Parents can help District 204 enhance STEM lessons

By Alka Tyle

Founder, STEM-204

Economies today are driven by scientific and technological innovations that historically have led the United States to prosperity and world leadership. Our children will not inherit this leadership and prosperity unless we equip them to out-innovate and out-compete other nations in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

Excellent STEM education allows students to learn communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and quantitative skills that are transferrable to any career. Every student benefits from STEM education. Math is the language of science, and the sooner a student gains proficiency in it, the better. The following statistics show the importance of STEM education:

· The top 10 highest paid bachelor’s degrees in 2010 were in engineering and technology;

· The mean wages for most STEM occupations are significantly above the U.S. average;

· Healthcare, technology, and technician jobs are in demand, well-paying, require STEM skills and a 2-year degree;

· Only 29 percent of the ACT-tested 2010 graduates are considered college-ready in science, and only 43 percent in math;

· Only 17 percent of undergraduate degrees are awarded in STEM fields, threatening U.S. global leadership in innovations driven by technology and science;

· There is a severe shortage of women and minorities working in STEM fields.

  I am a Gregory Middle School parent and former Indian Prairie Unit District 204 board member. I believe an excellent, well-rounded education consists of a strong core of English, math, science and social studies; of learning global awareness, life, career, and media skills; and of cultivating one’s interests and talents in the arts and athletics.

I founded the STEM-204 Group a year ago to increase awareness about STEM education in our district, to provide a forum for sharing resources and information, and to create a STEM community of parents, students and staff who value excellence in STEM education. I am involved in STEM initiatives in our district and at the state level.

I believe we urgently owe our students an excellent, comprehensive STEM education program, and that parent-led STEM support at each school (such as math night, science fairs, chess club and robotics competitions) can make a substantial and immediate impact on the quality of our children's education.