The apparent heterogeneity of the national stem landscape: does it reflect reality or is it an illusion?

Date of Award

2013

Degree Name

Ed.S. in Educational Leadership

Department

Department of Educational Leadership

Advisor/Chair

Advisor: C. Daniel Raisch

Abstract

The word Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has become an important buzz word in education. In spite of the fact that there are millions of dollars being spent every year on STEM education reform" there is a lack of information about what the national STEM landscape looks like. In this research project the author deconstructs the national STEM landscape by posing the question about whether it is homogenous or heterogeneous. According to the STEMx national map, STEM "reform" efforts are heterogeneous but this graphic does not take into account locally-procured STEM "reforms." The author called all fifty (50) state education agencies to conduct a six question survey concerning STEM "reform" efforts. The survey data revealed that strong STEM learning networks and state-level legislation help to garner the support structures needed to build strong STEM "reform" efforts. However, having STEM learning networks and state-level legislation are not prerequisites to locally-procured STEM "reform.""

Keywords

Science Study and teaching United States Case studies, Technology Study and teaching United States Case studies, Engineering Study and teaching United States Case studies, Mathematics Study and teaching United States Case studies, Education; educational leadership; STEM; STEM landscape; STEM education; school reform

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2013, author

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