Math Isn't Adding Up on Plan to Double Science Grads
Efforts to double the number of college graduates with math and science degrees by 2015 are way behind schedule -- the coalition of business groups pushing the initiative reports that bachelor's degrees in the field have reached a plateau..
Our research shows there's a real gap between leaders and the public on this issue. Business leaders may be worried about the nation falling behind, but our research suggests that many parents don't feel the same urgency. In fact, parents' concern about math and science achievement has actually declined since the mid-1990s. And most say they're satisfied with the math and science education their kids are getting. In a regional study in the Kansas City area, we found only one-quarter of parents said their kids should be studying more math and science. That study forms the basis of Public Agenda's involvement in the Regional METS Leadership Coalition, working with Kansas City groups to close this gap and bring leaders and the public together on this issue.
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Having just enrolled my son for his freshman year at an AZ university, I was amazed to find that there were no monetary incentives (e.g., scholarships, etc.) for students pursing math and science-based majors - in his case, chemical engineering. For all the initiatives surrounding the promotion of math and science degrees, you'd think schools would make it easier - or at least somewhat attractive - to pursue these coveted majors. Doesn't appear to be the case. My son took all AP courses, had a 4.0 weighted/3.6 unweighted GPA in high school, and got 4's on his AP chem, physics, and math tests. The words aren't being backed up with much action to attract students into these fields, I don't believe.