Missouri Tech Ed needs a boost

Gov. Matt Blunt commented that Missouri's low scores and declining participation in the math and science fields is less about innate ability and more to do with encouragement and opportunity.

"It's not because we are inherently bad at math and science," said Blunt.

To address the decline, the governor introduced an initiative Monday to increase interest and student achievement in math, engineering, technology, and science.

Blunt's plan includes:

• $2.9 million to create 100 "tech" classrooms in 100 schools statewide to assist teachers in integrating technology in classroom instruction.
• $250,000 in training for teachers and administration.
• $250,000 to cover part of the cost of taking math and science advanced placement tests.
• $100,000 from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to train more AP teachers.

The recommendations were part of a consultation with the METS Coalition, a group of businesses including Boeing, Fleishman-Hillard, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and others interested in fostering a tech-based farm team in Missouri from which to develop potential future employees. The coalition was kicked off at a summit held by the Governor last spring.

The coalition is assisting DESE in developing school curriculums and some members help directly through the Show-Me scholars mentoring program.

Deb Hollingsworth, chair of the coalition and vice-president for external affairs at SBC, said the members had spent a great deal of personal and professional time on the project.

Hollingsworth called it a "moral imperative" that they, "demand more from our students and give them the tools."

The governor noted after the presentation that Missouri is competing on the world stage with China, India and other nations.

"This is why we have this alliance," said Gov. Blunt. "This is why we have this initiative."