Resolution 130781

..Title Authorizing City Council's Committee on Education to hold hearings to investigate the benefits of integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into early childhood education in Philadelphia schools. ..Body WHEREAS, STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics; fields of study that are increasingly important to the viability of the Philadelphia region as we compete in a global economy which demands a workforce with high-tech skills; and WHEREAS, Experts agree that the proficiency of our citizenry in STEM fields should be a top national priority because it will affect our country's competitiveness and economic productivity; and WHEREAS, Exposing young children to STEM concepts is critical in establishing an initial interest which may lead to a career in STEM fields; and WHEREAS, While most STEM education is geared toward middle school and high school students, STEM education for very young children more effectively promotes the development of key STEM skills, such as logic, computation, and deductive reasoning, which do not come as easily if first introduced when a child is older; and WHEREAS, Studies suggest that the lack of exposure to STEM related activities in early childhood could decrease the likelihood that a child will pursue an education or career in STEM fields; and WHEREAS, It is important that educators have access to professional development to prepare them to integrate STEM related technology into the classroom experience; and WHEREAS, The Obama Administration has repeatedly expressed its recognition of the important role STEM education will play in the future of our country; and WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia must ensure that its education system is preparing young people to compete in the increasingly high-tech regional, national, and global economy; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That City Council's Committee on Education is hereby authorized to hold hearings to investigate the benefits of integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into early childhood education in Philadelphia schools. ..End