In this Issue:

1. Math Gains Reported for U.S. Students

(NY Times 12/09)

American fourth- and eighth-grade students made solid achievement gains in math in recent years and in two states showed spectacular progress, an international survey of student achievement released on Tuesday found. Science performance was flat.

For more on the TIMSS study, go to www.nces.ed.gov/timss.

2. Obama's Education Pick Gets Science (Science Insider 12/16)

As CEO of Chicago Public Schools for the past 7 years, Duncan has pushed to narrow the achievement gap in math and science between poor, minority students and the rest of the student population as part of a broader program of reform. Along the way, he's made quite an impression on scientists working to improve the quality of what are called STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—fields.

3. Texas' Top Scientific, Academic and Corporate Experts Issue United Call for World-Class Math and Science Education

(MarketWatch 12/09)

The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas (TAMEST) has issued a report offering critical steps to solving the math and science education crisis facing our state. The Next Frontier: World-Class Math and Science Education for Texas calls for the state to set a top-notch bar for science, technology, engineering and math - or STEM - education, and outlines four key findings and recommendations that TAMEST members hope will move Texas lawmakers to even bolder action during next year's legislative session.

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4. 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 December 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 staff (x55701) in Mr. Dan Lipinski’s office.

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ome > News > ScienceInsider > Obama's Education Pick Gets Science

December 16, 2008

Obama's Education Pick Gets Science

The science education community is adding its voice to the chorus of praise accompanying President-elect Barack Obama's selection of Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education. As CEO of Chicago Public Schools for the past 7 years, Duncan has pushed to narrow the achievement gap in math and science between poor, minority students and the rest of the student population as part of a broader program of reform. Along the way, he's made quite an impression on scientists working to improve the quality of what are called STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—fields.

"He's a good guy, and he's been a breath of fresh air," says physics Nobelist Leon Lederman, a leader in STEM education in Illinois and around the country. "Of course, I wouldn't be so excited about his chances of being a good education secretary if the big boss wasn't also interested in improving STEM education."

Two years ago, Duncan wowed a commission, co-chaired by Lederman, that was asked by the oversight body of the National Science Foundation to examine STEM. Duncan described a host of changes, from streamlining the math curriculum to sending teachers back to school for additional training. That's no easy task for what was once one of the country's worst-performing school districts, although he admits that the district still has a long way to go.

Duncan has also brought in outside science groups to lend a hand. Next month, one such group, the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA), will open its first field office at a school on the city's South Side. Staff at the academy, a residential high school for top students from around the state, will give students hands-on, inquiry-based instruction at the same time their teachers are learning how to incorporate such techniques into their daily lessons. "We can run a program after school, on the weekends, over the summer, or whatever," says Glenn "Max" McGee, president of IMSA.

McGee, a former Illinois school superintendent, says that closing the achievement gap in math and science is a priority for Duncan that he is likely to take with him to Washington, D.C. "He's a visionary who gets things done. He hires good people, and sets out clear goals. He also has an uncanny ability to keep from getting distracted."

Although he's not a scientist, Duncan isn't above using the appeal of science to sell education reform. Two years ago, in one of his many appearances before Congress, Duncan told a House education panel that it should follow the path taken by biomedical research advocates in pushing for additional funding for the National Institutes of Health. "So today I am going to challenge Congress to show the same confidence it showed for medical research," Duncan said at the conclusion of his testimony. "My challenge is this: Double the funding for No Child Left Behind within 5 years."

—Jeffrey Mervis