Recent studies indicate that U.S. high school students continue to slip further behind other nations in their ability to apply scientific concepts and skills. One major exception are Advanced Placement students, who score at or near the top of international exams and are much more likely than their peers to pursue college majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Because these AP science courses are preparing the next generation of U.S. scientists, the National Science Foundation recently awarded a grant to the College Board. The grant will be used to develop a process, based on the recommendations of the National Research Council, for making ongoing changes to the Advanced Placement science courses and exams to incorporate the latest science developments and leverage best practices in the teaching of science.

As our nation’s leaders are placing new emphasis on economic competitiveness and the importance of improving science education in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools, please join Dr. Arden Bement, Jr., director of the National Science Foundation, and Gaston Caperton, president of the College Board, for a panel discussion about what it will really take for educators to meet the demands of global competition and rapid advances in scientific discovery.

The discussion will focus on how science course content and classroom practice must change to prepare students for successful college careers in the STEM fields, while also tackling persistent performance gaps among racial and ethnic groups.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 2 12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch will be served

WHERE: The Science Committee Room, 2325 Rayburn House Office Building

WHO: Moderator:

Jay Mathews, Education Columnist, The Washington Post

Panelists:

  • David Ely, Advanced Placement Biology Teacher, Champlain Valley Union High School (Hinesburg, VT)

  • Shirley Malcom, Head, Education and Human Resources, American Association for the Advancement of Science

  • James Pellegrino, Distinguished Professor, Cognitive Psychology and Education, University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Judy Wurtzel, Senior Fellow, Education & Society Program, The Aspen Institute

RSVP: Lydia Pelliccia 202-667-0901 or Lydia.pelliccia@widmeyer.com