HD14 - Math, Science, and Technology Education in the Commonwealth at the Elementary, Secondary, and Undergraduate Levels


    Executive Summary:
    The joint subcommittee established by House Joint Resolution 25 to study math, science, and technology education concluded its first year of study after its fourth meeting on December 4th, 2006. Although the joint subcommittee made no formal recommendations at the conclusion of the 2006 Interim, the joint subcommittee has the background necessary to pursue more definitive recommendations during the 2007 Interim.

    At the first meeting of the 2006 Interim the joint subcommittee elected Delegate Cosgrove as Chairman and Senator Devolites-Davis as Vice Chairman. During its four meetings of the 2006 Interim the joint subcommittee received presentations from over a dozen presenters from the Department of Education, Governor's Schools, the State Council of Higher Education, the Virginia Community College System, principals, teachers, and high school students. The main purpose of the presentations was to provide an adequate background in the Commonwealth's public education system, and specifically, how it incorporates math, science and technology education.

    One of the major highlights of the 2006 Interim was a visit to the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. The joint subcommittee took a tour of the high school and concluded the day with a panel discussion with students and faculty. Additionally, students from the approximately 100 person audience were able to ask the joint subcommittee questions related to science and technology education and the role of the General Assembly in setting state education policies.

    The joint subcommittee agreed to hold its first meeting of the 2007 interim in March, at the conclusion of 2007 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Prior to the joint subcommittee's first meeting members were encouraged to communicate any ideas or suggestions to staff in preparation of the 2007 Interim.

    All materials and presentations from the 2006 Interim are available on the joint subcommittee's website, located at http://dls.state.va.us/TechEd.htm.

    [There will be no interim report, only a final report.]
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    Chairman: Delegate John A. Cosgrove
    Contact: Patrick Cushing, Staff Attorney, Division of Legislative Services
    Nicole M. Seeds, Staff Attorney, Division of Legislative Services