Attract more students to science and math

Obama's "Race to the Top" grants would boost science, math

Updated: Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 | By Louis Jacobson

During the 2008 presidential campaign, Barack Obama promised to improve science and mathematics education, to enable more students to pursue graduate studies in these fields and to bolster diversity within scientific and technological fields. The economic stimulus bill passed in early 2009 includes one major program that could advance these goals.

The Race to the Top Fund is poised to provide $4.35 billion in competitive grants for education. Among other things, these grants are designed to encourage educational innovation, improve student achievement and high school graduation rates, and prepare students more effectively for college and careers. The program isn't up and running yet, but the first applications could be accepted as early as late 2009, according to the Education Department.

A draft proposal says that the program would give preferences to applications that

— "offer a rigorous course of study in mathematics, sciences, technology, and engineering;"

— "cooperate with industry experts, museums, universities, research centers, or other ... community partners to prepare and assist teachers in integrating [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] content across grades and disciplines, in promoting effective and relevant instruction, and in offering applied learning opportunities for students;"

— "and prepare more students for advanced study and careers in the sciences ... including addressing the needs of underrepresented groups and of women and girls in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics."
 
While the Race to the Top Fund isn't operational yet, it does seem to be closely attuned to the goals outlined in Obama's promise. We consider this promise to be In the Works.

Sources: Education Department, " Race to the Top Fund Executive Summary: Notice of Proposed Priorities, Requirements, Definitions and Selection Criteria ," accessed Oct. 7, 2009

E-mail interview with Jodi Peterson, assistant executive director for legislative and public affairs at the National Science Teachers Association, Oct. 7, 2009