January 2009
STEM Equity Pipeline News
NEWS FROM WASHINGTON
On Jan. 29, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Watch a video
of the signing.
Stimulus Plan Would Provide a Flood of Aid to Education
(Sam Dillon, New York Times)
The economic stimulus plan that Congress has scheduled for a vote on Wednesday would
shower the nation's school districts, child care centers and university campuses
with $150 billion in new federal spending, a vast two-year investment that would
more than double the Department of Education's current budget.
More Information
ARTICLES
Country Facing Critical Shortage of Science, Math Teachers
(Stacy Teicher Khadaroo, Christian Science Monitor)
Officials estimate that 200,000 more science and math teachers will be needed in
the next decade, and many districts currently confront shortages. Schools looking
to recruit science and math teachers have implemented more mentoring programs for
new teachers and added salary incentives, and President-elect Barack Obama has said
he hopes to recruit more teachers by offering additional scholarships.
More Information
Saturday Science Program Inspires L.A. Students
(Ari B. Bloomekatz, Los Angeles Times)
A Los Angeles university's Saturday science classes helped 150 minority 4- to 18-year-old
students learn more about medicine, biology and math this year and has fostered
the dream for some of pursuing careers in science or medicine. Clarke Winbush, 11,
earned mostly B's and C's before the six-month program, said her mother, Monae Winbush,
but that's changed: "She struggled a lot," Monae Winbush said, but "she's an A student
now."
More Information
Report: Informal Science Experiences Shape Students' Knowledge
(Science Daily)
Field trips, TV shows and other extracurricular activities may vastly improve students'
understanding of science, according to a new report by a committee of the National
Research Council. "Contrary to the pervasive idea that schools are responsible for
addressing the scientific knowledge needs of society, the reality is that schools
cannot act alone," the report states. "Society must better understand and draw on
the full range of science learning experiences to improve science education."
More Information
De-tracking Education
(Libby Quaid, The Seattle Times)
Brown University medical education student Nicolette Rodriguez says she would have
shrunk from enrolling in difficult high school courses if administrators hadn't
ditched the school's tracking system and encouraged all students to take on rigorous
academic challenges.
More
Information
Scientists Work to Improve K-12 Education
(Sean Cavanagh, Education Week)
An Alabama biotechnology institute that normally focuses on genetics is dedicating
part of its research power to improving science education in the hopes of developing
a larger pool of future employees and improving public understanding of cutting
edge biotech research. Middle-schoolers learn the basics about DNA in eight sessions,
while high school students can take more advanced semester-long courses. Summer
camps and school visits are also available.
More Information
In 'Geek Chic' and Obama, New Hope for Lifting Women in Science
(Natalie Angier, New York Times)
With the inauguration of an administration avowedly committed to Science as the
grand elixir for the nation's economic, environmental and psycho-reputational woes,
a number of scientists say that now is the time to tackle a chronic conundrum of
their beloved enterprise: how to attract more women into the fold, and keep them
once they are there.
More Information
Math, Science Standards Make Minnesota an International Leader
(Sean Cavanaugh, Education Week)
Rigorous standards have helped catapult Minnesota students to levels nearly reaching
those in the highest-performing countries on the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics
and Science Study. Between 1995 and 2007, Minnesota made one of the largest score
leaps of any of the 22 participating regions. Massachusetts was the only other U.S.
state to participate in the study.
More Information
Virginia School Tops America's Best High Schools List
(Kenneth Terrell, Provided by U.S. News & World Report)
For the second consecutive year, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
in Alexandria, Va., tops U.S. News & World Report's list of America's best high
schools. The school, which focuses heavily on math and science education, bested
more than 21,000 other public high schools in 48 states for the honor.
More Information
RESOURCES
SAVE THE DATE
"Partners on the Path to Equity"
March 29-April 1, 2009 - Arlington, VA
"Best Practices in Creating Successful Collaborations: Lessons Learned from the
National Girls Collaborative Project"
February 11, 2009
11:00 AM PST
February 19, 2009
"Center Stage: Effective Strategies for Recruitment and Talent Development"
Austin, TX
June 17-19, 2009