1. Students Shortchanged in Math Teaching (Washington Times 11/26)

Math can be hard enough, but imagine the difficulty when a teacher is just one chapter ahead of the students.

It happens, and it happens more often to poor and minority students. Those children are about twice as likely to have math teachers who don't know their subject, according to a report by the Education Trust, a children's advocacy group.

2. An Addition to the Classroom: With Undertrained Elementary Teachers, More Schools Turn to Specialists (Washington Post 11/6)

As pressure mounts to prepare elementary students for high-stakes tests and for algebra in middle school, the focus on instilling math's most basic skills is intensifying. Many elementary schools are turning to math specialists or coaches to add expertise to a teaching workforce dominated by generalists who, studies show, are vastly under-prepared in math.

3. What Has Driven Women Out of Computer Science? (The New York Times 11/18)

When one looks at computer science in particular, however, the proportion of women has been falling. In 2001–2, only 28 percent of all undergraduate degrees in computer science went to women. By 2004–5, the number had declined to 22 percent.

4. University Group Backs Major Push to Train Science and Math Teachers (Chronicle of Higher Ed, 11/10)

About 80 public universities have pledged to train substantially more high-quality mathematics and science teachers under a project that has the official backing of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges , a panel announced on Sunday.

5. Schools Enlisting Defense Industry To Boost STEM (EdWeek 11/12)

Defense contractors Northrop Grumman Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. are joining forces here in an innovative partnership to develop high-tech simulations to boost STEM or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in the Baltimore County schools.

6. 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

No STEM education-related legislation was introduced during the month of November 2008.

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.