This weekly report of public policy issues affecting mathematics education is for the week ending March 14, 2008.
1. Budget and Appropriations
2. Math Panel Releases Final Report
3. New Leaders for New School Briefing
4. National Institute of Standards and Technology FY09 Budget
5. Afterschool Programs
6. In Brief
7. New Publications
8. In the News
1. Budget and Appropriations
Last Friday, the U.S. Senate adopted a $2.5 trillion dollar budget resolution for FY 2009. Following 50 hours of debate and a nonstop vote on over 100 amendments, S. Con. Res. 70 passed on a vote of 51-44. The debate of a budget resolution in the Senate is a true free for all. Any member can offer a vote at any time. They can also be challenged for germaneness which sets off a 60-vote point of order. The votes were expected to be very close and, as a result, all three presidential candidates were present all day on the Senate floor, and ailing Senator Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) was brought in from the hospital, and Vice President Dick Cheney was hiding in the wings.
At the end of the day, the most contentious issues passed or failed by wide margins. The amendment by Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) to institute a one-year moratorium on earmarking federal funds ultimately failed on a procedural, but decisive 71-29 vote. The amendment garnered extraordinary attention when Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.), Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) attached their names to the measure and its intention to curb earmarks. Many other amendments were adopted that appeared to extend or eliminate taxes, but they have no force of law. Similarly, billions of dollars of additional spending was agreed to for high priority domestic programs. The catch is that there is no real money unless across the board cuts are implemented government wide—a highly unlikely occurrence.
In the House of Representatives, a very similar budget plan (H. Con. Res. 312) passed on a vote of 212-207, with no Republican support and a number of Democrats voting against it. A House budget debate is a very different matter when compared to the Senate. Only full substitute proposals are in order. Several were offered and quickly rejected. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), joined by some in her leadership team, threatened all week to issue by fiat a one-year moratorium on earmarking, similar to the DeMint proposal. By week’s end, no such ultimatum was uttered. She did indicate that “something might happen at a future date.”
For education advocates, the important information in the budget resolution is the following: Congress rejected the cuts to education funding and program eliminations that the president had proposed; the Congress indicated a willingness to spend between $20–$25 billion more on nondefense discretionary programs next year than the president had proposed; and it is clear in the report accompanying the resolution that the Democratic led Congress views education as a priority. If and when appropriations bills are written later this year, approximately $5 billion more will be provided for education than the president proposed. There is also interest in addressing SCHIP and a second economic stimulus package that might provide funds for school construction.
A budget resolution is just that—a resolution, not a law. We now know what the parameters will be for the debate to write budgets for all federal agencies this year. We know the president is likely to veto the ones that are more generous than what he proposed in February. We know that it will be difficult to finalize the FY 2009 budget as the campaign season heats up. Enjoy the two-week recess. Congress will embark on a two-week recess and return on March 31.
2. Math Panel Releases Final Report
Last Thursday, the National Mathematics Advisory Panel held its final meeting to release its final report to the president and the secretary of education. The final report, "Foundations for Success," focuses specifically on improving the teaching and learning of algebra in prekindergarten through grade eight, in an effort to improve achievement in higher levels of mathematics in high school. Findings of the report include recommendations to improve the areas of instructional policies, course content, learning processes, assessments, and professional development for instructors.
From the 16,000 studies reviewed for this report, the Panel presented 45 findings and recommendations based on the best evidence presented in these studies. Included in its findings, the report recommends increasing the emphasis on mathematics early in a student’s educational process, specifically focusing on proficiency with numbers and knowledge of fractions. The Panel has offered a timeline of when students should master critical topics in order to succeed in algebra. The report also suggests either improving mathematics content knowledge of elementary school teachers, or utilizing teachers that specialize in elementary mathematics. In addition to improving the teacher and content quality in elementary and middle school math, the Panel recommends that the National Assessment of Educational Progress should be revised to provide an increased focus on mathematics skills critical to succeeding in algebra.
Supporting the findings of the Panel, Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings noted the positive correlation presented in the report between achievement in algebra and success in college and the workforce. She also emphasized the importance that all students succeed in mathematics, stating, “Studies have shown that it is effort, and not just inherent talent, that makes the critical difference between success and failure. When it comes to math, it seems hard science says it is truly worth the effort!”
Read NCTM's news release and the final report. Also, read news articles that feature NCTM.
3. New Leaders for New Schools Briefing
Last Monday, the Center for American Progress provided New Leaders for New Schools, a venue for a briefing and panel discussion on its recently released report, “Defining an Urban Principalship to Drive Dramatic Achievement Gains.” The report highlights New Leaders’ research on patterns in low-income, urban public schools and the implications for the role of the urban school principal.
