Congresswoman Johnson Fights for Minority Participation in Science

CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON FIGHTS FOR MINORITY PARTICIPATION IN SCIENCE

The U.S. House Committee on Science today advanced legislation aimed at spurring global competitiveness and improving science and math education. The education bill approved by the Committee places the responsibility for administering the programs with the National Science Foundation (NSF). Under the insistence of the Committee, the Foundation should play a major role in initiatives that promote competitiveness in order to improve math and science education.

Congresswoman Johnson offered an amendment designed to increase partnerships between high schools, universities, and industries to improve high school math and science labs. As the Committee debated the amendment, the Congresswoman remarked, "Students must be shown, from a young age, that science and math are fun. A vital part of having a meaningful education experience is access to resources. Science and math classrooms should engage kids and be well-equipped to captivate their imaginations. Microscopes, computers, projectors, chemistry sets and other equipment are key items that link math and science education to a students' sense of practicality. Kids need to visualize the applicability of these subjects to everyday life. That vision often begins in the high school laboratory."

Although the amendment was withdrawn from consideration by the full Committee, the Chairman expressed his interest in working to encourage underrepresented minorities, such as African Americans and Hispanics, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

"Universities, colleges, technology companies, and other scientific and engineering groups are rich with opportunities. This amendment provides a mechanism for schools to engage these opportunities," said the Congresswoman. "The ultimate goal is to open the lines of communication between these partners and enhance our math and science classrooms. Only then can the hearts of future scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians be captivated."

The Science Committee unanimously approved bills to enhance teacher education, training and mentorship programs, fund high-risk high-reward research, support early career scientists, and more.

The Congresswoman remarked, "A nation that cannot compete in math and science is a nation without a future. Advances in medicine, engineering and technology have touched every aspect of our lives. Although my hope was to see a much greater emphasis on programs supporting underrepresented minorities, I applaud the Committee's efforts to improve our national science and technology workforce."

http://www.house.gov/list/press/tx30_johnson/060706a.html