Developing the STEM Education Pipeline

N

8

Parents; Students; Teachers; Policymakers

Educational Planning; College Bound Students; College Preparation; Access to Education; Career Development; Science Education; Mathematics Education; Technology Education; Engineering Education; Job Skills; School Readiness; Academic Persistence; Longitudinal Studies; Student Evaluation; Student Interests; High School Graduates

For almost 50 years, ACT has played a pivotal role in promoting student access into and success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Through academic and career assessments, career development tools, and extensive research, they have helped inform students, parents, teachers, career counselors, employers, and policymakers about the skills that are needed to perform effectively in STEM fields. ACT's EPAS[TM] (Educational Planning and Assessment System) is the only longitudinal assessment system that begins measuring students' college readiness in middle school and follows students into high school and college to evaluate their persistence and success. What ACT's research shows is clear: The students most likely to major in STEM fields in college and persist to earn their degrees are those who develop interests in STEM careers through early career planning and take challenging classes that prepare them for college-level science and math coursework.

ERIC

9

2006

ED493179