The Need for STEM Education
An alarming report, "Rising Above the Gathering Storm" by the National Academy of Sciences, provides evidence that math and science must become a priority in our schools. The report states that America faces a serious and intensifying challenge relative to our future competitiveness and standard of living.
- Some of the findings of the report include:
- Fewer than one-third of U.S. fourth graders and eighth graders performed at or above a proficient level in mathematics
- Only 15 percent of all U.S. undergraduates receive their degrees in natural science or engineering. In China, the figure is 50 percent and 67 percent in Singapore.
- The United States is a net importer of high-technology products today. Its trade imbalance in high-tech manufactured goods shifted from plus $54 billion in 1990 to negative $50 billion in 2001.
- During 2004, China overtook the United States to become the leading exporter of information technology products.
By combining the strengths of area business, government, educators, and parents, CSI will be a model for others in bringing achievable ideas to realization and be a force in meeting the challenge of global competition.
Building for the future by investing in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.