This week in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) news, experts argue that the Common Core standards—mathematics in particular—will prevent children from future STEM careers rather than help them.

Leaders Argue that Common Core Standards Will Hurt STEM Careers

According to an attorney and a former assistant professor at MIT, Common Core standards will not raise STEM standards as intended.

John B. Miller and Joan B. Miller argue against the standards in The Lowell Sun newspaper, arguing that the adoption of the Common Core standards for math will lower achievement levels in math, therefore lowering admissions into top colleges which will consequentially reduce career opportunities in STEM.

Above all reasons for ditching the standards, they say, is that Common Core math doesn't lead to the important study of calculus.

"California, Massachusetts, Indiana, and Minnesota already had higher standards in place for mathematics than Common Core. A complete course in Algebra I in Grade 8 is not a feature of Common Core. Even the vice-president of the U.S. College Board has indicated that Common Core math doesn't lead to calculus," they said in the article.

Read their full argument here. 

White House Creates Collaborative to Help Minority Women in STEM

The White House Council on Women and Girls has announced the creation of a collaborative with partners of colleges and universities across the country to help advance women of color in STEM.

"One thing the new collaborative aims to create is an implicit bias learning map for search committees and corporations interested in diversifying their workforce," according to The State Press.

It also helps establish mentorship programs, as well.

Read more here. 

Digital Math Textbook Fosters STEM Training

A new digital math textbook from Discovery Education, the Math Techbook, is proving to be useful tool as based on the experience of Richmond County Schools, one of the first districts to try it.

"The Richmond County District was introduced to the program via a professional development conference. Educators were able to learn about the Discovery Education Math Techbook and dissect for themselves, how the tool could be helpful in the classroom," Education World reported earlier today via Your Daily Journal.

Through the digital resource, students have access to videos and other forms of interactive learning that traditional textbooks can't provide. An app that can be installed to mobile devices can also be equipped for students to do homework through cloud based technology.

Read the full story here. 

Compiled by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

09/29/2015