STEM EDUCATION: THE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE

Susan HackwoodCalifornia Council on Science and Technology

November 21, 2009Anaheim Marriott

Critical Issues in California’s K-12 STEM EducationCritical Issues in California’s K-12 STEM Education

Despite Its Woes, California's Dream Still LivesBy Michael Grunwald Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

"This is the most dynamic place for change on earth," genomic pioneer J. Craig Venter said on a recent tour of his San Diego labs, where researchers are studying ways to convert algae into oil, coal into natural gas and human wastewater into electricity. "That's why we're here."

1990-1998 1999-2007

The Shrinking PieThe Shrinking Pie

Individuals in S&E Occupations as Share of WorkforceIndividuals in S&E Occupations as Share of Workforce

California S&E Occupations 2007 - 753,570 - 4.14% of total

Projected Future S&T WorkforceProjected Future S&T Workforce

• 2006 - 2016 health care practitioners and technicians will add the most new jobs (1.4 million; 19.8% growth rate)

• Computer and mathematical occupations will grow the most quickly (0.8 million jobs; 24.8% growth rate)

• Other related occupational groups such as architecture & engineering (0.3 million jobs, 10.4% growth rate) life, physical, and social sciences (0.2 million jobs, 14.4% growth rate)

• Of the 30 fastest growing occupations, with a growth rate of 27% compared to the 10% average for all occupations, many are science and technology-related.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Projected increase in employment, for S&E and other Projected increase in employment, for S&E and other occupations: 2004-14occupations: 2004-14

SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics – Science and Engineering Indicators 2008

Workforce ChallengeWorkforce Challenge

Need workforce that is highly technical with:• bio, info, nano -- technology skills• multilanguage, multicultural skills• business skills• can operate in a world economy• capacity for innovation

What is Innovation?What is Innovation?

• Creation and application of new ideas that generate economic and social value

• 1990s innovation – was technology and its application

• 2008 now about new strategies, products and processes, new business models and new markets

Shifting Sources of SuccessShifting Sources of Success

Created Assets• Top universities• Research centers • Talented people • Entrepreneurial

culture• Networks• Vibrant downtowns

Inherited Assets• Geography• Climate• Natural Resources• Population

From: To:

Essential to: Essential to:

• Boost the development of skilled human talent that powers innovation

• Improve the economic environment and institutions that support innovation

• Respond to the changing global marketplace

CA’s Innovation InfrastructureCA’s Innovation InfrastructureWhat has changed since 1999?The ways people communicate and gather information are different.

– The Internet was far less capable. Google did not yet exist.– Social networking did not exist.– A world of information is now available within fractions of a second on hand-held devices.

The things people are doing are different.– The human genome had not been decoded. – Climate warming and change - Green technology was not a common term in 1998. – Financial engineering was in its infancy. Neuroscience has developed.

The international system was different.– 9/11 had not happened - ITAR regulations prevent collaborations.– The G20 has replaced the G8.– China will have the largest economy in the world in 20 years - all the largest ports in the world are in

China.

California's support of its educational system was much stronger in 1998– The costs of undergraduate education has visibly increased– Comparative achievement scores have improved in math but slipped in other areas.

Creating the Creating the STEM Innovation Infrastructure STEM Innovation Infrastructure

Necessary for SuccessNecessary for Success

Mission of the California STEM Innovation Mission of the California STEM Innovation Network (CSI-Network)Network (CSI-Network)

• Address California’s workforce needs by diversifying and increasing the number of students who obtain STEM or STEM related degrees and certificates, and possess the 21st Century skills required by employers.

• Promote STEM literacy among all students in grades K-14 by increasing access to high quality STEM learning opportunities offered by both formal and informal educators.

• Lead advocacy efforts that advance a common vision for improvements in STEM teaching and learning.

Specifics surrounding intended outcomes will be Specifics surrounding intended outcomes will be formulated around six big ideas:formulated around six big ideas:

Leadership – Develop programs that prepare future educators to provide strong leadership for STEM initiatives and engage future legislators, and national leaders

Empowerment – Empower STEM educators beginning with high quality preparation programs that strengthen ties between teacher education and STEM disciplines.

Equity of Access – Foster greater access to learning opportunities. Provide for multiple pathways that prepare students for placement exams and coursework that can accelerate progress towards STEM certificates/degrees.

Partnerships – Raise the visibility of innovators, connect STEM efforts, and secure resources to help grow effective programs and practice.

Ubiquitous Technologies – Make use of a variety of technology resources and advocate for continued investments to ensure that access to broadband and support is available.

Perpetual Change – Develop a blueprint that will contain detailed plans for advancing all of the above.

Blueprint Development ProcessOctober 16, 2009

Blueprint DraftingSession

Individual Consultations

ThinkersGatheringWriters

Nov 30-Dec 14, 2009 Nov 6, 2009Discussion #1

Dec 18, 2009Discussion #2

ProjectCoordination

Team

ExecutiveLeadership

Team

CSI NetSummit

Jan 4, 2010 Feb 25-26, 2010Jan 4, 2010

Nov 13, 2009

BASIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE THE BLUEPRINT DRAFTING EFFORT

1. This is a STEM initiative that recognizes the importance of addressing the full range of needs from pre-kindergarten through post-graduate school, although initial efforts will focus on students in grades K-14 and the adults who support their learning during all waking hours. 2. It is learner-centric and not institution centric, meaning our dominant focus is on learning 24/7 without regard to time or place, including out of school hours, online and at home for all learners (students, families, educators, etc.).

3. The CSI network’s efforts must impact the whole state, but focus its greatest attention on student communities, learning groups and their support teams (including parents) in ways that ensure equity of access to those in greatest need of innovative STEM learning opportunities. 4. The plan should identify promising starting points and a process for assessing and revising those, and then describe how the CSI-Net will build uponits success as it moves forward over the next 5-7 years.

5. Like a sports "game plan," it is expected that the blueprint will be quickly adjusted or amended by the end of the first quarter.

6. Engineering and technology must be treated seriously in the initiative, inclusive of the out-of-school hours as well as in school time.

7. The initiative needs to integrate the state's technology infrastructure and capacity to its best advantage.

8. The plan needs to address relevant policies and resources necessary for success.

9. It must include meaningful business community involvement and engagement.

10. It must be innovative in so far as to include novel or untested elements or unconventional perspectives for which there is some evidence to suggest that the approach has merit. 11. Elements of the plan must be cost effective and be highly likely to be able to be sustained over time.

Mechanism for Continuous Improvement of STEM Efforts As Of 11/02/2009

AnnualSTEM

Convention

Recognitionand

Rewards

Oversight Of

Operations

Communicationsand

Advocacy

MeasurableSTEM

Outcomes

Online Resources *Brokerage House

*Mapquest For STEM Pathways

Living Blueprint

Refreshing Knowledge

Focus On Outcomes Empowerment

Generating New Knowledge

Data and

Analysis

R & D Sites

Resources,Support,

And Sponsored

Programs for STEM