The 2012 National Survey on STEM Education had the following key findings:
* Funding. As in the 2010 and 2011 National Surveys, many STEM leaders and educators in 2012 viewed funding for STEM in K-12 education as inadequate. Despite this, a large majority reported that spending in most districts and schools is likely to stay the same or decrease in 2012-2013 compared to 2011-2012.
* Professional development. Teacher professional development (PD) was a funding priority for most STEM leaders and educators, and many perceived current funding to be insufficient. This was also true in the 2010 and 2011 National Surveys.
* Technology. STEM leaders and educators see technology as playing an important role in STEM education. Several technology-focused courses were identified by a majority of respondents as either currently offered or very likely to be offered in the next 1-3 years in their schools or districts. Several technologies were among the most frequently mentioned funding priorities, including probeware, simulation software, and iPads.
For the complete report, visit www.stemreports.com
