Specialized high schools focused on mathematics, science, technology, and engineering can serve an important role in improving the United States’ ability to remain competitive in the global economy, a report argues.
The report, by the Lynchburg, Va.-based National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Sciences, and Technology, estimates that about 47,000 students nationwide are enrolled in such programs, which typically offer advanced curricula for high-performing students in those subjects. More than 100 such high schools are operating in the United States; 99 percent of their graduates go to college, and 54 percent of them earn undergraduate degrees in math- or science-related fields, it says. The report calls for greater federal spending to help establish new specialty schools.
“Addressing the STEM Challenge by Expanding Specialty Math and Science High Schools” is available from the National Consortium of Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science, and Technology.
