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Life Sciences Best Practices Task Force Announces Indiana K-12 Science Education Study Recommendations

Posted on: Wednesday, 2 November 2005, 09:00 CST

The Life Sciences Best Practices Task Force issued a recommendation today to create a new statewide science and math resource center , according to BioCrossroads, Indiana's life sciences initiative, and the University of Indianapolis' Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL).

The Task Force was formed as one component of a $1.2 million Lumina Foundation for Education grant to the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership for BioCrossroads. The grant supports several other academic and industry organizations with life sciences and technology workforce pilot programs to develop 'human capital' for Indiana's knowledge-based economy.

The Task Force, with representatives from K-12 education, higher education and the corporate and public sectors, completed a comprehensive best-practice study that explored over 100 innovative K-12 science and math programs in Indiana and across the country. This group was then challenged to find a way to replicate the most effective programs throughout the state. The concept for the science and math resource center, which was patterned after the North Carolina Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Center, will provide a statewide, web-accessible science, math, technology and engineering resource for K-12 teachers, students, parents, higher education officials, corporate leaders and policy makers. The resource center will also incorporate a best-practice model from San Diego, called the San Diego Business Roundtable for Education, which will help Indiana create an advocacy capability within the resource center.

"For Indiana to effectively compete in the global, high-tech economy, our educational system must position our students for the jobs of tomorrow," said Lynne Weisenbach, CELL executive director. "The formation of this new resource center will expand Indiana's existing resources and integrate national and international best practices to improve our overall science and math performance and graduation rates."

The need to improve K-12 science and math education is not just a local issue. According to the National Assessment Governing Board, more than 50% of U.S. students don't take any science in the 12th grade. And those who do take a science class rank below the average of their international counterparts, according to the Third International Math and Science Study.

Indiana is growing life sciences jobs at twice the national average. The state also ranks 10th in the nation for projected biopharmaceutical job increases in the next 10 years. But last year, two out of three Indiana fifth graders failed the statewide assessment in science.

"These statistics demonstrate dramatically that our greatest strengths also present our greatest challenges," said David Johnson, president and CEO of BioCrossroads. "Time and again, in discussions of our state's great life science corporations, research universities, and strong high-skilled jobs, I am asked about the next generation of opportunity. This research center will provide a good focal point to keep and build on our life sciences and health care base and to make sure our young people are fully prepared to be a part of this exciting future."

"Mastering rigorous coursework in math, science, and technology is critical for the success of our students," said Martha D. Lamkin, president and CEO of Lumina Foundation. "We are pleased to support Indiana's students in this way."

The Task Force is providing its recommendation to a coalition of key decision-makers who are being brought together to create a road map for the resource center. This road map will include defining a specific organizational structure for the resource center, generating a business plan, deciding on a menu of potential programming offerings, raising funds and potentially hiring staff in order to effectively launch the resource center.

The coalition will hold its first meeting to discuss next steps during the Indiana's Future: Economic Development and the High School Connection statewide conference on November 17-18. By May 2006, the coalition expects to complete the road map and announce specific actions to launch the resource center.

About BioCrossroads:

BioCrossroads is Indiana's life science initiative, a public-private collaboration that supports the region's research and corporate strengths while encouraging new business development. With government, industry and academic resources aligned to accelerate business growth, the region is fertile ground for investors and entrepreneurs to build new ventures. Learn more at: www.biocrossroads.com

About the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL):

The mission of CELL is to promote professional and civic leadership for achievement of educational excellence and equity for all students, making Indiana a national model for educational excellence. Learn more at: http://cell.uindy.edu/

About Lumina Foundation for Education:

An Indianapolis-based, private, independent foundation, Lumina Foundation strives to help people achieve their potential by expanding access and success in education beyond high school. Learn more at: http://www.luminafoundation.org

Additional Resources:

North Carolina Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Center - http://www.ncsmt.org

San Diego Business Roundtable for Education - http://www.thechamberfoundation.org/

National Assessment Governing Board - http://www.nagb.org/release/12_gr_commission_rpt.pdf

Third International Math and Science Study - http://nces.ed.gov/timss/

Source: Business Wire

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