LANSING – In its first annual report, the MiSTEM Advisory Council recommended a variety of actions that involved developing partnerships both within the education community as well as with industry and being sure state-supported programs are aligned with new science standards.

The report said Michigan is well situated to be a top competitor for science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs but urged some changes to improve those chances.

“Having top talent means preparing our students early for in-demand careers to make Michigan the center for brainpower and 21st Century innovation,” Governor Rick Snyder said in a statement. “I appreciate the council for its hard work to make sure we are on the right path and look forward to their continued partnership as we make Michigan a leader in STEM.”

“Every student being able to take STEM programming is a key strategy in building Michigan into a Top 10 education state in 10 years,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Whiston said in the statement announcing the report. “Let’s take this opportunity and put it into gear.”

Among the council’s recommendations is passage of SB 169 and SB 170, which provide for STEM endorsements on high school diplomas.

“The council strongly supports the concept of recognizing students who have engaged in high-quality STEM activities,” the report said. “We commit to partnering with the legislature to discuss, create, and implement a meaningful credential for students.”

The council also recommended renaming the Michigan Math Science Centers to the Michigan STEM Centers to draw further attention to the programs.

As the state develops STEM programs, the council recommended that it include a variety of partnerships, including opportunities for internships, externships or apprenticeships for both students and teachers, and that any state-funded programs involve partnerships with industry.

Programs also should involve teamwork exercises, the council said.

And any programs should be able to demonstrate proficiency improvements tied to the state’s new science standards.

If the state is going to include career and technical education under the STEM umbrella, the programs should include hands-on work and should lead to a certificate or credential in the chosen industry.

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