Partnerships, Policy, and Educational Change: The Role of Mathematics and Science in K-16 Reform.

摘要: Concerns about American competitiveness and innovation have led to increasing scrutiny of science, technical, engineering, mathematics (STEM) education. Leaders in the higher education, business, legislative communities all issued calls for expanded opportunities training STEM fields improve skills U.S. workforce. Older arguments change, including stronger alignment K-12 education curriculum overall reform teacher preparation, are incorporated within these recent calls, share similar policy implementation challenges. This analysis identifies National Science Foundation Math Partnerships program as an emblem challenges engaging major efforts a dynamic environment. Keywords: STEM; Faculty; Higher Education; Partnership; Policy ********** Notions economic competition decline fueled rhetoric action affecting United States during early years 21st century. Numerous actions, legislation, reporting identified critical role research teaching advancing competitiveness. The current focus on shortages qualified graduates entering workforce echoes that Sputnik situation half century earlier. range reports actions involves educational lobbying organizations, state federal governments their associations, well individual critiques (Cordova, 2006). In 2006, such vast number publications had been one commentator felt safe designating it "the year report" (Simpson, Whether actually is falling behind preparing workers (and students classrooms) belongs larger debate historical economical analysis. will (NSF-MSP) example solution designed respond conditions, aspects school reform, improved between preparation professional development. experiences NSF-MSPs provide rich limitations inherent funding partnerships. Such issues sustainability, gulf faculty organizational culture postsecondary sectors, variability political leadership each present successful partnership. engage administrators, teachers system administrative staff work. Climate For several years, numerous stakeholders competitiveness, emphasizing different These voices from Academy Sciences Business Education Forum (2005, 2007) Center Economy (2006) U. S. Department (2006). differ emphasis were directed audiences, but shared some common themes: production has declined sharply, other nations technical professionals at pace faster than we capacity compete with States, fallen far innovation, research, production. …