A state coalition — that is to say, a member of NASSMC — is an association of state-level leaders from the business, education, and policy sectors that has formed for the specific purpose of promoting the continuous improvement of the state's K-16 system of mathematics, science, and technology education. Through broad-based collaboration, it seeks to increase the collective impact of the independent efforts of many individuals and groups.
The work of a coalition is grounded in the disciplines (mathematics, science, and technology). That work is attuned to the needs of a worldwide-competitive workplace and is directed toward the development and implementation of sound education policies and programs that will meet those needs.
Each coalition promotes the establishment of, adherence to, and evaluation of high-performance standards for all students. It then strives to align twelve key components of the state's education system so that they support student achievement of those standards. Those key components are: coherent education policy, content standards, assessment standards, alignment of K-12 and higher education, teacher preparation, teacher professional development and evaluation, school leadership, instructional materials, equitable learning opportunities, public understanding and engagement, system accountability, and broad-based state leadership.
NASSMC's original cadre of coalitions, formed shortly after the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics published its 1989 Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics, confined their efforts to mathematics. Following the 1996 release of National Science Education Standards by the National Research Council, almost all coalitions moved to include mathematics and science.
Early in 2000, the International Technology Education Association released Standards for Technology Education K-12 (where technology = applied science). As information about these standards spreads, it is anticipated that more coalitions will expand their agendas to include all three content areas: mathematics, science, and technology.