 |
Legislative Affairs Home Page
<< back to most recent stories
NSTA Legislative Update: June 29, 2009
Jun 29 2009 - Yosef Getachew
SPEAK Act Legislation Introduced; Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill Passed;
New STEM Legislation Introduced
NSTA Legislative Update: June 1, 2009
Jun 1 2009 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Ed Sec Testifies Before House Education and Labor Committee; STEM Legislation Introduced in the House
President Obama Submits FY2010 Budget to Congress
May 11 2009 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
The FY2010 budget request for federal programs President Obama submitted to Congress last week focused on his five pillars for reforming schools and included a substantial increase in funding that would "reward principals, teachers, and other school personnel who raise student achievement."
NSTA Legislative Alert: April 28, 2009
Apr 28 2009 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
President Obama Commits to Dramatically Improve Student Achievement in Science and Math
NSTA Legislative Alert: April 6, 2009
Apr 6 2009 - 3/30/2009—Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
$44 Billion in Education Stimulus Funds Now Available to States and Districts
NSTA Legislative Alert: March 30, 2009
Mar 30 2009 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Weigh In on Science Education Funding
NSTA Legislative Update: March 16, 2009
Mar 16 2009 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
President Obama Delivers Major Policy Speech on Education; Congress Finally Approves FY2009 Appropriations; President Obama Unveils Budget for FY2010
NSTA Legislative Update: February 13, 2009
Feb 13 2009 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Congress Approves Economic Stimulus Bill
NSTA Legislative Update: February 2, 2009
Feb 2 2009 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Ask Your Senator to Support the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act
NSTA Legislative Update: January 26, 2009
Jan 19 2009 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
House Leadership Introduces Stimulus Package
NSTA Legislative Update: January 19, 2009
Jan 19 2009 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Ask Your Member of Congress to Support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
NSTA Legislative Update: January 5, 2009
Jan 8 2009 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
President-elect Obama Selects Chicago Superintendent Arne Duncan as New Education Secretary; John Holdren Tapped as Assistant to the President for Science and Technology; Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
What’s ahead in 2009: Will Congress Reauthorize No Child Left Behind This Year? Higher Funding for NSF Education Possible for FY2009; Democrats Vow to Push a Science Agenda A Bad Year for K–12 Education in the States
Secretary Spellings Announces Final Regulations for No Child Left Behind
Nov 3 2008 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
With days to go before the presidential election and with only months left in office, the Administration last week announced final regulations to Title I under No Child Left Behind.
Congress Expected to Vote on Major Environmental Education Legislation Tomorrow Tuesday, Sept. 9
Sep 8 2008 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Legislation that would strengthen environmental education is expected to come to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives tomorrow, September 9, 2008.
NSTA Legislative Update: August 4, 2008
Aug 4 2008 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Congress Passes Final Bill to Reauthorize Federal Higher Education Programs; FY2009 Appropriations May Not Be Settled Until Next Year; Senators Lieberman and Coleman Introduce STEM Education for the 21st Century Act; Senator John Glenn Celebrates NASA’s 50th Anniversary on Capitol Hill; House Diversity and Innovation Caucus Issues Policy Recommendations
NSTA Legislative Update: June 23, 2008
Jun 23 2008 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
House Education and Labor Committee Approves No Child Left Inside; Supplemental Spending for FY2008 Programs Includes Additional Funds for NSF EHR Directorate; House of Representatives to Consider NASA Reauthorization Bill
Representative Mike Honda and Senator Barack Obama Introduce eSTEM Bill
May 26 2008 - NSTA Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
On May 21 Rep. Honda and Senator Barack Obama introduced the Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Act of 2008. The legislation, based on the National Science Board recent Action Plan, calls on Congress to reorganize the President’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), create an Office of STEM at the U.S. Department of Education, institute a voluntary state Consortium on STEM education, and create a National STEM Education Research Repository.
Education Secretary Announces NCLB "Differentiated Accountability" Pilot Program
Mar 24 2008 - NSTA Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Last week U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced a new pilot program under No Child Left Behind that will help states to improve underperforming schools.
National Math Panel Releases Long-Awaited Report
Mar 18 2008 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
The National Mathematics Advisory Panel has issued its report on how mathematics should be taught in the early grades.
Mr. Gates Goes to Washington
Mar 18 2008 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates testified before a packed committee hearing last week in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the House Science and Technology Committee.
CEP Study Confirms That Science in the Elementary Classroom is Truly Disappearing
Feb 25 2008 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Earlier this summer, the Center for Education Policy issued a report that confirmed what many science educators have long suspected: a majority of the nation's school districts were increasing time spent on reading and math in elementary schools since NCLB became law in 2002, and most of these districts cut back on time spent on other subjects, including science.
