Number: RL33434
Title: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education: Background, Federal Policy, and Legislative Action
Authors: Jeffrey J. Kuenzi, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: STEM education (and competitiveness) issues have received a lot of attention in recent years. Several high-profile proposals were forwarded by the academic and business communities. In February of 2006, the President released the American Competitiveness Initiative. During the 109th Congress, three somewhat modest STEM education programs were passed and signed into law. Finally, in the spring and summer of 2007, some of the major STEM education legislative proposals were combined into the America Competes Act of 2007, passed by the 110th Congress and signed by the President on August 9, 2007. This report provides the background and context to understand these legislative developments. The report first presents data on the state of STEM education in the United States. It then examines the federal role in promoting STEM education. The report concludes with a discussion of the legislative actions recently taken to address federal STEM education policy.
Pages: 31
Date: March 21, 2008