2017 K-12 STEM Education Survey Results
2017 K-12 STEM Education Survey Results
Jul 11 – Aug 10
2017
Responses coded into the following categories:
19 English/Grammar/Writing/Reading
18 Math/Statistics
History/Social Studies/Civics/Politics/Current
12
events/Engineering
9 Science/Engineering
7 Economics/Finances
6 Life skills/Home economics
4 Manner/Respect/Anti-bullying/Social skills
3 Computers/Computer science
3 Art/Arts/Music
3 Physical education/Health/Sex education/Abstinence
2 Critical thinking/Logic
1 Foreign Languages
1 Religion/Christianity/Bible/Prayer/Creationism
1 Nothing
<1 Everything
12 Don’t know/Not answer
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2013
Math/Mathematics/Arithmetic 30
English/Grammar/Writing/Reading 19
Science 11
History/Social studies/Civics/Politics/Current
10
events/Government
Art/Arts/Music 6
Computers/Computer science 4
Physical education/Health/Sex education/Abstinence 2
Religion/Christianity/Bible/Prayer/Creationism 2
Economics/Finances 2
Foreign Languages 1
Manner/Respect/Anti-bullying 1
Other 3
Don’t know/No answer 7
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ASK ALL:
SCH2 Overall, how much would you say you know about the K to 12 public schools…
23 A lot
56 A little
20 Nothing at all
<1 No answer
11 A lot
68 A little
20 Nothing at all
1 No answer
ASK ALL:
SCH3 How would you rate the K to 12 public schools in your local community in the following areas?
[RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
a. In providing the knowledge and skills needed for pursuing a four-year college degree
12 Excellent
47 Good
31 Only fair
7 Poor
3 No answer
11 Excellent
51 Good
31 Only fair
6 Poor
2 No answer
c. In providing the knowledge and skills needed for pursuing a vocational or technical career
8 Excellent
44 Good
36 Only fair
9 Poor
3 No answer
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SCH3 continued…
7 Excellent
41 Good
38 Only fair
11 Poor
2 No answer
ASK ALL:
SCH4 Compared with other developed nations, how would you rate the United States in the following
area... education in K to 12 public schools?
RANDOMLY ASSIGN HALF OF RESPONDENTS ITEMS IN ORDER a-c AND OTHER HALF ITEMS IN
ORDER c-a
ASK ALL:
SCH5 a. Compared with other developed nations, how would you rate the United States in the
following area…education in science, technology, engineering and math in K to 12 public schools?
Aug 15-25
2014
Best in the world 7
Above average 22
Average 39
Below average 29
Don’t know/Refused (VOL.) 3
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b. Compared with other developed nations, how would you rate the United States in the
following area…undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering and math in
colleges and universities?
c. Compared with other developed nations, how would you rate the United States in the following
area…graduate education in science, technology, engineering and math in universities?
ASK ALL:
SCH6 Thinking about science, technology, engineering and math education in the nation’s K to 12
public schools these days, do you think each of the following is a big problem, a small problem or
not a problem? [RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
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ASK ALL:
SCH7 What's the main reason many young people don't pursue college degrees in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics? Is it mostly because… [RANDOMIZE; “some other reason”
always last]
July 11-
Aug 10
2017
52 They think these subjects are too hard
12 They think these subjects are too boring
23 They think these subjects are not useful for their careers
12 Some other reason (please specify) [OPEN END]
2 No answer
March 7-10
2013
Are too hard 46
Are too boring 20
Are not useful for their careers 22
Other (VOLUNTEERED) 7
Don’t know/Refused (VOLUNTEERED) 4
ASK ALL:
SCH8 Thinking back to your own experiences in grades K to 12, did you generally like or dislike…
[RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
a. Science classes
75 Liked
25 Disliked
1 No answer
b. Math classes
58 Liked
42 Disliked
<1 No answer
ASK IF SCH8A=1:
SCH9A Thinking back to your experiences in grades K to 12, which of these was the main reason you
generally liked SCIENCE CLASSES?
