K-12 STEM Education Coalition Letter on S.1262

Current issue

In July 2002 the Governing Board approved AIP endorsement of the following letter, which was sent to members of the U.S. Senate under the auspices of the K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Coalition:

Dear Senator:

The K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Coalition urges you to cosponsor S. 1262, the National Mathematics and Science Partnerships Act introduced by Senator Rockefeller. S. 1262 will augment education programs at the National Science Foundation and will result in enhanced teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which is of critical importance to our global economy, our national security, and the future job prospects of our children.

S. 1262 establishes four Centers for Research on Learning and Education Improvement, which will conduct applicable research in the teaching of math and science and result in enhanced delivery of these topics to students.

The Teacher Research Scholarship Program in S. 1262 holds great promise by introducing teachers to relevant STEM oriented research and should be expanded to include opportunities at our national labs.

The Noyce Scholarship Program in S. 1262 will attract math, science and engineering majors to the elementary and secondary teaching workforce and narrow the gap in teacher content knowledge. Additionally, efforts to encourage professionals in science, math and engineering to obtain their teaching credentials will enhance the learning experience for children by exposing them to educated practitioners.

Engineering departments at institutions of higher education can serve as valuable partners in new programs defined in S. 1262. The introduction of engineering concepts to both teachers and students demonstrates the application of math and science in real world situations, which in turn provides relevancy and possibly aids in retention of these often difficult concepts.

Minorities and women are significantly underrepresented in STEM professions yet these groups offer tremendous potential for filling the technological workforce pipeline. The mentor programs, image reform programs, and parental and guidance counselor materials created in S. 1262 will work to attract atypical audiences to STEM classes and careers.

S. 1262 creates specific programs to address serious concerns in our educational system. Please cosponsor S. 1262 today. For further information, contact Patti Burgio at 202.785.3756.