Public+Policy+-+Science+Policy

 The word science stems from Latin and means “to have knowledge.” With this understanding the word science can apply to any field of study however, it is most often attributed to the natural world and the elements and principles which make it up. Our understanding of scientific concepts has allowed for advancement of scientific innovations and technology, both of which are a chief driving force of the economic growth of our country. Over fifty years ago, at the start of the space race, a cry began to go out emphasizing the need for students to be encouraged and strengthened in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math, collectively referred to as STEM. The need for qualified individuals with STEM knowledge would guarantee that the United States would remain a key player on the global stage, securing our position as a prominent world leader. Now, in the 21st century, STEM education remains vitally important to the future success of our country since it is essential to maintaining and strengthening our economic competitiveness. While improvements have been made over the last twenty years, studies show that “by the time U.S. students reach their senior year of high school, they rank below their counterparts in 17 other countries in math and science literacy, according to the Third International Mathematics and Science Study, the largest international study of scientific achievement ever conducted. In physics, U.S. high school seniors scored last among 16 countries tested.” [1] These truths have caused the current administration, including Congress, to take a serious look at STEM education and the methods for improving it. During his campaign for the presidency, Barak Obama listed ways to improve STEM education in his “Investing in America’s Future” statement. Plans included increasing the quantity and quality of K-12 math and science teachers, making investments in a Technology Investment Fund, leveraging national efforts and encouraging state collaboration to improve implementation, improving measures of STEM learning, and inspiring Americans to excel in, and embrace, science and engineering. [2] The American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009, which was enacted in February 2009, allocated 8.9 billion dollars towards scientific research and 90.9 billion towards education. At the official signing on February 17, 2009, at the Denver Museum of Natural Science in Denver, Colorado, President Obama made the following statement: “ Because we know America can't out-compete the world tomorrow if our children are being out-educated today, we're making the largest investment in education in our nation's history. It's an investment that will create jobs building 21st century classrooms and libraries and labs for millions of children across America. It will provide funds to train a new generation of math and science teachers…” [3] While no other specific legislation regarding STEM education has been proposed by the president, he has offered potential initiatives. One such initiative was presented during a speech to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on March 10, 2009 in which President Obama recommended increasing the salary of math and science teachers in order to alleviate the shortage of these positions. The Obama administration and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy have declared that science should be returned to its rightful place: “…i t means ensuring that all Americans have the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education they will need to participate in modern society and to be a part of a reinvigorated American economy.” [4] Because science policy has implications which affect the whole of our society, the two branches of Congress each have committees devoted to the subject: the Senate’s Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the House of Representative’s Committee on Science and Technology. During the 111th Congress, Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Research and Science Education is making STEM education a priority. A new bill, HR 1709, The STEM Education Coordination Act of 2009, has been proposed. Passage of this bill would establish a committee under the National Science and Technology Council to coordinate STEM programs and activities of all federal agencies including, but not limited to, the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Department of Education. The bill would also require assessments to be made as to the effectiveness of the programs established. HR 1709 was agreed to in the House and referred to the Senate on June 9, 2009. It is currently pending consideration in the Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.  In addition to HR 1709, the Research and Science Education subcommittee, which is chaired by Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL), is looking at methods for improving STEM education both inside and outside the classroom. On July 30, 2009 a hearing was held in order to examine how the Chicago Public Schools, the third-largest school district in America, is using partnerships and initiatives to increase their students STEM knowledge. Maggie Daley, First Lady of Chicago, presented information about the non-profit after school program, After School Matters (ASM), which she helped to create fifteen years ago. As one of the strongest after-school initiatives nationwide ASM’s science37 programs “ introduce teens to scientific exploration and discovery in areas such as ecology, physics, bioscience and beyond.” [5] The committee was interested in understanding what works for improving STEM education and gleaning ideas for what can be done at the federal level to encourage the best practices across the country, understanding that STEM educators need the best information and tools available in order to be successful. The committee was also interested in understanding the relationships of the partnerships at work with ASM, aware that an interest in science must be nurtured within the community at places other than school, including parks, museums, libraries, and businesses. The globalization of the world requires leading nations to remain ahead of the curve in the scientific and technological arena in order to stay on top. With the rapid advancement of science and technology which is taking place worldwide, it is encouraging to see that the leadership of the United States is taking notice of the need for a renewed interest and greater level of understanding in science, technology, engineering, and math and creating policy to address those needs.
 * Science Policy**

[1]  http://www.startribune.com/yourvoices/42109707.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUdcOy9cP3DieyckcUsI  [2]  www.barack obama .com/pdf/issues/FactSheetScience.pdf  [3]  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-and-Vice-President-at-Signing-of-the-American-Recovery-an/ [4]  http://www.ostp.gov/cs/issues/science [5]  http://www.afterschoolmatters.org/programs/science37/


 * Science Policy**