More math, science = better jobs

The council's proposals cover education from preschool through college.
COLUMBUS -- An education advisory council has come up with 13 ways to improve math and science education in Ohio to help attract and retain 21st-century businesses with high-skill, high-wage jobs.
Ohio needs to produce more workers with advanced knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to the Science and Mathematics Education Policy Advisory Council.
The council presented its report Monday to the governor's office, Ohio Board of Regents and state Department of Education. Those three created the council in November 2005, directing it to make policy recommendations on improvements in the state's P-16 education system, particularly in science and math.
"Science and Mathematics: A Formula for 21st Century Success" calls for high-level mathematics and science courses to be made available to all Ohio students.
The 13 recommendations are divided into five specific strategies:
Expanding the public awareness campaign on the importance of mathematics and science.
Taking a series of actions, including the creation of special-focus STEM schools, to increase the number of students who master high-level mathematics and science subjects and pursue STEM careers.
Changing the ways that mathematics and science teachers are recruited, prepared, retained and developed to ensure they know their subjects and how to teach them.
Building partnerships that allow post-secondary instructional and research programs and the business sector to join in collaborative efforts to improve students' STEM career opportunities.
Calling for changes, including the creation of the Institute for Mathematics and Science Education, that will enhance the state's capacity to drive improvement in mathematics and science learning.
"Not meeting Ohio's talent challenge will have devastating consequences for Ohio's economy, just as it will limit Ohioans' opportunities in a fiercely competitive, global economy," said Karen A. Holbrook, president of The Ohio State University and co-chairwoman of the advisory council.
There are growing indications that the gap between workplace readiness and employers' expectations for entry-level workers is widening, she said. "A strong foundation in mathematics and science is vital for maintaining and enhancing the innovation and creativity on which our economy was built," Holbrook added.
"Ohioans have been satisfied to educate a relatively small percentage of students very well, while a much larger population receives an education that is, simply stated, 'good enough,'" said Julian M. Earls, retired director of the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and co-chairman of the advisory group. "Today this kind of thinking is risky if not dangerous. 'Good enough' is no longer good enough."