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Science and Mathematics
A Formula for 21st Century Success

Final Report from the Science and Mathematics Education Policy Advisory Council

To attract and retain 21st century businesses – and to create and sustain high-skill, high-wage jobs – Ohio must meet its talent challenge. It must produce more workers with advanced knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – the so-called STEM disciplines. Not meeting this challenge will have serious consequences for the state’s economy, just as it will limit Ohioans’ opportunities in a fiercely competitive, global economy.

While Ohio has made substantial progress in preparing its students to succeed in the 21st century economy, there are growing indications that the gap between workplace readiness and employers’ expectations for entry-level workers is growing. Also, there is substantial evidence that foreign competition in the fields of mathematics and science is leaving Ohio and other states at a competitive disadvantage. Ohio is not producing enough workers educated in the STEM disciplines, and our supply of qualified workers is not keeping pace with the demands of an innovation and technology-driven economy.

The Science and Mathematics Education Policy Advisory Council, 23 Ohioans from a variety of professional backgrounds, considered the issues surrounding improved science and mathematics education and developed 13 recommendations for the Ohio Board of Regents, the Ohio Department of Education, and the Governor’s Office. The Council was chaired by Julian Earls, Executive in Residence at Cleveland State University Nance College of Business Administration, and Karen Holbrook, President of The Ohio State University. The Council’s recommendations focus on those actions that will support economic growth, strengthen the system of mathematics and science education, build upon existing programs and make high-level mathematics and science courses available to all Ohio students.

To read the full text of the Advisory Council Charge and Plan, click here.