WAMC New York News
(2005-02-03)
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TAMPA
(WUSF) -
Florida leaders have lured Scripps Institute here. But, to build a strong base for other technology jobs, they believe there must be large-scale improvements in the state's mathematics and science education.
Better Math Plus Science Equals Change
Florida Atlantic University President Frank Brogan has a vision of what Florida can become.
BROGAN: Florida becomes the place to look to for the cure for cancer or Alzheimer's or diabetes or cardiovascular disease, when we find the engineering marvels that not only continue to make Florida a leader in space but to better use space to unlock the problems that we can't solve here in gravity bound earth. We can do this in Florida and more we must.
Scholars and business leaders alike believe that Florida's future rests in technology and that depends on the ability of workers to do math and understand science.
So, the Florida Coalition for Improving Mathematics and Science Literacy convened a summit. The objective is to increase teacher effectiveness.
JoAnne Vasquez - a former teacher and current member of the National Science Board - says professional development is critical.
VASQUEZ: The National Science Foundation reports it takes anywhere from 80 to 100 hours of professional development per teacher in order to see any kind of classroom change. This is where our investment has to be placed.
The summit will share its findings to the legislature. © Copyright 2012, WUSF
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