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Education is an evolving process that consistently introduces new theories and practices in accordance with the most recent research available. One of the latest introductions into the world of education today is STEM education, which focuses on the core subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Is STEM offering a whole new approach to education that will bring American students into the 21^st century, or is it merely another passing ebb and flow in the education tide? While only time will tell with certainty, there are definite reasons to take a closer look at this new approach that is sweeping across many school districts today.

What is STEM Education?

The process of STEM education is about much more than simply incorporating these four subjects into a core curriculum. The key to successful, effective STEM education is integrating these disciplines into a single “meta-discipline.” According to a report at Innovations, STEM can be defined as the “creation of a discipline based on the integration of other disciplinary knowledge into a new ‘whole’. This interdisciplinary bridging among discrete disciplines is now treated as an entity, known as ‘STEM’.”

A report at explains that “a successful STEM education provides students with science, math, and engineering/technology in sequences that build upon each other and can be used with real-world applications.” The concept of STEM was first introduced by Judith A. Ramaley, the

Teacher tenure has been in existence since the beginning of the 20^th century, as a way to protect teachers from discrimination or arbitrary firing. However, many argue today that the very system designed to protect teachers is now hurting students, due to its inability to reward exceptional instructors or get rid of those who are consistently shown to be ineffective in the classroom. As states across the country struggle to find methods of evaluating teachers, powerful unions are fighting them every step of the way. However, in a few cases, the battle is resulting in a reasonable compromise that ultimately ensures students receive the highest possible quality of education by those at the front of the classroom every day.

Analysis Shows Teacher Tenure Weakening Nationwide

According to the , a recent analysis by the National Council on Teacher Quality shows that support for traditional tenure rules weakening across the country. Some states have already done away with tenure rules altogether, while others are looking into revamping the guidelines to link evaluations to teacher performance rather than just seniority. Those in favor of the process believe performance-based evaluations will help reward good teachers and get rid of ineffective instructors. Those opposed, including many teachers’ unions, say the new rules may hurt morale and deny teachers due process.

The recent data from the National Council on Teacher Quality shows the tide may be turning. In 2009, no state regarded student performance as a

School lunches will be finally getting a new look, thanks to new federal guidelines created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The agency unveiled its plan for more nutritious school cafeteria food this week, amidst concerns by many regarding the increasing obesity rate among America’s youth today. The new guidelines will be implemented during the 2012-2013 school year. While most are applauding the new dietary guidelines, some are worried that the USDA didn’t go far enough in ensuring children get the most nutritious fare possible while they are at school.

Why New Lunch Guidelines?

According to a report on , the USDA stated the new guidelines are “intended to respond to serious concerns about childhood obesity and the importance for children to consume nutritious school meals within their calorie needs.” Currently, one in every three children in the United States is considered overweight or obese. The concerns have also been mounting in light of the fact that more children are taking advantage of the breakfast programs in their schools – making the fare provided by schools an even more significant amount of the nutritional content supplied to children most days of the week. The Chicago Tribune states that these rules represent the first major change to school meal standards in 15 years!

“The future of America is about our children, about making sure that the foods they eat allow them to become meaningful members of our communities,” Jose Andres, chef

Since Mayor Michael Bloomberg took office, the city of New York has focused on improving dismal high school graduation rates. To that end, Mayor Bloomberg has boasted that the city has seen huge success. However, more recent numbers indicate that graduating students from high school is not enough for the youth of New York City. Now, college readiness has become a concern, and the numbers there are not nearly as encouraging.

Dismal Numbers Indicate Preparation is Lacking

According to a recent report in the , only one in four New York City students is ready for the rigors of a college curriculum after graduating from high school. Minority students see even lower figures in college readiness after high school. The recent data has many educators and legislators throughout the city up in arms as they realize that graduation rates may not be enough to ensure students leaving New York schools are ready for the job market of the 21^st century.

“The reality today is that a high school degree is not enough for the average student to compete,” City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez told NY1.

Additional data collected by city officials showed the same distressing results – 75 percent of New York high school graduates did not have sufficient Regents and SAT scores to avoid remedial classes in their first year of college. Remedial classes often have a negative impact on college completion rates, since students must use valuable time and tuition