STEM Source Notes

Author
Source Title
Argument
Main Ideas/Thesis
Atkinson, Robert D., and Merrilea Mayo
“Refueling the U.S. Innovation Economy: Fresh Approaches to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education.”
Pro-STEM; Shortage
Believes that the U.S. is not able to produce enough of its own STEM workers in their fields, even though the best universities for studying these subjects are U.S.-based. (Atkinson 6).
Claims that we have the ideas and plans, but lack the will power to carry the action; Fail to recognize the importance of the problem and the “critical” need for solutions. (Atkinson 7).
Argues that the prevailing approaches to solving the STEM challenge that are so widely agreed upon in Washington are in fact quite limited and that what are needed are fresh approaches that drive innovation in STEM Education, so that we can drive innovation and jobs in the U.S. economy.(Atkinson 7).
Claim that views within the STEM education community say to require students to learn more STEM regardless of their interests. (Force)(Atkinson 11).
Believe in taking a more effective route by embracing a system where student interests and passion for STEM is what drives the curricula; meaning: reshaping high school education and the direction of edu. Reform to fewer requirements (A-G) and greater opportunities to explore a wide variety of STEM subjects in depth. (Atkinson 11).
Believes STEM education should be a national priority. (Atkinson 12).
Says that in order for an innovative economy, we do not need people who have skills or interests that fail to match industry needs, but rather different types of people such as: people with fundamental skills, deeper knowledge of at least one discipline, and roots in at least two disciplines. Innovators as well as entrepreneurs. (Atkinson 13).
Says U.S. is running out of time and that we are losing our ground as other nations make the kinds of private and public investments needed to grow internationally competitive economies. (Atkinson 14).
Claims there will come a time, possibly within a decade, where no matter how hard we push or make STEM look there will be many fewer Americans that will pursue STEM related jobs out of concern due to insufficient number of job opportunities. In the event it does happen, they claim that fewer technology companies will be successful in the U.S., causing a downward spiral toward a less prosperous nation. (Atkinson 14.)
Butz, Williams P., Terrance R. Kelly, David M. Adamson, Gabrielle Bloom, Ponna Fossum, and Mihal Grass
Will the