On February 2, 2009, a group of California science and mathematics teachers, policy makers, researchers, and representatives from business, industry, and higher education met to consider how California could do a better job of preparing today's students for the future STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - workforce. The Symposium was co-sponsored by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) and the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning (CFTL), as well as the California Teacher Advisory Council (Cal TAC).

Cal TAC is a group made up of highly accomplished teachers who are working to bridge the gap between theory and practice so that educational policy decisions can be made with a keen ear toward the practicalities and realities of authentic classroom experiences.

This summary report captures the major issues considered by symposium participants as well as the ways in which California can work effectively toward strengthening STEM teaching and learning.