Mathematics and Science Education: The Foundation of High Technology Business Spaceport and Technology Committee February 7, 2006 Gerry G. Meisels Chairman, Florida Coalition for Improving Mathematics and Science Education (CIMS) Professor of Chemistry and Director, Coalition for Science Literacy at the University of South Florida Tel

February 7, 2006Slide 2 Sections of This Presentation 1.Evidence for need to act decisively 2.Florida Summit on Mathematics and Science Education 3.Recommendations of the Commission 4.Implementing the recommendations

February 7, 2006Slide 3 The Need In the last five years alone, nine reports have sent the same message: In the last five years alone, nine reports have sent the same message: –75% of the future workforce will need knowledge and skills in mathematics and science to assure health and expansion of the economy –A majority of high school graduates are not adequately prepared in mathematics and science –Too few students are choosing college degrees in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM disciplines) –Too few students become science and mathematics teachers The reports are available at

February 7, 2006Slide 4 Science and Engineering Skills Needed Source: Science and Engineering Indicators 2002 Appendix Table 3-2, Page A3-5. Note: SESTAT definitions of “S&E” and “Non-S&E” occupations. S&E Jobs in the Workforce Source: Calculated from Science and Engineering Indicators 2002 Text Tables 3-1, 3-2, pages 3-6, 3-7. Note: “Use S&E skills” includes all those in SESTAT-defined “S&E” jobs and those in SESTAT-defined “Non-S&E” jobs who “closely” or “somewhat” use S&E skills in those jobs. “closely” or “somewhat” use S&E skills in those jobs. Use of S&E Skills in the Workforce

February 7, 2006Slide 5 Changes in Skill Level Needed Unskilled 60% Skilled 20% Professional 20% Skilled 65% Unskilled 15% Professional 20% National Summit on 21 st Century Skills for 21 st Century Jobs

February 7, 2006Slide 6 Source: TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study)

February 7, 2006Slide 7 Foreign Born STEM Professionals We have relied heavily on foreign-born STEM professionals, 37% in 2000 (up from 23% in 1990; Source: US Bureau of the Census We have relied heavily on foreign-born STEM professionals, 37% in 2000 (up from 23% in 1990; Source: US Bureau of the Census China and India are building both new universities and STEM development centers Source: multiple; most recent Yahoo News March 3, 2006, quoting Chinese Education minister Zhou China and India are building both new universities and STEM development centers Source: multiple; most recent Yahoo News March 3, 2006, quoting Chinese Education minister Zhou Visas issued to foreign M/S professionals have decreased 37% since 9-11 Visas issued to foreign M/S professionals have decreased 37% since 9-11 We can no longer count on a long-term supply of foreign-born STEM professionals We can no longer count on a long-term supply of foreign-born STEM professionals

February 7, 2006Slide 8 Sections of This Presentation 1.Evidence for need to act decisively 2.Florida Summit on Mathematics and Science Education 3.Recommendations of the Commission 4.Implementing the recommendations

February 7, 2006Slide 9 Florida Summits on M/S Education February and December 2005 Supported by the National Science Foundation and others Goal: Identify action steps that will enhance Florida’s economic development by preparing a workforce educated in mathematics and science

February 7, 2006Slide 10 M/S Education is the Foundation for Florida’s Technology-Related Strengths Aviation - Aerospace Aviation - Aerospace Information Technology Information Technology Biotechnology and other life-science related fields Biotechnology and other life-science related fields Homeland Security and Defense (note: they require US Citizen professionals) Homeland Security and Defense (note: they require US Citizen professionals) Source: Enterprise Florida

February 7, 2006Slide 11 Objectives 1.Improve all students’ learning in mathematics and science. Measures include comparisons: 1.National (NAEP) and 2.International (TIMSS) 2.Increase student interest in the scientific disciplines. Measures include increases in 1.Number of college graduates in STEM disciplines 2.Numbers of students in AP and other advanced classes 3.Increase the number of highly qualified teachers of M/S at all levels by 1.Increasing the number of Florida college graduates in mathematics and science education (now 6% of need) 2.Increase recruitment and retention of mathematics/science teachers from related professions (career-change entrants) (Robbing Peter to pay Paul?)

February 7, 2006Slide Increase Public Awareness 50% of students do not think that studying mathematics and science is important 50% of students do not think that studying mathematics and science is important 76% of students think they are taught enough math and science now 76% of students think they are taught enough math and science now 64% of parents do not think we need better mathematics and science education 64% of parents do not think we need better mathematics and science education Source: Reality Check 2006, Education Insights of the Public Agenda But 80% of the workforce will need mathematics and science skills (slide 4)! But 80% of the workforce will need mathematics and science skills (slide 4)!

February 7, 2006Slide 13 Sections of This Presentation 1.Evidence for need to act decisively 2.Florida Summit on Mathematics and Science Education 3.Recommendations of the Commission 4.Implementing the recommendations

February 7, 2006Slide 14 Governor’s Commission on the Future of Space and Aeronautics in Florida The following are based on SUMMIT recommendations 3.Establish a Center for Mathematics and Science Education Research to enhance K-12 mathematics and science instruction quality. 4.Improve K-12 mathematics and science teacher availability through a greater emphasis on teacher recruitment. 5.Expand enrollment in, completions of, and retention of graduates from post-secondary degree programs in mathematics, science, and engineering …. 6.Provide hands-on opportunities for students to experience and learn ….. 7.Increase general awareness …..

February 7, 2006Slide 15 Broader Impact CIMS believes that the Commission’s recommended actions would provide educational underpinnings for all sectors of Florida technology business and industry, and provide substantial long- term benefits for Florida’s economy and citizens.

February 7, 2006Slide 16 Sections of This Presentation 1.Evidence for need to act decisively 2.Florida Summit on Mathematics and Science Education 3.Recommendations of the Commission 4.Implementing the recommendations

February 7, 2006Slide 17 Legislative Action State’s Aerospace Industry Bill, especially Section 61, Creating Section of the Florida Statutes, Florida Center for Mathematics and Science Education Research State’s Aerospace Industry Bill, especially Section 61, Creating Section of the Florida Statutes, Florida Center for Mathematics and Science Education Research –HB1489 –SB2580 The tasks assigned provide detail and are reasonable, comprehensive, and needed. The tasks assigned provide detail and are reasonable, comprehensive, and needed. An appropriation should be provided that is adequate to allow the center to meet the bill’s expectations. An appropriation should be provided that is adequate to allow the center to meet the bill’s expectations.

February 7, 2006Slide 18 Resource Implications The Center is an excellent and appropriate first step. The Center is an excellent and appropriate first step. Florida has 55,000 elementary and 12,000 secondary mathematics and science teachers Florida has 55,000 elementary and 12,000 secondary mathematics and science teachers The Summit showed that industry spends about $1,500 per employee to keep them abreast of new developments The Summit showed that industry spends about $1,500 per employee to keep them abreast of new developments Major improvement cannot be achieved without a program that is similar in scope and cost to Just Read, Florida! Major improvement cannot be achieved without a program that is similar in scope and cost to Just Read, Florida!