Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Coalition Letter to Appropriators on FY 2006 Budget Request for Department of Education Mathematics and Science Partnership Program, signed onto by AIP in March, 2005:

Dear Mr. Chairman:

On behalf of the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, higher education and business groups listed here, we thank you for your efforts to secure $179 million for the FY 2005 Math and Science Partnership program at the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education Coalition greatly appreciates your continued support to improve STEM education at all levels.

It is imperative that the work continues and additional funding be provided to the ED MSPs so we can ensure that all students receive a world-class education in science and math. We understand in these tight fiscal times, Congress is unable to provide the NCLB authorization of $450 million for the MSPs, but we do support substantial increases in order to prepare for the science assessments that will be required in 2007. Therefore, we urge you to support the President’s request of $269 million for the FY 2006 Math and Science Partnerships under Title II, Part B of NCLB.

Additionally, we urge you to oppose the creation of a new initiative that would redirect $120 million of the funds away from the ED state-based MSP programs to create a new federal grant program. This would require a change to the NCLB statute, cut funds to the states, and greatly reduce state flexibility to meet their most critical needs.

Funding for the ED MSPs go directly to the states as formula block grants. States provide these funds through competitive grants to local partnerships of schools, higher education institutions and others for reform efforts to meet the NCLB math and science education obligations. Most grants go to high-need districts so they can strengthen teacher professional development and increase student performance in science, mathematics, and technology.

In summary, we strongly urge Congress to fund the FY 2006 ED Math and Science Partnerships at $269 million and to oppose efforts to redirect $120 million of these funds away from the states.

If we can provide any additional information or answer questions, please contact Patti Curtis at 202.785.7385.