Legislative Update: February 11, 2008
Feb 11 2008 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
President Bush Submits FY2009 Budget to Congress
Legislative Update: January 14, 2008
Jan 14 2008 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
NSTA Legislative Update: Appeals Court Revives NEA Challenge to NCLB Funding
Legislative Update: November 19, 2007
Nov 19 2007 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
President Bush Vetoes Education Funding Bill; NCLB: Prospects Bleak for Renewal This Year; House Education Panel Marks Up Higher Education Act; Another Blue Ribbon Panel Formed to Address Science and Math Education
Legislative Update: November 5, 2007
Nov 5 2007 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Will Congress Reauthorize No Child Left Behind This Year?; No Child Left Behind and Science Education—Make Your Voice Heard; FY2008 Appropriations Update: Congressional Champions Seeking Higher Funding Level for Dept. of Ed Math and Science Partnerships; Reauthorization of Higher Education Act Anticipated Soon
Legislative Update: October 9, 2007
Oct 9 2007 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Update on No Child Left Behind Reauthorization; NSTA Executive Director Testifies Before Congress; Update on No Child Left Behind Reauthorization
Legislative Update: August 13, 2007
Aug 13 2007 - Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Update on No Child Left Behind; Representative Ehlers Introduces Bill to Strengthen the Department of Education Math and Science Partnerships.
Legislative Update: June 18, 2007
Jun 18 2007 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Update on No Child Left Behind; Appropriations Subcommittees Set Out Funding Levels for FY 2008 Federal Science and Math Education Programs.
Legislative Update: April 27, 2007
Apr 27 2007 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Senate and House Pass Major Science Math/Innovation Bills.
Legislative Update: April 16, 2007
Apr 16 2007 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
House Committee Passes Bill Based on Rising Above the Gathering Storm; Rising Storm Gathers Around Reauthorization of No Child Left Behind.
Legislative Update: February 20, 2007
Feb 20 2007 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
President Bush Proposes $365 Million for FY 2008 American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) Math and Science Education Programs.
Legislative Update: January 29, 2007
Jan 29 2007 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
President Unveils Plans for Math and Science Education; Congress Hopes to Finish Work on FY2007 Appropriations Soon; Rep. Ehlers and Hinojosa Seek Co-Sponsors for the SPEAK Act; Rep. Gordon Re-Introduces Legislation Based on Rising Above the Gathering Storm.
Legislative Update: January 8, 2007
Jan 8 2007 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Science and Math Bills Introduced as 110th Congress Convenes; Fifth Anniversary for No Child Left Behind.
Legislative Update: December 18, 2006
Dec 18 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Update on FY20007 Appropriations; Incoming Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Announces Committee Focus for 2007; NSF Releases Information on DR-K12 Program.
Legislative Update: October 2, 2006
Oct 2 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Programs for Science and Math Education Prominent in Senate Competitiveness Bill Introduced Last Week; New NSF Education Chief Announced.
Legislative Update: August 21, 2006
Aug 21 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Senator Clinton Introduces Legislation to Develop National Voluntary; Expectations for K–12 Science and Math Education; Commission on 21st Century Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Holds First Meeting; Center on Education Policy Issues Report on NCLB Title I; National Science Foundation Issues RFP for New Discovery Research K–12 Programs; Public Education Network Issue Brief Explores What Local Education Groups Are Doing to Improve Science and Math Education.
Legislative Update: July 24, 2007
Jul 24 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
In the last two weeks, two Senate panels have approved bills that include increased funding for key science and math education programs in FY2007.
Legislative Update: July 10, 2006
Jul 10 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Business Groups Push for More Action on Competitiveness/Science Education Legislation; Appropriations Update: House Okays NSF/NASA FY2007 Funding Bill; Dept. of Education Notifying Pell Eligible Students About July 1 Start of Grants to Study Science/Math; Federal Commission Issues Preliminary Draft Report on Higher Education Access and Affordability.
Legislative Update: June 12, 2006
Jun 12 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
House Science Committee Approves Science and Mathematics Education Bill;
House Appropriations Subcommittee Increases Funding for MSPs, No Funding for ACI Math Now Programs.
Legislative Update: May 22, 2006
May 22 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
House Science Committee Introduces Science and Math Education Bill; Secretary Spellings Announces Members of National Math Panel; NAEP Science Scores To Be Released This Week.
Legislative Update: May 8, 2006
May 8 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
The Department of Education has provided eligibility requirements for the two new grant programs created by Congress earlier this year: Academic Competitiveness Grants (for freshmen and sophomores) and Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants (for juniors and seniors). (2) In a letter to public school districts and private school associations, the Department provided information on the new loan forgiveness programs for qualified secondary school math and science teachers, also passed earlier this year by Congress. (3) The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $1.8 million grant to The College Board to redesign Advanced Placement Program (AP) courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.
