The Gap is Real

There's a lot going on in the world. Somedays it seems like it's too much for a person to handle. Politics, storms, fires, droughts, gun violence, sickness, the list goes on. Well get ready, because I am about to drop another one on you.

Gender gaps in education.

This blog started as a way to show the world the work that my colleagues and I are engaged in. We want to encourage our students to open their eyes to the possibilities of the future, specifically in regard to opportunities in STEM careers. You are probably thinking, okay, that's your job, get on that. Unfortunately, this is one of those things that is easier said than done.

The statistics are alarming. A couple of recent studies have given us real numbers that I can't seem to get out of my head, ask the people I have been talking to lately at parties, dinners, and church - I can quote them with certainty.

• 6-year-olds hold stereotypes that boys are better at robots and programming. 
• 11.1% of physicists and astronomers are women. 
• 15% of engineers are women. 
• 0.4% of teen girls plan to major in computer science. 
• Read that one again, 0.4% of girls plan to major in computer science.

Number of teen girls who plan to major in computer science

The deck is already stacked against educators like myself who want to turn the tide. The biases are real and innate in humans from the beginning. Boys are blue, girls are pink. Boys play video games, girls play Barbie. I did. I loved my Barbies, stuffed animals, playing school and restaurant. If a girl wants to be a ballerina, that's her choice and I will support that. Ballerinas are strong, talented performers who work incredibly hard to refine their craft. But never tell a girl that a ballerina is her only choice. Because that is what has happened. We have taught our girls that they don't have what it takes to become engineers, astronauts, astro-physicists, or inventors. I don't know that it was done on purpose, I hope not, but it was done.

All the statistics, studies, and people telling you something cannot make up for seeing something in real life. Last May, a representative from www.robots.education came to my school to demonstrate their product. I stood excitedly in the back of the room as a class of half girls and half boys watched the demonstration. When the time came for the kids to volunteer to try their hand at coding the robot, the boys' hands shot up. One actually fell out of his seat, he was waving his hand so hard. The girls sat quietly. Not one of their hands went up. My heart hit the floor. I don't need the studies and statistics. I have seen it with my own eyes.

I grew up with parents who didn't put me in a box. I started taking golf lessons at age 4, I spent hours playing "war" with my dad and sister in the forest by our house, I sang in choirs, my dad bought us our first computer when DOS was a thing so we could play games and learn how to use the newest technology. I danced at daddy-daughter dances, headed up committees at our church. I had a little bit of everything. They sent me to college to pursue my dream of being an teacher. Not a day has gone by that I haven't felt their unending support for my future.

I have never felt that I couldn't do something that I wanted. So it's difficult for me to reconcile that there are so many girls out there who feel held back, not good enough, and not worthy of pursuing their dreams, whatever they may be.

This is my mission. I am starting with the 891 girls currently enrolled at John Burroughs Middle School. Every 7th grader is taking a robotics elective this year. Our 8th graders are going to be introduced to Lego Mindstorm robotics, and our 6th graders will start with basic coding.

In addition, I have recently applied for a large Google grant to bring much needed funds support a Girls Steam Team that we are rolling out in October. This will be a group of girls who will meet before school twice a week to learn how to code, use 3-D printers, and so much more. Keep in mind I am not doing this all by myself. We have an amazing group of educators who are standing up, hearing the call to give the girls an opportunity to decide for themselves what their future holds. In the coming weeks, I will be asking colleagues and students to guest blog their experiences. It's not my voice that matters, it's the collective and the collective will turn the tide.

Robot Mania

I am so excited to share the progress we are making in our efforts to bring STEAM to John Burroughs Middle School.

The first month of school has been busy but hasn't stopped us from moving forward. This week I was able to spend some time in one of our Computer Programming classes and see first hand the work they are doing with our new robots from www.robots.education.

The students were engaged, collaborating, and excited about the work they are doing in class.

I can't wait to go back and see the progress they are making as the semester continues. Ms. Carrillo is doing a great job leading the way at JB!