Concerns are arising in the United States that a majority
of secondary school students fail to achieve mathematics
and science proficiency due to teachers who lack
adequate knowledge of the subjects. The concerns over
shortages of mathematics and science teachers have also
reached new heights. In Texas high schools, the teaching
areas in mathematics and science have persisted as
being among the most critical shortage areas. For these
reasons a needs assessment was conducted in the spring
and fall semesters of 2013 for decision making purposes
in preparing highly qualified STEM teachers for high-need
school districts in South Texas. Student and Teacher surveys
were utilized to collect data.