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.
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Showing posts with label Survey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Survey. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Microsoft STEM Survey Reveals Parent and Student Opinions
Microsoft Corporation revealed results in early September of a survey of college STEM students and parents. Among the key findings were that only half of those parents who believed that STEM should be a US priority felt that it actually was; more felt that the priority was important for global competitiveness than for higher wages or job fulfillment for their children; only 24% were extremely willing to spend extra money to ensure their children's success in math and science classes.
Of college students pursuing STEM degrees, 20% made the decision in middle school or earlier, while 78% made it in high school; somewhat more females than males were led to the decision by a teacher. Only 1/5 of students felt adequately prepared by high school courses, and the less-prepared students felt that more STEM offerings in high school would have been helpful. Approximately two-thirds of the students chose STEM fields for job security or wages or intellectual challenge, rather than at parent urging. While males generally chose the field because of enjoyment of STEM subjects, most females chose the pathway because they wanted to make a difference. http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2011/sep11/09-07MSSTEMSurveyPR.mspx
Background information with the survey results also outlines Microsoft's initiatives supporting STEM education.
Of college students pursuing STEM degrees, 20% made the decision in middle school or earlier, while 78% made it in high school; somewhat more females than males were led to the decision by a teacher. Only 1/5 of students felt adequately prepared by high school courses, and the less-prepared students felt that more STEM offerings in high school would have been helpful. Approximately two-thirds of the students chose STEM fields for job security or wages or intellectual challenge, rather than at parent urging. While males generally chose the field because of enjoyment of STEM subjects, most females chose the pathway because they wanted to make a difference. http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2011/sep11/09-07MSSTEMSurveyPR.mspx
Background information with the survey results also outlines Microsoft's initiatives supporting STEM education.
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