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Science Teachers Hail Decision to Include Science Education As Part of President's American Competitiveness Initiative

Posted on: Tuesday, 31 January 2006, 21:00 CST

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the largest science teacher organization in the world, commends President George W. Bush for the prominent focus on science and math education in the State of the Union Address. The President is expected to announce that $5.9 billion in new funding will be provided in FY07 for growth in scientific research and for science and math education programs.

NSTA Executive Director Dr. Gerald Wheeler said of the speech, "Science and math education -- in addition to basic research and policies that encourage innovation at our nation's labs and universities -- are critical to our nation's future competitiveness. Our nation's science teachers are educating the next generation of scientists, engineers, and workers who will find new ways to defend our country, create new technologies, and cure diseases. We commend the President for highlighting the importance of science and math before a national audience."

The American Competitiveness Initiative will provide additional funding for key federal science and math education programs that can help schools and districts strengthen their math instruction, allow more students to take advantage of advanced science classes, bring more teachers into the classroom, increase support for research and development, bolster teacher education, and provide new graduates in STEM fields.

NSTA also supports the Protecting America's Competitive Edge Acts (S 2198), a bipartisan bill introduced last week in the Senate. This legislation will improve science and math education by providing scholarships to future teachers, establishing master programs and summer institutes for current teachers, creating specialty math and science high schools, and providing summer research opportunities for students.

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

National Science Teachers Association

CONTACT: Cindy Workosky of National Science Teachers Association,+1-703-312-9248, cell: +1-703-899-3758, or cworkosky@nsta.org

Source: PRNewswire

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