Carnegie Learning Math Webinar Series

Carnegie Learning is hosting a series of free webinars related to math and the Common Core:

• What's the Value of Math Discourse and How Do I Create It?  3 April 2014, noon PST
• Data-Driven Instruction:  What Gets Measured, Gets Done.  17 April 2014, noon PST
• "More Than Meets the Eye:"  Seeing Structure in Graphical Transformations Across the Curriculum.  24 April 2014, noon PST

For more information and to register, go to Carnegie Learning Math Webinar Series

BLS Data Shows More Advanced Math Coursework in High School

The Editor's Desk feature at the Bureau of Labor Statistics website today highlights data from National Longitudinal Surveys showing that high school graduates in the late 1990's and early 2000's tended to take more rigorous math courses than their predecessors from the mid- to late 1970's and early 1980's.  Eleven percent completed calculus and 24% completed pre-calculus, trigonometry, or other advanced math, compared to 2% and 8%, respectively, in the earlier years.  The advanced coursework completion was also correlated to a higher college attendance rate, jumping from 53% to 67% among that population.  http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2012/ted_20121016.htm.  The full report comparing the two cohorts may be reviewed or downloaded from http://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-1/pdf/a-comparison-of-college-attendance-and-high-school-coursework-from-two-cohorts-of-youth.pdf.

Data On STEM Student Performance

The US Department of Education's "Data Dashboard" contains charts, detail, and reports regarding STEM performance both as a nation, and with state comparisons.  For example, the data tends to show that the percentage of bachelor's degrees conferred in STEM fields has declined by 1.2% from 1998-1999 to 2008-2009, while it has declined .8% in California during the same time period.  California currently ranks in the bottom third of states in this category.  For more information and to view this set of data indicators, visit US ED Data Dashboard STEM Degrees .

Additionally, the Center for American Progress has recently released a report following up on the NAEP's Student Report Card, including results related to math and science study.  The report discusses the fact that many students do not feel challenged in their math or science courses, do not understand what their math or science teachers are asking them in class, and do not routinely write long assignments for school.  Recommendations include mandating more rigorous standards for students to meet, as well as providing more rigorous learning activities.  To read or download the full report, see Do Schools Challenge Our Students?

Central Valley California STEM Activities

• The Modesto Bee reports on recent and upcoming activities sponsored by the Modesto Area Partners in Science (MAPS), including Peter Gros's talk on the Wild Kingdom, and SETI astronomer Seth Shrostak's presentation on the "Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence" scheduled for 28 Jan. 2011 at 7:30 at Modesto Junior College.  Meanwhile, UC Merced has just dedicated the site for a second science and engineering building.  http://www.modbee.com/2011/01/18/1515833/regions-putting-science-in-its.html#ixzz1BPpdLPU9

• The Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART), which serves approximately 1,300 high school students from Clovis and Fresno, offers instruction in blended academic and career-technical education (CTE) courses such as biomedical engineering, forensic science, engineering, advanced communication, and global dynamics.  Data from a recent seven-year Cal-PASS study of CART students shows that a larger percentage of its graduates goes on to community college than the statewide average and local peers.  http://www.scribd.com/doc/47541338