AUGUSTA, Maine - The group pushing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in Maine told members of the Legislature's Education Committee that slow progress is being made in promoting needed skills, such as computer training.
Tim Keller, executive director of the STEM Council, said schools should require students to have some basic computer training.
"Right now there is no requirement in the state, there is no interest on the part of the Department of Education to add a requirement," he said, "yet every kid is carrying one in their pocket."
Keller says these days computers are used as tools in many disciplines. He says computer training doesn't have to be a graduation requirement, but common sense would indicate that such basic skills be taught in the schools.
