Florida Mathematics and Science Education Initiative

1
Florida Mathematics and Science Education
Initiative

• http//www.flsummit.usf.edu/
• CIMS
• Florida Coalition for Improving Mathematics and
  Science Literacy
• Gerry G. Meisels, Chairman
• E-mail meisels_at_csl.usf.edu
• Tel. [phone]
• Update November 2, 2005

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Long-Term Objectives

• Provide the best possible education in
  mathematics and science to the vast majority of
  Floridas students
• Increase the number of students seeking careers
  in mathematics, science, and M/S education

3
Justification

• Florida is loosing High-Tech Industry and high
  wage/high value jobs to other countries and other
  states
• Floridas High-Tech Industry cannot grow without
  a qualified workforce and even existing industry
  cannot hire enough qualified workers
• Florida has difficulty attracting new High-Tech
  Industry in part because our mathematics and
  science (M/S) education is nationally perceived
  as weak
• A qualified workforce includes large numbers
  prepared to work at the technician-level it also
  includes M/S specialists (BS, MS, and Ph. D.)

4
Cost Dimensions

• Systemic, statewide improvement cannot happen
  without substantial investment
• Models of excellence are not sufficient to change
  overall competency of graduates
• A quality, statewide program for all who teach
  M/S has a continuing cost of about 80M
• Alabama just appropriated 15M for a statewide
  elementary/middle school initiative (AMSTI)

5
Strategy

• Necessary funds must be both adequate and
  continuing they can only be provided by
  legislative appropriations
• Engage policymakers and business-industry leaders
  to make the case
• Pursue goals and funding consistently -Steady
  Drop Hollows the Stone

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Florida Summit on Mathematics and Science
Education

• GOAL
• Enhance Floridas Economic Development by
  Preparing a Workforce Educated in Mathematics and
  Science
• STRATEGY
• Strengthen Student Achievement in Mathematics
  and Science By Increasing Teacher Effectiveness

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Some Recommended Actions

• Help ALL mathematics and science teachers at ALL
  levels (K-12) reach ALL students regardless of
  initial motivation and background (more than just
  PD)
• Align teacher education programs with current
  needs
• Establish incentive programs for students and
  institutions that increase performance and
  numbers of STEM/MS education majors
• Attract women and minorities to the study of
  STEM
• Increase competency requirements in M/S for high
  school graduation

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Calendar of Events
Summit and Recommendations developed February 2-4
Presentation to Senate Education Committee February 22
Budget and Draft Charge to M/S Commission March 5
Inclusion in Senate Budget March 15
House Education Committee commits support April 11
House and Senate agree on 230,000 for Commission, exclude public information part April 29
Appropriation passes both Houses May 6
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Calendar of Events continued
TaxWatch labels funding a Turkey because it was not originally in the agency request May 23
Governor Bush vetoes appropriation for Commission May 25
Discussions with DOE and other key players resume June 6
K-12 Chancellor Jim Warford includes funding in the DOE budget request and a Summit II in December June-July
Chancellor Warford resigns suddenly July 11
DOE confirms commitment to Summit II September
Enterprise Florida requests statement October 13
Summit II to be held the day before the K12 Student Achievement Conference December 12, 2005
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M/S Summit II Dec. 12, 2005

• For Superintendents, Principals, and Legislators
• Arrangements and invitations by DOE
• Michelle Reaves, DOE, principal organizer
• Initial planning by Deputy Chancellor Mary Jane
  Tappen, Michelle Reaves, and Gerry Meisels
• Final planning at CIMS Board meeting Nov. 9

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M/S Summit II Draft Agenda

• Objective Secure Commitment to Action
• AM Presentations on the M/S Education Crisis
• Dr. Harry Orf (Scripps)
• Dr. Pat OConnel Ross (USDOE)
• Dr. Norman Thagard (TLH Challenger Ctr lunch)
• PM Parallel action planning work groups

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Other Forthcoming Actions

• Speakers Bureau
• Preparation of Master Materials
• Scheduling Center
• Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
• Production of 30 second spots
• Station Invitation
• Supported in part by NSF