Given the competing demands for funding this legislative session, it's fair to ask how important is this program. I would respond that it is very important, for it is unlike any other program in the state. It deserves the funding in this bill because it has proved its success. It has done exactly what a pilot program should do. It has accomplished just what a good pilot program should do - start small, demonstrate its success and then expand to meet the need.
Additional funding is needed.
But there is one other fact that I would ask you to keep in mind as you consider this legislation. Consider the MEA test data. Take a look at the latest test scores for 1998-99. When you look at the 8th grade scores, you will see that of the seven categories students performed worst in science. When you look at the 11th grade scores, you will see that of the seven categories students performed worst in science.