Resolve, To Understand and Assist in Efforts To Promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education

Sec. 1. Collect information. Resolved: That the Department of Education and the University of Maine System shall collect science, technology, engineering and math information and data by November 1, 2009 on science, technology, engineering and math initiatives in consultation with the State Board of Education, public and private partnerships, including pilot projects and nonprofit and other organizations and businesses that work on promoting science, technology, engineering and math initiatives through mentoring and other programs and any science, technology, engineering and math initiatives collaborative efforts; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That with the data and information collected on science, technology, engineering and math initiatives under section 1, the Department of Education shall produce a report with its findings and recommendations for review by the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs no later than December 15, 2009. The report must focus on the following:

1. Informing the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs about the initiatives that work to inspire students in the science, technology, engineering and math areas of education;

2. The benefits of promoting science, technology, engineering and math education, including, but not limited to, job possibilities, job availability, wages and how promoting science, technology, engineering and math is tied to economic development of the State;

3. Suggestions for expanding science, technology, engineering and math initiatives throughout the State, including ideas for professional development;

4. Ideas of how to integrate and promote science, technology, engineering and math education in prekindergarten to grade 12 to inspire students to continue education in those subjects when pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees;

5. Possible funding sources to further promote science, technology, engineering and math education; and

6. Helpful data or information to assist the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.

The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs may submit legislation based on the findings and recommendations of the report submitted by the Department of Education to the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature by February 1, 2010.