Sigh, more crappy news about Florida science ed

There has been a recent release of a state-by-state analysis of the “K-12 STEM learning enterprise.” It’s the STEM Vital Signs report in which several questions are answered about each state. Sample questions are “can the state meet the demand for STEM skills,” “are students exposed to challenging and engaging content,” “are teachers prepared to teach to high standards,” and “do schools and teachers in the state have what they need to succeed?” Here are some excerpts from Florida’s report (pdf file):

Business leaders in Florida have sounded an alarm. They cannot find the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent they need to stay competitive. Students’ lagging performance in K–12 is a critical reason why. [Note: most of the states’ reports start off with this.]

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Twenty-six states, not including Florida, are collaborating on common “Next Generation” content standards in science, which they aim to complete in 2013. If these standards meet a high bar, Florida should adopt them or standards as rigorous.

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At a time when STEM jobs are plentiful, the number of students earning STEM degrees and certificates in Florida has not kept pace with demand. Women and African Americans in particular remain woefully underrepresented in STEM fields.

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Florida students should understand the requirements for college admission and whether their high school classes are preparing them for college-level work. Unfortunately, large percentages of Florida students attend schools that don’t even offer higher-level courses like calculus and physics.

The report had some good things to say about how Florida is handling math education. Cool. But what about science education here in Florida? What is our state doing to improve it? Heck if I know. It seems I’ve asked that question before …