Improving Science and Math Education: Texas Confronts the Gathering Storm

The 2005 National Academies report, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm,” describes how improving science and technology research will help the United States sustain its economic viability in the future while industries become increasing global. One major component of the report is the diminishing quality of K-12 science and math education. The mission of the conference, co-sponsored by the Baker Institute and The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas (TAMEST), is to seek input from stakeholders to assist in the formulation of guidelines with the goal of making Texas a model state for science and math education. The event will serve as an initial and groundbreaking attempt to assess Texas’ strengths as they relate to the National Academies recommendations, to document programs and, just as importantly, to identify significant areas where Texas needs to improve its policies or programs.