Legislative Update: April 24, 2006
Apr 24 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
President Establishes National Math Panel; House Science Committee Hearing Focuses on Multitude of K–12 STEM Programs Across Federal Agencies.
Legislative Update: February 13, 2006
Feb 13 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Administration Releases FY2007 Budget; Congress Gives Final Approval to $3.7 Billion Grant Program for Low-Income Students.
Legislative Update: February 6, 2006
Feb 6 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
As expected science and math education were highlighted during the State of the Union (SOTU) address last week as part of the Administration’s American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI). The new Administration initiative seeks to significantly expand Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) science and math programs, bring 30,000 professionals into high school classrooms nationwide, and create new programs similar to the Reading First initiative for math education at the elementary and middle levels. The Administration is also calling for NCLB science assessments to be part of a state accountability systems for adequate yearly progress (AYP).
Legislative Update: January 30, 2006
Jan 30 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
(1) Senate Legislation Based on NAS Rising Storm Report Contains Major New Programs for K–12 Science and Math Education; (2) Innovation, Competitiveness, and STEM Education—Part of the SOTU? (3) Will New College Aid Plan for STEM Majors Widen the US Role In High Schools? Asks New York Times; (4) About the NAS Report Rising above the Gathering Storm.
Legislative Update: January 9, 2006
Jan 9 2006 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
A budget reconciliation bill passed by the Senate before the holidays and is expected to be passed in early February in the House includes $3.75 billion over the next five years for grants targeted to low income students who major in physical, life, or computer science; mathematics; technology; engineering; or "foreign languages that are critical to national security." Also, the National Innovation Act of 2005, introduced by Senators Lieberman and Ensign, seeks to expand the number of STEM graduates in higher education by increasing funds to the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship program; provide grants to universities to develop a Professional Science Master's Degree program; and provide increased funding to the NSF Tech Talent program.
Legislative Update: December 12, 2005
Dec 12 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
In this issue: (1) National Summit on Competitiveness Brings Together Leaders in Business, Industry, and Government; (2) National Science Board Holds Hearing on Proposed Commission on Future STEM Programs; (3) Ranking Member of House Science Committee Introduces K-12 Science and Math Education Legislation.
Legislative Update: November 14, 2005
Nov 14 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
House and Senate leaders have completed work on the fiscal year (FY) 2006 appropriations for the Science, State, Commerce and Justice bill (H. Rept. 109-272) which funds programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, NOAA, and other federal science initiatives. Keep in mind that these final numbers may change because Congress is exploring many options to pay for Katrina-related damage, including a possible across-the-board cut for all FY2006 programs.
Legislative Update: October 31, 2005
Oct 31 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
In this issue: (1) Update on FY2006 Appropriations for Federal Math and Science Programs; (2) Senators and Education Advocates Seek More Funding for FY2007 Math and Science Ed Programs; (3) Science Committee Holds Hearing on NAS Report on Strengthening Science Education and Research; (4) Government Watchdog Group Reports on Federal STEM Education Programs; (5) Update on House and Senate STEM Education Caucus; (6) NSTA Executive Director Provides Testimony Before National Association Governing Boards.
Legislative Update: July 25, 2005
Jul 25 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Late in the evening on Thursday July 21 the House Education and Workforce Committee approved a science and math education amendment to the College Access & Opportunity Act (H.R. 609), the reauthorized Higher Education Act. For details, click on the link above.
Legislative Update: July 5, 2005
Jul 5 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
As Congress moves into the July 4 recess, here is an update on the status of specific FY2006 legislation for STEM education programs. Watch for more information on these bills in future issues of the NSTA Legislative Update.
Legislative Update: June 20, 2005
Jun 20 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
House Appropriations Subcommittee Sets Funding for Department of Education Programs; House of Representatives Okays NSF-Funding Bill.
Legislative Update: June 6, 2005
Jun 6 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
House Subcommittee Marks Up NSF-Funding Bill; Challenges to American Competitiveness in Math and Science Subject of Education and Workforce Subcommittee Hearing.
Legislative Update: May 16, 2005
May 16 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Senate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education Caucus Officially Begins at Hill Event Tomorrow; Key Members of Congress Asks President Bush to Triple the Nation's R&D Budget; Reps. Wolf, Ehlers, and Boehlert Announce Fall Summit on Innovation; Rep. Ehlers and Senator Bingaman Honored for Contributions to STEM During Two-Day Science, Engineering, and Technology Lobby Campaign; DOD FY2006 Appropriations Bill Includes Language to Increase Students in STEM Fields.
