Insights
What is Evaluation Policy and Why Does it Matter?
This post talks about evaluation policy: what it is and why it is important to informal STEM education.
Four STEM Learning Policy Points for the Incoming Administration
I had the opportunity to work on STEM education policy suggestions for the new Biden-Harris administration via STEM Learning Ecosystems.
Take a look at my reflections on the experience, and my suggestions for what we need to do in order to improve equity and access to STEM education, build stronger STEM career pipelines, and advance state, regional, and local STEM priorities to improve lives.
Museums and zoos are in the fiscal crisis of the century and education is on the chopping block
This article is about the economic benefits of informal STEM learning, and why we should continue to support the work even when the purse strings are tight.
"We know that informal learning can positively impact students' knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and even behaviors."
"All these outcomes of informal STEM programs have economic ramifications. [...] Better educational attainment leads to higher earnings and attainment that people value on their own. Even improved interpersonal skills can lead to better productivity and maybe even improved home lives, both of which have economic value."
"Knowing the benefits that informal learning provides, nonprofit leaders and policy makers should be sure to support and advocate for informal learning opportunities and access, both during the current pandemic and in the future."