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December 07, 2005

Gordon Introduces Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Efforts and Performance in Science/Math Education

Speaking before a meeting of the National Science Board (NSB) today on 21st Century Education in Science, Mathematics and Technology, U.S. House Science Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) announced he had made good on his promise to act quickly to strengthen science and math education in the nation’s schools.

Rep. Gordon introduced the "10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds" Science and Math Scholarship Act (H.R. 4434).  The legislation - among other initiatives - will increase the number of U.S. math and science teachers by 10,000 annually by providing scholarships to science, math and engineering students who commit to becoming science or math teachers at elementary and secondary schools upon completion of their degrees.

"I could not think of a more appropriate occasion to make this legislation public than this NSB meeting,” stated Rep. Gordon.  "Contrary to today’s agenda, I do not believe we need to create another commission to take a broad look at how to improve science education in the nation.  There have been several such commissions and national panels of experts that have done this over the past twenty years or so and the findings of these panels have been fairly consistent.  Now, it’s time for action."

Rep. Gordon’s bill establishes programs at the National Science Foundation to implement the majority of the K-12 science education recommendations put forth in a recent report on global competitiveness by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).

The NAS report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm:  Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future, was issued in October and reiterated that the foundation for lasting improvements in science and math education are teachers with deep knowledge of their subject matter and effective teaching skills.

The NSB meeting this week in Washington, D.C., was convened to obtain advice from policy makers, business people, educators and scientists on the issues a new NSB commission should address in formulating a national strategy to improve K-16 science education. 

"We have effectively identified the problem, now we need a commitment to solving it," added Rep. Gordon.  "I hope the introduction of this bill will begin a national dialogue on the levels of commitment and resources required to ensure our nation’s competitiveness.  Without such a conversation and subsequent action, our children may face a future devoid of challenging, well-paying jobs."

The Gordon legislation also authorizes summer teacher training institutes for current teachers to improve their content knowledge and teaching skills, establishes a master’s degree program for in-service science and math teachers, and establishes training programs for preparing science and math teachers to teach Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses in science and math.  Funding levels are based upon estimates from the NAS necessary to implement their recommendations.

"This legislation lays out concrete steps that will have an almost immediate impact on the quality of science and math instruction in our schools," continued Rep. Gordon.  "Inaction is not an option.  If this Administration is not going to take action, my colleagues and I on the Science Committee will.  This bill - along with the energy innovation legislation I introduced yesterday - provides the roadmap and I am committed to seeing results."

Information on both bills can be obtained by clicking on the relevant links at left.

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