PUBLIC Law, Chapter 346, An Act To Encourage Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education

An Act To Encourage Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education

Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, according to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for labor force needs over the next decade, 18 of the 20 fastest-growing occupations are directly related to knowledge and education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and

Whereas, less than 5% of Maine high school students score at the advanced level in mathematics and less than 15% of Maine's bachelor's degrees are awarded in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and

Whereas, it is necessary to enact this legislation immediately in order that the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council established in this Act may begin its work in time to make its initial report by January 2012; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §12004-C, sub-§8 is enacted to read:

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council

Expenses Only

20-A MRSA §11

Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA §11 is enacted to read:

§ 11. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council

1. Establishment; composition. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council, established in Title 5, section 12004-C, subsection 8 and referred to in this section as "the council," consists of the following 16 members:

A. Five ex officio members:

(1) The Commissioner of Education or the commissioner's designee;

(2) The Chancellor of the University of Maine System or the chancellor's designee;

(3) The President of the Maine Community College System or the president's designee;

(4) The President of the Maine Maritime Academy or the president's designee; and

(5) The Commissioner of Labor or the commissioner's designee; and

B. The following 11 members, appointed by the Governor:

(1) A representative from the University of Maine, Maine Center for Research in STEM Education;

(2) A representative who teaches in elementary or middle school;

(3) A representative who teaches science or mathematics in secondary school;

(4) A representative who teaches in a technical school;

(5) A representative of public and private education partnerships;

(6) A representative of a statewide science, technology, engineering and mathematics collaborative;

(7) Two representatives from the business sector who employ workers with training in science, technology, engineering or mathematics;

(8) A representative employed in an industry related to science, technology, engineering or mathematics;

(9) A representative who teaches in an equivalent instruction program that is approved as an alternative to public school as set forth in section 5001-A, subsection 3; and

(10) A representative from the State Board of Education.

2. Terms; vacancy. The members of the council appointed pursuant to subsection 1, paragraph B serve for 2-year terms and serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. On the expiration of a term of any member, a successor must be appointed to a 2-year term. A member of the council is eligible for reappointment to the council. A vacancy in the council does not impair the right of a quorum of the members to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the council. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the membership, the Governor shall appoint a replacement member for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment was made.

3. Duties. The council shall develop strategies for enhancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education from prekindergarten through postsecondary education and:

A. Review research that has been conducted on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in the State and recommend strategic directions for consideration by policymakers as they identify future investments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics;

B. Plan for coordinated state leadership with respect to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and initiatives;

C. Develop initiatives to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics education;

D. Devise strategies for promoting career and technical education alignment and supporting early career planning and transition supports from high school to college and to the workforce; and

E. Propose methods for integrating out-of-school programs focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics with school-based programs, with the goal of inspiring more students to concentrate in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

4. Chair; vice-chair. The council shall elect from its membership a chair and a vice-chair. The chair and vice-chair serve for one-year terms. The chair and vice-chair serve until their successors are elected. The chair calls meetings of the council and presides over meetings. The vice-chair serves as the chair in the absence of the chair.

5. Meetings; quorum; subcommittees. The council shall meet at least 2 times each year. The chair shall establish the agenda. A quorum of the council is 9 members. The council may establish subcommittees of no fewer than 3 members.

6. Compensation. Members of the council appointed pursuant to subsection 1, paragraph B are entitled to receive compensation for travel expenses as allowed under Title 5, section 12004-C, subsection 8 while engaged in council activities.

7. Assistance. The Department of Education, the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System shall jointly provide staff support to the council.

8. Annual report. By January 15th annually, the council shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters.

Sec. 3. Staggered terms. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 11, subsection 2, the terms of the 11 initial appointments made in accordance with Title 20-A, section 11, subsection 1, paragraph B are staggered as follows: 6 of the appointees must be appointed for 2-year terms and 5 of the appointees must be appointed for 3-year terms.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

Effective June 14, 2011.

SP0490 LD 1540	PUBLIC Law, Chapter 346 Emergency Signed on 2011-06-14 00:00:00.0 - First Regular Session - 125th Maine Legislature
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