07.10.15

Klobuchar, Hoeven STEM Legislation Included in Every Child Achieves Act

Provision Continues Senators' Efforts to Promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education and Training

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) today announced that legislation they introduced to bolster Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education has been included as part of the Every Child Achieves Act, which updates the No Child Left Behind federal education law.

The bipartisan legislation improves students’ access to STEM education by allowing states to award funding to create or enhance a STEM-focused specialty school or a STEM program within a school. The amendment also directs the U.S. Department of Education to identify STEM-specific needs of states and school districts and align existing STEM programs with identified needs to avoid unnecessary duplication.

“To stay competitive in the global economy, we need a 21st century education system that gives our students the skills they need to be successful in high-tech, high-wage jobs,” Klobuchar said. “This amendment will boost STEM opportunities across the country and help prepare students today for the jobs of tomorrow.”

“In North Dakota, STEM education prepares students to fill the workforce needs of our dynamic economy – from the high tech industries in the east to the energy fields in the west,” said Hoeven. “This amendment will help ensure our students are able to access STEM educations, which also promote problem-solving, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills.”

Specifically, the amendment:

  • Expands a school district’s allowable use of funds to create and enhance a STEM-focused specialty school (or a STEM program within a school).
  • Directs the Department of Education to avoid unnecessary duplication of STEM programmatic activities supported by the Department of Education and other federal agencies.
  • Requires the Secretary of Education to align federal STEM activities with state and district needs.

In March, Klobuchar and Hoeven met with STEM students at Sheyenne High School in West Fargo and Horizon Middle School in Moorhead to highlight the schools’ work to prepare students for advanced STEM curriculum. This legislation continues the senators’ efforts to promote and support STEM education.

-###-