The STEM Education Coalition is a group formed to provide a trusted source of views from stakeholders across the overall STEM community. They provide a strong voice on issues surrounding the world of scientific-oriented education. Overall, the Coalition feels that 2013 was a positive and exciting year.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important milestones from their 2013 Annual Report.
Improve Plans to Reorganize Federal STEM Programs
In 2013, the Coalition spent significant time working with the Obama administration on optimizing plans to reorganize Federal STEM programs. They helped the administration add crucial details to a planned increase in spending of $3.1 billion on STEM education initiatives. With some criticism of the spending increase by Congress, the Coalition feels they made a difference by improving the plans.
Created a $400 Million STEM Education Funding Provision in Immigration Bill
The Coalition helped to develop and advocate a $400 million STEM education funding provision in the U.S. Senate’s immigration bill. The provision is paid for by the H1NB and Green Card fees paid by companies looking to hire foreign workers. This new funding is earmarked for state educational agencies for the support of STEM education reforms.
New Science Testing Requirement for K through 12 Schools
A new science testing requirement for K-12 schools is part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Reauthorization bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. A previous version of the bill removed that requirement, and the STEM Education Coalition successfully fought for its reintroduction.
America COMPETES Act to include STEM Initiatives
The U.S. House Science, Space and Technology Committee is currently working on the America Competes Act hoping to foster technology innovation in the United States. The Coalition testified in Congress about the importance of STEM education as part of the bill, earning bipartisan support in the process.
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