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Legislative and Advocacy Agenda

2023-2024

 
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Elevate the Status of Science Education and Emphasize the Value and Importance of Science Literacy

  • Relaunch in 2024 the White House Science and Engineering Fair; 
  • Support, promote and highlight two new Biden Administration STEM/STEMM initiatives: U.S. Department of Education and WH Office of Science and Technology Policy/AAAS;
  • Champion House of Representatives and U.S. Senate hearings to highlight the lack of dedicated science education in U.S. public schools; and
  • Generate a new NSTA social media campaign (Where’s Science??) to highlight the challenges of millions of kids not experiencing quality science education in their schools.  

  

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Progress Toward More Equitable Science Education – for the Classroom and With Science Teachers

  • Much greater diversity is needed – Science and CHIPS Act of 2022 - helpful groundwork;
  • Monitor and report on the implementation of Science and CHIPS Act policies and provisions; and
  • Champion and advocate for increased Fiscal Year 2024 Funding for efforts targeting increased diversity and outreach to diverse groups. 

  

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Science Should Have Equal Priority With Mathematics and English Language Arts in Federal and State Accountability and Assessment Requirements

  • Elementary and Secondary School Act (ESSA) Reauthorization (2023-2024) – Specifically elevate Science as a Top 3 issue priority for all public schools and having equal footing with Math and English. 
  • Public Policy objectives – Federal and state accountability and assessment requirements should allow for states and districts to explore new and innovative methods for evaluating science performance.

  

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Teacher Shortage - Science and STEM Teachers Are Desperately Needed in School Districts Throughout America

  • Any 2023/2024 ESSA reauthorization attempt needs to address the Science and STEM Teacher Shortage issues with real incentives and significant and additional resources;
  • Advocate for additional Congressional hearings to address the Teacher Shortage issue; and
  • Partner with the STEM Coalition to seek Biden Administration and Congressional actions.

  

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Fiscal Year 2024 Funding Priorities – Public Education/Science Education

Title IV-A funding, flexibility for Science and STEM spending within Title I, new Science and CHIPS provisions, Teacher Quality Partnerships, NSF STEM education programs

  

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