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Readers Respond: Does Fixing the Leaky STEM Pipeline Require Calculus To Adapt?

ED Surge

The need to strengthen the science, technology, math and engineering (STEM) careers pipeline has received renewed interest lately. So what would it take to make STEM truly open to would-be future scientists? A teacher from Pennsylvania : “Been teaching calculus to HS seniors for 30 years. The issue is algebra skills.

Calculus 261
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Colleges Can Make Calculus a Gateway — Not a Gatekeeper — to STEM Fields

ED Surge

With science and technology jobs expected to grow twice as fast as other occupations over the next decade amid rapidly shifting demographics , creating a robust and diverse pipeline into STEM fields is essential to ensuring U.S. But neither will happen unless we address the fundamental gatekeeper to all STEM fields: undergraduate calculus.

Calculus 356
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Evidence Is Mounting That Calculus Should Be Changed. Will Instructors Heed It?

ED Surge

Calculus is a critical on-ramp to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). While there’s been progress of late, it’s been “uneven” and Black, Hispanic and women workers are still underrepresented in some STEM fields. But getting to those careers means surviving the academic journey. Its conclusion?

Calculus 298
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The Math Revolution You Haven’t Heard About

ED Surge

Math professor Martin Weissman is rethinking how his university teaches calculus. This story also appeared in USA Today Falling off that path can lock students out of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. Some educators place a share of the blame on calculus courses, which can push out otherwise interested students.

Math 362
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UCLA Life Sciences Revamped How It Teaches Math. Is It an Example Others Should Follow?

ED Surge

It was from his dean, who said that the department had inspected their freshman calculus course, “Calculus for Life Sciences.” Unpopular with students, the class didn’t seem to be preparing them for a career in STEM. A lot of those students are people who might not have stuck it out in STEM, according to the study.

Calculus 313
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Why Do Underrepresented Students Struggle to Get the Math They Need for College?

ED Surge

Students who don’t know that colleges prioritize calculus find themselves at a disadvantage in college admissions, according to “ Integral Voices: Examining Math Experiences of Underrepresented Students ,” a recent report from Just Equations, a California-based policy institute focused on making math more equitable.

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Newton Schools Foundation seeks donations for Calculus Project

Newton STEM

The Calculus Project works in all of Newton’s middle and high schools to have more Hispanic, African American, and low-income students successfully complete calculus in high school, as a path to success in college. The program provides intensive, small-group summer classes, enrichment activities, and year-round mentoring and tutoring.