Education Secretary Arne Duncan told the National Science Teachers Association that he wants to launch a "new era" of science education in the United States, one that encourages students to ask tough, challenging questions and brings more specially trained science and math teachers into the classroom, according to a recent Associated Press article.  Citing national math and science teacher shortages, Duncan also suggested that these teachers be paid more. Watch a video of Duncan’s speech.

In addition to modernizing science education, Duncan said he will use his $5 billion “Race to the Top” fund (part of the federal stimulus package) to drive sweeping reforms state-to-state, such as:

• developing rigorous college- and career-ready standards and high-quality assessments;
• establishing preschool to college and career data systems that track progress and foster continuous improvement;
• making improvements in teacher effectiveness and in the equitable distribution of qualified teachers for all students; and
• providing intensive support and positive interventions for the lowest-performing schools.

As we’ve mentioned in past blogs, we hope Washington is prepared to do what it takes to compete for the “Race to the Top” grants. This will require bold leadership, the courage to innovate and a commitment to high expectations for every student.