WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ Committee on Science and Technology approved legislation today aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, engineers and space pioneers.
“To remain competitive in our 21st century global economy, it is critical that we reform math and science education in America,” the Tucson lawmaker said. “Children from all backgrounds should have the opportunity to become leaders in science and engineering.”The bill includes provisions that call for establishing a teacher education program at the National Science Foundation and increasing the number of scholarships for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math.
The final version of the measure included two key amendments proposed by Giffords. In response to a report from the National Academies of Science that recommended better training for science and math teachers, Giffords inserted language into the bill aimed at improving the teaching of math and science in schools that have a high concentration of children from low income families and that are experiencing a shortage of qualified teachers.
“We need to do everything we can to make sure our teachers are well-prepared,” Giffords said. “We simply cannot have well-prepared students unless we begin with well-prepared teachers.”
The congresswoman’s other amendment will boost the participation of students from low income families in the STEM Talent Expansion Program that promotes college-level study of science, math and related fields.
“This amendment will help students from low-income rural and urban areas get the support they need to pursue careers in science, math, technology and engineering,” Giffords said. “Our children will benefit from this tremendously.”
A complete text of bill, H.R. 362, can be found online at http://www.congress.gov/. It now goes to the full House for consideration.