Statements with a common theme on physics &
STEM (compiled in 2015)
Physics is STEM— science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics. High school physics incorporates all
elements of STEM better than any other course.
Cornell University: Physics Teacher Coalition
https://phystec.physics.cornell.edu/content/crisis-physics-education
The
U.S. has a critical shortage of high school physics teachers.
¥ Of
all school subjects, Physics has the most severe teacher shortage, followed by
math and chemistry. There are large surpluses of biology and earth
science teachers.
Too
few U.S. high school students take physics, and math-challenged students need
it.
¥ Only
1/3 of US high school students take physics. This is far less than in most
countries with which we compete economically. Many countries require all students to take physics.
¥ Physics,
more than any other subject in high school, teaches quantitative and analytical
reasoning skills. Math is an important tool, but physics makes math Òreal".
Women
and minorities are underrepresented in STEM fields.
¥ Women
are underrepresented by a factor of 2. African Americans and Latinos are
underrepresented by a factor of 4 or more.
á
Physics is a prerequisite for nearly
all careers in engineering, chemistry, biology, environmental and earth
sciences, and the medical and veterinary sciences. Many with physics training go on to
careers in finance, economics and management. These are well-paid,
well-respected careers that historically have provided a upward path for the
socioeconomically disadvantaged.
National
Alliance of Black School Educators
Physics
is a gateway course for post-secondary study in science, medicine, and engineering,
as well as an essential component in the formation of studentsÕ scientific
literacy. Physics classes hone thinking skills. An understanding of physics
leads to a better understanding of other science disciplines. Physics classes
help polish the skills needed to score well on the SAT and ACT. College
recruiters recognize the value of taking high school physics. College success
for virtually all science, computing, engineering, and premedical majors
depends in part on passing physics. The job market for people with skills in
physics is strong. Knowledge of physics is helpful for understanding the arts,
politics, history, and culture. É
All students should be afforded the
opportunity to formally learn physics in their secondary school
É
AAPT Diversity Statement
The American Association
of Physics Teachers is committed to making physics more accessible to
everyone. We support efforts to encourage greater participation from
members of all under-represented groups in every part of the physics
community.
National
Governors Association: Center for Best Practice
A
studentÕs
ability to enter and complete a STEM postsecondary degree or credential is
often jeopardized because the pupil did not take sufficiently challenging
courses in high school or spend enough time practicing STEM skills in hands-on
activities.
Several
states and districts are using financial incentives, support systems,
professional development, and improved institutional conditions to recruit,
retain, and reward high-performing math and science teachers.
Motivating
interest in math and science requires improved teaching strategies in the
classroom and opportunities outside the classroom to demonstrate linkages
between math and science, real-world applications, and future careers. Teachers
and other school staff will need help in making students see these linkages.
From The Opportunity Equation (2007), Carnegie Corporation of New
York
ÒWhen
students discussed their career ambitions, many did not connect their
aspirations with required high school math and science coursework, suggesting a
need to help students see the relevance of upper-level math and science
coursework in secondary school and beyond.Ó
U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: publication on Stem Careers
ÒTake as many rigorous classes as you can, as early as you can.Ó
http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/subject/stem.htm
, http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2014/spring/art01.pdf
Arizona Chamber of
Commerce
Improve
science, technology, engineering and mathematics education:
á
Support policies to improve STEM
education at all levels so that Arizona students master a baseline of knowledge that will prepare them for
post-secondary education or careers that require advanced math and science
skills.
á
Develop plans to increase the number of
effective teachers and principals in high-poverty schools and hard-to-teach
subjects.
[This
document can be downloaded at http://modeling.asu.edu/Projects-Resources.html
in the section called ÒHow to increase physics enrollment in high schoolÓ.]