Monday, April 24, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Discusses Value of Math and Science Learning at School Stop
KENNETT–Gov. Matt Blunt today met with educators and administrators at Kennett Middle School to discuss the importance of improving math and science achievement and the potential obstacles facing schools and students.
“To ensure students are equipped for the global economy we must eliminate the barriers that hinder achievement in math and science,” Blunt said. “Our students’ interest, achievement and success in math and science will have a direct and lasting impact on our state’s economic viability and our ability to attract and retain jobs in the global marketplace of the future.”
Statistics show that by 2010, more than 90 percent of all scientists and engineers in the world will be living in Asia if current trends continue. Engineering degrees in the United States have decreased by 20 percent since 1985. In the United States fourth graders score high in math and science when compared to other countries, but 12th graders score near the bottom.
In Missouri, fourth graders’ math scores rank in the bottom third nationally. Math scores of eighth graders have declined in national assessments, ranking Missouri below 34 other states. Less than half of Missouri high school students meet ACT college-readiness benchmarks in biology and algebra. These facts demonstrate a clear opportunity for improvement and highlight the potential to implement new ideas to improve student achievement.
The governor’s Math and Science Summit planned for tomorrow will incorporate many of the ideas Blunt has gathered at school stops across the state. A diverse planning committee representing business, education and government sectors helped plan the summit with the goal of convening stakeholders to discuss ways to improve student knowledge in the areas of math, engineering, technology and science to better prepare them for the global economy.
Education continues to be Blunt’s first budget and policy priority. He helped secure a $158 million increase for public schools this fiscal year and led a successful effort to craft a needs-based school funding formula. Blunt proposed an additional $167 million increase for schools next fiscal year and a $17.1 million increase for colleges and universities. The governor’s Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative also paved the way to 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 science and biotechnology industries.
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