Mathematics, Engineering, Technology, and Science (METS)

The Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) is committed to improving education and supporting development of industry in the critical mathematics, engineering, technology, and science (METS) fields. An increased focus on preparing, attracting, training, and retaining skilled and educated citizens in these fields is critical to Missouri 's future in the competitive global marketplace. To support this goal, MDHE has been and is an active partner in the Missouri METS Coalition.

Background

In April 2006, Governor Matt Blunt held the Math Science Summit to provide a focused forum for business, K-12, and higher education leadership to discuss opportunities and strategies for stronger emphasis on METS development in Missouri, both in student preparation and economic development. As a follow-up to the Summit, the METS Alliance workgroup was formed to develop recommendations and an action plan for the state. The METS Alliance presented the report, A Call to Action, to Governor Blunt on August 31, 2006. The report outlined five central strategies to improve METS participation and outlined an action plan to achieve these goals:

1. Improve performance of all P-20 students
2. Expand the pool of students motivated to pursue METS careers
3. Expand the pool of Missouri 's quality P-20 METS educators
4. Establish a technology plan to support METS curricula, Grade Level Expectations (GLE), and assessment in Missouri
5. Increase public awareness of the value of METS knowledge on the lives of all Missourians, and highlight the importance of METS-related industries and jobs to enhance Missouri 's global competitiveness and innovation

The complete report, A Call to Action, includes specific recommendations for achieving these goals, including a detailed timeline.

METS Coalition

To ensure continuing efforts to achieve the goals of the original METS Alliance Report, the non-profit METS Coalition was formed. The goal of the Coalition is to build greater ongoing support and to promote the development of METS education and industry in Missouri . Interim Executive Director Anne Zerr is working to build administrative and funding capacity in the organization. METS Coalition members are committed to making the transition from an ad-hoc group to a force for change in Missouri.

The METS Coalition seeks to increase public awareness and share information pertinent to a wide variety of audiences in Missouri through their website: www.missourimets.com. Information for students, educators, and business, as well as ways to encourage further policy development and funding for these important fields are included.

METS Updates

The METS Coalition has an active, dedicated membership made up of prominent educators, business leaders, and associated state agency heads that are committed to affecting change in METS field for the good of Missouri's citizens and economy. Please visit their website, www.missourimets.com for updates, or see the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) METS updates below.

Coordinating Board for Higher Education METS Updates

February 2006
June 2006
April 2007
June 2007