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ASK IF SCH8A=2:
SCH9A Thinking back to your experiences in grades K to 12, which of these was the main reason you
generally disliked SCIENCE CLASSES?
ASK IF SCH8B=1:
SCH9B Thinking back to your experiences in grades K to 12, which of these was the main reason you
generally liked MATH CLASSES?
ASK IF SCH8B=2:
SCH9B Thinking back to your experiences in grades K to 12, which of these was the main reason you
generally disliked MATH CLASSES?
Select all answers that apply [RANDOMIZE ITEMS; none of these always last]
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Select all answers that apply [RANDOMIZE ITEMS; none of these always last]
Select all answers that apply [RANDOMIZE ITEMS; none of the above always last]
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ASK ALL:
FAMSTEM1 Do you have any close family members who work or have worked in a job or career that
involves science, technology, engineering or math?
45 Yes
55 No
<1 No answer
ASK ALL:
FAMSTEM1 Do you have any close family members who work or have worked in a job or career that
involves science, technology, engineering or math?
FAMSTEM2 These close family members who work or have worked in a job or career that involves
science, technology, engineering or math are…
45 Yes
24 Older family member working in STEM
21 No older family member working in STEM
1 No answer
55 No family members working in STEM
<1 No answer
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Based on those who were very or somewhat interested in pursuing a STEM job
[N=849]
Jul 11 – Aug 10
2017
10 Childhood/elementary school
28 Teenage years/high school
41 20s/College
5 Age 30 and older
1 Always interested
1 Currently or previously in STEM career
1 Never interested in STEM career
6 Can’t classify
8 Don’t know/Don’t remember/No answer
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Based on those who were very or somewhat interested in pursuing a STEM job
[N=849]
Jul 11 – Aug
10
2017
27 Cost and time barriers NET
15 Too expensive
6 Not enough education
4 Lack of access to resources and opportunities
3 Too large of a time commitment
2 Too much work/Too many classes to take
20 Ended up on a different path NET
7 Found another interest/passion
6 Got or already had a job in another field
5 Chose to pursue a different career
2 Not encouraged to pursue these subjects/careers
14 Specific problems with subject NET
4 Didn’t do well in STEM classes
4 Classes seemed too difficult
3 Lost interest in the subject
3 Specific class turned them off
1 Didn’t study; was too lazy
<1 Didn’t know how to get into a career in STEM
<1 Thought these subjects were too specific/too narrow
<1 Didn’t have a STEM degree
<1 Didn’t see how STEM subjects would be applicable
11 Personal circumstances/family NET
6 Starting or was already taking care of family
3 Other personal circumstances
2 Disability/Illness
7 Problems with STEM jobs and careers themselves NET
4 Lack of jobs/Too much competition
2 These jobs don’t pay well enough
1 Didn’t like perceived work environment
1 Issues because of gender
9 Did pursue STEM job/changed jobs
4 Currently pursuing STEM job/might pursue STEM job in
future
4 Other
13 Don’t know/No answer
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ASK ALL:
STEMJOB Compared with jobs in other industries, would you say… [RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
18 Have more flexibility to balance work and family needs than jobs in
other industries
28 Have less flexibility to balance work and family needs than jobs in other
industries
52 Have about the same amount of flexibility to balance work and family
needs as jobs in other industries
2 No answer
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STEMJOB continued…
58 Attract more of the brightest and most qualified young people than
jobs in other industries
13 Attract fewer of the brightest and most qualified young people than
jobs in other industries
27 Attract about the same number of the brightest and most qualified
young people as jobs in other industries
2 No answer
ASK ALL:
REASON1 As you may know, women are underrepresented in some science, technology,
engineering and math jobs in this country.
