Maker education stands outside of the traditional, dominant education landscape. Administrators treat maker classes as less important than the big core classes. The public seemingly agrees. When a makerspace is discontinued in a middle school, it doesn’t make the news. If an administrator ever canceled a math class – it would be national news.

Let’s look at why maker education is not a priority.

• Few teachers had it as a part of their own schooling.
• There aren’t any certifications for a maker teacher.
• STEM classes can be a ‘fun’ way to raise test scores.

• State legislators have not mandated maker education.
• Colleges do not look for maker education on transcripts
• Standardized testing has narrowed the focus of our administrators.

• You cannot test or explain all the learning that happens in a maker classroom. 
• Making stuff cost more than lectures and note-taking.
• Everyone thinks that you need expensive machines
• No one has vividly demonstrated all the benefits that come with in-depth maker education

That last point is the biggest problem. That is what I am aiming for.