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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. James Roebuck |
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Education Committee to examine science education achievement gaps
HARRISBURG, March 31 – State Rep. James Roebuck, D-Phila., announced today that he will conduct a public House Education Committee hearing to examine the disproportionate number of children failing math and science courses, as well as how to close the achievement gaps in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
The hearing will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 15 at the Community College of Philadelphia, 1751 Callowhill St., Center for Business and Industry, Room C3-5, Philadelphia.
"In an increasingly global economy based on high-tech skills and training, Pennsylvania's students are falling behind their peers nationally and internationally in science education," Roebuck said. "We must work together to forge solutions sooner than later if our children are to have a chance of successful careers."
Roebuck said the hearing was inspired in part by the results of the 2008 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, which included the state's first round of annual science exams for students in fourth, eighth and 11th grade. The PSSA revealed minority students scored progressively worse on science exams among fourth- and 11th-graders.
"Simply put, we are failing our students in science education," Roebuck said. "By the time minority students reach 11th grade, they have acquired a low level of science education. It is particularly telling that these students fared no better on the 2008 science exams regardless of the school or school district in which they were educated."
The hearing will also attempt to examine the achievement gap's regional impact on business, industry, and access to higher education and training beyond high school. Roebuck said he hopes to obtain suggestions and creative ideas -- involving all generations and effective partnerships -- that would improve student achievement in STEM education across Pennsylvania.
Roebuck said the long-term viability of the Commonwealth depends on state and educational leaders identifying the weaknesses in the state's educational system and finding solutions that serve the best interests of all students, regardless of location.
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