SB 1444 Summary

• Adds Section 51207 to the Education Code to define STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education as courses preparing students for technically sophisticated careers requiring mathematical and scientific skills.

• Establishes legislative findings that STEM fields are critical to California's economy, with demand for scientists and engineers expected to increase four times faster than other occupations over the next decade.

• Projects California faces a shortage of almost 40,000 engineers by 2014 and identifies teacher shortages in STEM disciplines, with 39% of high school math teachers and 38% of high school science teachers considered underprepared.

• Directs STEM education in grades 1-6 to include foundational mathematics, science, and technology courses with career awareness, and in grades 7-12 to include rigorous applied courses with career exploration and preparation pathways.

• Declares the Legislature's intent that the Superintendent of Public Instruction allocate state, federal, and private funds designated for STEM education consistent with the definitions established in this section.