American competitiveness in the innovation-driven global economy has become a subject of intense concern, with many pointing to the shortage of well-trained American scientists, technicians, engineers, and mathematicians (STEM). Amid the proliferation of policy proposals to address the problem, however, one critical component has been largely overlooked: the role of specialty math and science high schools. In a new report, ITIF argues that such schools graduate deeply knowledgeable and passionate students of science and math who are more likely to pursue these fields in college and beyond. As a result, funding the expansion of specialty science and math schools must be an important part of any solution to the STEM challenge. The report recommends taking steps to triple enrollment in math and science high schools to reach 140,000 by 2012.

Addressing the STEM Challenge by Expanding Specialty Math and Science High Schools

White House Initiative on Computer Science Education Is Good Policy, Long Overdue, Says ITIF

ITIF summarized the state of U.S. digital education as part of the European Commission’s eSkills for Jobs 2015 campaign.

The e-Skills Manifesto 2015: Digital Skills in the United States

While it is laudable that we are focusing on STEM education, we are running the risk of tethering ourselves to assumptions that might be a little faulty and outdated.  

A New Approach for STEM Education

Please join ITIF for a discussion of these issues with leading computer science education experts.

How to Reform and Expand Computer Science Education

Rob and Jackie sat down with Dr. Juan Gilbert, chair of the University of Florida’s Computer & Information Science & Engineering Department, to discuss how the United States has fallen behind in recruiting students in science, technology, engineering, and math and what policymakers, universities, and industries can do diversify their candidate pools.

Podcast: The Keys to Diversifying Computer Science Education, With Dr. Juan Gilbert

Congress should help restore America’s advanced manufacturing output by transforming “STEM” initiatives into “STEMI” initiatives—adding a focus on industrial skills to science, technology, engineering, and math.

To Do: Expand STEM Initiatives to Include Industrial Skills

As computing continues to become more integral to the way society operates, the education system will have to better equip students with the skills they will need to thrive. If computer science is only offered in college, then those who don’t attend college will be locked out of a crucial segment of the economy and fewer college students will be prepared to study computer science when they arrive.

Fact of the Week: States That Fund Computer Science Training for Teachers Have 72 Percent More High Schools Offering Computer Science Classes

Despite growing interest, too few U.S. students are taking quality computer science classes at the high school and university levels.

To Do: Double the Number of STEM Charter Schools

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The Case for Improving U.S. Computer Science Education

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Addressing the STEM Challenge by Expanding Specialty Math and Science High Schools

White House Initiative on Computer Science Education Is Good Policy, Long Overdue, Says ITIF

The e-Skills Manifesto 2015: Digital Skills in the United States