Increasing the Competitive Edge in Math and Science

The U. S. is losing its competitive edge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Thomas Friedman warns that America is not producing enough young people in STEM fields that are essential for entrepreneurship and innovation in the 21st century (The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century, 2005). Blue ribbon commissions and influential business and national leaders have issued reports on the seriousness of the situation but little collective effort has been made to advance solutions to the STEM crisis. Increasing the Competitive Edge in Math and Science lays out actions that can be taken by K-12 teachers and administrators, by higher education faculty and administrators, and by policy makers working collaboratively in school through college (K-16) partnerships to prepare American youth for meaningful participation in the twenty-first century science and technologically-based economy. If the steps described in this book are followed in states all across the Country, the resulting actions can help America to regain its competitive edge in science and mathematics.

Janet S. Kettlewell, vice chancellor for preschool-college (P-16) initiatives for the University System of Georgia, serves as principal investigator of the Partnership for Reform in Science and Mathematics (PRISM), a comprehensive partnership in Georgia funded by the National Science Foundation. Ronald J. Henry, physicist, provost, and senior vice president for academic affairs at Georgia State University, serves as coprincipal investigator of the Partnership for Reform in Science and Mathematics, a comprehensive partnership in Georgia funded by the National Science Foundation.