Engineering is included in NSF's new Math and Science Partnerships

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently issued one of its newest program solicitations, Math and Science Partnerships, in order to strengthen and reform pre-K-12 education.

This represents a portion of President Bush's vision, "No Child Left Behind."

The creation of the program was supported by ASME's Board on Pre-College Education and the Washington Center. Many of the provisions that are contained in the program mirror the ASME general position statement, "Strengthening Pre-College Science, Math, Engineering and Technology Education: The Technological Literacy and Workforce Imperative."

To review the statement, visit www.asme.org/gric/ps/2000/ 00-08.html.

Math and Science Partnerships (MSP) seek to unite the efforts of local school districts with science, mathematics, engineering and education faculties of colleges and universities to improve achievement for all students.

The MSP program emphasizes that engineers, mathematicians and scientists accept vital roles in this effort to impact the teacher workforce and to substantially improve student achievement.

The program has four goals: to create challenging curricula; to improve the cadre of pre-K-12 teachers of mathematics and science, especially in underserved areas; to study and evaluate experimental approaches to teacher preparation and professional development; and to engage the NSF Centers for Learning and new Teaching and Science of Learning Centers.

To find out more, visit www. nsf.gov/cgi-bin/getpub?nsf02061. The deadline for full proposals is April 30, with October 15 the deadline annually thereafter.

ASME members are encouraged to apply for and participate in these new NSF Math and Science Partnerships. You should let ASME know about your activities by e-mailing burgiop@asme.org.

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