For each of the following, please indicate whether you think it is a major reason, a minor
reason or not a reason why there are not more women working in science, technology,
engineering and math jobs. [RANDOMIZE ITEMS]
a. From an early age, girls are not encouraged to pursue these subjects in school
39 A major reason
31 A minor reason
28 Not a reason
2 No answer
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REASON1 continued…
a. Women are less likely than men to believe that they can succeed in these fields
23 A major reason
34 A minor reason
41 Not a reason
2 No answer
b. Women do not pursue these jobs because there are so few female role models in these fields
24 A major reason
36 A minor reason
37 Not a reason
2 No answer
39 A major reason
29 A minor reason
29 Not a reason
2 No answer
d. More women are being trained in science, technology, engineering and math than before,
but it takes time and the process is slow
27 A major reason
38 A minor reason
33 Not a reason
2 No answer
e. Women are just less interested in science, technology, engineering and math than men
18 A major reason
32 A minor reason
47 Not a reason
3 No answer
f. It is more difficult to build a career while balancing work and family responsibilities in
science, technology, engineering and math jobs than jobs in other industries
33 A major reason
36 A minor reason
28 Not a reason
2 No answer
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ASK ALL:
REASON2 As you may know, blacks and Hispanics are underrepresented in science, technology,
engineering and math jobs in this country.
For each of the following, please indicate whether you think it is a major reason, a minor
reason or not a reason why there are not more blacks and Hispanics working in science,
technology, engineering and math jobs. [SHOW IN SAME ORDER AS REASON1]
a. From an early age, blacks and Hispanics are not encouraged to pursue these subjects in
school
41 A major reason
25 A minor reason
32 Not a reason
2 No answer
b. Blacks and Hispanics are less likely than others to believe that they can succeed in these
fields
33 A major reason
31 A minor reason
34 Not a reason
2 No answer
c. Blacks and Hispanics do not pursue these jobs because there are so few black and Hispanic
role models in these fields
27 A major reason
33 A minor reason
37 Not a reason
3 No answer
d. Blacks and Hispanics face discrimination in the recruitment process, hiring and promotions
31 A major reason
29 A minor reason
38 Not a reason
3 No answer
e. More blacks and Hispanics are being trained in science, technology, engineering and math
than before, but it takes time and the process is slow
22 A major reason
38 A minor reason
36 Not a reason
3 No answer
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REASON2 continued…
a. Blacks and Hispanics are just less interested in science, technology, engineering and math
than others
22 A major reason
26 A minor reason
49 Not a reason
3 No answer
b. Blacks and Hispanics are less likely to have access to quality education to prepare them for
these fields than others
42 A major reason
26 A minor reason
30 Not a reason
3 No answer
QUESTIONS TECH1-TECH6 PREVIOUSLY RELEASED, see “Women are concerned about gender
discrimination in tech industry,” question wording and topline is available here.
GEND1 What is the balance of men and women in your workplace? [RANDOMIZE ORDER OF 1
AND 2]
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ASK ALL:
GEND5 How important would you say it is to have gender diversity in workplaces today?
25 Extremely important
27 Very important
26 Somewhat important
10 Not too important
11 Not at all important
1 No answer
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Select all answers that apply [RANDOMIZE ITEMS; item d always last]
a. Whites
b. Blacks
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ETHN2 continued…
c. Hispanics
d. Asian Americans
a. Whites
b. Blacks
c. Hispanics
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ETHN3 continued…
d. Asian Americans
ASK ALL:
ETHN5 How important would you say it is to have racial and ethnic diversity in workplaces today?
