To involve all interest groups in articulating and conducting a clear agenda for excellence by monitoring, reporting, and recommending action to Virginia on mathematics and science education.
Many leaders of the mathematics and science education community are convinced that more students can be successful in learning mathematics and science. Such success requires hard work by students, quality up-to-date instruction and appropriate use of technology.
Virginia mathematics and science educators cannot achieve their vision alone. They need cooperation and support from many groups including school administrators, school boards, parents, business and industry, and the public policy sector. The Coalition acts as a catalyst in achieving excellence in mathematics and science education. The Coalition assists and stimulates groups with interests and responsibilities for education to work collectively to improve the quality of mathematics and science education in the Commonwealth by:
- articulating the need for change in mathematics and science education;
- forging and advocating a common vision for mathematics and science education;
- persuading all constituencies to take actions to achieve this vision.
THE NEED: Scientifically and Quantitatively Literate Citizens
Twenty-first century economic, intellectual, and physical well-being for Virginia is dependent on its people. As Virginia's primary asset, the skills of its people must be improved to make Virginia competitive in a global economy.
Mathematical and scientific knowledge are increasing in importance as our society becomes more technology based. Knowing basic arithmetic and scientific facts is not enough. Today's students must acquire greater thinking, reasoning, and problem solving skills in mathematics and science to become productive and informed adults.
The Commonwealth's economic prosperity is linked directly to a skilled workforce, one whose education has emphasized mathematics and science. Improvements in mathematics and science education in Virginia are essential. This observation is supported by current levels of performance in mathematics and science and the increasing need for quantitative and scientific literacy in the workplace.
THE VISION: Mathematics and Science Education Standards
New and demanding standards for the teaching and learning of mathematics and science have been adopted by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. These standards have been developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Science Teachers Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Academy of Sciences; the Coalition is using them as guides to improve mathematics and science education in Virginia. It is the Coalition's vision that these standards be fully implemented. To achieve the Coalition's vision, Virginia must have:
- teachers trained in mathematics and science who are able to meet the national professional standards for teaching;
- curricula tailored to local needs but consistent with demanding national standards for what students must know and be able to do in mathematics and science;
- materials and equipment, including calculators, computers, and telecommunications, to support teaching mathematics and science;
- tests, assessments, and accountability systems that give students, teachers, parents, policy makers, and the public clear and valid information about mathematics and science programs and student achievement;
- policies that encourage necessary changes in mathematics and science education; and
- a public that recognizes the need for improved athematics and science education for all students and is willing to make necessary changes to meet the need.
The goal of the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition is to assist in the coordination in Virginia's school programs and initiatives involving mathematics and science. The Coalition connects the education, corporate, and public policy sectors to design and implement these programs and initiatives.
