Q: What is Mathematics Awareness Month?
A: Mathematics Awareness Month was first recognized in 1986 through a Presidential Proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. This April marks the 22nd installment of Mathematics Awareness Month with the fitting theme of “Math and Voting.” Mathematics has always served as a keystone in our educational system but in a competitive global economy, making math a priority is of the utmost importance. The world has changed dramatically with the use of new technologies and with that, so has the way we conduct business. College graduates will no longer be competing in a job pool with just their fellow Americans but with a large group of highly qualified applicants from around the world. The United States has for many years ranked behind several countries in math and science education. Greater value needs to be placed on high achievement in math and science and Mathematics Awareness Month is a start. For more information on Mathematics Awareness Month, visit www.mathaware.org
Q: What’s being done to make sure advanced learners are being challenged in the classroom?
A: I’ve been a longtime advocate for talented and gifted students. America’s future economic prosperity depends on challenging and encouraging our best and brightest students to excel so that they will some day be the scientists, engineers, and researchers who create the innovations that will drive our economy. I have scored several legislative victories to make sure these students are receiving the education that will help them reach their potential. Two such victories happened when I had two amendments included in the America Competes Act. Both of these amendments focused on providing opportunities for advanced learners by offering access to more stimulating coursework. It’s important that gifted students have these types of opportunities, but it’s also important that teachers have the training to challenge these types of students. I pushed for provisions in the Senate-passed Higher Education Authorization Bill that would require teacher preparation institutions that receive federal grant money to ensure that prospective teachers develop the skills to identify and meet the specific learning needs of gifted and talented students. I’ve also pushed to provide adequate funding for the Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act. This program is the only source of federal funds currently focused on helping meet the unique needs of gifted and talented students. I’m also working to improve this program so that it is able to directly enhance efforts in every state to support gifted learners. I’ll continue to push Congress to support initiatives that help develop the next generation of innovators.