“In a world filled with the products of scientific inquiry, scientific literacy has become a necessity for everyone. Everyone needs to use scientific information to make choices that arise every day. Everyone needs to be able to engage intelligently in public discourse and debate about important issues that involve science and technology.”
- The National Committee on Science Education Standards
Although Education Leaders in the United States see the importance of solid science instruction as a part of education, the results of a national exam, released Tuesday, are alarming. The test scores showed that a disturbingly low number of students have advanced skills that could lead to careers in science and technology. Only one percent of fourth and 12th grade students and two percent of eight grade students scored in the highest group on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress. Less than half of U.S. students were considered proficient in science.
These results are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the lack of scientific literacy in the United States. According to a 2010 science education report, “U.S. mathematics and science education between kindergarten and 12th grade now ranks 48th worldwide.” The study also showed that almost half of U.S. adults don’t know how long it takes the Earth to circle the sun. In 2010, China debuted at the top of International Education rankings. China has now replaced the U.S. as the world’s top high-technology exporter.
“Scientific literacy also is of increasing importance in the workplace. More and more jobs demand advanced skills, requiring that people be able to learn, reason, think creatively, make decisions, and solve problems. An understanding of science and the processes of science contributes in an essential way to these skills.”
- The National Research Council
Since achievement scores for students in the U.S. have stagnated, employers are now forced to seek qualified workers elsewhere. Charles Vest, the head of the National Academy of Engineering, stated, “We have to have a well-educated workforce to create opportunities for young people. Otherwise, we don’t have a chance.” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan makes the connection between science education and the nation’s economic future clear: “Americans need to wake up to this educational reality, instead of napping at the wheel while emerging competitors prepare their students for economic leadership." If we continue to allow ineffective science education, our nation will be at the mercy of other world powers that are able to successfully prepare students for the future in a scientifically advanced world.
“The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them.”
- Albert Einstein
Amidst all of the negative news about America’s school system, the Southwest Learning Centers stand out as schools that are successfully educating students in science. Last year’s test scores showed that students in the Southwest Learning Centers are far ahead of their peers. Both the fourth and fifth grade classes at Southwest Primary Learning Center scored 100% proficient in science and the sixth grade class was 85% proficient. Seventh grade students in Southwest Intermediate Learning Center earned a 95% proficient rating in science and Southwest Secondary Learning Center’s 11th graders were 90% proficient in science. When compared to the less than 50% national average, it is clear that the Southwest Learning Centers are effective in science education and understand the importance of scientific literacy. The Southwest Learning Centers strive to show students the practical applications of science in everyday life and for future careers. For example, the flight program offered at the schools shows students the relevance of science in a tangible way. Educators, law-makers, and leaders need to look to the innovative methods of successful schools, such as the Southwest Learning Centers, to find creative ways to improve science education in the United States. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sums it up: “Our nation’s long-term economic prosperity depends on providing a world class education to all students, especially in mathematics and science.”
Those numbers are very impressive it seems that other school should be taking a look at what Southwest Learning Centers is doing right and follow their lead to improve test scores across the board. We need to fix the problem, and remember that if we give our kids a mediocre education we will have a mediocre future.
ReplyDeleteMindy, well-stated..."if we give our kids a mediocre education we will have a mediocre future."
ReplyDeleteI also can't believe that so many adults (products of the current system) don't know how long it takes for the earth to circle to sun.
This article is interesting.
http://www.nationalmathandscience.org/index.php/blog/danger-america-is-losing-its-edge-in-innovation.html
One thing mentioned is how scientists and engineers are the celebrities of other countries. Maybe part of the problem is that our celebrities are famous for nothing....
Today nearly all jobs need a good understanding of the sciences from their employees. In order for students to be able to thrive in these fields they need to be able to do science and understand the different concepts. Sadly, because the US's students are so far behind their contemporaries in other countries the children from other countries are going to be able to take advantage of the growing fields in science that our children are not going to be able to. Not only are we weakening children individually by not giving them a firm background in science we are also weakening our country because jobs and opportunities that become available will bypass us and go to countries that have insured their children are prepared to take them. We owe it to ourselves and to our children to ensure they can compete in the world-wide field. Luckily, our school is ensuring our children will not be left behind and will be ready for any and all opportunities that come their way.
ReplyDeleteI'm still surprised that the State can turn a blind eye to one of the few bright lights in our educational system. With almost double the average on science scores we should have administrators from around the country on SSLC's doorstep trying to figure out what we're doing right. Maybe NM should take a proactive stand and hold up our grades to the rest of the country. Could be a way to earn praise and maybe more funds for the state. It's past time to stop being afraid of something that works well just because it's "different".
ReplyDeleteI feel that APS is embarrassed by the product that is coming out of the "traditional" school system. Maybe what is needed, is for State to continue to allow it's citizens to have the choice of charter schools for their children. The more charter schools that are approved, will make way for the remainder of the students in "traditional" schools to receive the attention from the teachers and then their scores can raise and the state will look better overall but most importantly the upcoming tax paying citizens will be better educated. Pride can be a monstrous detriment if it is allowed to get in the way of what serves the public or what serves others. The education system in this state or any state for that matter needs to serve the consumer or student. What good is teaching a student with the administrator's agenda? Well, actually we can see how effective it is....
ReplyDeleteToo many people in this country think science is for "nerds". That may be true if you want to work at the labs, but the great challenges of our times require a basic understanding of math and science, and we can't afford to handicap the next generation of voters and workers.
ReplyDelete