Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt’s School Stop Emphasizes Importance of Math Comprehension
ST. ANN–Gov. Matt Blunt today participated in one of Holman Middle School’s “Algebra for All” classes and met with teachers and educators to discuss the importance of math comprehension and math and science student achievement.
“Math is more than just numbers and formulas. It is the basis for complex logic and analytical thinking, and it is the cornerstone for the countless careers and opportunities fast becoming the bedrock of our economy,” Blunt said. “We must give students the fundamental basics they need in math and science if we expect them to be prepared for the challenges ahead and if our state is to remain a viable competitor in tomorrow’s global economy.”
Blunt visited with eighth grade students participating in an “Algebra for All” class. The program ensures every student has a comprehensive understanding of basic algebra concepts and has helped increase the number of students who score proficient or advanced on MAP tests from 12 to 21 percent in just two years.
Blunt emphasized the benefits of math and science learning and the importance of improving student achievement in math, engineering, technology and science. Data compiled for the governor’s Math and Science Summit, held last month, shows the strongest and highest-potential economic sectors are at the cutting edge of science and technology; math skills matter in half of all the occupations, while science skills matter in one quarter of all occupations; the percentage of students rated proficient in math and science declines dramatically beyond 4th grade; and the supply of certified pre-service math and science teachers is widely dispersed and does not meet demand. The summit brought close to 200 government, public and private school, higher education and industry representatives together to identify ways to ensure students have the tools they need for long term success. A select interim group will take strategies identified at the summit and develop an action plan for the state that will serve as a guide to position Missouri as a leader in math, engineering, technology and science.
Blunt has made education his top budget and policy priority. Blunt’s budget this fiscal year provided a $158 million funding increase for public schools and he led the successful effort to craft a new needs-based school funding formula. He has proposed a $167 million funding increase for schools for the next fiscal year and a $17.1 million funding 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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