Archived Information

## NC Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center

# [Goal area of the activity]{.underline}: Engaging the Public

[Summary:]{.underline} Findings in a consensus report, [The State of
Disconnectedness: An Examination of Mathematics and Science Instruction
in the North Carolina Public Schools]{.underline}, developed by the N.C.
Public School Forum in 1995, showed that poor communication, blurred
lines of accountability, and a failure to marshal the wealth of
resources have lessened the likelihood that substantial progress will be
made in the areas of science, mathematics, and technology education in
North Carolina. In 2001, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund found that not much
has changed since this report was published. The Burroughs Wellcome Fund
supported the development of collaborative partnerships to catalyze the
establishment of a new, neutral, non-profit entity that could function
as a science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) education champion for
North Carolina. Hence, the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and
Technology Education was created.

[Purpose:]{.underline} The mission of the Center is to systematically
improve performance in science, mathematics, and technology pre K-12
education as a means of providing all children in North Carolina with
the necessary knowledge and skills in science, mathematics, and
technology to have successful careers, be good citizens, and advance the
economy of the state. The SMT Education Center will be an essential
element in the march to achieving North Carolina's vision of having the
best public schools in the nation by 2010. The following goals could map
a path to knowledge gains by all children in science, mathematics, and
technology pre K-12 education.

-   To articulate a vision for science, mathematics, and technology
    education in North Carolina to broaden awareness of the need for a
    scientifically literate workforce and to solicit support for high
    quality programs of instruction;

-   To work with government, industry, the education community and
    parents to connect and facilitate achieving continuously improving
    level of performance in science, mathematics, and technology by all
    children in pre K-12; and to advocate for equitable and adequate
    resources for all pre K-12 children;

-   To mobilize expertise and leverage resources to reach all pre K-12
    children in each of North Carolina's 117 school systems to foster
    comprehensive and challenging programs of instruction in science,
    mathematics, and technology instruction including the dissemination
    of effective tools and learning methods and the provision of
    technical assistance to educational leaders (including principals
    and teachers); and

-   To work with existing organizations to research, develop, and
    disseminate information on the state of science, mathematics, and
    technology pre K-12 education to policymakers and the media in order
    to improve decision-making and to identify gaps that need to be
    addressed.

[Accomplishments:]{.underline} The Center is offering its first program,
the Teacher Link Program, to connect scientists, mathematicians, and
engineers with teachers in the classrooms. A major component of this
program is to not only educate the scientists on how to assist teachers
in the implementation of their curriculum, but to also educate them on
the K-12 education process and the political factors influencing
classroom instruction. As a result, these scientists, engineers, and
mathematicians can become engaged in public policy, work with local
school boards, advocate for higher level curriculum, and work with
parents.

[Plans for the next 12 months include:]{.underline} The Center's
strategy includes hosting educational forums across the state, creating
a network of SMT "police" in each community to support, encourage, and
insure that science, mathematics, and technology are seen as
critical/essential areas of study for every student, conducting an
inventory of SMT programs being offered, assessing available school data
and recommending changes, and communicating to teachers and school
leaders what resources are available.