Legislative Update: April 25, 2005
Apr 25 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
In this installment: (1) NEA Files Lawsuit over No Child Left Behind; (2) Poll Finds Support for Changes to Teacher Pay; (3) Representative Wolf Introduces Math and Science Incentive Act of 2005; (4) Education Groups Launch Data-Rich Website.
Legislative Update: March 21, 2005
Mar 21 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
As Members of Congress work to determine their priorities for FY2006 programs, our champions in Congress are circulating three Dear Colleague letters - one in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate - asking for increased funding for science and math education.
Legislative Update: Administration Unveils FY2006 Budget
Feb 14 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
The Administration released its proposed spending plan for FY2006 programs to Congress on February 7, and although the Administration is seeking additional funding for the Math and Science Partnerships at the US Department of Education, many K-12 math and science education programs at NSF saw steep cuts.
Legislative Update: Senate Launches STEM Ed Caucus
Feb 7 2005 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Senators Norm Coleman (R-MN) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) have established the bipartisan Science and Math Education Caucus in the US Senate. In a Dear Colleague letter sent on February 2, the Senators write: "With increasing demands on our economy, workforce, and national security, STEM education is more important than ever... A strong education in science, technology, engineering and math skills equip our students not just to hold their own but to advance the frontiers in fields important to our economy and security."
Legislative Update: Congress Determines Final FY2005 Appropriations for NSF and ED Math and Science Partnerships
Nov 29 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
The National Science Foundation (NSF) was the big loser, and NASA the big winner, when the lame duck session of the 108th Congress officially approved the FY2005 spending bill in a closed-door process on Saturday, November 21, by combining the unfinished pieces of nine FY2005 appropriations bills into one giant omnibus spending package.
NSTA Legislative Alert: Reps. Ehlers, Udall Seek Higher Funding for FY06 MSPs
Nov 22 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
We need your help! A letter authored by Reps. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) and Mark Udall (D-CO) to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Josh Bolten that seeks increased funding for the Math and Science Partnership (MSP) programs needs more Congressional support.
NSTA Legislative Update: Budget and Appropriations, NCLB, NGA/Achieve Summit
Nov 1 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
As reported earlier, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Math and Science Partnerships (MSPs) in the House are slated to receive $82 million; the Senate Appropriations subcommittee for NSF funding has provided $110 million for this program. The Department of Education MSPs in the House are funded at $269 million, and the Senate Appropriations Committee has allocated $200 million for these programs.
NSTA Legislative Update: Senate Committees Determine Funding for FY05 Math and Science Partnerships
Sep 27 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Congress is now one step closer to finalizing appropriations for FY05 education programs, but the final outcome is still unresolved and many funding issues may continue well into next year.
NSTA Legislative Update: The Latest News on Federal Appropriations, No Child Left Behind
Sep 13 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Congress returned to work after Labor Day following a six-week summer vacation and still needs to complete the vast majority of the FY2005 appropriations bills, including the bills to fund the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation (NSF), before the fiscal year officially starts on Oct. 1.
NSTA Legislative Update: VA/HUD Appropriations Bill Cuts National Science Foundation Programs by 2 Percent NSF MSPs Receive Only $80 million for FY2005
Jul 26 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
The House VA/HUD/Independent Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee marked up their funding bill for FY2005 programs on July 20, and the full House Appropriations Committee approved the bill on July 22. As expected, programs under the National Science Foundation (NSF) did not fare well.
NSTA Legislative Update: House Appropriations Committee Approves $269 Million for Department of Education Math and Science Partnerships
Jul 19 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
On July 8, the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education marked up (approved) the bill making appropriations for FY2005 federal education programs. The marked-up version of the bill was later approved by the full House Appropriations Committee on July 13. While most education programs received level funding, and a few were eliminated or their funding levels cut, the Math and Science Partnerships (Title II B) at the U.S. Department of Education received $269 million for FY2005, an amazing 80 percent increase ($120 million) over the FY2004 program funding.
NSTA Legislative Update: Representatives Ehlers and Udall Form STEM Caucus in the US House of Representatives
Jul 6 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Representatives Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) and Mark Udall (D-CO) have established a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) caucus in the US House of Representatives. The new STEM caucus will focus solely on science, math, technology, and engineering education issues and will work to promote and improve all areas of science and math education including K-12, higher education, and workforce issues in Congress. It will increase the visibility and importance of STEM education and work to educate members of Congress and their staff on the issues surrounding STEM education. The Caucus will also serve as an information source and a catalyst for advancing legislation and funding to improve STEM education.
