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Rhode Island Action Plan Calls for Improvements in Science and Math Education

To improve the way students learn and teachers teach in the areas of science and mathematics, Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Mathematics and Science Education recommends 12 specific strategies in four key areas including governance and culture; teacher recruitment; teacher quality; and learning opportunities for students.

Gov. Carcieri launched the "Making the Grade" initiative in January with a panel composed of education and business leaders from around the state. The panel heard suggestions from students, teachers, parents, administrators, and business and community leaders.

The report indicates that while Rhode Island students have made some progress in mathematics, the state continues to trail the region and the country in mathematics and science test scores. An international comparison also reveals that the U.S. lags in these areas. Daniel Smith, president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems and co-chair of the panel, said the report is a response to a "national crisis" in education. Key recommendations include:

* Improving coordination among elementary, secondary, and higher education systems and employers that result in sustained reforms in science, technology, engineering and mathematics;

* Attracting more individuals to teach in subjects where teacher shortages exist;

* Improving the quality of mathematics and science teacher prep programs, particularly at the elementary school level; and,

* Providing opportunities for all students to engage in rigorous science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

The panel also addresses the growing shortage of math and science teachers at the middle and high school level. According to the findings, the number of emergency certificates issued for math and science teachers between 2001 and 2004 increased significantly.

Gov. Carcieri said in a press release that he plans to address the challenge of recruiting more math and science teachers in his fiscal year 2007 budget proposal and that he will charge the Board of Regents with reexamining the current alternative certification process to encourage more professionals to become teachers. In addition, Gov. Carcieri announced that he will submit legislation to create a statewide science curriculum.

The report, Project Making the Grade: The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Mathematics and Science Education, is available at: http://www.governor.ri.gov/documents/TEC_M&S_FA_LR.pdf

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