Michigan could become the first state in the country to give graduating high school students a certification for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics on their diplomas if bills introduced last week become law.
State Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, and Rep. Amanda Price, R-Park Township
Two bills introduced in the Michigan Senate by State Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, set out the requirements for a STEM certification. Rep. Amanda Price, R-Park Township, will introduce two bills in the Michigan House of Representatives in November, which would mirror the Senate bills.
Proos’ bills would require high school students to take six credits of math and six credits of science approved by the Michigan Department of Education, along with all other requirements for high school graduation.
If made into law, the bills would make Michigan the first state in the country to offer a STEM certification on high school transcripts and diplomas.
“The biggest and most important thing public policymakers in Lansing can do is set up an environment for these kids to succeed in today’s very competitive jobs environment and climate,” Proos said.
Price, whose husband is a mechanical engineer, said the bills — if made into law — would send a message that Michigan is serious about STEM education.
“STEM education is not only one of the most exciting pieces of education but one of the most important pieces we could aim our kids toward,” she said, “because the jobs are great. Education is needed in the state and the jobs are needed in the state.”
The Senate bills have been referred to the Committee on Education.
At this point, the specific curriculum of the science and math credits hasn't been worked out, but an official with the Michigan STEM Partnership wants to make sure students get practical experience.
Paul Agosta, chair of the Michigan STEM Partnership Board of Directors, said Michigan Department of Education officials have to make sure students are ready to apply what they’ve learned in college or the work place. That means getting practical learning, not just learning theories.
“Skill development is more about the practical side of the world, not theoretical,” he said.
Agosta added, “The problem is young people are not retaining the theory because it does not have a relevance to them.”
While STEM certification could help students get in the door for jobs and colleges, Agosta said schools must revamp the way they teach STEM.
The inconsistencies in what is emphasized in education — five years ago, students were told not to take career technical education classes and to prepare for four-year degrees at colleges and now they’re being told to take those classes and maybe not go to college, he said — make that more difficult.
“The ingredients are there, but the problem is there are these barriers,” he said. “These are going to be hard questions, you’re talking about systemic change.”
Proos said he’s dedicated to making sure Michigan students are ready for the demands of engineering jobs, along with other positions that require STEM education.
He said preparing more students for a future with STEM education could mean more employers come to Michigan to take advantage of an educated workforce, which would mean more young Michiganders staying in the state.
“The two really are hand-in-glove with each other to give kids the best opportunity to experience future job opportunities and decrease the total number of open jobs in the state of Michigan,” Proos said.
Price added the bills, if they became law, would show employers that Michigan students are ready for quality jobs.
“It sends a great message that, as we reinvent Michigan, STEM education will be a primary focus,” she said.
Kyle Feldscher is the Capitol education and MSU reporter for MLive Media Group. Reach him via email at kylefeldscher@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter at @Kyle_Feldscher. Read more stories here.