| Roundtable: Evaluating Students' Career Decisions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Fields |
| Roundtable Presentation 961 to be held in Balboa A on Saturday, Nov 5, 2:20 PM to 3:50 PM |
| Sponsored by the Pre-K - 12 Educational Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Karen Yanowitz, Arkansas State University, kyanowitz@yahoo.com |
| Carolyn Cohen, Cohen Research & Evaluation LLC, cohenevaluation@seanet.com |
| Davis Patterson, Independent Consultant, davispatterson@comcast.net |
| Rachel Becker-Klein, PEER Associates, rachel@peerassociates.net |
| Michael Duffin, PEER Associates, michael@peerassociates.net |
| Abstract: Selecting a career in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field relies not only on the student's interest and attitudes, but also on the influence of parents, teachers, and other significant people in the student's life. Thus, evaluations of programs designed to ultimately impact children's career decisions (as specified by the ITEST goals) may need to assess not only the students themselves, but also the impact of the program on other stakeholders, such as parents or teachers. In this session, evaluators from several programs will discuss the challenges they have faced in ascertaining how different type of STEM programs, designed for students and/or teachers, may influence these participants, as well as other interested parties, such as parents, which may ultimately impact students' interest and awareness of STEM career opportunities. |