WILLIAM BENNETT DOES NOT GET IT:
William Bennett has written enough outstanding articles about fixing public education that I know he means well. But in pushing STEM without understanding the agenda, he's not helping this time.
Former Secretary of Education, Mr. Bennett sees that there is something wrong with the way math and science are being taught, but when he suggests that "hand's on" in these fields is the way to go, I know he is not up to snuff on this subject!
Children learning science and math need to learn facts. And about the only way they can do that is with memory work and lots of repetition. The repetition doesn't have to be "drill and kill" as some progressives like to describe it, it can be done imaginatively and by a good teacher and and supportive parents.
"Hand's on" translates to learning by process, and time and experience tells those of us who are smart enough to understand, that "hand's on" doesn't work.
Read Mr. Bennett's article of June 2014 here: http://www.chron.com/opinion/outlook/article/Teaching-kids-to-tackle-STEM-at-an-earlier-age-5582408.php
Teaching kids to tackle STEM at an earlier age
We can’t ignore essentials of learning in K-5 education
By William Bennett
"From universal pre-kindergarten to Common Core state standards to the value of a college degree, the country is engaged in a serious debate about education priorities. Many of these conversations hinge on whether we believe we are adequately preparing American students for the modern workforce.
Although there are a few dissenters, most people who have studied education and the workforce agree that greater competency and ability in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects are requisites for Americans to excel in the 21st century.
Bennett served as U.S. secretary of education in the Reagan administration." Follow the link above to read the entire article.