"There is no question that the United States has lead the way in the technological advances that have occurred over the decade.  I am concerned, however, that we will lose our competitive edge due to the future workforce's lack of skills and training in math and science education, said Andrews.  "As such, my colleagues and I have passed this legislation to give our teachers the resources they need to provide students, like those here at Bellmawr Park, with the requisite math and science education so that they are able to excel in the high tech world of the future."

 According to CyberEducation 2002, a report released by the American
Electronics Association, the nation's largest high-tech industry association and The Nasdaq Stock Market, only 17 percent of twelfth graders scored at or above proficient in math and twelfth grade science scores are on the decline.  Additionally, only 27 percent of 8th graders were proficient in math and just 32 percent of 8th graders scored proficient in science based on the 2000 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests for these subjects.  Moreover, engineering and engineering technology degrees dropped 4 percent between 1995 and 2000, from 125,000 to 120,000. Electrical and electronic engineering degrees, a core field of study for the high-tech industry, fell even more rapidly, 14 percent, during the same time.  The American Society for Engineering Education has warned of a giant skill gap in the U.S. workforce, noting that some 20 million high tech jobs will be created by 2008.

 As a result of the funding authorized by H.R. 1, school districts will be permitted to apply for direct aid to support the creation and maintenance of math and science education initiatives.  Under this innovative program, schools will receive funding to:

(1) develop or redesign more rigorous math and science curricula;
(2) provide professional development for teachers designed to improve their
subject knowledge;
(3) promote strong teaching skills that include those based on scientific
research and technology-based teaching methods;
(4) operate summer workshops or institutes;
(5) recruit math, science, and engineering majors into teaching;
(6) establish distance learning programs;
(7) design programs to prepare teachers to mentor other teachers;
(8) operate programs to bring math and science teachers into contact with
working scientists, mathematicians, and engineers;
(9) design programs to identify and develop exemplary math and science
teachers in grades K-8; and
(10) develop programs to encourage young women and other underrepresented
groups to pursue careers in math, science, engineering, and technology.

 As part of an entire day devoted to promoting math and science education,
Rep. Andrews met with students at the Haddon Township High School to discuss the connection between a strong math and science education and their future employment.  The Congressman explained that virtually every area of employment, especially jobs in technology, finance, and medicine, will rely on a persons ability comprehend some math and science.  As such, he encouraged each of these students to focus on these areas of study to prepare themselves for future employment opportunities.  He urged students to seek extra help in these subjects and pointed to the provisions in H.R. 1 as a source of that aid.

 While the provisions contained in H.R. 1 will prepare future workers for engineering and high tech employment, these initiatives do not address the immediate need for trained employees.  Rep. Andrews visited K-Tron America, an engineering firm in Pitman, to highlight the partnership that exists between Rowan University and private engineering firms to provide engineering students with paid internship opportunities to help bridge this current gap.  This mutually beneficial partnership provides engineering students with an exciting opportunity to gain valuable employment experience while they complete their degree as well as to provide employers in the engineering and technology industry the staff they need to run their business.

 This program has allowed K-Tron to hire Jay Daniels, a recent engineering graduate from Rowan, who participated in a summer intern program with
K-Tron.  Based on the success of this partnership, K-Tron has pledged to hire an additional Rowan graduate at the conclusion of this school year.
Rowan has similar partnerships with over fifty technology and engineering companies worldwide to give their students a diverse educational experience in the field of math and science while helping these companies to bridge the technological training gap that currently exists.

 "I am optimistic that the initiatives to improve math and science education contained within H.R. 1 will ultimately produce a highly trained workforce of men and women who skilled in math and science education," said Andrews.
"As we progress toward that end, I commend the work of Rowan University and
K-Tron America who, through innovative thinking, are bridging the technology gap that currently exists in our country."

 Finally, Rep. Andrews concluded his day by attending the Berlin Township
D.A.R.E. Recognition Ceremony at the Eisenhower Middle School to commend these fifth grade students for taking the pledge to remain drug-free. The
Congressman pointed to the importance of living free of substance abuse in order to excel in school.  The Berlin Township D.A.R.E. program has existed since 1990 to reduce the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, by teaching these students about the consequences of substance abuse.
 
 

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