slate is clean and they must travel a new path. That path, he suggested should be one in which they go after what they love and believe in—one in which they work hard and dream big. Graduates shouldn’t go out thinking everything will fall in place for them, but instead that they must make things happen.

According to McCullough, they’ve probably been told they are one in a million, and therefore, very special. However, “on a planet of 6.8 billion that means there are nearly 7,000 people just like” these graduates. The speech, as you can imagine, garnered an abundance of attention. Newsweek’s Periscope, “Generation ‘Special’" tells us that of the 700 emails McCullough received after the speech, only four were critical of his words. Does the speech inspire us educators to reconsider how we are educating our students? American companies often have to locate their operations overseas because they cannot locate enough qualified workers in the U.S. Think about how difficult it is for us to encourage students to take the most difficult courses in the STEM subjects and continue on with them in college. Do our students know how to write well, solve problems, and use tech as an assistant in their learning?  Do they know how to learn without us (educators and parents) pushing them? Are we heading many of our graduates toward inevitable difficulty in finding jobs after high school and college?

What Encourages Girls to Pursue STEM Careers?

How to get girls interested in STEM subjects has been debated for some time. Now, it seems that after school activities are turning more girls on to the advantages of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. "Out of School Time Drawing Girls into STEM” (Education Week, 01/05/12) discusses the success of Techbridge, an afterschool program for girls that offers challenges in the STEM subjects through innovative teaching. Linda Kekelis, Executive Director of Techbridge, says that girls often don’t have the experiences boys do that create interest in the STEM subjects. “Techbridge is providing the expectations and the experiences to level the playing field for girls, particularly in STEM.”  The question remains, “Why can’t such programs be integrated into regular school studies?

Connecting Students with STEM Careers

ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) is offering a new book, Connecting Students to STEM Careers, which is designed to help students “open their eyes” to careers in science, mathematics, technology and engineering. The book content makes it clear that jobs of the future will involve the STEM subjects and that preparing in one or more of these areas of the curriculum will enhance career options for students. Author Camille Cole shows teachers how to connect their students via video-conferencing with those working in STEM careers throughout the world; how to develop programs so that students can “engage in real-world learning experiences”; how to introduce them to those who can be STEM career role models; and how fascinating and rewarding such careers can be. The paperback sells for $23.07 (ISTE members) and $32.95 (non-members).