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News! In order to help make the benefits of quality mathematics, science and technology education accessible to all of Maryland’s students and to help provide the State with the quality work force it needs, the Maryland Mathematics and Science Coalition (MMSC) organized a statewide Summit on Mathematics, Science and Technology Education. Hosted by Governor Robert Ehrlich, the Summit was held on November 7, 2005 at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute's Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology in Rockville, Maryland. Over 100 leaders from businees, education and public policy came together at the Summit to suggest reponses to a set of pressing problems related to mathemtics, science and technology education: Maryland has a shortage of qualified mathematics and science teachers; industries in the state face critical shortages of qualified workers; studies show that students do not perform well in comparison with students from other countries; and students are missing out on meaningful career opportunities because they are under-prepared in scientific subjects. The sense of the Summit particpants was that large scale, coordinated action is needed to meet these challenges. The 2005 Summit was developed with the support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Department of Education and the National Alliance of State Science and Mathematics Coalitions (NASSMC).
Following the Summit, Governor Ehrlich appointed an Advisory Committee on STEM Education and charged it with shaping the ideas from the Summit into an action plan. Dr. Kenneth Hoffman, Chairman of the Maryland Mathematics and Science Coalition, was named co-chair of the 10-member Advisory Committee.
On September 11, 2006, the Advisory Committee submitted its report to Governor Ehrlich. All involved are now waiting to see how the Governor wishes to handle discussion and distribution of the report.
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