Federal Investment in STEM Education Essential to Boosting U.S. Competitiveness, Witnesses Tell Education Panel
WASHINGTON – Witnesses told a House Education subcommittee today that continued federal investment in science, technology, engineering and math education (STEM) is needed to bolster U.S. competitiveness in a global workforce. The Department of Commerce projects that, between 2008 and 2018, STEM career fields will grow at double the rate than that of other fields.
“STEM education is a worthwhile investment that Congress must consider furthering,” said Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, the senior Democrat on the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. “In a 21st century economy driven by innovation, STEM education is the key to meeting global competitiveness and workplace needs.”
Unfortunately, across-the-board cuts known as “sequestration” are already harming STEM research and education programs at a time when these investments are needed the most. Universities are offering fewer scholarships to students pursuing STEM degrees, and organizations have fewer funds for science research. Witnesses testified that continued federal investment in STEM education can help ensure that all students have access to and pursue STEM careers.
“A good portion of federal funding for STEM should continue to leverage attention to promoting equity and success for diverse students,” said Dr. Steve Schneider the senior program director for STEM at WestEd, a nonprofit research firm. “Teaching all students is not only about fairness; it’s also a national economic necessity to have enough students from every background choosing to enter STEM college and career paths and succeeding at them.”
Committee Democrats made STEM education a priority in their bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) last year and would continue assessing student achievement in Science. Under a Republican alternative, the federal government would no longer provide dedicated funding for STEM education and would no longer measure Science achievement. “The Democratic approach to ESEA should be looked at as a model for STEM education,” said Rep. McCarthy, “Unlike the Republican approach, it ensures that students are still being assessed in Science and it provides dedicated funding for STEM education, while still giving states and districts flexibility to use those funds as they think best.”
Today’s hearing coincided with the release of President Obama’s 2014 budget, which would strengthen federal investment in STEM. The budget would streamline current programs and launch new investments that improve the teacher workforce and expand innovative approaches to improving student learning.
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