STEM bill can go to legislators

The ASME Council on Education recently endorsed a model science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) state bill, which members can take to their state legislators and request that they introduce it.

The concepts addressed in the bill include increasing the number and quality of math, science, technology and pre-engineering teachers; establishing partnerships that strengthen and promote the goals of STEM; encouraging students to consider science, engineering and technology careers, and building 21st-century educational infrastructure, organizations and communities.

For the past couple of years, ASME has been active in the K-12 STEM education debate at the federal level. As a complement to the recently enacted "No Child Left Behind Act," which became law in January and directs block grants to the states, the model bill is intended to assist states in strengthening their STEM education.

ASME is putting together a plan to direct state coordinators and other interested ASME members on how to use the bill.

The model bill can be found at www.asme.org/gric/ps/2002/02-32.html. To get more information, contact Melissa Murray at murraym@asme.org.

back to news & features