Important, But Not for Me: Parents and Students in Kansas and Missouri Talk About Math, Science and Technology Education

Abstract

This study, conducted to inform the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation's 10-year initiative to improve math, science and technology education in the Kansas City region, asks how parents and students in Kansas and Missouri view these issues -- and a host of others relevant to improving results in these important subject areas. The Kauffman Foundation provided funding for the research.The findings are based on a random survey of 1,472 parents and 1,295 middle and high school students in Kansas and Missouri, probing their attitudes on math and science education -- and, to a lesser extent, technology education as well. The survey was preceded by 12 focus groups with parents, students and teachers in the Kansas City region and a series of interviews with local employers, leaders and experts.