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STEM News
Bill to Establish Office of STEM Education
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By Cynthia D. Miller
It’s a sad but commonly known fact that the United States is lagging behind in the creation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. Recent data show that roughly 15 percent of U.S. college students earn degrees in engineering or the natural sciences.
Women and minorities represent a disproportionately small percentage of that group. Meanwhile, the pool of math and science educators is neither sufficient nor keeping pace with the needs of burgeoning scientific and technological communities.
That’s not to say that the nation isn’t taking action. The government has more than a dozen agencies dedicated to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiatives with more than $3 billion allocated to these efforts in 2006. Concurrently, national and state education systems at every level have created STEM programs, and businesses and special interest groups also have official and unofficial mentoring and education programs within their own organizations.
And yet, if none of these groups is communicating with others, how much progress can really be achieved? The government’s answer to this dilemma is H.R. 2710, “Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Act of 2009,” which was recently introduced in Congress. After reviewing statistics showing that more than half of the growth in gross domestic product is garnered by innovations generated by STEM fields, Congress is considering the creation of a new office charged with strengthening partnerships between federal and state governments, the private sector, nonprofit organizations and the education community.
The committee on STEM education, which is housed within the office of science and technology policy in the executive office, would coordinate the efforts of all federal and state agencies focused on STEM initiatives. This clearing house would assess the status, effectiveness and compatibility of current programs, coordinate and facilitate communication and cooperation among the agencies responsible for them, coordinate federal initiatives with business and education counterparts, and research and report on the progress of this coordinated effort.
The committee would meet quarterly and consist of at least one representative from each federal agency, as well as experts from special interest groups. Concurrently, the Department of Education would also create a new office led by the assistant secretary for STEM education. The individuals manning this new office would basically do the same thing as the larger committee, but focus solely on the education sector and represent it accordingly.
For better communication, a STEM education resource alliance would be created to act as a central research and curriculum development source. Also, $20 million would be allocated to create a state consortium on STEM that would serve as an interstate communications vehicle. Additionally, all biennial reports and annual meetings would be made public.
For a complete copy logon to www.govtrack.us or contact your lawmaker. Send us comments regarding this bill to hslabaugh@ndia.org with HR 2710 in the subject line.
Cynthia D. Miller is president of Miller.Omni.Media, Inc., a woman-owned small business specializing in strategic communications, marketing and media production.
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