PK-8

This report provides evidence-based strategies to increase student proficiency and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).  The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) sought out the expertise of educators, school administrators, private companies, government officials in education, and STEM practitioners to inform their policy recommendations. Suggestions range from more federal promotion of STEM to innovative and experiential learning of STEM for students from all backgrounds.

This spotlight from The Condition of Education 2013 examines employment rates by educational attainment among 20-64 year olds between 1990 and 2012. Findings include the following: employment rates for those with a bachelor's degree were generally higher than for those without a bachelor's degree and there was a male-female gap in employment rates. To access the full Condition of Education 2013 report, visit: http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2013/2013037.pdf.

This evaluation of New Jersey GEAR UP assessed the quality of program implementation and outcomes of the program implementation in middle and high schools.

This report examined disparities in the distribution of teaching and learning resources in California secondary schools. Results indicated that the most disadvantaged populations of middle and high school students are likely have teachers with limited qualifications to teach their subject areas. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds also were less likely to be enrolled in the necessary courses for admission to four-year public institutions.

This national study examines Phase I of the implementation of Talent Search, a federal program designed to encourage students to participate in the federal aid program for post-secondary education. This report provides program growth, regulatory and legislative changes that occurred during this period and how the program was operating in terms of  providing academic assistance, using technology to serve students, and issues faced when serving middle school students.

This study assessed the relationship between high school students home environment and post-secondary aspirations. Data was obtained from the School Success Profile survey administered to middle and high school students. Analyses were limited to a sub-sample of more than 11,000 students from two states. All students in the sample were included based on their eligibility for free or reduced price lunch program. Parental support and parents' high behavioral and academic expectations were associated with greater aspirations.