Governor M. Jodi Rell today hosted academic and business leaders at the Legislative Office Building to launch a statewide initiative to inspire and encourage Connecticut students’ interest and achievement in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Our ability to compete successfully in the 21st-century economy depends on a workforce skilled in science and the technical fields,” Governor Rell said. “Connecticut has always been a leader in innovation and technology, but we cannot take our position for granted. The challenge today is to plan innovative ways to nurture interest among students at an early age -- and keep that momentum going through high school, college, and beyond.
“With each passing year, the economy itself becomes more technologically complex, demanding high-level skills in the sciences and technology,” said Governor Rell, who recently proclaimed October as Connecticut Teachers of Mathematics and Science Appreciation Month. “If Connecticut is to attract new jobs and keep the jobs we have, our workforce must excel in science, technology, engineering and math. Today’s students will be the workers of tomorrow. It is up to us to give them the opportunities and skills they need to keep Connecticut’s economy growing.”
Today’s event, dubbed the CONNvene summit to advance education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is part of a series of forums in response to a call to action from the Governor for business and education leaders to come together as “Knowledge Partners for the Knowledge Economy.”
Connecticut has long been a national leader in math and science student achievement. State results on the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) show that the percentage of Grade 4 and 8 students scoring at or above the NAEP proficient level in mathematics continues to remain consistently above the national average. However, the overall mathematics results in either grade were not significantly different from the previous test in 2003, and disparities in testing achievement by gender, racial/ethnic and economic groups remains a concern.
CONNvene brings together policymakers and business and educational leaders to identify critical issues related to advancing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in Connecticut, establishing a statewide dialogue that will result in a coordinated and comprehensive plan to measurably improve student interest and achievement to better meet Connecticut’s economic development, quality of life and 21st-century workforce needs.
“Connecticut’s economic success depends on creating and retaining an effective workforce – one educated to thrive in a knowledge- and innovation-based economy,” said MaryAnn Hanley of the Office for Workforce Competitiveness. “Science, technology, engineering and mathematics education is critical for Connecticut to remain a competitive economic environment.”
The anticipated results of the event include:
A blueprint to focus federal, state and local resources on STEM improvement;
Strategies for consideration by the governor, legislature, state boards of education and higher education, local school districts and communities on how to improve student interest and achievement in STEM education for all students, with specific emphasis placed on eradicating achievement gaps;
A proposal for a coordinated and comprehensive business and industry support program;
Consideration for public policy initiatives; and
Implementation of a statewide public awareness campaign to engage parents and child caregivers to ensure all Connecticut students receive appropriate STEM education opportunities.
The Connecticut Academy for Education won a competitive grant to fund the Governor’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) summit. The year-long initiative will be guided by the Office for Workforce Competitiveness, the state Department of Education, the Department of Higher Education and Charter Oak College. The effort is funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and U.S. Department of Education, and is administered nationwide by the National Alliance of State Science and Mathematics Coalitions.
