"Science and Engineering Indicators" (SEI) is first and foremost a volume of record comprising high-quality quantitative data on the U.S. and international science and engineering enterprise. SEI includes an overview and seven chapters that follow a generally consistent pattern. The chapter titles are as follows: (1) Elementary and…

Engineering has gained considerable traction in many K-12 schools. However, there are several obstacles or challenges to an effective approach that leads to student learning. Questions such as where engineering best fits in the curriculum; how to include it authentically and appropriately; toward what educational end; and how best to prepare…

Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S.…

Effective evidence-based action requires getting the right data into the right hands at the right time to help make decisions. The Data Quality Campaign (2011) has provided suggestions to state education agencies for effectively using data within state longitudinal data systems. One suggestion is to identify "the variety of ways available…

House Democrats recently unveiled draft legislation for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Widely touted as an economic stimulus package, the $825 billion draft legislation included as much as $142 billion for education. This includes the creation of a $79 billion State Fiscal Stabilization Fund to assist state governments in…

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSI) Program is a major effort by NSF to encourage improvements in science, mathematics, and engineering education through comprehensive systemic changes in the educational systems of the states. The SSI Program represents a strategy to strengthen the infrastructure for…

This Sourcebook is a compilation of information selected from that reviewed by the Expert Panel that had been appointed to review and assess Federal programs in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) education; it also contains information about the Expert Panel itself. The Sourcebook is organized in four sections. Section 1…

Congressman Doug Walgren (D-PA) comments on various issues related to science and engineering education, suggesting that there is a major deterioration for the entire educational enterprise, particularly in the technical areas. Focuses on National Science Foundation (NSF) programs, funding, and current legislative recommendations. (Author/JN)

Presents excerpts from Donald McCurdy's testimony to the Committee on Science and Technology of the U.S. House of Representatives. Includes discussions involving budget cuts in science education funding and the potential consequences of same; suggests best expenditures of science education research funding. (DS)

Despite efforts to improve the quality and equity of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) education at all educational levels, the nation remains at risk of losing its competitive edge. This report presents the findings of a special panel convened for two purposes: (1) to review federal programs in SMET education at all levels;…

Although the crisis in precollege science and mathematics education has passed, various efforts are underway to improve the quality of education in these areas and to resolve existing problems. Several of these efforts are discussed, including the role of the National Science Foundation, industry role, and others. (JN)

These hearings focused on the role that the National Science Foundation (NSF) should play in a national effort to improve mathematics and science (M/S) education in elementary and secondary schools. The impact of past NSF activities, current crisis in M/S education, role of organizations in M/S education, government role, federal legislation, and…

Discusses current activities of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) education directorate, including proposed programs to upgrade science and mathematics teaching at the elementary and junior high school levels. Includes comments by Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, NSF's new assistant director for science and engineering education. (JN)

Presents the testimony of Donald McCurdy, president of NSTA, to the subcommittee on science, research, and technology of the U.S. House of Representatives concerning the budget proposed by President Reagan, which if adopted, would end any involvement of NSF in the science education programs in U.S. colleges and universities. (Author/SK)

Analyzes a National Science Foundation report, "Science and Engineering Education for the 1980s and Beyond," prepared for the President and Department of Education. Provides information on the status of science and engineering education in the United States. (Author/SK)