State of Science Education from Gerry Wheeler

1. The State of Science Education National Congress for Science Education Gerry Wheeler [email_address]

2. Rising Above the Gathering Storm #1 action item: Improve K-12 science and mathematics education Lead to American Competitiveness Initiative and current competitiveness bills passed by the Senate (America Competes) and the House (21st Century Competitiveness Act of 2007). Both have a number of new initiatives for STEM education National Academy of Science

3. Expected to recommend that Congress charter a new, independent National Council for STEM Education The Council’s central responsibility would be to coordinate and facilitate STEM education initiatives across the Nation as well as to inform policy makers and the public on the state of STEM education Commission on 21st Century Education in STEM National Science Board

4. Governors working side by side with key business and academic leaders to identify challenges to K-12 STEM education and innovation and determine the most promising strategies, policies and programs for addressing them. NGA awarded CO, HA, MN, OH, PA and VA $500,000 grants to establish STEM education centers in their states. Innovation America National Governors Association

5. Tool kit developed for chief state school officers nationwide on how to strengthen the science and math education in their states. Council of Chief State School Officers Mathematics & Science Education Task Force From the toolkit … “ The most critical task for chiefs is to define and gain consensus on a single statewide vision for mathematics and science education in their states.”

7. Created to advise the President on the best use of scientifically based research to advance the teaching and learning of mathematics. Creation of National Science Advisory Panel expected after National Math Panel concludes National Mathematics Advisory Panel U.S. Dept of Education

8. Inventory 105 federal STEM programs Academic Competitiveness Council U.S. Dept of Education Found that 24 elementary and secondary school (K–12) federal programs received approximately $574 million Found that there is a "general dearth" of effective practices and activities in STEM education across the federal government. Calls on federal agencies to coordinate programs and ensure programs can be assessed and have measurable outcomes. No new funding for K-12 STEM until these issues are resolved.

10. Issues ADVOCACY STANDARDS SCALE

11. QUESTIONS? Gerry Wheeler [email_address]