Politics & Government
Congress Considers New Competition for Science and Math-Minded Students
Dearborn students could soon have the opportunity to take part in an academic competition to promote innovation in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.
This month, Dearborn Public Schools unveiled a new online program designed by a Dearborn High student that will allow residents to see which schools their children will attend based on their address.
And it's projects like this that the federal government is now looking to celebrate and reward students for.
On Thursday, House Administration Chairman Candice Miller, who represents Michigan's 10th congressional district, and Ranking Member Robert Brady (D-PA) announced a bipartisan committee initiative to establish an academic competition that promotes innovation among students in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
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It's good news for Dearborn Public Schools, which has increasingly focused on technology use and upgrades in recent years. In 2012, the Dearborn Board of Education at local schools.
The STEM competition will reward students who use technology for innovative projects.
Find out what's happening in Dearbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
It will be modeled after the Congressional Art Competition, which allows students to submit various artworks to their respective House representatives for consideration. Winners are recognized in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. and their works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.
"Today’s global economy is increasingly reliant on STEM research and innovation," Miller and Brady said in a joint statement. "Unfortunately, fewer than one-third of eighth graders in the U.S. are proficient in science and mathematics and only nine states allow computer science courses to count towards graduation requirements."
According to recently released 2012 MEAP results, Dearborn schools came in below the state average in terms of how many students were deemed proficient in science. In math, the district saw proficiency levels decline year by year.
More: See Dearborn's 2012 MEAP scores
"If America wants to remain competitive in this field, we must encourage and embrace innovation, which is why we are proud to announce the bipartisan academic competition," the representatives' statement continued. "Encouraging greater innovation and participation in STEM fields will help our students and our nation succeed in the future."
The resolution is expected to be brought before the U.S. House for approval in the near future.
