Monday, January 22, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Outlines Plan to Give Missouri Students an Edge in Math & Science
JEFFERSON CITY–Governor Matt Blunt today outlined his plan to give Missouri students an edge in the critical subject areas of math, engineering, technology and science (METS). Blunt stood with Missouri educators in Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis and Cape Girardeau as he unveiled his budget priorities to help students increase their earning power, compete in the global economy and contribute to the state’s economy.
“Education is my highest priority as Missouri’s governor,” Blunt said. “In order to keep our economy growing, and to provide Missourians with good family-supporting jobs, we will need to ensure all Missourians are equipped with advanced skills in math and science. My budget keeps the commitments I have made to education with funding for 100 new technology classrooms in 100 schools so Missouri students will have access to the best tools available to improve their math and science skills. I am recommending new funding for quality afterschool programs that focus on math and science. For students preparing for college, my budget provides incentives for taking Advanced Placement courses in math and science. By making this investment, we can give Missourians a world class education system.”
Governor Blunt’s METS Plan
100 Technology Classrooms in 100 Schools
The governor’s budget plan includes $2.9 million to fund 100 classrooms in 100 schools with technology to support enhancing Missouri's Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies (eMints). The program provides teachers with lessons on how to incorporate technology into instruction and learning. Today the program serves more than 20,000 Missouri students in more than 500 schools. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced they will contribute an additional $250,000 for professional development, bringing the department’s total professional development budget for this program to more than $1.2 million.
Afterschool Programs in Math and Science
The governor will recommend $1 million to expand quality afterschool programs that focus on math and science programming and health programming. Afterschool programs provide a natural partnership between all sectors and are a strong investment for businesses, schools and government. Strong programs provide opportunities for students to participate in exciting and engaging math and science activities that the regular school day may not allow.
Math and Science Advanced Placement Courses
To encourage more students to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Blunt also announced he will recommend $250,000 to cover a portion of the test fee for all students who take AP math and science exams. To complement the funding recommendation, DESE will contribute $100,000 from the department’s professional development funds to certify additional teachers to teach AP courses.
Governor Blunt has kept his commitment to Missourians that his highest priority would be our children’s education. Over the past two years, Blunt has invested $332 million new dollars in our K-12 schools. And even through difficult budget years he succeeded in providing increases for higher education.
“Since I was elected governor, we have consistently increased education funding in Missouri,” Blunt said. “However, we need to do even more to make investments that focus on areas such as math and science that will prepare Missouri students to be innovative and competitive in a global economy.”
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