NSTA Legislative Update: Contact Your Members of Congress, Ask Them to Support Science Education
Apr 26 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Two Dear Colleague letters asking for Congressional support for science education programs are still circulating among members of Congress - and we need your help!
NSTA Legislative Update: Support from Science Teachers Needed on Capitol Hill
Apr 5 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Now is the time that Members of Congress are making critical decisions about their priorities for the FY05 spending bill. It is very important that Members of Congress become aware of two "Dear Colleague" letters currently circulating and the support for science education they express, and that they are given the opportunity to sign on to them.
NSTA Legislative Update: Dept. of Ed Issues New Rules on NCLB "Highly Qualified Teachers"
Mar 22 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
On Monday, March 15, the US Department of Education issued new rules that supposedly will allow greater flexibility in implementing the highly qualified teacher (HQT) provision of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Under the new policy, teachers in eligible rural districts who teach multiple subjects and who are highly qualified in at least one subject area have three years to become highly qualified in the additional subjects they teach. While teachers are in the process of becoming highly qualified in multiple subject areas, they must also be "provided with professional development, intense supervision or structured mentoring."
NSTA Legislative Update: Dept. of Education Issues Two Changes to NCLB
Mar 1 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
On February 19, US Education Secretary Rod Paige announced that two changes made to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law would allow more flexibility to states and districts working to meet the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) marker for students with limited English proficiency (LEP). In the span of one week, the New York Times, USA Today, and the Washington Post have reported that a growing number of state officials are unhappy with the NCLB law.
Legislative Update: Reaction to President's Plan for FY2005 Math and Science Partnerships
Feb 17 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
President Bush's proposal to eliminate the Math and Science Partnerships (MSP) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) was met with a good deal of criticism. NSTA strongly opposes eliminating the NSF MSP program by combining it with the NCLB MSPs. NSTA is also deeply disappointed that the new competitive grants in the NCLB MSP program proposed in the Administration's FY2005 budget focuses solely on high school mathematics.
Legislative Update: Administration's FY2005 Budget Eliminates NSF Math and Science Partnerships
Feb 9 2004 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
In the FY2005 budget, released last week on Capitol Hill, the Math and Science Partnerships (MSPs) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) have been eliminated. Instead, the President proposes to unify the NSF MSP program with the Math and Science Partnerships under No Child Left Behind (NCLB). This program would be administered by the US Department of Education.
Legislative Update: Congress Passes FY2004 Appropriations Bill, Math and Science Partnerships Get 48 Percent Increase
Feb 2 2004 - NSTA
In a process that started last spring, and just days before President Bush is scheduled to unveil his spending plan for FY2005 on February 2, the Senate returned in late January and ended the stalemate over the FY2004 omnibus appropriations bill, voting to provide the Department of Education with $56 billion in FY2004. This represents an increase of $2.9 billion from FY2003 but still about $17 billion less than what was authorized for these federal education programs in NCLB.
NSTA Legislative Update: FY04 Federal Education Appropriations Update
Dec 8 2003 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Just before Thanksgiving, Congress adjourned for its fall recess after finishing a number of key legislative pieces. It also managed to conclude debate on the conference report for the remaining 11 unfinished appropriations bills, including the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill that determines fiscal year 2004 (FY04) spending for federal education programs at the US Department of Education. (The actual vote on the final measure is scheduled for December 8 in the House and December 9 in the Senate.)
Legislative Update: Conference Committee Reconciling House and Senate Appropriations Bills
Oct 6 2003 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
A conference committee is now working out the differences between the House- and Senate-approved levels of funding for the FY 2004 Labor, HHS, and Education appropriations bill. The Math and Science Partnerships program at the U. S. Department of Education is slated to receive $150 million in the House version of H.R. 2660, a $50 million increase in funding from the FY 2003 program. The Senate voted to level-fund the program at slightly more than $100 million.
Legislative Update: Senate Votes Out FY 2004 Appropriations Bill
Sep 23 2003 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
After a long debate and a number of failed amendments to secure more funding for programs under the No Child Left Behind Act, the Senate passed the appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (HR 2660). Although many Senators were unhappy with the amount of funding allocated for the bill, it passed by a vote of 94 to 0. The Senate did agree to an additional $1.2 billion to fund IDEA programs, but this funding may be in question.
Legislative Update: Contact Your Legislators about Federal Education Spending
Aug 11 2003 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Both the Senate and House have adjourned for the summer, and members are not expected back to Washington, DC, until early September. Although many teachers are busily scrambling to get ready for the new school year, now is an excellent time to contact elected representatives (and/or their education staff) regarding issues of concern, such as No Child Left Behind implementation and funding for federal education programs.
