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Robbins Introduces Bill to Enhance Science Education in Schools
HARRISBURG -- State
Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) introduced legislation yesterday that would place
into state law a nationally acclaimed science education program.
Senate Bill 414 would establish
the Pennsylvania Basic Education/Higher Education Science and Technology
Partnership Program as a permanent line item in the state budget. Also known as
“Science in Motion,” the program makes state funding available to higher
education institutions, which in turn share high-tech science equipment with
schools in their surrounding areas.
This past year, 235 public,
private, and parochial schools were served throughout the state by 11 higher
education institutions, including Westminster College. Westminster College
serves the Farrell, Grove City, Hermitage, Highlands, Jamestown, Lakeview,
Laurel, Mercer, Mohawk, Neshannock, New Castle, Penn Crest, Seneca Valley,
Sharon, Sharpsville, Slippery Rock, and Wilmington school districts.
“I have seen first-hand the
work done by the staff at Westminster College,” said Sen. Robbins. “The Science
in Motion program provides high school students hands-on access to high-tech
equipment that their schools are normally not able to afford. The truth is,
this program really helps stimulate student interest in science, something that
textbooks have a difficult time in accomplishing.”
The Science in Motion program
has been featured on “ABC News with Peter Jennings,” and won the 2004
Innovations Award from the national Council of State Governments. It has also
spurred other states to duplicate the program; however, Pennsylvania has yet to
fully commit to the program.
Sen. Robbins said, “As a
candidate for governor, Ed Rendell championed the expansion of Science in
Motion. Unfortunately in his 2005-2006 budget request, the governor has
proposed eliminating all funds for the program. I will work with my colleagues
in the Senate to restore funding for this worthy program so that the students in
the 50th Senatorial District continue to have access to the best science
equipment.”
“This is a cost-effective,
innovative initiative that provides schools with science and technology
resources they could not otherwise afford,” said Robbins. “At a time when
Pennsylvania is trying to increase academic achievement in the most efficient
manner, the Science and Technology Partnership Program could and should play a
larger role.
Senate Bill 414 has been
referred to the Senate Education Committee for its consideration.
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