STEM: Country Comparisons: International Comparisons of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education. (June 5, 2013)

The title of the 180-page report by the Australian Council of Learned Academies which is a superficial compendium of the approaches to up the interest in STEM.

For example under Key finding 9.4 ‘Out of field’ teaching it lists:

The incidence of ‘out of field’ teaching in science and mathematics is especially high inAustralia by comparison with other countries. Arguably, this is a crucial weakness of Australian education, impairing both the breadth and depth of STEM learning, especially in government and Catholic schools. One possible strategy would be a national timetable for elimination of out of field teaching in STEM in Australia, coupled with monitoring of graduates from teacher training and rigorous discipline-specific professional development training programs, linked to monetary incentives and leading to a qualification, for teachers currently teaching ‘out of field’ in science and maths.

While under Key finding 9.5: Science and mathematics teaching in primary schools it opines:

There is a serious focus in all countries on the quality of mathematics and science education at the primary school level. Many countries mirror concern in Australia with the adequacy of current provision at this level.

The foundations of STEM competence are laid in early childhood and primary education. This suggests the need to lift the confidence and competence of primary teachers in the teaching of science and mathematics. One model would be a scheme akin to that of the United Kingdom, whereby trained specialist mathematics leaders have responsibility within their schools for overseeing mathematics teaching skills and approaches, and for developing the relevant learning resources.

Perhaps it's understandable that the phrase: "Tell me something I haven't heard/read myriad times already," makes its presence felt.

Here we implore 1) Those who formed the expert panel for this report to spend the 43'12" and watch the video of Tom Luce explaining to PCAST what he's doing, and 2) we plead with our elected parliamentarians and the public servants that assist them to do the same.