Friday, March 3, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Meets with Students, Educators; Seeks Ideas to Enhance Achievement
SPRINGFIELD–Gov. Matt Blunt met with educators and students today at Kickapoo High School to discuss ideas to promote student achievement, especially in the areas of math and science. While there, Blunt visited an honors biology class and learned more about a successful program at Kickapoo.
“Providing a world class education for Missouri’s young citizens continues to be my top priority,” Blunt said. “I appreciate the opportunity to visit Kickapoo and other schools across the state to see firsthand some of the tools we can use to enhance student achievement, especially in math, engineering technology and science, to better prepare tomorrow’s leaders for the global economy.”
Blunt plans to convene a Math and Science Summit in late April to bring educators, businesses and private organizations together to discuss ways to improve student knowledge and achievement in areas that are fast becoming the building block of tomorrow’s economy.
At today’s student achievement school stop Blunt visited with educators and student leaders to discuss details of Kickapoo’s comprehensive program called “Chief Time.” The program allows students to spend time addressing their individual education needs through academic intervention. Freshman students are also paired with mentors to help them become better connected to the school. Blunt hopes programs like this can improve student achievement and provide a community atmosphere in schools to keep students engaged in learning.
Ideas and information gathered at school stops Blunt is making across the state will be incorporated into the governor’s Math and Science Summit this spring.
Education is Blunt’s first budget and policy priority. He helped secure a $158 million increase for public schools this fiscal year, and he led the successful effort to craft a needs-based school funding formula. Blunt proposed an additional $167 million increase for schools for next fiscal year and a $17.1 million increase for colleges and universities. The governor’s Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative will also generate $450 million dollars to enhance learning opportunities for students across the state and provide the basis to ensure Missouri remains a leader in the plant and biotechnology industry.
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