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Kentucky
Releases Study on Teacher "Tech" Knowledge
June
28, 2004
On
June 28, Kentucky Education Cabinet Secretary Virginia G. Fox,
along with representatives of the Kentucky Science and Technology
Corporation (KSTC), announced the results of an on-line survey
among science teachers in public middle and high schools across
Kentucky.
“The
Kentucky Survey of Critical Technologies shines light on what
appears to be a significant problem surrounding a disconnect between
new, relevant applications of basic knowledge and their introduction
into the P-12 learning enterprise,” said Secretary Fox. “This
also represents a major contributing factor to Kentucky’s
lack of an adequately prepared talent pool and entrepreneurial
class to create and grow more innovation-driven companies that
are so essential to our future.”
The
study was designed to measure the awareness, familiarity, and
plans for curriculum integration of 25 scientific and technological
concepts that have been identified as areas of growth in Kentucky’s
New Economy. Conducted by Horizon Research International, a Louisville-based
firm retained by KSTC, and its foundation arm, Kentucky Science
and Engineering Foundation, the 81-page study compiled data from
interviews with 241 educators. The project was also under contract
with the Council on Postsecondary Education.
“I
am delighted with the work of KSTC, and specifically with their
study in the area of these scientific and high-tech concepts.
While we can be proud that 69 percent of the surveyed teachers
are currently teaching at least one of these concepts to their
students, we can and must do better. Only 41 percent of the surveyed
teachers are teaching three or more of these concepts,” said
Secretary Fox.
The
study asked teachers about their awareness and familiarity of
five technology disciplines: biosciences, environmental and energy
technologies, human health and development, information technology
and communications, and materials science and advanced manufacturing.
In these broad areas, 25 specific concepts or principles were
more deeply examined to determine the knowledge level of the teachers,
as well as how that knowledge was being imparted to their students.
The
Kentucky Education Cabinet coordinates learning programs from
K-16, and manages and supports training and employment functions
in the Department for Workforce Investment. For more information
about our programs, visit www.educationcabinet.ky.gov
or www.workforce.ky.gov,
or call 502-564-6606.
For
more information:
Kim Saylor Brannock
Kentucky Education Cabinet
(502) 564-6606
KimS.Brannock@ky.gov
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