Governor's Task Force on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education Releases Annual Report

Press Release

Building on Governor Maggie Hassan's efforts to help young Granite Staters develop the skills and innovative thinking needed for success in the 21st century economy, the Governor's Task Force on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education released its annual report on modernizing STEM education in New Hampshire's K-12 schools.

"Ensuring that our young people develop the skills and innovative thinking needed for good jobs in the 21st century is critical to New Hampshire's future success, and continuing to modernize education in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math is an important part of those efforts," Governor Hassan said. "Developed with input from leaders throughout the education and business communities, the task force has outlined a plan to strengthen the foundations of STEM education. This report highlights our progress in implementing those recommendations, as well as the work that we still need to do in order ensure that our students are prepared to compete for jobs in today's global economy."

Governor Hassan originally established the STEM Task Force in 2014 to make recommendations for modernizing STEM education in New Hampshire's schools, which were included in a report released in January 2015. In order to assist the state with implementing the recommendations in that report, the Governor re-established the task force last year.

The new report outlines the state's progress in the development of four new math pathways; the introduction of a pilot Teach Code Academy; a review of teaching credentials; the preparation of a feasibility plan by the end of the year for establishing a New Hampshire Math and Science Academy; the creation of pilot Personal Learning Plans for middle schools students; and the initiation of a STEM virtual hub for teachers, students and parents. In addition, the task force report highlights two high priority activities establishing STEM literacy standards that include coding and adopting the new math pathways.

"The task force activities build on the existing foundations within STEM education in the state," said Ross Gittell, Task Force chair and Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire. "The work described in the task force report is advancing STEM education in important ways. Over time, the strengthened K-12 pathways in New Hampshire will lead to higher postsecondary attainment in STEM and related fields, which in turn will strengthen the social and economic future of the state and its residents."

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