Op-Eds :: May 19, 2008

Let us champion 'STEM' education [Johnson]

By Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson

In my work as a Member of Congress, I have long prioritized leveling the educational playing field for minority students. And as a member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, I have dedicated more than 15 years toward shaping science policy that is inclusive to all.

I have grown increasingly troubled over the years about the inadequate education that many African-American, Hispanic and American Indian students receive in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and about the resulting underrepresentation of minorities in STEM careers.

Skin color and socioeconomic status should not determine career choice, and we have been working hard in Congress to expand opportunity to all young people, in all parts of the country.

A crucial element of expanding opportunity is ensuring that all of our schools employ highly-trained teachers and have up-to-date equipment and materials.

Recently, Congress passed, and President Bush signed, the America COMPETES Act. This legislation authorized more than $33 billion over fiscal years 2008 through 2010 for science and technology research and education programs. It will help to prepare thousands of new math and science teachers, and it will strengthen partnerships between industry, universities and high schools to improve high school science laboratories. The America COMPETES Act provides much-needed support to our schools, particularly to schools in underserved areas.

For example, the America COMPETES Act expanded the Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program at the National Science Foundation (NSF). The MSP program funds partnerships between local K-12 school systems, higher education institutions and supporting partners, such as business, museums, community organizations and state education agencies. Through the MSP program, students receive better math and science education and become better prepared for tomorrow's workforce through partnerships that are locally-based and well-tailored to meet the needs of specific communities. Particularly important is the fact that the MSP program reaches students when they are young-we know that it is crucial to interest kids in math and science early in their education.

The America COMPETES Act also expanded the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, another NSF program that provides funding to higher education institutions for scholarships, stipends and programs designed to encourage students majoring in STEM fields to commit to teaching in high-need K-12 school districts.

Finally, the Partnerships for Access to Laboratory Sciences (PALS) provision of the America COMPETES Act created a grant program that enables schools to purchase or rent necessary scientific equipment and materials, maintain or improve school laboratory facilities and train teachers in new techniques and hands-on learning experiences.

It is a matter not just of our international standing in the world, but of national security, that we maintain adequate funding for science and technology education. The United States is slipping in STEM competitiveness worldwide, and we must redouble our efforts to champion STEM education to strengthen our economy and safeguard our country. Ushering minority students into STEM careers benefits not just the students; it benefits our nation as a whole.

Townview High School, which is located in my district in Dallas, is the top high school in the nation because the local high-tech industry has invested in it. It is producing tomorrow's leaders, and I am proud of the hard work that Townview's students and teachers do. However, I believe that all students in America deserve to go to a school of this caliber, and I will continue to work tirelessly to achieve this goal.