Will Rhode Island seize the future?

Rhode Island could have a bright future in STEM

RI will enjoy robust STEM growth Like much of the country, STEM jobs in Rhode Island will enjoy robust growth. Growth in computing jobs is especially robust. Engineering will grow less quickly in comparative terms, but they will grow well in absolute terms. Given the importance of technology as a driver of innovation and economic growth, RI might want to do more to promote a stronger computing workforce, along with other measures to strengthen the industry in the state.

RI STEM jobs offer a strong wage premium STEM employees can earn ALMOST double their non-STEM contemporaries In other words, the advantage of having a STEM job is higher than in most other states—a sign of strong demand. RI rank: 23rd

RI STEM unemployment was lower in tough times In the lean years from 2011-2014, STEM unemployment in Rhode Island was well less than half of non-STEM unemployment.

Will Rhode Island’s youth have access to the benefits of STEM jobs?

RI STEM unemployment was lower in tough times In the lean years from 2011-2014, STEM unemployment in Rhode Island was well less than half of non-STEM unemployment.

Women sparse in engineering Over 3X higher for men Rhode Island Only 22% for women Since 2001, the number of men earning engineering degrees/certificates has grown by 63%. While the number of degrees and certificates earned by women has grown more quickly in percentage terms—90%--seen increases, women still trail considerably.

Women decline in computing Over 5X higher for men Rhode Island Only 15% for women Growth in computing degrees/certificates has not been robust overall, but the numbers of such degrees/certificates earned by women has actually been flat since 2006.

Minorities also very rare in computing 26% of Population… …but only 32% of degrees Underrepresented minorities: Black, Hispanics, and American Indian/Alaska native.

Minorities Veryscarce in engineering 26% of Population… …but only 8% of degrees Even worse than the minority computing percentage, RI’s minority engineering percentage is abysmally low.

The challenges for STEM start early

In math, RI students fall back after years of gains Only Latino students bucket the trend, gaining more than 20 points in 12 years—a very robust rate of improvement.

Stronger gains in science—though not in urban areas Suburban and rural students made strong gains since 2009, and urban students fell back.

Wide achievement gaps in math and science Latino students in Rhode Island score below Latino students in the nation as a whole.

Too many Rhode Island youth lack access to STEM education resources and opportunities

RI math teachers say they lack teaching resources RI scores well below the nation as a whole on this critical

Large racial gaps in access to science teachers with resources The disparities between African American and White students are especially large.

RI students have limited—and unequal--access to science labs Again, African American students seem to get the short end of the stick.

RI students have limited—and unequal--access to science labs Again, African American students seem to get the short end of the stick.

Rhode Island students are more likely than students nationwide to have access to teachers with math and science backgrounds, but there is still room for improvement

RI 8th-graders’ teachers more likely to have degrees in math % of 8th graders whose teachers have math majors, by community type, 2015 RI 8th grade students have more math teachers with math degrees than many other states RI ranks as the best in the country for percentage of 8th grade suburban math teachers with math degrees, and among the best overall and in town communities Still, the overall percentages are low. More than half of the state’s 8th-graders don’t have single teacher who majored in math, which is troubling in absolute terms. RI rank: overall: 3rd; suburbs: 1st (best in country!); town: 5th

RI 8th-graders’ teachers more likely to have degrees in math % of 8th graders whose teachers have math majors, by race/ethnicity, 2015 RI ranks as the best in the country for percentage of 8th grade Black students who have access to math teachers with math degrees, and among the best overall and for Hispanic students. While RI ranks at or near the top, greater effort is need to increase these percentages. RI rank: overall: 3rd; Black: 1st (best in country!); Hispanic: 14th

To seize the future in STEM… Rhode Island should expand access to: Proven STEM education opportunities for students of color Teachers with strong STEM backgrounds and robust instructional support Better STEM materials and facilities Challenging STEM courses, including AP courses Proven out-of-school STEM opportunities that complement in-school opportunities

Contact Information Claus von Zastrow cvonzastrow@changetheequation.org 202.626.5740 www.changetheequation.org Facebook.com/changetheequation Twitter.com/changeequation