Business leaders in Oklahoma cannot find the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent they need to stay competitive. Students' lagging performance in K-12 is a critical reason why. The good news is that the nation's most effective STEM education programs can help turn the tide. Students have made progress in math over the past decade, yet not enough students are exposed to challenging content to prepare them for college and careers. Science is an area of particular concern. Students spend little time on elementary science, few students conduct regular hands-on investigations and science teachers say they don't have the resources they need.