How do you feel about separate high schools that specialize in math, science, engineering and technology?
AC: It depends on a number of factors. The first goes back to the previous answer about what one believes about the purpose for schooling. Another is the design of the curriculum and instruction in the school. I have visited STEM high schools where students were engaged in science inquiry that required skill in mathematics. The students designed tools to seek answers to problems, and learned to write and speak eloquently and persuasively. They had access to equipment that some community colleges do not have. Underlying this focus on STEM were requirements in literature, fine arts and languages. Such a school design allows students to develop both a general background and specialized skills. However, STEM-focused schools raise some concerns for me. One is that such schools become a substitute for tracking students. Another concern is if we know enough about how these four subject areas interact to decide which students are really the best candidates for such schools. A third concern is
