This report is grounded in 22 commissioned studies of educational
policies and practices in relation to STEM around the world. The key
findings were developed drawing on analysis of the commonalities
across these reports and key points of difference or coincidence with
the Australian situation, and on the knowledge vested in the Expert
Working Group of critical contextual conditions in Australia, and of the
literature on STEM participation. Though very few international policies
and educational practices can be readily transferred into the Australian
context, the STEM strategies and practices of other countries provide an
informative window through which we can better make judgments about
key features of Australian STEM practices, and provide many potentially
useful ideas for developing STEM strategies in Australia. The main findings
of the project are summarised in Sections 1-15 that follow. The findings
highlight a number of STEM issues, emerging from the country reports and
international comparisons, together with examination of STEM in Australia,
that are key topics for discussion at the national level. This section
of the report summarises these key findings and draws out potential
implications concerning policy and practice in the Australian context. The
finding numbers reflect the relevant section of the report. For evidence
supporting each finding, and arguments concerning implications for
Australian, see the relevant numbered sections of the Report.