The document discusses challenges facing Illinois' workforce and education system, and proposes strategies to address them through STEM learning exchanges and programs of study. It notes declining population growth, an aging workforce, and shortages in skilled STEM workers. To help, it recommends developing nine STEM programs of study aligned with career clusters and hosted through online learning exchanges. These would provide curriculum resources, internships, and professional development to help schools strengthen STEM education and pathways to careers.

1. Buckets in the SeaManhattan Institute Study April 2005 Philanthropic Support to K-12 education represents about 1/3 of 1% of total education spending. Reshaping education through philanthropy is akin to changing the ocean by adding buckets of water to it. Leverage private giving to reform future public expenditures. Put down the buckets, and instead, build dykes and channels.

2. Keeping Illinois Competitive May 2006 Message Points Daunting demographics are ahead for US/Illinois Workforce Reversing current education trends requires knowledge of problem and will to solve May 2006 www.keepingillinoiscompetitive.niu.edu 2

5. May 2006 www.keepingillinoiscompetitive.niu.edu 4 Skilled Worker Shortage as seen in Math and Science Degrees Nearly 1/3 of those with science and engineering degrees in the current workforce are over 50 China graduates 4 times as many engineers as the US. Foreign born students earned 43% of masters degrees and 61% of PhDs awarded in US By 2010, more than 90% of all scientists and engineers will live in Asia

6. May 2006 www.keepingillinoiscompetitive.niu.edu 5 The STEM Education PipelineSummary for Illinois Academically, Illinois is an average state ---as opposed to competitive---in a below average country in math and science Data shows extraordinary gaps in academic performance—which present tremendous future workforce challenges

7. May 2006 www.keepingillinoiscompetitive.niu.edu 6 ISSUE 1: Education Attainment Increase the levels of educational attainment, especially for low-income, black, and the rapidly expanding Hispanic populations Reduce college remediation rates; an option to consider is the agreement on a statewide definition and measurable indicators for college readiness

8. May 2006 www.keepingillinoiscompetitive.niu.edu 7 ISSUE 2: Curricular Rigor and Alignment Implement a more rigorous K-12 curriculum; options to consider include joining the American Diploma Project, which includes content area benchmarks linked to college and workplace skills

9. Issue 3: Teacher Quality Ensure all mathematics and science teachers have the proper qualifications Teachers not certified in content areas: Half of 8th grade math teachers High school teachers not fully certified one-third of chemistry two-fifths of physics one-half of biology three-fourths of earth science

10. Since 2006, Illinois has taken big steps Joined American Diploma Project Developing Core Content Standards Highlighted Deficiency of Assessments Created Longitudinal Data System Formed P-20 Council Education alignment of ISBE, ICCB, and IBHE Expanded Charter School Choices

11. Building on recent past initiatives…Race to the Top Core Education Improvement Targets Adopt internationally benchmarked standards and assessments Build data systems that measure student success and inform teacher and administrator practice Increase teacher and administrator effectiveness and distribute them equitably to schools in need Turn around lowest performing schools Focus on high schools and the transition to and from high school across-the-board Competitive Priority: STEM Initiatives

12. Building on recent past initiatives…Race to the Top To enhance Illinois’ Race to the Top application, sweeping legislative changes were enacted. KEY POINTS Statewide Learning Performance Management System Hard deadline for linking student performance to teacher evaluations Targeted interventions in low performing schools STEM Learning Exchanges and Programs of Study

13. STEM LEARNING EXCHANGES Nine STEM Programs of Study areas will be established as STEM Learning Exchanges that are consistent with the National Career Cluster framework. Selected clusters are critical to Illinois economic growth. Agriculture and Natural Resources: development, production, processing, distribution, of agricultural commodities and resources including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products/resources; Energy: developing, planning and managing the production of energy including renewable energy and clean coal technology and its distribution through smart grid technologies; Manufacturing: product and process development and managing and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related support activities; Information Technology: designing, developing managing, supporting and integrating hardware and software system; Architecture and Construction: designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment including the use of green technologies; Transportation, Distribution and Logistics: planning, management and movement of people, materials and goods across all transportation modes as well as maintaining and improving transportation technologies; Research and Development: scientific research and professional and technical services including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services; Health Sciences: planning, managing and providing therapeutic, diagnostic, health informatics, and support services as well as biomedical research and development; and Financial Services: securities and investments, business finance, accounting, insurance, and banking

14. Career Clusters

16. State Government

17. School Districts

18. Post-Secondary Institutions

19. STEM Industry and Education Experts

20. Federal Labs and Research Centers

21. Museums

23. Programs of Study

24. Programs of StudyLocal District Commitment Develop POS in broad range of academic and career areas based on Illinois Programs of Study model At least two POS in STEM application areas Strengthen academic integration Support professional development Support real-world connections with adult mentors Implement education and career guidance systems and align high schools and feeder middle schools Form partnerships with postsecondary education institutions for dual credit and improved transitions

25. IBRT Role Short Term: The IBRT Education Foundation will assist the state in strengthening its RT3 Application. Longer Term: The IBRT Education Foundation will assist the state in creating a STEM LEARNING EXCHANGE statewide network to support Local School Districts’ offerings of STEM Programs of Study