Wheeling-Based Program Helps Students Succeed in Science Through Hands-on Education
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Staying Competitive
By Heather Chickoore -- RedOrbit.com--"The vast majority of Americans, especially business and scientific leaders, still see the United States as the world's technological leader," says Bruce E. Bursten, president of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society. "But many see a great potential for our leadership to diminish or disappear altogether if our country is no longer turning out enough of the best and brightest scientists and engineers," he says.
But why the focus on STEM? Experts believe that in order for America to remain an economic leader in a global economy we must ensure that our citizens have strong skills in science, technology, engineering and math. Yet international comparisons of student achievement in math and science intensify concern about the United States' ability to remain competitive. The 2006 Program for International Student Assessment indicates that American 15-year- olds test 21st among 30 developed countries on science literacy and 25th on math literacy.