The report Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Future (National
Academies 2006) states that the United States is losing its competitive position within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields because students are failing to keep up with other countries. Growing concern about
developing America’s future scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians to remain viable and competitive in
the global economy has re-energized attention to STEM education. To remain competitive in a growing global economy, it
is imperative that we raise students’ achievement in STEM subjects. The report recommends a comprehensive investment in
quality STEM educational programs that will increase the quality and knowledge of the STEM field teaching force.