KRS § 164.0287 — KY Code / Title XIII / Chapter 164 / Section 164.0287
164.0287 Duties of STEM Initiative Task Force -- Strategic plan -- Business plan
Status: in_force

164.0287 Duties of STEM Initiative Task Force -- Strategic plan -- Business plan.

(1) The STEM Initiative Task Force shall explore the critical relationship between

STEM degree production and the knowledge-based economy of Kentucky and make

recommendations to accelerate Kentucky's performance in the STEM disciplines.

The task force shall develop a comprehensive, statewide strategic plan and a

business plan to improve STEM performance in government, business, elementary

and secondary education, and postsecondary education.

(2) The strategic plan shall include but not be limited to:

(a) Energizing a statewide public awareness campaign to help Kentuckians

understand the critical importance of STEM to their own economic

competitiveness and that of the Commonwealth;

(b) Creating incentives and a supportive environment for students, teachers, and

institutions that pursue, succeed, and excel in the STEM disciplines

throughout the P-20 educational pipeline;

(c) Implementing international best practices in professional development

programs for P-16 STEM teachers to increase the intensity, duration, and rigor

of professional development;

(d) Improving teacher preparation programs and encouraging people with

undergraduate and graduate degrees in the STEM disciplines to enter the

teaching profession;

(e) Revolutionizing how STEM subjects are taught, learned, and assessed and

implementing a statewide, research-based STEM curriculum that is aligned

with global workforce and academic standards;

(f) Engaging business, industry, and civic leaders to improve STEM education

and skills in the Commonwealth and creating incentives for Kentucky

businesses that employ and invest in STEM-educated students;

(g) Developing an ongoing, coordinated, statewide STEM initiative that

maximizes the impact of resources among government agencies, schools,

colleges and universities, and businesses, and which is focused on developing

and attracting STEM-related jobs in Kentucky;

(h) Targeting energy sustainability problems and opportunities in Kentucky and

the nation as a primary objective of statewide STEM enhancements;

(i) Developing STEM mentoring programs that partner students in grades five (5)

through twelve (12), their teachers, or both, with engineers, business

professionals, college or university professors, university students, or others

with expertise in the STEM disciplines to link academic coursework with the

real world, underscoring the importance of rigorous academic preparation and

encouraging pursuit of careers in the STEM disciplines; and

(j) Creating recognition awards and activities and financial support for

individuals, businesses, or organizations that exhibit excellence in mentoring

within the STEM disciplines.

(3) The STEM Task Force shall develop a business plan aligned with the strategic plan

which includes measurable benchmarks for progress in achieving the goals within

the strategic plan for one (1) year, three (3) year, and five (5) year time periods. The

initial business plan shall be presented to the Interim Joint Committees on

Appropriations and Revenue and Education by December 30, 2008. In subsequent

years, the task force shall review and revise the business plan as needed to further

the purposes of the STEM Initiative.