The rapid change that higher education is undergoing is impacting all of the core mission elements: teaching and learning, research, service, and engagement with the external world (e.g., community engagement and health care delivery). Navigating this environment requires understanding of the underlying dynamics, with particular attention to how…

One study after another shows American students ranking behind their international counterparts in the STEM fields--science, technology, engineering, and math. Business people such as Bill Gates warn that this alarming situation puts the United States at a serious disadvantage in the high-tech global marketplace of the twenty-first century, and…

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are cultural achievements that reflect our humanity, power our economy, and constitute fundamental aspects of our lives as citizens, consumers, parents, and members of the workforce. Providing all students with access to quality education in the STEM disciplines is important to our nation's…

Discusses an American Chemical Society (ACS)'s report on science education which is a synthesis of a series of policies developed by ACS. Summarizes recommendations in four areas: elementary teacher education; pre-high school curricula; university research funding; and underrepresented populations. (YP)

The results of the Second International Science Study and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) science assessments are cited and future job openings in natural sciences and engineering areas are projected. Technology is ever increasing in complexity, yet ninth-grade U.S. students scored second from the bottom on international…

Reported are highlights of a workshop related to the geosciences sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Discussions include recommendations for the NSF's undergraduate education programs including support for individual students, laboratory activities, faculty enhancement, curriculum, courses, and underrepresented groups. Precollege…

Discussed are the background, objectives, statement of need, target population, program activity, budget, staffing, funding, problems, and evaluation of the project. Suggestions for the initiation of analogous programs are provided. (CW)

Presented are the highlights and an analysis of The Neal Report on undergraduate science education. Included are an overview of the report and discussions and recommendations on laboratories; curriculum; industry/academic coupling; centers for instructional research and development; faculty exchange; teaching internships; and undergraduate women,…

The substantial underrepresentation of minority groups such as Blacks, Hispanics and Native Americans in the United States science and engineering labor force is perceived by many to be a matter of national concern. This report documents a workshop, sponsored jointly by the National Science Foundation and the National Academy of Sciences, which…

The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program was established in 1970 to increase the number of minority students in college programs. This paper reports the MESA administrative operations and policy-making processes. Part 1 summarizes the background of this study. Part 2 describes MESA's administrative operations and provides…

This position paper was developed to inform U.S. policymakers of the state of science and technology education in the United States and of the importance of adequate science and technology understanding to the economic competitiveness of the country. Provided in this document are discussions of the national goals of science and technology…

The education pipeline in the United States from prekindergarten through the Ph.D. is failing to produce the workers needed to meet future demand. In the year 2000, 85 percent of new entrants to the workforce will be members of minority groups and women. The number of capable persons with disabilities will also rise. These three groups have…

The Task Force on Women, Minorities, and the Handicapped in Science and Technology was established by the U.S. Congress in Public Law 99-383 with the purpose of developing a long-range plan for broadening participation in science and engineering. Public hearings were held in Albuquerque (New Mexico), Atlanta (Georgia), Baltimore (Maryland), Boston…

Describes a report by the National Science Foundation that deals with the field of chemistry. Indicates that chemical research funding has grown, women chemists are entering the field more rapidly than ever, and chemists expect to report some type of research and development as part of their work. (TW)

Reports on the results of the Engineering Manpower Commission's 1986 survey of engineering enrollments, comparing them to the previous ten years of surveys. Provides tables of fall 1986 engineering enrollments categorized by curriculum, women, minorities, foreign nationals, schools, and by all students. (TW)