HB139 • Shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday, the full Legislature passed a $10 million bill aimed at improving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
The bill, HB139, would give that money to schools and establish a board within the Governor's Office of Economic Development to identify best practices for schools and coordinate efforts throughout the state.
Up to $1.5 million would go toward establishing the actual center; at least $5 million would go toward STEM-related technology and teacher training to improve math instruction for students in grades 6-8; and at least $3.5 million would go toward STEM-related technology and educator training for high schools.
The bill was a priority of the Governor's Education Excellence Commission and supported by a number of education organizations.
Lisa Schencker