BILL ANALYSIS
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 1444|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 1444
Author: Hancock (D)
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE : 6-1, 4/21/10
AYES: Romero, Alquist, Hancock, Liu, Simitian, Wyland
NOES: Huff
NO VOTE RECORDED: Maldonado, Price
SUBJECT : Pupil instruction: science, technology,
engineering, and
mathematics education
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill defines science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics education as courses or a
sequence of courses that prepare pupils for occupations and
careers that require technically sophisticated skills, as
specified.
ANALYSIS : Existing law establishes requirements for
courses of study in grades 1 through 12 and requires the
adopted courses of study for grades 1-6 and grades 7-12 to
offer courses in specified areas of study, including
science and mathematics.
Existing law requires courses in certain career technical
education programs, such as Regional Occupational Centers
CONTINUED
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and Programs (ROC/Ps), to be part of occupational course
sequences that target comprehensive skills.
This bill defines science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) education to mean courses or sequence of
courses that prepare pupils for occupations and careers
that require technically sophisticated skills, including
the application of mathematical and scientific skills and
concepts and specifies:
1.In grades -16, inclusive, STEM education includes
foundational courses in mathematics, science, and
technology that lead to success in challenging and
applies classes in grades 7-12.
2.In grades 7-12, inclusive, STEM education includes
rigorous and challenging courses that include the
application of science, mathematics, and technology. The
bill further specifies that STEM education in high school
includes courses and pathways for pupils to explore and
prepare for careers and occupations in STEM fields.
Background
STEM Education . In 2007, the national Academies of
Sciences published a report titled, "Rising Above the
Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a
Brighter Economic Future," that contained a number of
findings and recommendations for bolstering U.S.
competitiveness and pre-eminence in the global science and
technology marketplace. Among the recommendations was the
need to strengthen K-12 science and mathematics education,
both as a way to strengthen skills needed by employers, but
also to encourage more students to pursue occupations and
careers in STEM fields. The federal America COMPETES Act
of 2007, which was a legislative response to the
recommendations contained in the report, focused on three
primary areas: (1) increasing research investment, (2)
strengthening educational opportunities in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics for elementary
through graduate school, and (3) developing an innovation
infrastructure.
As Congress prepares to take up the reauthorization of the
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America COMPETES Act, the House Committee on Science and
Technology has had an informational hearing on STEM
education in which witnesses stressed the need to continue
its efforts to strengthen K-12 STEM education and the
importance of involving school systems, institutions of
higher education, informal science education centers,
science-based institutions, museums, local governments, and
the business community to help all students increase STEM
literacy skills.
To the extent that this bill enables California to have a
definition "on the books" concerning STEM education, this
bill could not only provide a framework for STEM curriculum
but could also enhance the state's ability to participate
in grant programs that may be established with the
reauthorization of the federal America COMPETES and the
Elementary and Secondary Education Acts.
Related Legislation
SB 956 (Romero), 2009-10 Session . Establishes a program to
enable teachers affected by a reduction in force to meet
subject matter competency requirements to become authorized
to teach STEM subjects. (In Senate Appropriations
Committee)
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No
Local: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 4/28/10)
Bayer Health Care
California Alliance for Arts Education (if amended)
California Science Teachers Association
California Space Authority
Small School Districts' Association
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT : According to the author's office,
there is a demonstrated deficiency in the number of high
school graduates with competency in math, science, and/or
technology, and a growing gap between workforce needs and
qualified college/postbaccalaureate applicants. By
defining STEM education in statute, the author hopes to
provide a framework for structuring future STEM curriculum
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and course sequences.
CPM:cm 4/28/10 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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