Needed: A Reform of America’s 20th Century Education System to Enter the 21st Century Global STEM Economy

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations have powered the American economy for many years. As technology continues to develop and be used in all aspects of life, American citizens will need to be educated in a way that equips them to meet employer needs for the remainder of the 21st century and beyond. Despite America’s past leadership in STEM achievements, American students can no longer compete with their global peers in STEM during their K-12 education. Too many American school systems still hold the 20th century belief that students have deficits which can be fixed by providing more resources. American students do not need to be fixed to fit into the existing American education system; the existing American education system needs to be fixed to provide American students with opportunities to succeed. Many studies support the American education system taking a holistic approach that provides students with engaging and rigorous curricula, integrated and project based learning opportunities, teachers that are well trained and supported to teach integrated STEM curriculum, increased parental involvement opportunities and expectations, opportunities for students to develop interest and self-efficacy in STEM subjects and careers, and interactions with role models