Summary
Provides money for research and new ways to teach math and statistics using real-world problems, data, and computers to better prepare students for jobs.
What problem does this solve?
The way math is taught in schools is not keeping up with what today's jobs need, creating a shortage of skilled workers. This bill funds research and development to update math and statistics education to give students the skills employers are looking for.
Who does this affect?
- Students (Pre-K to 12th grade)
- Teachers and Educators
- Colleges and Universities
What does this bill do?
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(c)
Header:
Preparing educators to engage students in mathematical and statistical modeling
Creates a new grant program
Directs the National Science Foundation to give competitive awards to colleges and nonprofits for research on new ways to teach mathematical and statistical modeling in K-12 schools.
Focuses on underserved students
Requires grant applications to describe how they will serve students from groups that are historically underrepresented in STEM fields, as well as homeless and foster youth.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 3(a)
Header:
NASEM report on mathematical and statistical modeling education
Commissions a national study
Requires the National Science Foundation to arrange for a study by the National Academies on the best ways to implement modeling education in schools from prekindergarten to 12th grade.
Authorizes funding for education research
Sets aside $10 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for the National Science Foundation to carry out the grant program.
Funds teacher training
Allows grant money to be used for professional learning opportunities for teachers, including hands-on training at Federal labs, colleges, or in industry.
Promotes partnerships
Encourages applicants to partner with local school districts, nonprofits, and colleges to create lasting programs that benefit everyone involved.
Sets an expiration date
States that the authority to provide grants under this act will end on September 30, 2029.
What is the real world impact?
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Prepares students for modern jobs
Updates math and statistics teaching to include skills like data science and computational thinking, which are needed in many high-paying STEM jobs.
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Strengthens the U.S. workforce
Addresses a shortage of 1 million STEM professionals by giving students the skills employers need, reducing the need for companies to train new hires.
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Increases diversity in STEM fields
Finds that modeling challenges attract girls at the same rate as boys, unlike traditional math competitions. This approach could help bring more underrepresented groups into STEM.
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Improves national competitiveness
Notes that China's participation in math modeling challenges is much higher than in the U.S., suggesting a need to improve American students' skills to stay competitive globally.
When does this start?
The bill authorizes funding and activities for specific time periods between 2026 and 2030, with a final expiration date for new awards in 2029.
Award authority ends
The ability to provide new awards under this act will expire on September 30, 2029.
Grant program funding
$10 million is authorized for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to fund the research and development awards.
National study funding
$1 million is authorized for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to fund the National Academies study.
National study start
The Director of the National Science Foundation must try to start an agreement for the study within 180 days after the bill becomes law.
National study report deadline
The National Academies must submit its report to Congress within 24 months after the agreement for the study is made.