STEM Ed Update 7/1//2016

Happy Independence Day! Please enjoy this week's holiday edition of the STEM Ed Update.

Coalition Update:

Coalition Statement on Senate's American Innovation and Competitiveness Act

STEMEd Coalition

The STEM Education Coalition issued a statement on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee's American Innovation and Competitiveness Act:

Read more here.

Top Article:

STEM Educators Fear Spending Bill Undermines Goal of New U.S. Law
EdWeek

The top GOP Senate lawmaker for education criticized accountability proposals from the U.S. Department of Education that would require summative ratings for schools, saying such a requirement is not found in the Every Student Succeeds Act and would infringe on state autonomy. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the Senate education committee chairman, told Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. in a hearing here Wednesday that he was also worried that the proposed ESSA accountability rules might give the department improper oversight over states' content standards.

Read more here.

Stay in the Know:

Fourth of July Science!

The Chemistry Behind a Sparkler's 4th of July Magic

LiveScience

This weekend, people in the U.S. will be celebrating Independence Day, and across the country preparations are underway to mark the occasion with fireworks and other pyrotechnics. Sparklers offer a smaller but prolonged pyrotechnic experience, and they have become mainstays of Fourth of July celebrations, but how do they work?

A new video from the American Chemical Society's (ACS) YouTube series "Reactions" examines the chemistry of sparklers in extreme slow-motion.

Read more here.

There's Science Behind Those Fireworks

The Patriot Ledger

What gives the rockets their red glare?

A little strontium salts, some potassium nitrate, a touch of sulfur, mixed with oxidizers, binders and a chlorine donor.

Read more here.

Around the Community:

NSTA: Get Involved in Your State's ESSA Planning

Many states are moving ahead rapidly in planning for implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA requires that state and district stakeholders-including teachers-be given opportunities to shape how the new law will be implemented. This law will significantly affect science and STEM education for years. Do you know what your state is doing? If not you should.

State leaders want to hear from teachers, and this is a perfect chance for your voice to be heard.
Read more here.

Check out the STEM Learning Report from the Education Development Center

Join the Coalition!

We at the STEM Education Coalition hope you have enjoyed this week's edition of the STEM Ed Newsletter.

Any organization may join the Coalition, and there is no cost to become an Affiliate Member. Affiliate members are listed on our website, receive periodic communications on policy matters, and will be signed up for the weekly newsletter.

Your organization can also apply to join the Coalition's Policy Council, where they play an active role in setting the public policy agenda for the Coalition and are invited to participate in frequent interactions with policymakers.

If you would like to join the Coalition at any level, please read our message to prospective members or email us at [email protected].

We appreciate your continued support and involvement.

Our Coalition's Co-Chairs

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