An Angry Black Woman’s Rant on the Future of STEM Education

[calexander]

http://youtu.be/7Hb0vkdzaWg

We want to share this fascinating video from a Baltimore TEDx Talk by Dr. Roni Ellington, a Morgan State University professor of mathematics and a DC native. In this talk, she shares her story about coming up through DC Public Schools and Spingarn HS and it is truly inspirational. Her research focuses on factors that allow talented, under-represented college students to "persist" and "succeed" in challenging STEM disciplines like theoretical mathematics.

One of her key findings is that self-efficacy, the extent or strength of one's belief in one's own ability to complete tasks and reach goals, was a crucial, common trait seen in all of the successful STEM students she interviewed, and often that important self-concept was honed in special academic programs starting as early as the third grade. In her 2006 dissertation at the University of Maryland, Dr. Ellington wrote of one of her subjects, "[In elementary school] Tina was placed in classes with teachers who pushed her and challenged her in mathematics. She participated in hands on activities, played games which incorporated mathematical ideas and did very challenging mathematics work."

With the political season in the rear-view mirror, it is time that we work together to bring high-quality learning opportunities, in STEM and other subjects, to youth across the city.

Regards,
Christopher Alexander
Founder, NW Saturday Academy
www.nwsadc.com | @NWSaturday

[Anonymous]

Too bad this wasn't shared - especially East of the River - before election day.

But, Congratulations to the authoress on her success. Hopefully, some time in the near future, our public school students can' do the same.

Muriel SAID "all eight wards" so let's hold her to it.

[Anonymous]

That's just it - we mostly just push a "one-size-fits-all" but which actually fits few general education model from PK-12. The critical, foundational things like literacy, math and science aren't the central connecting hubs in schools - and where are the stories that drove inspirations, such as "I want to be an astronaut" as we had decades ago?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's just it - we mostly just push a "one-size-fits-all" but which actually fits few general education model from PK-12. The critical, foundational things like literacy, math and science aren't the central connecting hubs in schools - and where are the stories that drove inspirations, such as "I want to be an astronaut" as we had decades ago?

I get sense that the days of "one size (doesn't) fit all" is coming to an end. The pressure from charters, rationalizing the boundaries and new teaching methods and techniques (CCSS, NextGen Science, Schoolwide Enrichment Model, Blended learning, etc.) gives us an opportunity to create an education that is closer to the needs of more students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That's just it - we mostly just push a "one-size-fits-all" but which actually fits few general education model from PK-12. The critical, foundational things like literacy, math and science aren't the central connecting hubs in schools - and where are the stories that drove inspirations, such as "I want to be an astronaut" as we had decades ago?

I get sense that the days of "one size (doesn't) fit all" is coming to an end. The pressure from charters, rationalizing the boundaries and new teaching methods and techniques (CCSS, NextGen Science, Schoolwide Enrichment Model, Blended learning, etc.) gives us an opportunity to create an education that is closer to the needs of more students.

I like your optimism, but doubt Bowser has what it takes to bring anything home. She'll just smile and nod and let Kaya tell us what to do. And Kaya isn't exactly revolutionary.

[Anonymous]

Yeah right...this is balderdash

[Anonymous]

I just read the title of this blog...and said when did Hilary Rodham Clinton became concern about STEM?

[Anonymous]

not interested in stem for my kids. They can get some vo-tech stem degree in college if they really want to. Humanities, especially writing, literature, history, music is what they need to be engaged, successful people in the world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:not interested in stem for my kids. They can get some vo-tech stem degree in college if they really want to. Humanities, especially writing, literature, history, music is what they need to be engaged, successful people in the world.

Congratulations? Surely you can imagine that other parents and kids might be interested in it though?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:not interested in stem for my kids. They can get some vo-tech stem degree in college if they really want to. Humanities, especially writing, literature, history, music is what they need to be engaged, successful people in the world.

Seriously. What has "science" or "technology" done for the world other than feed, clothe, and shelter people. Enjoy your opera.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:not interested in stem for my kids. They can get some vo-tech stem degree in college if they really want to. Humanities, especially writing, literature, history, music is what they need to be engaged, successful people in the world.

Um, STEM doesn't mean vo-tech. That's a whole different thing. But, vo-tech also an area that is greatly needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:not interested in stem for my kids. They can get some vo-tech stem degree in college if they really want to. Humanities, especially writing, literature, history, music is what they need to be engaged, successful people in the world.

Um, STEM doesn't mean vo-tech. That's a whole different thing. But, vo-tech also an area that is greatly needed.

Why do we always give short schrift to vo-tech education?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:not interested in stem for my kids. They can get some vo-tech stem degree in college if they really want to. Humanities, especially writing, literature, history, music is what they need to be engaged, successful people in the world.

Um, STEM doesn't mean vo-tech. That's a whole different thing. But, vo-tech also an area that is greatly needed.

Why do we always give short schrift to vo-tech education?

Pay can be pretty damn good for a highly proficient vocations, like welder. Some days, I'd rather deal with metal than people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:not interested in stem for my kids. They can get some vo-tech stem degree in college if they really want to. Humanities, especially writing, literature, history, music is what they need to be engaged, successful people in the world.

Um, STEM doesn't mean vo-tech. That's a whole different thing. But, vo-tech also an area that is greatly needed.

Why do we always give short schrift to vo-tech education?

Cause the illegals do it for cheap and it doesn't take a 4 year commitment

[Anonymous]

AAs will own the STEM jobs in the near future. Many seem to have been raised with the aggressive self confident attitude to make it work.