STEMming the Tide of Lies
Okay, THERE IS NO CRISIS IN EDUCATION
President Obama told the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, “8th graders have fallen to 9th place.” That statistic comes from the 2008 round of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. It’s true. But there were 45 nations in the study so being in 9th place means being ahead of 36. More important, when TIMSS first began in 1995, American eighth graders finished 28th among 41 nations. Over 13 years, we have “fallen” up 19 ranks. Many would consider that extraordinary progress.
And THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF STEM WORKERS
Bracey again:
According to the president, “Of the 30 fastest growing occupations in America, half require a bachelor’s degree or more.” First off, that means that half do not require even a bachelor’s. More important, the fastest growing occupations never account for many jobs.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupations