Will Tennessee seize the future?

Tennessee could have a bright future in STEM

TN will enjoy robust STEM growth As in much of the country, STEM jobs in Tennessee will enjoy robust growth. Computing and advanced manufacturing will grow particularly quickly. Engineering looks like it will grow less quickly in comparative terms, but will grow well in absolute terms. Given the importance of technology as a driver of innovation and economic growth, TN may want to do more to promote a stronger computing and manufacturing workforce, along with other measures to strengthen the industry in the state.

In TN, it pays to have a STEM job STEM employees in Tennessee can earn nearly double their non-STEM contemporaries. In other words, the advantage of having a STEM job is higher than in most other states—a sign of strong demand.

Will Tennessee have the STEM talent to meet the demand?

TN has potential to increase pool of STEM talent Though Tennessee graduates a higher percentage of high school students, the state trails the national averages for college students completing 2- and 4-year degree programs. However, TN college graduates earn a higher percentage of STEM degrees and certificates than the national average. TN has the potential to help close the STEM gap.

Women sparse in computing Over 3.5X higher for men Tennessee has a sizable gap between the number of men earning computing degrees and certificates and the number of women earning them. In 2002, women enjoyed much better standing, earning 40% of degrees/certificates. Since then, men have earned more than triple the number of computing degrees compared to women; 14,077 versus 4,103, respectively. Only 28% for women

Women sparse in engineering Over 4X higher for men Only 22% for women Though there have been nominal increases since 2001 in the number of women earning engineering degrees and certificates, men have earned nearly 4 times as many; 4,813 versus 18,939, respectively. In 2015, women earned only 22% of TN engineering degrees and certificates compared to men.

Minorities have lost some ground in computing 27% of Population… …and nearly 20% of degrees Underrepresented minorities: Black, Latino, and American Indian/Alaska native. A high percentage of the minority population who pursue computing degrees and certificates earn them. TN ranks among the top quartile of all US states in the number of computing degrees/certificates earned by minorities. However, this number is less complimentary when you consider how poorly the nation performs across the board in this area.

Minorities very scarce in engineering More than ¼ of Population… In absolute terms, racial and ethnic minorities are badly underrepresented among those who get degrees and certificates from Tennessee engineering programs. While they make up just more than a quarter of college populations, fewer than 10 percent of credentials go to minorities. Since a historic-high in 2004 when nearly 15% of engineering credentials went to minority students, the name has dropped at an alarming rate – today only 8% go to minority students. Nationally, Tennessee ranks 32nd on this measure. …but only 8% of degrees

The challenge begins early: Students lag in K-12

TN has made progress in math but still lags behind the nation TN made especially swift progress between 2011 and 2013 TN closed much of the gap with the United states since 2003.

TN has made gains in 8th-grade science Tennessee 8th-graders’ growth has outstripped the growth of the nation’s 8th graders.

Yet TN faced large racial gaps in achievement

Most elementary school children spend little time on science TN is on par with the nation on this indicator Almost half of the state’s fourth-graders spend less than three hours per week in science.

More TN 8th graders need more hands-on activities Tennessee offers fewer opportunities for 8th graders to conduct hands-on activities and investigations on a weekly basis their those in other states. The state ranks near the bottom in each measured demographic group and overall. TN rank: Hispanic (45th), overall (46th), white (46th), Black (49th), >50% Black/Hispanic schools (49th)

TN lags in teacher preparation (science) TN trails national averages for percentage of science teachers holding undergrad science degrees More teachers with science degrees are needed statewide; especially in certain communities, like suburban and rural areas. Four states did not report data for this measure. TN rank: Tied with WV for 39th)

TN lags in teacher preparation (math) TN also trails national averages for percentage of math teachers holding undergrad math degrees, though urban schools with high minority enrollments seem to perform best on this measure. Tied with Washington State and South Carolina for 39th place. TN rank: rural (tied with GA for 47th); suburban (44th)

TN science teachers lack the tools of their trade Overall, Tennessee trails most states on this measure, with nearly five in ten eighth-graders having science teachers who say they do not have all or most of the resources they need to teach science. This problem affects every racial, community and income groups.

Tennessee can give students better opportunities to learn

Too many TN students lack access to advanced classes Tennessee students are less likely that students nationally to have access to challenging math and science classes, like calculus and physics. Only half of Black students have access to schools that offered calculus in 2013/14. White TN students have lower access than their counterparts in other states.

Advanced classes could develop minority talent The good news is TN has minority students with the potential to succeed on AP placement tests. The challenge is 60 percent did not take them. The first step is to help these students take the tests. Untapped pool of STEM talent

To seize the future in STEM… Tennessee should expand access to: Proven STEM education opportunities for students of color Teachers with strong STEM backgrounds and robust instructional support Better STEM materials and facilities More science resources and greater accessibility to challenging math and science classes

Contact Information Claus von Zastrow cvonzastrow@changetheequation.org 202.626.5740 www.changetheequation.org Facebook.com/changetheequation Twitter.com/changeequation