Jon Schnur with New Leaders for New Schools presented the report’s findings. The research stems from three pieces of information: 1) high-quality principals matter tremendously to the success of the school and are indispensable; 2) individual schools and principals are succeeding in driving achievement gains for low-income students; and 3) this success has not been widely replicated. The report found that the elements that contribute to performance patterns of low-performing schools differ; dramatic student achievement depends on school culture and the right people being in the right roles. Based on the report findings, New Leaders has some key policy recommendations:
- There should be a voluntary nationwide standard for principalship;
- The federal government should invest $300 million in school leadership in the next NCLB reauthorization; and
- The federal government should require the tracking of outcome data on principals.
Congressman George Miller (D-Calif.) gave remarks reinforcing his support for this project. He acknowledged the unique nature of local school districts, from the environment to the personalities. Miller strongly warned that the random nature of how districts assign principals and schools teachers has to stop. Pondering the strengths and weaknesses of the federal government in the area of education, he mentioned his interest in finding impetus for change in the education system. The congressman closed by suggesting that the report from New Leaders recalibrates expectations of the public school system. View the report (PDF).
4. National Institute of Standards and Technology FY09 Budget
Last Tuesday, the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing to consider the Administration’s FY 2009 budget request for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Subcommittee Chairman David Wu (D-Ore.) stressed the importance of NIST completing a comprehensive plan for research, as mandated in statute under the America COMPETES Act (P.L. 110-69).
James Turner, Acting Director, NIST described the Administration’s FY09 budget proposal as putting the agency back on the path to doubling its budget as mandated in the COMPETES Act. NIST advances innovation and competitiveness by providing critical measurement tools for a wide variety of industries.
Chairman Wu issued a strong warning to Turner that the committee would need a more focused plan to accompany the annual budget request in the future. Turning to the MEP and TIP grant programs, the chairman questioned Turner as to why both these programs were zeroed out in the FY09 budget request. Turner responded that it was a matter of priorities. Chairman Wu reminded him that Congress set these priorities (MEP and TIP) in statute for NIST. More
5. After School Programs
Last Monday, the House Education and Labor Committee’s Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary School Education Subcommittee held a hearing titled, “After School Programs: How the Bush Administration’s Budget Impacts Children and Families.” Specifically, the Administration’s FY 2009 budget proposes to cut the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Program by $281 million and change it structurally by turning it into a voucher program.
The hearing was most notable for the large degree of consensus among all the witnesses and members of the committee who were present, regarding the benefits and need of quality after school programs. Subcommittee Chairman Dale Kildee (D-Mich.) noted, “It is beyond me why the president would propose not only to slash after school funding, but also turn the program into a voucher program.”
LaDonna Gamble, Interim Project Director of the Flint Community Schools’ Bridges to the Future 21st CCLC Program, focused her testimony on academic supports and enrichment activities provided to participants in her program. She noted that an internal evaluation found that 90 percent of the participants’ parents believe the Bridges to the Future program helps their children do better in school and keeps them safe.
Mike Carroll from the West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, police department followed up on Gamble’s statements on safety and stated his strong belief that “quality after school programs can cut crime and transform the ‘prime time for juvenile crime’ into hours of academic enrichment, constructive recreation, and community service.” He also noted that despite “clear evidence” that quality after school programs can prevent crime and improve other youth outcomes, there remains a dramatic shortage of programs for families to send their children.
Priscilla Little, Associate Director of the Harvard Family Research Project, stated strongly and clearly that “after school programs are a critical component of children’s education and development and, in part thanks to the 21st CCLC grants program, we have a good solid evidence base to support this claim.” More
6. In Brief
NCTM President Francis (Skip) Fennell to Appear on TV Broadcast
NCTM President Skip Fennell will appear on the TV broadcast "Math Education: Preparing Students to Succeed in the Knowledge Economy," on Tuesday, March 18, 8:00–9:00 p.m., EDT. Go here to find the program on your local stations. A Webcast will also be available for 24 hours after the live show.
Reading First Program
Last Monday, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute held a press conference outside the Capitol building to draw attention to what they consider to be a direct effort to “sabotage” the Reading First program. Fordham Institute Vice President Michael Petrilli charged the Department of Education Office of Inspector General with waging a “great war” against the children’s reading program, which he considers to be one of the “most effective education initiatives in the history of the federal government.” Fordham officials charged Education Inspector General Jack Higgins with writing an unsubstantiated “scathing” review of the program in 2006, which has since provoked the resignation of the program’s director, a series of congressional hearings on the matter, and the ultimate slash in funding by $600 million. Petrilli argued that the report’s findings did not warrant such drastic cuts saying, “Was there waste? Was there fraud? Was there abuse? No!” Instead, the review highlighted a potential for a conflict of interest among the Reading First panelists who review state grant applications. In response, the Fordham Institute has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Department of Education asking it to disclose any interactions between the Inspector General and Education Secretary Margaret Spellings. Fordham further filed a request with the White House Council on Ethics and Integrity to investigate whether or not Higgins acted with “overzealous and abused power.” In addition, Petrilli asked House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) to disclose his exchanges with Robert Slavin of Success for All, who is suspected of using his close relationship with Obey to bring about the funding cut.
