Eric.ed.gov – Report to the President. Prepare and Inspire: K-12 Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) for America’s Future

In the fall of 2009, the President asked his President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) to develop specific recommendations concerning the most important actions that the administration should take to ensure that the United States is a leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in the coming decades. In responding to this charge, PCAST decided to focus initially on the K-12 level. This report examines the history of Federal support for STEM education and consider actions that the Federal Government should take with respect to improving leadership and coordination. Subsequent chapters discuss Standards and Assessments, Teachers, Technology, Students, and Schools. Many of the recommendations in this report can be carried out with existing Federal funding. Some of the recommendations could be funded in part through existing programs, although new authorities may be required in certain cases. Appendices include: (1) Experts Providing Input to PCAST; and (2) Acknowledgments. (Contains 11 boxes and 197 footnotes.)