Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Encourages Math and Science Education, Student Achievement
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt met with teachers and local school leaders today at Thomas Jefferson Middle School to discuss ideas to promote student achievement, especially in the areas of math and science.
“In order for Missouri to become a leader in job growth and economic diversity we must emphasize study in the fields of math and science,” Blunt said. “We are in direct competition with every other state as well as foreign countries for every job that is created and many of the good, family supporting jobs of the future will be in the science and technology sectors. I look forward to providing opportunities for young Missourians to take advantage of the opportunities the future holds.”
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 in the areas of math, engineering technology and science to better prepare tomorrow’s leaders for the global economy.
At today’s student achievement school the governor met with teachers about their new sixth grade literacy and math program. The program is improving students’ literacy skills and their understanding of math concepts, while helping them focus on learning.
Blunt and educators also discussed ideas that might help further learning and achievement. The ideas will be incorporated into the governor’s Math and Science Summit this spring.
As governor, Blunt has made education his top 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 life science industry.
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