News & Press from Across the Nation

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  Who Is Writing the 'Next Generation' Science Standards?

  05/14/2012

  The Next Generation Science Standards are currently available to the public for review and commentary. The development of the science standards is led by 26 states and coordinated by the nonprofit organization Achieve, while a team of scientists and educators are responsible for the actual writing. In his article, Erik Robelen explains the variety of players involved in this process.   

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  Schools try to pull out of science slump

  05/11/2012

  A draft of the Next Generation Science Standards was released for public commentary on May 11, 2012. 26 states are leading the development process, and a writing team of scientists, science teachers, business leaders, engineers, and state policy staffers is composing the individual standards. Experts believe these standards will drastically shift science teaching and learning.   

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  Nation's Science Test: Students Show Low Proficiency, Expert Calls Scores 'Unacceptable'

  05/10/2012

  Results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress science test showed a slight improvement among eighth graders nationally. Experts were pleased to see positive movement but acknowledge that more substantial growth is necessary. The NAEP results highlight the opportunity for the Next Generation Science Standards to significantly advance science teaching and learning.   

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  Universities, Districts to Partner on Common-Core Secondary Math

  05/08/2012

  The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities' science- and math-focused initiative is coordinating a new project focused on redesigning secondary math teacher preparation in conjunction with the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. The universities, community colleges, and school districts range across 30 states.   

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  Iowa announces hubs for science/technology education effort

  05/07/2012

  Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and his STEM advisory council announce six STEM education hubs throughout the state. Housed at universities and community colleges, these hubs will encourage students to pursue degrees and careers in STEM fields. This marks the first major actions by Gov. Branstad's STEM advisory council.   

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  Individual U.S. Schools Take Part in PISA Pilot

  05/04/2012

  100 schools across 20 states will administer a pilot test based on the PISA, allowing schools and states to gauge their students' levels in comparison to students around the world. Results -- which may not be made public -- will be available in September.   

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  Colo. Program Puts Students on the Pathway to a Career

  05/03/2012

  Colorado high schools offer students early interactions with STEM careers. Most students who graduate from these specialized schools leave with not only a planned career path, but also course credit and real-world experiences in their chosen field.   

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  Pentagon Rolls Out the Red Carpet to Inspire Tomorrow's Innovators with the Air Force STEM 2020 Challenge

  05/02/2012

  The Air Force STEM 2020 Challenge asked students in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland a simple question: "Why are STEM careers important to our nation?" The top entries spent the day at the Department of Defense, where they toured the Pentagon, visited the September 11 memorial site, and interacted with senior Lockheed Martin representatives, among other specialized activities.   

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  What STEM Is--and Why We Care

  04/27/2012

  Defining the term "STEM" typically results in a long-winded, round-about description that rarely arrives at a digestible explanation. In this piece, author Brian Kelly grapples with the true meaning of STEM while making the case that STEM education and STEM careers are of the utmost importance to our national future.   

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  Legislation Would Increase Minority Access to STEM Degrees

  04/25/2012

  Earlier this week, Texas Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson announced the "Broadening Participation in STEM Education Act." The legislation, which is expected to face opposition, would allow the National Science Foundation to give grants to colleges and universities with the objective of increasing the diversity of students pursing STEM degrees and faculty teaching within STEM departments.