Lagging student performance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines handicaps the nation's economic growth, the creation of a well trained workforce for today's fastest growing jobs, and the preparation for responsible citizenship in our modern democracy. The pipeline to STEM careers is not meeting the demand for professionals in these areas and the composition of those remaining in the pipeline is not representative of the diversity of the general population.

Meeting these challenges will require creativity and a commitment to excellence. At the University of Michigan, faculty and researchers are integrating theory, research, and practice in response to these achievement and human resource challenges. Their efforts focus on teaching, learning, and outreach.

Improving math and science teacher preparation and training

Math and science teachers with strong content knowledge can positively impact student learning and achievement. University of Michigan faculty are improving the research of math and science education and better preparing and training teachers. Some projects include:

• The Center for Proficiency in Teaching Mathematics aims to increase the content knowledge and skills of current math teachers through a high leverage strategy that focuses first on the special knowledge needs of teacher educators and professional developers; one could say that it is about the “professional development of professional developers.”
• The Mathematics Teaching and Learning to Teach project investigates the mathematical knowledge, sensibilities, and skills entailed by the work of teaching. The research team is developing a practice-based theory of mathematical knowledge for teaching. By looking closely at the mathematical and pedagogical work of teaching, the project aims to identify practices that improve student achievement.
• The Learning Mathematics for Teaching (LMT) Project develops instruments to measure mathematical knowledge for teaching MKT), and the mathematical quality of instruction. Its survey measures of MKT have already been used to establish a positive link between MKT and student achievement. They have also been use to measure growth in MKT through professional development interventions.
• The Mathematics Teaching Seminar is a Mathematics Department interdisciplinary seminar, run jointly with the School of Education, that focuses on mathematics teaching and learning, primarily focused on the early undergraduate level.
• The Center for Curriculum Materials in Science is a collaborative project between 3 universities, which focuses on the design, analysis, and use of science curriculum materials, and the development of new leaders in science education. The center places particular emphasis on pre-service teacher education, in-service professional development, and practice-based professional development.
• Curriculum Access System for Elementary Science (CASES) offers help to elementary and middle school science teachers. Supported by a National Science Foundation grant, CASES is designed expressly for new teachers and provides 4 – 8 week unit plans for inquiry-oriented science.

Improving student learning in math and science

University of Michigan faculty are examining teaching strategies and technologies that enhance student achievement in math and science. Some projects include:

• The Center for Highly Interactive Computing in Education teaches science by using inquiry-based curricula and learner-centered technologies. The Center helps schools and teachers change through the infusion of innovative curriculum materials and cutting-edge technologies. Center curriculum materials embed technology use, so that it is not just a "supplemental" activity - it is at the heart of supporting understanding and the performance of thoughtful analysis.
• The Guided Inquiry Supporting Multiple Literacies project is developing a set of science texts that will allow elementary school students to actively engage with the text in order to perform their own science research. This program is being piloted in underserved districts in southeastern Michigan, and is an exceptional professional development opportunity for teachers.
• BioKIDS (Kids Inquiry of Diverse Species) project creates innovative, inquiry-based K-12 science curricula that utilize current technologies such as CD-ROMs, PDAs and the World Wide Web for interactive study. Students, teachers, parents and scientists participate from classrooms, homes, after-school programs or other educational settings in six-week and eight-week programs centered on environmental science themes.
• The Elementary Mathematics Lab (EML) at the Park City Mathematics Institute (PCMI), is a summer elementary mathematics class designed and enacted by University of Michigan faculty and students in Park City, Utah, which explores the possibilities and methods of teaching ambitious mathematics curricula to young children. PCMI is a vertically integrated mathematics institute, and the EML enlists the research mathematicians present in its experimental curricular design work.

Conducting outreach to increase student awareness of STEM career opportunities and math and science preparation

Students often are not aware of the opportunities that STEM careers can provide or that they must prepare for these opportunities. The University is increasing awareness of career opportunities and pre-college preparation by conducting outreach programs such as:

• Minority Engineering Program Office (MEPO) Pre-College Outreach Programs are designed to connect with K-12 students traditionally underrepresented in the engineering field. MEPO provides a number of engineering enrichment and preparatory activities including Saturday Morning Programs and numerous Summer Programs.
• Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) K-12 Programs conduct active pre-college outreach to build awareness and preparation in among girls in secondary schools These secondary education initiatives, such as science fairs, summer camps, and lectures attempt to introduce women to the fields of science and engineering early in life, at a time when many young women are making choices about their college careers.
• Michigan Math & Science Scholars Program exposes high school students to the latest developments and research in math and science. This summer program gives high school students a glimpse of the amazing math and science career opportunities open to them.