Albuquerque Journal

Math, Science Incentives Suggested
By Andrea Schoellkopf, Journal Staff Writer

Incentives for math and science teachers and a public awareness campaign are among the recommendations for making New Mexico students the nation's best in math and science.
    Mary Jo Daniel, with the state Public Education Department, said Wednesday that supporters acknowledge the plan is "ambitious."
    But, she said, "within five years, our students would be some of the top achievers in math and science."
    Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., is expected to join state Secretary of Education Veronica Garcia and Higher Education Secretary Reed Dasenbrock at Eldorado High this morning in announcing the two-week-old recommendations by the state's Math and Science Advisory Council.
    They include: incentives to attract college students to math and science teaching careers; recruiting retirees and high school teachers from out of state; increasing math licensure requirements for elementary teachers; developing a statewide plan; offering nine days of annual professional development for math and science teachers; reviewing state math and science standards every six years; and beginning a public awareness campaign on the importance of math and science in New Mexico.
    The state will seek comment on the report and its recommendations.