June 18, 2003

 

The Honorable Ralph Regula, Chairman
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
  Services and Education
2358 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington , DC 20515-6024

Attn:  Susan Firth  

Via Facsimile:    (202) 225-3509
                             (202) 225-3059

Dear Chairman Regula:

We are writing to thank you for your leadership last year in securing a $100 million appropriation for the Math and Science Partnerships authorized under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and to urge you to maintain the momentum as you begin your consideration of the FY 2004 Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill.  Ideally, the Subcommittee could agree to a $200 million funding level.  We recognize that this is a substantial increase over last year’s level, but it is still significantly less than the $450 million authorized by NCLB.

Proficiency in math and science is a fundamental requirement for all Americans in this technologically focused economy.  Our businesses depend on world-class engineers, mathematicians and scientists to research, conceive, design and test new generations of products.  These innovations and technological advancements propel economic growth and ensure America ’s economic and national security. 

Yet American student performance on national and international assessments in mathematics and science are discouraging.  Too many students are not proficient in these core subjects.  Having qualified teachers with rich content knowledge, strong pedagogical training, and a rigorous curriculum are essential to reversing this unacceptable and unsustainable condition.  Our foreign competitors fully understand this and are producing increasing numbers of well-trained scientists and engineers.  The urgency is no less for us.

The Math and Science Partnerships are specifically designed to help provide the teacher training, curriculum improvements, and other support needed to help improve student achievement in these key subjects.  The No Child Left Behind Act represents an extraordinary and historical national commitment to promoting academic excellence and improved student performance, particularly in reading, math and science, the three subjects on which students are required to be tested.  We must help realize this promise in these core areas with the resources to make it achievable.