Trib Talk: Is investment in STEM working?

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

In 2013, Utah lawmakers created the STEM Action Center and started pumping millions of dollars each year into science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

The effort is aimed at improving Utah students' performance in math and science, and increasing the number of Utah workers with technical skills.

Two years later, state leaders say it's still too early to tell if Utah's emphasis on STEM education has made a difference in students' college choices and career preparation.

On Wednesday at 12:15 p.m., Utah State Office of Education STEM Coordinator David Smith and STEM Action Center program manager Sue Redington join Tribune education reporter Benjamin Wood to discuss what the state is doing to promote STEM and how those efforts are making an impact in Utah schools.

Watch this video chat at sltrib.com. You also can join the discussion by sending questions and comments to the hashtag #TribTalk on Twitter and Google+ or texting 801-609-8059. Is state's investment in STEM making a difference?

12:15 p.m. • In 2013, Utah lawmakers created the STEM Action Center and started pumping millions of dollars each year into science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. The effort is aimed at improving Utah students' performance in math and science, and increasing the number of Utah workers with technical skills. Two years later, state leaders say it's too early to tell if the effort has made a difference. David Smith, Utah State Office of Education STEM coordinator, and Sue Redington, STEM Action Center program manager, join Tribune education reporter Benjamin Wood to discuss what the state is doing to promote STEM and how those efforts are making an impact. Watch this video chat at sltrib.com. You also can join the discussion by sending questions and comments to the hashtag #TribTalk on Twitter and Google+ or texting 801-609-8059.