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Senate Committee Approves Robbins' Bill
Promoting Science Education in Schools
HARRISBURG -- A
bill sponsored by state Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) that would place into law a
nationally-acclaimed science education program was approved by the Senate
Education Committee last week.
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.
Better known as “Science in Motion,” the program makes state funding available
to higher education institutions to purchase high tech science equipment, such
as atomic force microscopes and DNA testing equipment. This equipment is then
made available to schools via what has now become their trademark “Science in
Motion” van.
This past year, 280 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.
“This program is a win-win
situation for everyone involved,” said Sen. Robbins. “Institutions of higher
education become partners with neighboring schools. Teachers receive
professional development training from college professors. High school students
get access to the latest in high tech equipment. And Pennsylvania wins as these
students are turned on to the world of science.”
Science in Motion has been
featured on ABC News with Peter Jennings, as well as having won the 2003
Innovations Award from the national Council of State Governments. Most
importantly, it has also spurred other states to duplicate the program; however,
Pennsylvania has yet to fully commit to it.
“Ultimately, this program is
all about better preparing today's students for tomorrow's world,” said
Robbins. “If we can strengthen successful programs such as Science in Motion,
our knowledge base in Pennsylvania will help attract more high tech jobs to the
area – which, in turn, will make Pennsylvania a more attractive place to work
and live.”
Senate Bill 414 will now be
considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee prior to facing a final vote
before the full Senate.
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