Israel Sci-Tech Schools, the largest independent network of science and technology educational institutions in Israel, will convene an international conference on Nov. 29 here that will focus on correcting global deficiencies in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.

Nobel Laurate Prof. Dan Shechtman, of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and venture capital leader Aaron Mankovski, managing general partner at Pitango and a graduate of Israel Sci-Tech Schools, are co-chairman of the conference.

The confab will bring together international business, high tech and education leaders to address the need for STEM education to evolve from teaching the basics of mathematics and science, to now also include a greater focus on art, design and innovation. Participants will present the latest methodologies and breakthroughs necessary to prepare today’s elementary, secondary and junior college students for the ever evolving global workforce. The conference will address the growing mismatch between skills learned in the classroom and its application in the workforce. The disparity between the two is particularly large in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries such as Israel.

“In order to continue to fuel the growth of high tech corporations, we must be training students for the future in that industry. Today, that includes a broader curriculum of art, design and innovation, in addition to the basic skills. We are looking forward to hosting this upcoming conference to see the best in practice in this area worldwide,” said Israel Sci-Tech Schools Director General Zvi Peleg. “Our I-STEAM curriculum has made a huge impact on our students and provides them with the tools they need in order to be successful at their careers in today’s competitive global workforce.”

Participants in the conference will see technology projects developed by Israel Sci-Tech School students, In addition, much emphasis will be placed on the role of municipal officers in supporting meaningful education programs, and implementing cutting edge curriculums.

Those interested in participating in the conference can get more information on the website.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)