Bill Gates Testifies Before Science and Technology Committee
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates presented testimony before the House Science and Technology Committee discussing efforts to improve U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace, and the role played by technology in economic growth. During his testimony, Gates commended the committee on its role in expanding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational opportunities for American students. He also urged Congress to fully fund the programs authorized by the America COMPETES Act, concentrate on strengthening U.S. education systems, improve immigration systems, and increase federal funding for basic research. Gates’ testimony highlighted the 50th anniversary of the Science and Technology Committee, and kicked off a series of hearings focused on the technological advances made over the last 50 years. Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.) noted, “as we reflect back on the technological advances of the past and look ahead to the challenges facing our country’s competitiveness in the world, I can think of no other witness better suited and well positioned to help share insights with this committee.” More
National Institutes of Health Funding
Last Tuesday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing organized around a new report titled, "The Broken Pipeline? Flat Funding of NIH Puts a Generation of Science At Risk." The report highlights effects of flat funding of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2003, including the decreasing grant pool, the impact of inflation on expenses, and the resulting loss of opportunity for scientists and students. The conversation between the Members and the witnesses emphasized how the reduction in federal funding is counterproductive to other federal efforts that encourage students to pursue studies in math and science. The hearing set the stage for increased advocacy efforts to improve NIH’s funding by highlighting the benefits from past investments. The witnesses effectively addressed the perceived conflicting federal goals that lead to encouraging students to enter the STEM fields, but then limiting federal funding for other programs that are necessary to create appealing job opportunities. If the United States is to maintain its current leadership position in the sciences, the federal government must expand its support for the sciences, not just through recruitment programs, but retention as well. To obtain copies of witnesses’ testimonies or view the Webcast, visit here.
Briefing on Arts Therapies
Last Thursday, the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations held a briefing to honor Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) for her support of arts therapies and to educate Capitol Hill staffers and the public about the associations dedicated to the advancement of the arts as therapeutic modalities. Creative arts therapists uses arts modalities and creative processes during therapeutic rehabilitative and educational settings and work with people of all ages and abilities. Creative arts therapies include art therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, poetry therapy, and psychodrama. According to Peg Snow, from the American Art Therapy Association, “creative arts therapies provide avenues for expression that may not be possible through more traditional therapies.” The briefing included remarks by six creative arts therapists who focused their discussion on the ways arts therapies can help individuals with autism and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Barbara Wheeler from the American Music Therapy Association emphasized that music therapy and other creative arts therapies help those with autism by encouraging self-expression, communication, socialization, and enhancing learning through the arts. She also explained that these therapies “provide nonverbal arts interventions by stimulation access to areas of the brain that bypass the limitations of language and expedite healing” for those suffering from PTSD. More
Republicans Block House Legislation for National Service Programs
Legislation to renew funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service failed to pass the House by one vote, the result of staunch opposition by Republicans. H.R. 5563, which supports the AmeriCorps program, was brought up for a vote under the “suspension of rules” procedure that requires passage by a two-thirds majority vote. All votes against the bill were from Republican members. The legislation would have expanded the AmeriCorps program and provided increased supports for minority populations by establishing a National Office of Outreach and Recruitment. The suspension procedure was employed to circumvent efforts by Republicans to kill an earlier version of the bill (H.R. 2857). There is no word on the how and when the Democrats will resubmit legislation in the House.
7. New Publications
“Foundations for Success: Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel” Department of Education
“Too Good to Last: The True Story of Reading First” Thomas B. Fordham Institute (PDF)
“Lost in Transition: Building a Better Path from School to College and Careers” Southern Regional Education Board
“The Teacher Penalty: Teacher Pay Losing Ground” Economic Policy Institute
“Mini-Digest of Education Statistics: 2007” National Center for Education Statistics
8. In the News
“A Product of Private Schools, Advocating for Public Education” New York Times (3/14/08).
“Study Notes Economic Ills of Low Graduation Rates” Washington Post (3/14/08).
“A Solution to How to Teach Math: Subtract” USA Today (3/13/08).
“Panel Finds Faults in America’s Math System” Washington Post (3/13/08).
“Bill Gates Presses for More Work Visas” Boston Globe (3/12/08).
“Smaller Classes Don’t Close Learning Gap, Study Finds” Washington Post (3/10/08)
“At L.A. School, Singapore Math Has Added Value” Los Angeles Times (3/10/08).
“Population Shift Sends Universities Scrambling” Washington Post (3/10/08).
“How Many Billionaires Does it Take to Fix a School System” New York Times (3/9/08).
Information for this week’s NCTM Legislative and Policy Update was compiled from reports by Washington Partners, LLC. Our thanks for their information services.