Reshaping STEM Education Toward a More Equitable Future for Students

logancenter.isbscience.org/2020/07/01/reshaping-stem-education-toward-a-more-equitable-future-for-students/

ISB Assistant Professor and microbiome researcher Dr. Sean Gibbons recently participated in a virtual event titled “Reshaping STEM Education Toward Equitable Futures for Washington Students.” The event was hosted by Washington State LASER and Washington STEM.

Panelists shared their insights about how to leverage this complex moment to reshape STEM education toward equity, sustainability, and prosperity for Washington state’s students — especially those furthest from opportunity.

Watch the full panel discussion here.

Panel discussion highlights

Asked how our education systems can “recover forward:”

“We are reimagining STEM education with a common framework that is a right to get into the highest levels of society, not a privilege. Educators must be prepared with a cultural competency lens and a framework to lean on to make this shift toward STEM being a right.”

— Dr. Arthur Mitchell, STEM Equity Alliance, Philadelphia

Asked what role does STEM education play in rebuilding a sustainable economy? 

“Each kid deserves to be served. STEM is everywhere, so each student has access to interact with their world. This is an opportunity now for educators to do it better, and let kids think the way they think — this will lead to engagement, learning, and innovation.”

— Tammie Schrader, Northeast Washington Educational Service District 101, Spokane, Wash.

Asked how is the nature of science changing, and what would it look like for towel learning to reflect those changes?

“I am here to represent the endpoint, that of professional STEM. The future of science requires a creative and analytical side, both well cultivated, and this calls for more diversity. There are two points for bringing in more diversity. The first is improving access to the preparation needed to get to higher levels. The second is removing the alienation issues as you go higher. There is a lot of attrition from feeling lost and not included, even if the students are well prepared academically.

— Dr. Sean Gibbons, ISB Assistant Professor, Seattle

A focal point of ISB Education is making STEM education a reality for every student regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status. Learn more at isbscience.org/education.