Worcester Telegram & Gazette: STEM Summit targets educating more skillful workforce
The Worcester Telegram & Gazette published an article profiling the Massachusetts STEM Summit and the discussion that emerged from a workshop on how Common Core standards are being implemented into STEM (Science, Technology, Engingeering and Math) education.
The summit, titled "Gateway to the Future," was developed and led by the UMass Donahue Institute.
As the focus on technological education heightens, many see a need for a new statewide assessment test that can better track students' academic progress under the federal Common Core program.
"Ninety percent of Intel's revenue in December came from products that didn't exist in January," said Ann McGrath, Intel’s community engagement/education manager and a panelist at the workshop, Common Core and STEM: Will Assessments Make a Difference? "That gives you a sense of why Intel needs to be at the forefront of advocating for rigorous standards and assessments."
With STEM-related jobs expected to grow at three times the rate of those in other fields, Massachusetts needs to ensure its students are prepared for these jobs. A shift to the online Partnership for Readiness of College and Careers test could assess students in a way MCAS can't. The PARCC remains in a pilot testing phase to give students, teachers and school systems time to prepare both academically and technologically for the change.
Read article: STEM Summit targets educating more skillful workforce
October 23, 2014
