President Barack Obama is making leaps and strides in his quest to improve the US education system. His “Educate to Innovate” campaign will focus on increasing importance on the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (also known as STEM). The inspiration for this idea was two-fold. Firstly, it’s no secret that the USA is struggling to keep up with other nations of the world when it comes to education. Currently the US is ranked 21st out of 30 in terms of science literacy and 25th in mathematics. Additionally, for the first time in many years, there is little to no evidence of progress amongst 8th graders in the US. Troubling news for Obama, as a parent of two young girls, he knows the importance of a valuable education. The second factor in launching his new campaign is inspiration from abroad. More specifically Germany, where high schools students can graduate with a high school diploma but also a specific technical degree which is equivalent to a community college degree in the US.
Obama is adamant on introducing technology to schools in order to expand STEM career options to women and girls as well as improve the standing of American students to lead the pack instead of drifting aimlessly in the middle. Parents are sure to be thrilled but Obama has a plan for all kids to get excited about this new opportunity too. Usually when kids hear “math” or “science” there is an audible groan in the room. But, if you add competition to the mix or a holiday, they’re all for it. This is what Obama’s strategy for getting kids to interact looks like:
- Time-Warner Cable,Discovery Communications,Sesame Street, and other partners will get the message to kids and students about the wonder of invention and discovery.
- National Lab Day will help build communities of support around teachers across the country, culminating in a day of civic participation.
- National STEM design competitions will develop game options to engage kids in scientific inquiry and challenging designs.
- Change the Equation is a non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing the business community to improve the quality of STEM education in the United States.
- Middle school and high school students from across the country descended on the State Dining Room at the White House for the firstWhite House Science Fair. These student projects represent most cutting edge science, technology and engineering.
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Currently, Canada is in the top 10 when it comes to educating our students in technology, math, engineering and science. This is great news however the problem may soon be, how are we going to keep this ranking? A lot of nations are determined to improve their rating when it comes to education their youths (Australia, New Zealand, and Japan are not far behind us!). Do you think our government should install a similar program to Canadian schools? Is our education system lacking in other subjects such as Reading and Writing? Or should the US model their schools after our current model? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!
Good going Obama, We need the same movement in Canada…:)
It’s good to know that the white house knows the importance of technology in today’s economy. The way that technology is growing we would need to put our focus more in this field and educate our children well, since they will play a big roll in the future of our country
Our children are the future of this country, thanks Obama for helping them learn what they need to learn.