Florida Mathematics and Science Education Initiative

1. Florida Mathematics and Science Education Initiative http://www.flsummit.usf.edu/ CIMS Florida Coalition for Improving Mathematics and Science Literacy Gerry G. Meisels, Chairman E-mail: meisels@csl.usf.edu Tel. 813-974-7183 Update November 2, 2005

2. Long-Term Objectives • Provide the best possible education in mathematics and science to the vast majority of Florida’s students • Increase the number of students seeking careers in mathematics, science, and M/S education CIMS

3. Justification • Florida is loosing High-Tech Industry and high wage/high value jobs to other countries and other states • Florida’s High-Tech Industry cannot grow without a qualified workforce and even existing industry cannot hire enough qualified workers • Florida has difficulty attracting new High-Tech Industry in part because our mathematics and science (M/S) education is nationally perceived as weak • A qualified workforce includes large numbers prepared to work at the technician-level; it also includes M/S specialists (BS, MS, and Ph. D.) CIMS

4. Cost Dimensions • Systemic, statewide improvement cannot happen without substantial investment • Models of excellence are not sufficient to change overall competency of graduates • A quality, statewide program for all who teach M/S has a continuing cost of about $80M • Alabama just appropriated $15M for a statewide elementary/middle school initiative (AMSTI) CIMS

5. Strategy • Necessary funds must be both adequate and continuing; they can only be provided by legislative appropriations • Engage policymakers and business-industry leaders to make the case • Pursue goals and funding consistently -“Steady Drop Hollows the Stone” CIMS

6. Florida Summit on Mathematics and Science Education GOAL: Enhance Florida’s Economic Development by Preparing a Workforce Educated in Mathematics and Science STRATEGY: Strengthen Student Achievement in Mathematics and Science By Increasing Teacher Effectiveness CIMS

7. Some Recommended Actions • Help ALL mathematics and science teachers at ALL levels (K-12) reach ALL students regardless of initial motivation and background (more than just PD) • Align teacher education programs with current needs • Establish incentive programs for students and institutions that increase performance and numbers of STEM/MS education majors • Attract women and minorities to the study of STEM • Increase competency requirements in M/S for high school graduation CIMS

8. Calendar of Events CIMS

9. Calendar of Events continued CIMS

10. M/S Summit II Dec. 12, 2005 • For Superintendents, Principals, and Legislators • Arrangements and invitations by DOE • Michelle Reaves, DOE, principal organizer • Initial planning by Deputy Chancellor Mary Jane Tappen, Michelle Reaves, and Gerry Meisels • Final planning at CIMS Board meeting Nov. 9 CIMS

11. M/S Summit II Draft Agenda • Objective: Secure Commitment to Action • AM: Presentations on the M/S Education Crisis; • Dr. Harry Orf (Scripps) • Dr. Pat O’Connel Ross (USDOE) • Dr. Norman Thagard (TLH Challenger Ctr; lunch) • PM: Parallel action planning work groups CIMS

12. Other Forthcoming Actions* • Speakers’ Bureau • Preparation of Master Materials • Scheduling Center • Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) • Production of 30 second spots • Station Invitation * Supported in part by NSF CIMS