STEM Education

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education

Summary

• The nation’s scientific strength is at the heart of the economic boom of late 1990s and early 2000s. 
• Recent assessments by the U.S. Department of Education of the progress of students’ performance in various subject areas, including science technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, have concluded that the grasp of science and math by U.S. students is less than that of their international peers.
• Over half of the economic growth today can be attributed directly to research and development in science, engineering, and technology. Our ability to recapture and maintain economic growth will be determined largely by our nation’s intellectual capital. The only means to develop this intellectual capital is through education.
• Robust K-12 STEM programs are necessary to guide qualified students toward civil engineering careers.
• Over half of the economic growth today can be attributed directly to research and development in science, engineering, and technology. Our ability to recapture and maintain economic growth will be determined largely by our nation’s intellectual capital. The only means to develop this intellectual capital is through education.

Activity in the 116th Congress

• ASCE will work the STEM Education Coalition on appropriation for the STEM oriented programs created and reauthorized under ESSA.
• ASCE will work to secure full funding for Federal STEM education programs. 

Recent Success

• The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015. This bipartisan measure reauthorizes the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
• The legislation replaces the No Child Left Behind’s prescribed goals and penalties, and allows states and school districts to set their own goals and to decide how to rate schools and what to do with those that underperform.
• ASCE will work the STEM Education Coalition on appropriation for the STEM oriented programs created and reauthorized under ESSA.  

ASCE Position

• ASCE supports full funding and implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act.  
• ASCE supports programs that foster an appreciation and understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at the K-12 level.
• ASCE works closely with the STEM Education Coalition to support STEM programs and to highlight STEM needs and achievements.  

Further Information

• ASCE Policy Statement 377 - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education