The State of STEM in a Time of Transition Chris Roe, CSLNet Gateways STEM Stakeholder Meeting Oct. 10, 2014

 New research and key reports on STEM  Deeper look into three key STEM policy areas/opportunities: NGSS: The long and winding road… New education financing & accountability systems Computer science education  Your turn: Take Action The State of STEM in a Time of Transition

STEM Task Force report Key Recommendations: Increase public awareness of STEM Increase resources for STEM from all stakeholders (government, business, philanthropy, communities) through new funding, in-kind support, multi- sector participation, and innovative public/private partnerships Make access to high-quality STEM experiences and programs through a opportunities in school, expanded learning, and community partnerships

STEM Task Force Recommendations Key Recommendations (Cont’d): Establish a K-12 STEM Framework for teaching and learning that identifies the sequence of STEM knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward developing college, career, and life readiness skills Integrate STEM into assessment and accountability systems Ensure that state, regional, and local STEM educators can identify and access excellent learning resources.

NGSS: The Long & Winding Road NGSS Statewide Implementation Plan Teacher Prep & Credentialing NGSS Assessment Development CA NGSS Curriculum Framework Development NGSS Adopted – Sept 2013 New Accountabilty Systems

New Education Financing System: Where Does STEM Fit?  LCFF: new funding system for public schools  LCAP: Starting with academic year districts must develop a plan for how they will use state funds.  State has identified 8 Priorities that districts must address in their LCAP with input from stakeholders. includes Academic Content Standards (Priority 2)

LCAP Research re: STEM & Science  Ed Trust-West - LCAP Watch to provide transparency  Searchable, crowd-sourced database accessible to public  CSLNet role: Conduct research re: STEM & Science Sampled 92 districts: o 50 largest districts in California o Largest district in each county not already part of the sample *

Findings re: STEM & NGSS  41% included some reference to STEM  Top three STEM related activities: CTE Coursework (9.1%) & Career Pathways (4.5%) Expanded Learning (9.1%)  43% included references to NGSS 28% included reference to professional learning

Next Steps  Advocate for changes to LCAP Template to clarify Priority 2.  Work with partners to develop a best practices guide for including STEM and NGSS in LCAPs.

Computer Science Education: K- 12 through Workforce  Challenge #1 - Access Insufficient course offerings in K-12 9 of 10 students will leave K-12 with no CS course  Challenge #2 - Completion Production of computer scientists is low given key role in CA economy Few women and under-represented students among degrees awarded  Challenge #3 – Workforce Demand Projections all point to significant increases in the demand for computer science jobs through 2022.

Computer Science Degrees: CA Flatlines While Nation Rebounds

Computer Science Degrees: Women & URMs Lose Ground

Your Part: Call to Action  Help CA develop a robust plan for implementing NGSS  Ensure that in 2015 LCAPs, 100% address science and 75% address STEM Support increased awareness among LEAs Support increased awareness among students and parents about STEM  Help California develop a comprehensive policy agenda for computer science

Got Questions??? Thank You!!! Contact Information: Website: cslnet.org