1. Presentation to the Nevada Advisory Council on STEM David Crowther, Ph.D., Professor of Science, Raggio Research Center for STEM Education, UNR Mary Pike, M.A., Director of Science, CCSD Beth Wells, M.A. Executive Director, Nevada STEM Coalition

2. “Rather convincing empirical evidence suggests that most children who are ‘turned off’ by mathematics and science have already arrived at that conclusion by the time they are in 4 th grade. “ Why STEM?

3. At all levels of educational attainment, STEM job holders earn 11 percent higher wages compared with their same-degree counterparts in other jobs.

4. Is There Really a STEM Worker Shortage? The numbers of higher education graduates in STEM appear to meet the need for high-level STEM jobs. However, studies show attrition of STEM professionals after 10 years. Why?

5. STEM Skills are Highly Desirable Higher level thinking Team work Problem solving Innovative solutions Communication skills These are skills that are in demand in NV (IGT, SWITCH, and Microsoft) as well as across the workforce in the nation in both STEM and non- STEM occupations.

6. National Perspective Numerous states are creating STEM councils, networks, and strategic plans There is increased federal funding for STEM initiatives A consortium of states collaborating on STEM initiatives has been formed (STEMx) There is major corporate engagement such as Intel, Chevron, Bayer The US News and World Report hosts an annual STEM conference Many conferences in education now incorporate a STEM strand or stand-alone conferences (NSTA, NCTM, SSMA) Other national initiatives – Change the Equation – National Governors Association

7. Why STEM in Nevada? STEM occupations tend to pay well and do not necessarily require a bachelors degree $33,557 is the average STEM job Wage Premium in Nevada Share of STEM jobs requiring less than a 4-year degree is 54.7% (Brookings analysis of Bureau of Labor stats)

8. Why STEM in Nevada? All but two of the [NV’s GOED] target industries are STEM-intensive. (Brookings analysis of O*NET and Bureau of Labor stats) Rapid job growth characterizes NV’s target industry sectors, which employ over half of the state’s workforce. (Brookings Analysis of Moody’s Data) A surprisingly significant proportion of Nevada jobs require STEM knowledge (Brookings analysis of Bureau of Labor Stats)

9. Nevada’s STEM Progress Growth of STEM schools Growth of professional dialogue and collaborations Statewide STEM Summit in 2012 Statewide collaboration to define STEM education Development of an initial framework for defining NV STEM Schools by NVDOE & NV STEM Coalition with corporate sponsorships Increased STEM grant awards to districts STEM coordinators in some STEM schools Grant funding to support STEM initiatives

10. Nevada’s STEM Progress Statewide collaboration to prepare for adoption of new science standards Growth in business awareness, participation, and support for STEM education as it relates to the workforce Increasing professional development for STEM practices

11. What is STEM Education? STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education focuses on active teaching and learning, centered on relevant experiences, problem-solving, and critical thinking processes. STEM education emphasizes the natural interconnectedness of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and their connection to other disciplines, to produce informed citizens that possess and apply the necessary understandings to expand Nevada's STEM-capable workforce in order to compete in a global society. Nevada Department of Education

12. Goals: Expand the number of students who ultimately pursue advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields and broaden the participation of women and minorities in STEM fields. Expand the STEM-capable workforce and broaden the participation of women and minorities that workforce. Increase STEM-literacy for all students, including those who do not pursue STEM-related careers or additional study in the STEM disciplines. - National Research Council; Copyright 2011 Successful K-12 STEM Education: Identifying Effective Approaches in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

13. Districts should ensure that STEM curricula are focused on the most important topics in each discipline. STEM curricula is rigorous. STEM curricula is articulated as a sequence of topics and performances. STEM curricula aligns with ongoing standards reforms including CCSS and Framework for K-12 Science (NGSS) - National Research Council; Copyright 2011 Successful K-12 STEM Education: Identifying Effective Approaches in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

14. Report included 14 recommendations for improving K-12 STEM education. The top five in priority are to develop multiple models of STEM-focused schools. provide adequate instructional time and resources for science in grades K-5. ensure access to high-quality curricula. enhance capacity of K-12 teachers by ensuring that they are prepared for the demands of STEM teaching. provide quality professional development for instruction leaders that support STEM learning. - National Research Council; Copyright 2012 - Monitoring Progress Toward Successful K-12 STEM Education A Nation Advancing?

15. What do Leading Science and STEM Educators in Nevada say are Their Key Needs? Timely adoption of new science standards – Already adopted ELA and Mathematics – New science standards in progress (second State Board of Education vote will be on February 26, 2014) Adequate time for ALL K-8 students to learn science and experience STEM practices throughout the curriculum Stronger content knowledge requirements in science and math for K-8 teaching licensure Identification and alignment of exemplary STEM teaching practices Increased research-based teacher professional development Sustainability of promising grant-funded programs More teacher resources for teaching STEM More recognition of Nevada’s many “islands of excellence”

16. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) reflect the real world interconnections in science. Concepts build coherently across K–12. NGSS focus on deeper understanding and application of content. Science and engineering are integrated in science education from K–12. Science standards coordinate with English Language Arts and Mathematics Common Core State Standards. -National Research Council; Copyright 2011 Next Generation Science Standards Transitioning to the Next Generation of Science Education

17. NGSS and the Connection to STEM Education Provide the basis for a rigorous science curriculum for every student at every school. Develop 21st-century skills (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation) that apply to all careers as well as everyday life. Prepare every student for the workplace and ensure he/she is globally competitive. -National Research Council; Copyright 2011 Next Generation Science Standards

18. NGSS and the Connection to STEM Education Support the creation of science, technology and engineering jobs in the economy through the preparation of a scientifically literate workforce. Equip all students for living in a society that demands an increasing level of science, mathematics, and technology literacy. -National Research Council; Copyright 2011 Next Generation Science Standards

20. Nevada’s Challenges Inequities in student access to resources (rural counties) Rural educators may not have equitable access to professional development and resources Major gaps in science and math performance among racial groups

21. Nevada’s Challenges Elementary science, among other subjects, became marginalized in Nevada (and nationwide) for low performing students in the push for reading and math achievement under NCLB. Some elementary teachers have reported that they are “not allowed” to teach science or are told to focus on student test performance in reading and math Lack of sustainability when federal funds end means promising programs lost. STEM teachers request more ability to communicate, share and collaborate with colleagues statewide. Community outreach organizations want more interaction with schools.

22. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! The Joint Nevada State Legislative Education Committee is already working on bill drafts for the 2015 Session Per Superintendent Erquiaga: NDE is working with the Governor’s office between now and August on budgets and bill drafts.

23. Questions?