Math and Science in Iowa
Iowa has taken a big step forward in improving math and science education. And we had better... the state's historical leadership in math and science education has been eroding at the very time when our society and economy are demanding science- and math-literate citizens and workers. Iowans chose a schoolhouse for the commemorative quarter featuring the inscription “Foundation in Education." Other states embossed their own iconic images, from Vermont's maple tree to a Minnesota lake. But the fact is that the land of 10,000 lakes, along with 16 other states, could lay claim to our schoolhouse based on comparative figures from nationwide test results in math and science.
Iowa students, once global leaders, have slid to merely average in comparison to their peers across the United States. The Board of Regents, State of Iowa and the Iowa Legislature recognized the challenge facing Iowa and established the Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership (IMSEP) in early 2007. The University of Northern Iowa was asked to lead the initiative in collaboration with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The initiative's three goals are:
- To improve mathematics and science performance of Iowa students.
- To prepare more high quality mathematics and science teachers for Iowa’s schools.
- To promote statewide collaboration and cooperation.
Welcome, and join us in shaping Iowa's future as a math and science education leader.
Jeffrey Weld, director
Iowa STEM Education Public-Private Partnerships Symposium
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
University of Northern Iowa’s Maucker Union ballrooms
