“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.”
