STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math. The March 2010 edition of the ASCD Education Update focuses on issues surrounding gender and the resulting application and entrance into these fields of study and related professions. Historically and currently, women are under-represented. Educators are making concerted efforts to inform young girls and young women about the myriad study and career opportunities that are available to them. In the ASCD article, Fred Smyth, a research professor from the University of Virginia states, “’There really aren’t any differences in achievement or performance in math and science for girls and boys all the way through high school…Girls tend to think of these fields as a guys’ environment. Girls, Smyth asserts, are less inclined to pursue fields in which they don’t see their faces reflected” (ASCD, March, 2010).
So, how do we address this? What we can continue to do at Shreiner is to develop courses and club opportunities, as well as bring in guest speakers to inspire our students and eradicate bias. In addition, we have a rich parent body composed of many accomplished women who hold leadership roles in all of the STEM fields. Enlightening all students—boys and girls—about career opportunities should begin in the early grades. I invite our parent body to join me as we look to the summer and to this next academic year. Planning guest speaker series from the STEM fields for our children will provide them with yet another way of looking at what they can accomplish, empowering them by opening their eyes and opening doors to a future they shape for themselves.
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