26 Extremely important
27 Very important
27 Somewhat important
9 Not too important
9 Not at all important
2 No answer
Based on those saying racial and ethnic diversity is “extremely, very or somewhat
important” [N=4,014]
Not selected/
Selected
No answer
a. Racial and ethnic diversity in the workplace
56 44
gives people an equal opportunity to succeed
b. Racial and ethnic diversity provides other
perspectives that contribute to the overall 56 44
success of companies and organizations
c. Racial and ethnic diversity makes good
business sense because it increases the supply 42 58
of potential workers
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Based on STEM workers who say their gender has made it harder to succeed in their
job [N=298]:
Jul 11 – Aug 10
2017
22 Hiring, promotion and salary barriers NET
10 Promoted less often than men
7 Most leadership positions are held by men
3 More likely to get turned down for a job
1 Passed over for opportunities
1 Paid less
<1 Guided into certain professions
19 Treatment by coworkers NET
13 Automatically assumed to be less competent
3 Criticized for not meeting gender behavior expectations
2 Assumed to do less important tasks
2 Experience general slights
<1 Others associate them with negative stereotypes
14 Need to work harder than others NET
7 Feel need to constantly prove themselves
Have to work harder than others/Held to different
5
standards
3 Ideas are ignored until someone else states them
13 Affected by reverse discrimination NET
7 Both reverse gender and racial discrimination
6 Reverse gender discrimination
13 Unwelcoming workplace environment NET
7 Feeling of being the only female in the workplace
6 “Boys club” among male coworkers
2 Harassment
12 General bias against women
11 Problems with balancing work and family NET
Others expect they cannot have family responsibilities
10
and work
1 Hard to balance expected family responsibilities
<1 Inadequate leave/childcare policies
8 Other
7 Don’t know/No answer
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Based on STEM workers who say their race or ethnicity has made it harder to succeed
in their job [N=216]:
Jul 11 – Aug 10
2017
19 Treatment by coworkers NET
9 Automatically assumed to be less competent
8 Others associate them with negative stereotypes
2 Criticized for not meeting racial behavior expectations
1 Assumed to do less important tasks
1 Experience general slights
19 Affected by reverse discrimination NET
10 Both reverse gender and racial discrimination
8 Reverse racial discrimination
1 Reverse gender discrimination
14 General bias against minorities
12 Hiring, promotion and salary barriers NET
5 Promoted less often than whites
4 Passed over for opportunities
2 Most leadership positions are held by whites
1 More likely to get turned down for a job
<1 Paid less
9 Unwelcoming workplace environment NET
7 Feeling of being the only minority in the workplace
2 Excluded from the “club”
<1 Uncomfortable workplace/don’t fit in
9 Need to work harder than others NET
Have to work harder than others/Held to different
6
standards
4 Feel need to constantly prove themselves
1 Ideas are ignored until someone else says them
4 Bias because not from the U.S.
10 Other
8 Don’t know/No answer
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Based on STEM workers who are black men, Hispanic men, black women, Hispanic
women or Asian American women [N=1,323]
Jul 11 – Aug 10
2017
37 Change aspects of schooling and education NET
16 Start teaching these subjects to children early
7 Increase scholarship/recruitment efforts
6 Improve education quality
Educate students on opportunities and career paths in
6
these fields
3 Provide fun, interactive, hands-on experiences
Provide more internships and career opportunities
2
throughout education
2 Make science accessible/applicable
<1 Teach in all-girls setting
23 Change the job or work environment NET
9 Increase pay
8 Increase work-life balance
Promote and provide more opportunities for women
6
and minorities
2 Increase overall fair and equal treatment
2 Reduce workplace discrimination/harassment
23 Provide encouragement and role models NET
12 Provide visible role models/mentors
Provide confidence/Make sure girls and minorities know
5
they can do anything
4 Encourage them to enjoy science
2 Increase encouragement from home and parents
Have science camps, after school programs, STEM
1
clubs
1 Increase representation in field
4 Change the culture of science and science careers NET
2 Better marketing for science and science careers
1 Changing images of STEM workers on TV and in media
2 This isn’t about gender or race
3 Other
9 Don’t know/No answer
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Select all answers that apply [RANDOMIZE ITEMS; item i always last]
Trends for comparisons on items a, b and c reported in December 2013: “On Pay Gap, Millennial
Women Near Parity – For Now
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ASK ALL:
VOTECH Just a few more questions about your background and experiences…
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