Official Summary

9/21/2012--Introduced.STEM Network Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to state-based STEM networks or similar organizations to increase elementary and secondary school students' achievement in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic

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Official Summary

9/21/2012--Introduced.STEM Network Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to state-based STEM networks or similar organizations to increase elementary and secondary school students' achievement in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, particularly in rural and low-income schools. Includes among grant uses: - testing, sharing, and scaling up STEM education research, promising practices, and exemplary programs; - identifying state STEM education weaknesses and prioritizing strategies to address them; - implementing rigorous common STEM education content standards; - developing and implementing innovative STEM assessments; - promoting and developing pre- and in-service STEM teacher training; - developing STEM career pathways and workforce education and training programs that reflect 21st century workforce needs; and -facilitating the implementation of extended STEM learning times on school sites. Requires grantees to conduct periodic independent evaluations of their effectiveness in accomplishing those activities. Prohibits the Secretary from:
(1) endorsing or approving any STEM curriculum designed for use in an elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education; or
(2) requiring a state, local educational agency, or school to adopt a specific STEM program or instructional materials.

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