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July 27, 2001
ROCKEFELLER PROPOSES LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to studies showing that American science and mathematics students are not performing as well as foreign students, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) today introduced legislation that would improve math and science education in the nation’s K-12 schools. Co-sponsored by Senators Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Patrick Roberts (R-KS), the National Math and Science Partnerships Act aims to keep America from losing its competitive edge in the modern technological world.
"We cannot let our nation’s schools fall behind in the critical fields of science and mathematics," Rockefeller said. "Strengthening the sciences is important not just for the sake of knowledge, but also to ensure that America remains at the forefront of major technological advances. This bill is a first step in reclaiming the lead in science and mathematics education, and I think it is absolutely essential that we make an effort to improve education right away."
Several studies have shown that the United States’ science instruction is falling behind other countries in educational quality, and American students often arrive at college unprepared to major in technical fields. To thwart this decline in educational opportunity, Rockefeller’s bill allocates $200 million a year for universities to establish partnerships with local educational agencies and businesses to give K-12 students access to cutting edge technology and research.
It has been suggested that one reason for educational decline is a serious shortage of qualified math and science teachers. To encourage bright people to enter the teaching profession, Rockefeller’s bill establishes a scholarship program for college students who agree to become K-12 math or science teachers. And to keep educators at the top of their field, $15 million in grant money will be awarded for math and science teachers to do research and improve their classroom performance. Another $20 million is set aside each year to expand the National Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education Library, a digital library that disseminates scientific resources through the Internet.
Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives in May.
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