AeANET : Issue Brief - Math/Science Partnership

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Government Affairs >> Education >>

The Math/Science Partnership
ISSUE BRIEF

Summary/Issue
As part of the "No Child Left Behind" Act, Congress created a new program to improve K-12 math/science education. The program � the Math/Science Partnership � would bring local school districts, college math, science, or engineering schools, and other groups including businesses and business organizations together to improve K-12 math and science education. Congress authorized $450 million for this program, but appropriated only $12.5 million. AeA supports Congress and the Administration providing the full $450 million to the Math/Science Partnership authorized by the "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) Act.

Background
One of the most important points of emphasis in the NCLB Act is the focus on improving mathematics and science achievement. The NCLB Act requires all students in grades 3-8 to be tested in mathematics and be proficient in mathematics in 12 years. In addition, the NCLB Act requires the states to begin testing science proficiency in 2006-07.

To provide assistance for improving math and science education, Congress created in the NCLB Act a Math/Science Partnership Program. The program consists of partnerships between local school districts, colleges, and other groups including businesses and business organizations. These partnerships can address a variety of education issues, including teacher training and professional development, curriculum development, distance learning, and exchange programs. The program must have clear evaluations and accountability measurements and focus on increasing student performance in math and science.

While Congress authorized $450 million for the math/science partnerships last year, the actual money given to this program was only $12.5 million and the proposed FY 2003 budget is also $12.5 million. This level of funding is not adequate, given the improvements that are necessary to make all students proficient in mathematics.

AeA Member Impact
A highly educated workforce is critical to ensuring the continued competitiveness of American high-tech companies. Unfortunately, our nation�s education system is falling short in preparing students. For example:

In the Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS), American 12^th grader�s ranks near the bottom of math and science international testing scores.
The number of American students graduating with electrical engineering, mathematics, engineering technology and physics degrees has decreased every year since 1985.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that four of the top five employment growth fields will require a bachelor�s degree in technical studies such as mathematics or computer science.

Status/Outlook
Congress is currently determining its spending priorities for the next fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1, 2002. AeA is meeting with members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee urging these members to provide full funding for the Math/Science Partnership. It is too early to tell what the outcome of this effort will be.

AeA Position
At the February 2002 Board of Directors meeting, the Board of Directors adopted the following resolution �

Therefore, now it is resolved, AeA supports providing the full $450 million authorized for the math/science partnership program in the "No Child Left Behind Act," and will lead the high-tech industry efforts to secure these funds.

AeA Staff Contact
Matthew Page, Director of Procurement Policy and Workforce Issues, 202.682.4439

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