This message is being circulated at the request of Caucus Members. We are happy to circulate to Caucus staff information on letters, legislation, or events relating to Science , Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education.   Reminder: The Caucus does not endorse any specific initiatives or legislation but instead strives to inform Members and staff about matters related to STEM Education.

 

 

ATTENTION Science , Technology, Engineering and Math

(STEM) Education

CAUCUS STAFFERS:

 

September/October 2008 News Briefs on STEM Education

In this Issue:

 

1.      MythBuster Adam Savage: 3 Ways to Fix U.S. Science Education

2.      Teacher Shortage an Issue in Kansas

3.      Educators Peer Over Students’ Shoulders at Mich. Math Lab

4.      Nat. Academy of Engineering Identifies Engineering Messages that Resonate

5.      Building Bridges to the Future

 

  1. Report: Kids Misplaced in Algebra

 

  1. Fired Up: Intel Chairman Barrett says America is Throwing its Future "Down the Drain

 

8.      Newly introduced STEM Education Legislation

 

1. MythBuster Adam Savage: 3 Ways to Fix U.S. Science Education (Popular Mechanics Sept. 08)

 We’re not teachers, but our show has taught us a lot about how to get people interested in science. Here are three humble suggestions that might help reinvigorate American science education.

2. Teacher Shortage an Issue in Kansas (The Mirror 8/13)

Some innovative and convenient solutions have been implemented to address teacher shortages and streamline the education process for potential new teachers.


 3. Educators Peer Over Students’ Shoulders at Mich. Math Lab (Education Week 8/13)

Classroom “laboratories” aimed at testing new ideas or allowing observers to study exchanges between teachers and students have long had a place in schools

4. Nat. Academy of Engineering Identifies Engineering Messages that Resonate

Encouraging young people to make a difference in the world through an engineering career is more likely to attract them than emphasizing the challenge of math and science skills, says a new report from the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) that identifies messages for improving public understanding of engineering. The report is available in PDF format online:

http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12187#toc

5. Building Bridges to the Future (Education Week 7/30)

For the second year in a row, area high schoolers have gathered here at the University of Colorado and three other Western universities to be part of one of the largest efforts specifically aimed at getting more Hispanic students into the so-called STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

6. Report: Kids Misplaced in Algebra (Boston.com 9/22)

More kids than ever are taking algebra in eighth grade but not necessarily learning more math, private researchers report. In fact, while eighth-graders are doing better on national math tests, students in advanced classes are faring worse, according to the study being released Monday by the Brookings Institution.

7. Fired Up: Intel Chairman Barrett says America is Throwing its Future "Down the Drain" (Business Week 9/22)

An engineer and professor by training, Barrett is a typically cool character. But in a 30-minute conversation, the silver-haired technology veteran vented his anger and frustration over Washington ’s inability to solve America ’s long-term problems. He is particularly upset that Washington failed to write a check for the $1.2 billion in increased funding for basic research and science and technology education authorized by the America Competes Act, which President Bush signed into law in August of 2007.

 

return to top

 

 

8. Recently Introduced STEM Legislation

This is a record of recently introduced legislation related to STEM Ed. but does not represent Caucus endorsement of any legislation

 

H.CON.RES.418 Title: Honoring the 40th Anniversary of the Project SEED Program.
Sponsor: Rep Johnson, Eddie Bernice [D-TX-30] (introduced 9/17/2008)       Cosponsors: 4
Committees: House Science and Technology
Latest Major Action: 9/17/2008 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.

 

H.R.7184 Title: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize certain aliens who have earned a Ph.D. degree from a United States institution of higher education in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to be admitted for permanent residence and to be exempted from the numerical limitations on H-1B nonimmigrants.
Sponsor: Rep Flake, Jeff [R-AZ-6] (introduced 9/27/2008)       Cosponsors: (none)
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 9/27/2008 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

 

S.RES.669 Title: A resolution recognizing the efforts and contributions of outstanding Hispanic scientists in the United States .
Sponsor: Sen Martinez, Mel [R-FL] (introduced 9/22/2008)       Cosponsors: 2
Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Latest Major Action: 9/22/2008 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

 

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education Caucus’ primary mission is to promote all areas of STEM Education including K-12, higher education and workforce issues in Congress.  At its core, the caucus functions to increase the visibility and importance of STEM Education and educate Members of Congress and their staffs on the technical issues and public-policy options surrounding STEM education.  The Caucus serves as an information source and a catalyst for improving STEM education.

If you would like to join the Caucus, please contact Julia Jester (x53831) in Mr. Ehlers’ office or Wendy Adams (x52161) in Mr. Mark Udall’s office.

 return to top