Legislative Update: House Approves Student Loan Forgiveness for Science Teachers
Jul 21 2003 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Last week the full House of Representatives passed the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act (H.R. 438), which would allow loan forgiveness for federal Stafford loans of up to $17,500 for science, math, special education, and state-certified reading teachers who agree to teach in high poverty Title I schools for five consecutive years. Also, During the National Education Association's (NEA) annual meeting in July, lawyers for the teachers union announced the group is preparing a lawsuit that will challenge No Child Left Behind, saying it creates an unfunded mandate on states and districts that is contrary to the intent of Congress.
Legislative Update: House and Senate Appropriations Committees Approve FY 2004 Education Funding Bills
Jul 7 2003 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
The House voted to fund the State Grants for Improving Teacher Quality (Title II Part A grants) at just over $2.9 billion, while the Senate appropriators provided $2.85 billion for these grants, the amount requested by President Bush. The program received just over $2.9 billion in FY 2003.
Legislative Alert: Senate Subcommittee to Vote on FY 2004 Education Programs
Jun 24 2003 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Tomorrow the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee is expected to vote on funding for FY 2004 federal education programs, including the Department of Education Math and Science Partnership Program (Title II, Part B, of No Child Left Behind).
Legislative Update: House Committee Begins Reauthorization of Higher Education Act
Jun 17 2003 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Last week the House Education and Workforce Committee began work on the Higher Education Act (HEA) by passing two of four expected pieces of legislation that will eventually overhaul the federal higher education law. Other topics: No Child Left Behind Implementation Update; Roundup of State Education Layoffs and Cuts Affecting Public Schools; NSF to Fund Research on How People Learn.
NSTA Legislative Update: Funds for Math and Science Programs Are Coming to a State Near You
Apr 7 2003 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Funds for Math and Science Programs Are Coming to a State Near You
Lest Science Be Left Behind? Ed Week Commentary Explores How Science Is Losing Ground
Funds for Math and Science Programs Are Coming to a State Near You
As reported in previous Legislative Updates, appropriated funds for the Math and Science Partnerships under Title II, Part B, of No Child Left Behind reached $101 million for FY03 programs. Because the funding reached the $100 million plateau, these monies will be disbursed to each state education agency later this summer based on a formula that is in proportion to the state's number of school-age children from high-poverty families.
These grants are separate and independent from the National Science Foundation Math/Science Partnerships (MSPs). States will administer these funds to statewide programs through a competitive grant program that will aim to fund science and math education programs, including summer institutes for teachers...
Legislative Alert: FY03 Education Appropriations Bill Goes to Conference Committee
Jan 24 2003 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Both the House and Senate have determined their funding levels for federal education programs for the 2003-2004 school year, and the bill has gone to a conference committee. THIS IS THE TIME to call or e-mail your Representative(s) and Senator(s) to request the larger amount of funding for science and math education! It is very important to phone - or send an e-mail or fax - NOW.
Legislative Alert: Senate Will Vote on FY03 Education Funding SOON
Jan 15 2003 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Later today, the Senate will start debate on funding for the FY03 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill, and a vote on the bill is expected very soon. If you are interested in getting more funding to your state dedicated to science and math education PLEASE take a minute to call your Senator.
Legislative Alert: Repeal of Math and Science Partnerships Programs Eliminated, NSF Reauthorization Stalls
Oct 22 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
The bill to reauthorize the National Science Foundation (NSF) and subsequently the NSF Math and Science Partnerships has hit a snag. Other topics: Congress Leaves Town - Still No Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations; OERI Bill Goes to President Bush; ED Awards 95 Transition to Teaching Grants; Update on No Child Left Behind.
Legislative Alert: NSF Awards First Round of Math and Science Partnerships
Oct 1 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
On September 30, the National Science Foundation announced the Math and Science Partnership grant recipients for FY02. Other topics: New Timelines for FY03 MSP Competition Announced; FY03 Appropriations Update: Congress Passes CR Until Oct. 4
Legislative Update: Math and Science Partnerships Shifted to NSF
Sep 12 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Late last week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted to approve S. 2817, a bill which reauthorizes the National Science Foundation. Language in the bill repeals the Dept. of Education Math and Science Partnerships (Title II Part B of No Child Left Behind) and moves the entire program to the National Science Foundation. Other topics: FY 2003-04 Appropriations Update; House Ed and Workforce Committee Approves Student Loan Forgiveness for Science and Math Teachers.
Legislative Update: The Latest on the Math/Science Partnerships, ESEA, and Teacher Tax Breaks
Jul 19 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
In a blow to science and math education, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted this week to fund the Department of Education's Math and Science Partnerships program at only $25 million for FY 2003, far less than the $450 million authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act. Click above for the latest on this vote, as well as for other news pertaining to ESEA, teacher quality grants, and new tax breaks for educators.
