Stem and the City

The future of American STEM education is here...in every state there arethousands students that would benefit from science education if only they had theresources support systems and psychological ownership. There are brilliantyoung minds that could be called on to solve a myriad of world problems earningmoney and respect in the process. But these students don't see science as a viableoption for a life. Or they do but there are no textbooks in the classroom or theteacher is the fifth one this semester...and he is on the verge of leaving too.If STEM (science technology engineering and mathematics) careers are thefuture driving force of the American economy; and if only an anointed fewAmerican students choose STEM as a career path where will that leave us as anation as we strive to compete on the global stage? Will America maintain its position as leader of the freeworld? Can a country that shuns the word elite ever maintain its elite status? Everything we value depends onthis; our national security reputation and quality of life all depend on our ability to meet the needs of futuregenerations of American workers as they compete for jobs. Jobs that will require problem solving skillsinnovation creativity scientific literacy and mathematical knowledge. Jobs that will require Americans who aretops in their fields with expertise intellectual curiosity ambition and vision. This book seeks to address theseproblems as well as providing an historical backdrop for the discussion of STEM in American schools race andgender issues the effects of the standards movement on STEM and what good teaching looks like in urbanpublic schools. The future is here. Will we rise to the occasion?