This isn't specifically Defense related, but it nicely fits into the general science and engineering education concerns shared by most of us. It is report language from the FY06 Science, State, Justice, Commerce Appropriations bill.
Click on the link below to read more...
The page numbers might be off from the final printed version.
Starting on Page 5:
Science Education
America’s advantage in science, math and technology is slipping. Our systems of basic scientific research and education are in crisis, while other countries are redoubling their efforts. The United States can remain the world’s technological leader if it makes the commitment to do so.
The funding recommendations in this bill address the urgent need to invest in scientific research and education to begin to reverse this trend. The bill includes $4.38 billion for National Science Foundation (NSF) research and related activities, an increase of $44 million above the President’s request. This is the Nation’s largest resource pool for basic scientific research across all fields. The bill also includes $807 million for NSF’s education programs, which is $70 million above the request; and $169 million for National Aeronautics and Space Administration education programs, which is $2 million above the request. The bill also includes $28.9 million for a new consolidated education program for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Committee recommendation also encourages the National Science Board to establish a commission to present recommendations for broad Federal action to address the crisis in science and math education. The Committee also expects the Administration’s 2007 budget request to include a significant investment to respond to this crisis.
The Committee directs that under the auspices of the Office of Science and Technology Policy the science agencies receiving funding for education programs in this bill should develop a comprehensive coordinated plan to rationalize the various educational programs in these areas to maximize results and minimize duplication. This plan should be submitted to the Committee concurrently with the submission of the President’s 2007 budget request to the Congress.
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Office of Science and Technology Policy
The Committee is deeply concerned about the state of the Nation’s dedication to maintaining our position as the world leader in science, technology, and innovation. Further, the Committee is convinced that bold and dramatic commitments are necessary to ensure the United States’ economic leadership in the 21st Century and a rising standard of living for all Americans. In this regard, the Committee encourages OSTP to ensure that Executive branch policy makers and budget officials understand the impact of stagnation in science and technology on all areas of national life. The Committee expects that future budget requests for science and technology programs will reflect the importance of these investments to the competitive and economic future of the nation.
The Committee also is concerned about the state of science education in the United States. The Committee expects OSTP to work to improve coordination and communication among science agencies to ensure that education programs are effective and complementary, and not duplicative.