National Survey of STEM High Schools' Curricular and Instructional Strategies and Practices
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
NCSSS Journal
Volume
20
Issue
1
Publisher
National Consortium of Secondary S T E M Schools
Publication Date
5-1-2015
First Page
8
Last Page
19
Abstract
The theory of human capital (e.g., Becker, 1993) posits that societies benefit from thoughtful investment in education, health care, and other services that enable citizens to become more economically productive. Given finite resources, policymakers must decide which investments will yield the greatest returns in developing human capital. The Obama administration’s focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers over other fields reflects its belief that U.S. productivity in these fields is most vital to the nation’s viability (H. Res. 5116, 2010). The G. W. Bush administration signed similar legislation, indicating that the promotion of better STEM education has garnered bipartisan support (H. Res. 2272, 2007). Authors of recent national reports (e.g., Committee on Highly Successful Schools or Programs in K-12 STEM Education, 2011; Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of 21st Century, 2007; National Academy of Sciences, 2010) concur that our nation’s continued financial, environmental, and military security rest on developing highly skilled U.S. citizens in STEM professions.
Recommended Citation
Forman, J., Gubbins, E. J., Villanueva, M., Massicotte, C., Callahan, C., & Tofel-Grehl, C. (2015). National survey of STEM high schools’ curricular & instructional strategies and practices. NCSSS Journal, 20(1), 8-19.