The results of the National 2018 Technology and Engineering Literacy (TEL) assessment, focused on critical STEM, skills, are more hopeful than in prior years, but the results remain disappointing.
The test of more than 15,000 8th grade students in almost 600 schools across the country shows that fewer than 50% are proficient. The test not only measures technology and engineering literacy but also assesses problem-solving and communications skills, which directly correlate with hard STEM skills.
With technology proficiency a prerequisite for most positions, and despite modest growth, the scores remain disappointing. U.S. businesses are struggling to fill critical high-tech jobs with American workers and most jobs today — whether manufacturing, engineering or desk jobs — require workers to be able to utilize science and technology knowledge to create critical pieces of equipment, build or manage software and hardware, and many other functions. This news shouldn’t only concern our parents, students and schools — it should concern policymakers, industry leaders and anyone who wants to ensure America’s place as a global powerhouse of innovation.
The good news is that scores for girls increased, but sadly the students at the lower end of achievement scales saw no improvement. Notably, Catholic schools fared better than public schools.
We must demand more from our schools and accept no more mediocrity. Hundreds of schools nationwide — public, charter and private — have deployed innovative, personalized learning solutions and are ensuring that students are proficient in both basic subjects as and TEL-related skills. It’s not hard, it just takes rejecting the old factory model of schooling to transform education in the U.S. to embrace and advance entrepreneurial solutions. Giving families and students the freedom to pursue schools that best meet their needs are critical for what students need to be successful in the future.