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Talking Points
National Math-Science Online Lobby Week
June 14-18, 2004

To find out who represents you in Congress, go to http://www.house.gov or http://www.senate.gov.

You can also send e-mail messages to your members of Congress using http://www.house.gov or http://www.senate.gov.

Include any or all of the points below in what you send, and if possible, personalize your message.

  • The science and math education communities appreciate the continued support of $150 million provided in the FY 2004 budget for the Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program at the Department of Education, which is authorized under Title II B of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). 
  • As the appropriations process begins, I urge you to continue the federal commitment to math and science education by providing $300 million to the Math and Science Partnership program at the U.S. Department of Education in the FY2005 Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations bill.
  • I encourage you to oppose the Administration’s request to use increased funding in this program solely for high school mathematics remediation programs. This proposal runs counter to congressional intent for this program by focusing only on math, and it reduces the state’s flexibility to target funds to areas of greatest need.
  • The funds appropriated for the MSPs at the U. S. Department of Education go directly to the states as block grants, and allow all states to replicate and implement math and science programs that will increase student achievement in these areas. The program facilitates partnerships between schools, higher education, and other public and private entities to create effective and innovative initiatives, such as professional development for in-service teachers, curriculum development, and programs for new teachers. 
  • These funds will be critical as districts and states work to implement NCLB state science assessments by 2007, and ensure that their science teachers are highly qualified by 2005-06.
  • A strong K-12 math and science education provided to all students is increasingly important to our nation’s economic stability, future national security, and future workforce. 


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