STEM Education: An Incongruous Approach A Proposed Reform Model for a Large Suburban High School

It is unknown how the school can best influence the variables that determine pursuance of science study and career choice to bring about greater opportunity to learn challenging science curriculum for all students and promote Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Student decisions regarding the type of science class to elect in early secondary school years can impact their progression and academic success in subsequent rigorous and challenging offerings. Parents, counselors, peers, gender, socio-economic status and individual experience in previous coursework are variables of consideration. The purpose of this study is to examine these variables in a large suburban New Jersey School District aligned to STEM and Advanced Placement level course choice by students. Information regarding the influence of the variables can lead to a reform of the approach toward STEM education currently in place. The study will include a historical reflection of the approach to curriculum revision in the district. Increasing student enrollment in science courses beyond the required number stipulated for high school completion will open opportunities for entrance into STEM related careers or continued post secondary science study.