Monthly Archives: July 2014

Florida’s leaders have raised test score requirements for the state’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program in an effort to rein in expenditures on the program.  Beginning this fall, the higher level Florida Medallion Scholars award requires an SAT score of 1170 … Continue reading →

I noted recently that Florida’s State University System has experienced a steep increase in the number of bachelors’ degrees it has awarded in the biosciences during the last decade.  Bachelors’ degrees in the biosciences are distinguished by their low average … Continue reading →

The graph below shows the time evolution of the percentages of bachelors’ degrees in engineering and physics that were awarded to women, African-Americans and Hispanics in the US. The data are from the NSF Science and Engineering Indicators. If there … Continue reading →

In a landmark report, LULAC has moved beyond just calling for more Hispanic students to earn college degrees and is now arguing that these students should steer toward STEM careers. Here’s a taste: Despite rapid population growth, in 2011, Latinos held … Continue reading →

Bioscience degrees accounted for 5.8% of all bachelors’ degrees awarded by Florida’s State University System in 2012-2013, nearly doubling from its share of 3.1% in 2003-2004.  Meanwhile, the percentages of bachelors’ degrees awarded in STEM fields with better economic prospects … Continue reading →

Statistics from the 2012 American Community Survey released by the US Census Bureau yesterday showed that Florida ranks near the bottom of the nation in the percentage of its college-educated workers who are in STEM occupations. Only 8.9% of the … Continue reading →

Inside Higher Ed reports comments by FSU Rhodes Scholar and former defensive back Myron Rolle on college sports to a Congressional committee yesterday: Myron Rolle, a former football player at Florida State University who played in the National Football League … Continue reading →

Florida’s new “Scholar” diploma designation, passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Scott in 2013, was an attempt to define a high school graduate who is especially well prepared for the challenge of college.  Unfortunately, the math … Continue reading →

As we reported last week, average career earnings for bachelor’s degree graduates in the biosciences are considerably lower than those of other STEM fields and even lower than the average for bachelor’s degree graduates in non-STEM fields. So it certainly … Continue reading →

We hear so much about the baseline achievements in education – mastering Common Core-level basic skills in K-12 and increasing the attainment of college degrees of any kind, whether they lead to economically viable careers or not.  There is much less discussion … Continue reading →