NSBA's Issue Brief on Competitiveness
BACKGROUND New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman sparked a national discussion about workforce readiness and U.S. competitiveness in a new, global economy with his 2005 best-seller, The World Is Flat. Since then, many business groups and scientific organizations have voiced concerns about student achievement in the United States relative to other countries around the globe, particularly in the fields of math and science. The attached charts show the relative performance of American students on international assessments.
RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS During the 109th Congress, legislators held numerous hearings and considered multiple proposals on how to strengthen America’s global competitiveness in science, technology, math and engineering—the “STEM” fields. The leading piece of legislation, the PACE Act (Protecting America’s Competitive Edge), built upon recommendations contained in a high-profile report from the National Academies entitled, Rising Above the Gathering Storm.
Ultimately, the bill was not brought to the floor for a vote in the 109th Congress, but many of its legislative provisions were included in the America “COMPETES” Act of 2007 (Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science Act of 2007), which was introduced in the 110th Congress by a bipartisan group of Senators and fast-tracked by Congressional leadership.
In August 2007, Congress passed the America COMPETES bill (H.R. 2272) after little debate. The legislation contains a number of education provisions aimed at improving teacher quality and increasing opportunities for students in math and science.
Specifically, it authorizes portions of the Administration’s American Competitiveness Initiative, to create new grant programs to expand access to AP and IB classes, enhance math education in elementary and middle schools, and assist states in implementing programs for secondary schools. These programs would provide additional resources to help districts develop and sustain AP and IB curricula, implement rigorous math curriculum, hire qualified staff, expand targeted professional development, and supply instructional materials and assessments.
The legislation also provides grants to states to align elementary and secondary school curriculum, authorizes scholarships of up to $10,000 a year for three years for prospective teachers to earn a bachelor’s degree in STEM fields with a concurrent teaching credential.
In looking forward to the second session of the 110th Congress there is apt to be an increased focus on how to improve math and science education in the United States, particularly as it relates to academic content guidelines and the supply of qualified teachers.
NSBA POSITION NSBA believes that more emphasis on pre-k through 12th grade investments and interventions are needed to help prepare students with the skills that they will need to be successful in the 21st century world economy. In this regard, NSBA believes that the COMPETES bill is a step in the right direction.
However, NSBA has also outlined additional ways that Congress can help to improve America’s competitiveness such as targeted investments in technology and early education. For example, resources to acquire, integrate, support, and evaluate technology are critical if we are to modernize our nation’s teaching and learning. When used in conjunction with a high quality standards-based curriculum, instructional software and other forms of e-learning can be highly effective means for delivering instruction, especially in subjects such as math and science where technology is core to their real world application and simulation.
NSBA testified before the House Subcommittee on Research and Science Education of the Committee on Science and Technology about the importance of ensuring that students receive the education and skills, particularly in math and science that they will need to become productive workers, good citizens, and intelligent consumers in the 21st century. In responding to market needs, however, NSBA believes that it is important not to lose focus on educating the whole child. Not all children will pursue math- and science-specific careers, nor could our economy support this. Nonetheless, it is important to provide the opportunity for all students to develop their interests and prepare them with the skills that they will need to be successful in professions of their choosing.
As Congress moves forward in addressing education initiatives related to global competitiveness and 21st century skills, NSBA strongly urges adequate funding not just for any new initiatives, but for current critical education programs such as Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It would be unfortunate and counterproductive to take from one important education program in order to fund another new program.
For additional information, please contact Chrisanne Gayl, director, federal programs at the National School Boards Association at 703-838-6763, or by e-mail,
cgayl@nsba.org.
February 2008