The jobs of tomorrow

Published in the Deseret News, August 15

To the editor:

In "Teachers trained on new STEM learning technologies" (August 9), the director of the STEM Action Center is quoted as saying: "In our global economy, we need to focus on STEM if we want to fill the jobs of tomorrow."

I am all for high quality math/science education. Educators should know, however, that a number of studies have concluded that there is no shortage of STEM-trained potential workers.

Rutgers University professor Hal Salzman has concluded that there are approximately three qualified graduates annually for each science or technology opening.

Recent studies have also shown the United States is producing more Ph.D.s in science than the market can absorb.

Also, about 1/3 of college-bound high-school students take calculus, and only abour 5% of jobs require this much math.

In short, we are well-prepared to "fill the jobs of tomorrow."

Stephen Krashen

original  article: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865584404/Teachers-trained-on-new-STEM-learning-technologies.html