Special Initiatives in Mathematics and Science Education

Much work has been done by the Chief Scientist of Australia to highlight the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for Australia’s future.²⁹ A number of initiatives have flowed from this, including the National STEM School Education Strategy 2016–2026, which aims to ensure that students have a strong foundation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects) and are inspired to take on challenging STEM subjects;³⁰ the Restoring the Focus on STEM in Schools Initiative;³¹ and the National Innovation and Science Agenda—Inspiring all Australians in Digital Literacy and STEM, which aims to ensure all Australian students have the opportunity to embrace the digital age and develop the STEM skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.³²

Prior to this, in 2012, the Australian Maths and Science Partnership Program (AMSPP) was introduced, following the release of a report by the Australian Chief Scientist that identified that there had been a decline in the number of students taking advanced mathematics and science related subjects in the 12th grade and enrolling in mathematics, science, and engineering courses at university.³³ The AMSPP aims to raise student engagement in mathematics and science courses at universities and schools, through innovative partnerships between universities, schools, and other relevant organizations.³⁴

These broad funding initiatives support a large range of smaller programs, which include the following:

Mathematics and Science Illustrations of Practice—Developed by AITSL to illustrate the National Professional Standards for Teachers, these examples of teaching practice are available online and aim to raise student engagement in mathematics and science education through teacher development³⁵
Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools (SMiS)—This program links practicing scientists, mathematicians, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals with classroom teachers and their students in order to provide real world, contemporary experiences that engage and motivate students and promote careers in STEM³⁶
Primary Connections: Linking Science with Literacy—This program links the teaching of science with the teaching of literacy in Australian primary schools and provides both a professional learning program for teachers and curriculum resources designed to develop students’ knowledge, understanding, and skills in science and literacy, through an inquiry-based approach³⁷

The STEM Program Index, released by the Office of the Chief Scientist in January 2016, provides an overview of the many programs in Australia that focus on engaging school-age students with STEM. While the index lists programs available in January 2016, many of these also were available at the time of TIMSS 2015.³⁸