Developing New Programs
for Inspiring K-12 Students about the Future of BIO IT

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Synopsis

A panel/interactive discussion about the need for a more comprehensive, systems approach to Science, Math and Technology education was held.  Speakers from industry addressed the need for cross-trained Bio-IT workers at every level of the work force.  University representatives discussed the readiness of the universities to cross-train their students and what preparation high school students need for applying to those programs.  K-12 educators spoke about how secondary schools can add an integrated, systems approach to their programs.  Finally, an educational policy expert talked about societal needs and challenges as well as available resources.

A group was formed after the meeting to create a working body for exploring the benefits of systems approaches in secondary education and to develop programs and units of instruction to support the integration of technology, science and math.