CURRENT LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES IN SCIENCE AND MATH EDUCATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES

The 107th Congress has focused tremendous attention at education. Much of that attention has been directed towards reading and mathematics education, but there are implications for science education. While education is primarily a state and local matter, there are reasons the federal government is involved in science education, and might choose to become more involved. For example, the lack of qualified American workers increases demands for more H1-B visas to import technical ability and the relatively poor showing of US students in international comparisons like TIMMS. In addition to mandating education reform and standardized tests, the forthcoming Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) will outline the available math and science funds. Understanding current policy, grant programs, and funding levels will help you play an important part in advancing earth and space science education.