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The National Alliance of State Science and Mathematics Coalitions (NASSMC) is an umbrella organization for state coalitions of business, education and public policy leaders united for systemic change in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for all students. NASSMC is a network of state coalitions and serves as the national advocate for the member organizations.
In 2004 the President's Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy invited testimony from the education and science communities on how American education in science, mathematics and technology might be enhanced to meet the future challenges of space exploration, the economy, and the nation's technical workforce. Testimony provided by NASSMC and representing the concerns of the state coalitions is presented here: NASSMC Testimony: President's Commission on Moon, Mars and Beyond
A non-profit association, NASSMC works state by state in pursuit of its vision that:
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All US students will have the necessary knowledge of, understanding of, and skills in mathematics, science, and technology, so they can be productive in their personal, work, and civic lives; and
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The nation will have a competent and competitive workforce that continues to meet the challenges of the global economy. NASSMC's member coalitions work to bring coherence and added value to the separate efforts of many individuals and organizations. Coalitions pursue goals not achievable by any one organization or sector working alone.
Specifically, NASSMC:
- helps each coalition to develop a state-specific strategy to improve mathematics, science, and technology education;
- links state coalition leaders to each other and to major national initiatives;
- serves as the national ears and voice of its member coalitions;
- provides a national forum for the discussion critical issues relevant to the continuous and systemic improvement of mathematics, science, and technology education; and
- supports timely dissemination of information relevant to the continuous and systemic improvement of mathematics, science, and technology education
This is important because:
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Only 40% of American workers have the technical skills and understanding required by employers.
- U.S. Business spends $62 billion per year to upgrade basic skills.
- American 12th graders ranked near the bottom of 21 nations participating in the Third International Mathematics and Science Survey.
- Congress has been forced to raise the ceiling on H1-B visas to allow skilled foreign workers to fill critical high tech jobs in the United States.
- The U.S. faces a critical and worsening shortage of qualified science, mathematics and technology teachers.
- All Americans need and deserve to receive the best possible education in mathematics, science, and technology for their personal and civic lives.
What is a Coalition?
A coalition is comprised of state-based business, education and public policy leaders united by a vision for improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. A coalition must be statewide in scope and include personnel who can provide a range of expertise, offer multiple perspectives and assure diversity within the effort. The business leadership should include the states' largest employers and represent workforce needs and concerns; education leadership should include PreK-12, informal, and higher education; public policy leadership should include the governor, lieutenant governor, education officials, and state legislature. State coalitions should engage underserved and underrepresented communities at all levels of effort.
Resources & Links
NASSMC History
NASSMC evolved from a 1989 project of the Mathematical Sciences Education Board of the National Research Council. For five years, the project focused on developing coalitions of state-level leaders committed to promoting adaptation and implementation of new state standards for school mathematics and, later, science based upon national models.
In 1994, directors of the state coalitions initiated by the project decided to establish NASSMC as a national nonprofit organization with headquarters in Washington, DC. At the direction of its Board, NASSMC adopted a larger mission of supporting its member coalitions in the promotion of systemic improvement of mathematics, science, and technology education for all students in grades K-16.
In pursuit of its mission, NASSMC has designed and executed projects testing processes and materials for strengthening the structure and programs of its member coalitions. In collaboration with the Education Commission of the States and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, it has developed a state-based model for working with business, education, and policy leaders to address continuous improvement in school mathematics, science, and technology. NASSMC also established the NASSMC Briefing Service, an Internet-based service providing leaders across the Nation with concise and timely information about programs, research results, and public opinion relating to mathematics, science, and technology education.
In August, 2002, NASSMC moved its offices to the National Science Teachers Association Building at 1840 Wilson Blvd., in neighboring Arlington, VA. The organization continues, through the efforts of its member coalitions, to support comprehensive and coordinated change in mathematics, science and technology education and to promote public awareness and understanding of the need for such change.
NASSMC's work with state coalitions has been supported by grants from Carnegie Corporation of New York, ExxonMobil Foundation, Ford Foundation, IBM, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Security Agency, SciMathMN (the NASSMC state affiliate in Minnesota), The Medtronic Foundation, W. K. Kellogg Foundation, The National Science Teachers Association, and US West Foundation.
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