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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. In this new location, NASSMC works in close proximity to the
Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education and with
the programs and operations of NSTA. 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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