STEM jobs on the rise in Arkansas

STEM jobs on the rise in Arkansas

Some of the fastest growing occupations in our state are in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM jobs are also among of the highest paid professions in Arkansas.

The Department of Workforce Services estimates that we could see over 800 new jobs in computer system design alone in the next two years. And when comparing average salaries for those in their first year out of college, Arkansans with degrees in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science degrees are among the top 5 highest paid professionals.

This is why we were pleased to hear a report from the Arkansas Department of Education this week showing that 4th graders in our state were showing improvement in science test scores.

The National Center for Education Statistics released the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress results for 4th-grade and 8th-grade science. Arkansas’ 4th-grade results showed an increase from a score of 146 in 2009 to a score 150 in 2015. 8th-grade science results stayed the same.

In June 2015, the Arkansas State Board of Education adopted the Arkansas K-12 Science Standards for grades K-4 and 5-8. K-4 implementation is occurring this school year, with 5-8 implementation set for 20172018. ADE plans to present grades 9-12 standards to the State Board for approval in December, with high school implementation in August 2018.

For the first time, Arkansas’s science standards include engineering design principles, which help students build problem-solving skills.

Arkansas also is one of 13 states recently selected to participate in a three-year National Science Foundation grant program that will help states overcome challenges in providing equitable science education for all students.

When it comes specifically to technology, Arkansas is widely recognized as a national leader in computer science education. We were the first state to pass legislation to require computer science courses to be taught in every high school. We have since seen a 260-percent enrollment increase in students taking computer science.

We expect all of these combined efforts to be reflected in test scores in the future and lead to more graduates prepared for careers in the growing field of technology.

From State Representative Milton Nicks