No Child Left Behind: What's in the New Education Reform Law?
Jul 18 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
As you probably know by now, the "No Child Left Behind" Act (signed into law in January 2002) authorizes a sweeping overhaul of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the major federal law for K-12 schools. What do you need to know about the new law? Click above for the latest information from the NSTA Legislative Affairs Department, including a Power Point presentation on NCLB that was given at the NSTA Summer Congress in South Carolina.
Federal Funding for K-12 Science and Math Education Is Woefully Inadequate, Say NSTA and Partner Groups
Jul 17 2002 - NSTA
NSTA and several other groups expressed disappointment today over last night's decision by the Senate Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee to appropriate only $25 million in FY 2003 for the Department of Education's Math and Science Partnerships program. The program -- which is authorized under the No Child Left Behind Act to receive as much as $450 million -- encourages universities, K-12 districts, and businesses to form partnerships aimed at improving science/math education and teacher quality. "This is a definite setback for science and math education," said NSTA Executive Director Gerald Wheeler. "If we want to see the science and math education reforms so clearly outlined in No Child Left Behind actually accomplished, the federal government must step up and help lead the effort to improve K-12 mathematics and science education. The FY 2003 funding level is just unacceptable.” Click here for the full press release...
Urgent Legislative Alert: Senate Appropriations Subcommittee to Determine Funding Levels for Math and Science Partnerships on July 16; Contact Your Senators Today
Jul 15 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
On Tuesday, July 16, the Senate subcommittee for education funding is scheduled to vote on appropriations for federal education programs in FY 2003 (July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004), including funding for the Department of Education's Math and Science Partnerships. The NSTA Legislative Affairs Department urges you to contact your Senators, particularly if they are on the subcommittee, with the following message: “Please fully fund the Math and Science Partnerships Program (Title II, Part B) at $450 million in the Labor, HHS FY 2003 appropriations bill for the Department of Education." Click above for more information...
Legislative Update: Education Appropriations for FY 2003
Apr 26 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Topics: (1) Update on Education Appropriations for FY 2003; (2) K-12 Education Community Gearing Up for No Child Left Behind; (3) Update: Reauthorization of Eisenhower National Clearinghouse (ENC); (4) House Begins Hearings on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Resource Page for Supporting Full Funding of Department of Education's Math and Science Partnerships
Apr 12 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
In the coming weeks, Congress will be determining the FY 2003 appropriations for the Department of Education's Math and Science Partnerships. Here are resources to help you educate members of Congress about the need to fully fund the Partnerships.
The New ESEA: A Roadmap for Science Educators
Mar 13 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
On January 8, 2002, President Bush signed into law the "No Child
Left Behind" (NCLB) Act. NCLB authorizes a sweeping
overhaul of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the major
federal law for K-12 schools. But what does this mean to you, as a
science teacher? What provisions should you be most aware of? This document, prepared by the NSTA Legislative Affairs Dept., is
designed to answer those questions. It introduces science teachers to the
most important pieces of the new ESEA, such as: the new math and science
partnerships, teacher quality grants, upcoming science assessments,
professional development opportunities, and more. It also takes a look at
what's in store for FY 2003, including a push by NSTA and its allies to
boost funding for
the math and science partnerships to $450 million. Click here
for the full
document, which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download).
NSTA Legislative Alert: Legislation Which Could Eliminate the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Science and Math Education (ENC) To Be Considered Later This Week
Mar 10 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
As indicated in the March 7 NSTA Legislative Alert, a House subcommittee is tentatively scheduled later this week to mark-up legislation that could effectively eliminate the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse and the ten Eisenhower math and science regional consortia. This is a second appeal: Teachers, administrators, and others who have used the valuable information and services provided by both the ENC and the regional consortia are urged to contact their Representatives.
NSTA Legislative Alert: New Legislation Could Eliminate the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Science and Math Education (ENC)
Mar 7 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
A bill introduced last week by Rep. Michael Castle has the potential to effectively eliminate the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse and the ten Eisenhower math and science regional consortia. Teachers, administrators, and others who have used the valuable information and services provided by both the ENC and the regional consortia are urged to contact their Representatives to urge full authorization of the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education and the ten regional Eisenhower math and science consortia.
NSTA Legislative Alert: NSF Soliciting Proposals for Math and Science Partnerships
Feb 1 2002 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
The National Science Foundation is soliciting proposals for its FY 2002 Math & Science Partnership program. To learn more, click the link above. In addition, science educators are reminded that they will be eligible to participate in the new ESEA Title II Teacher Quality programs, slated to receive $2.85 billion in FY 2002. Additional details on these ESEA programs will be provided in upcoming NSTA legislative alerts.
