Session K8: Invited Session: STEM Education: What's Happening and How to Influence It

Why (and How) Policy Matters in Physics Education: a disciplinary perspective on educational policy

National, perhaps unprecedented, attention is now being paid to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. This attention includes calls for better education of more students and including broader segments of our society in STEM fields. At the same time, national moves are challenging the worth and value of higher education and even the need for physics education. This talk reviews the current landscape education policy, challenges and opportunities facing physics and higher education, and why physics and physicists in particular have been and must be involved.   

Current Topics In STEM Education Policy

The role of the federal government in education is a hotly debated topic in Congress, causing education to become deeply embedded in politics. Federal funding of education, although covering only about ten percent of total cost, has large impact in the classroom, from testing standards to low interest student loans. This talk will examine the current landscape in physics education including issues facing the community at a national/federal level and also legislation such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. We will also examine how stakeholders can develop effective messages and participate in discussions with policy makers.   

The Faculty Role in Advocacy: What, Why, and How

The Capitol Hill environment is completely unlike that in the halls of academia, and advocating for science policy requires a style of communication quite different from scientific discourse. Nevertheless, the experience, while challenging, can be extremely rewarding, and change how one approaches changing our educational system. Fortunately, there are a growing number of resources that faculty can draw upon to make the process easier and more effective. I will discuss my first trip to Capitol Hill, including the details of setting up and managing appointments with congressional aides, and the resources I found useful during my visit. I'll also describe the initial culture shock and how I quickly came to appreciate the intensity and clarity of the visits. In addition to providing a roadmap for other faculty wishing to advocate for science policy, I'll describe additional resources that are in development.