NSTA Legislative Alert: Education Appropriators Fund New Math and Science Partnership Programs At Only $12.5 Million
Dec 19 2001 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Despite the best efforts of the NSTA and other groups to encourage lawmakers to fully fund the new math and science partnerships program at the $450 million level requested in H.R. 1, "No Child Left Behind," the Labor-HHS Education Appropriations Conference Committee voted last night to fund the partnerships at only $12.5 million. Click above for details...
NSTA Legislative Alert: Update on Funding for the Math and Science Partnerships
Dec 16 2001 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
FAXES and CALLS STILL NEEDED TO CAPITOL HILL! It's not over yet. The Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations conference committee originally scheduled for Dec. 12 was postponed and is now scheduled for Tuesday, December 18. There is still time to call and fax your Members of Congress about full funding for the Math and Science Partnerships.
NSTA Legislative Alert: Funding for the Math and Science Partnerships MAY BE GONE
Dec 12 2001 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
URGENT: CALLS NEEDED TO CAPITOL HILL! The new Math and Science Partnerships, strongly supported by the NSTA, are in grave danger of receiving little to no funding in FY 2002. NSTA urges you to call your representatives with this message: Fully fund the Math and Science Partnerships at $450 million for FY 2002. Click above for details...
NSTA Legislative Alert: Work Continues on Education Appropriations
Dec 6 2001 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Calls are needed now to the Education Appropriations Committee! It appears that the work on education appropriations is continuing. The conference committee for H. R. 3061, Education Appropriations, is determining the final funding levels for FY 2002 programs under H.R. 1, including the funding level for the Math and Science Partnerships in Title II, Part B. As mentioned in the December 3 Legislative Update, H.R. 1 conferees authorized $450 million for these new programs. The actual amount appropriated for these programs will be decided by the education appropriations conference committee to H.R. 3061.
NSTA Legislative Update: ESEA Conference Committee Reaches Agreement on Several Issues, Including Math and Science Partnerships
Dec 3 2001 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
On Friday, November 29 and earlier last week, the conference committee for H.R. 1, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), met and reached agreement on a number of key issues, including the Title II Teacher Quality programs, the Math and Science Partnerships, program flexibility, annual yearly progress, and national testing.
NSTA Legislative Alert: NAEP 2000 Science Scores Released - No Change From 1996 Scores
Nov 20 2001 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
Earlier today the U.S. Department of Education's National Center
for Education Statistics released the 2000 National Assessment of Educational
Progress (NAEP) science scores for grades four, eight, and 12. Overall, the assessment shows no significant changes in student scores in grades four and eight, and a slight
decline (three points) in students' average score in grade 12 since the
assessment was administered in 1996. Other topics in this Alert: Update on ESEA Authorization; Update on Education FY 2002 Appropriations and NSF FY 2002 Appropriations.
NSTA Legislative Update: Congress Moves To Complete Education Appropriations Bills, ESEA Reauthorization
Oct 17 2001 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
A number of significant education-related developments have occurred recently in Congress, including work on education appropriations bills (the House already passed its bill); ESEA reauthorization (hoped to be finished this fall); and a tech talent bill aimed at increasing the number of scientists and engineers in the nation. With the Senate expected to vote soon on its appropriations bill, teachers are urged to contact their Senators with this message: Guarantee the highest possible funding for the Math and Science Partnerships. Read the full update for all the latest happenings...
Legislative Alert: Work Continues on H.R. 1, Federal Education Reform Bill
Sep 25 2001 - NSTA Legislative Affairs
After the September 11 attacks, Congress and the White House are determined to put federal education reform back on the agenda. Find out where NSTA stands on pending legislation, and learn what you can do to ensure that science teachers get the professional support they need.
NSTA Sends Letter to Congress in Support of Key Provisions of H.R. 1
Aug 31 2001 - NSTA, NCTM, Triangle Coalition
Letter to conference committee from NSTA, NCTM, and the Triangle Coalition requesting that the bill (1) maintain the math and science partnerships at the state level; (2) support high-need LEA participation in math and science partnerships; and (3) maintain the priority for partnerships that use funds for summer institutes.
Legislative Update: Final Programs for Elementary and Secondary Education Bill NOW Being Determined
Aug 10 2001 - NSTA
As reported in previous legislative updates, both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate have finished work on their respective bills to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the law that governs the majority of federal K-12 education programs.
In the next few weeks, and most likely into September, a conference committee composed of members from both chambers will be working to reconcile differences between the two bills...
<< back to most recent stories
|
|
