SECOND REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 880
91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR STEELMAN.
Pre-filed January 7, 2002, and 1,000 copies ordered printed.
TERRY L. SPIELER, Secretary.
3726S.01I
AN ACT
To amend chapter 172, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to science education.
Section A. Chapter 172, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 172.880 and 172.883, to read as follows:
172.880. 1. There is hereby established, at the Rolla campus of the University of Missouri, the Missouri Engineering and Science Academy (MESA) for the purpose of educating high ability high school students who have an interest in science, math or engineering and have demonstrated abilities in science and mathematics.
2. The academy curriculum will be developed by faculty at the Rolla campus of the University of Missouri. The academy will be managed and funded through the Rolla campus of the University of Missouri.
172.883. 1. There is hereby established, at the Rolla campus of the University of Missouri, a science summer program for in-service science teachers to enhance their knowledge and awareness of environmental matters associated with the history of natural resource development and land use changes in Missouri.
2. The goals of this program shall include:
(1) Educating teachers who are community leaders about environmental concerns and potential health and public safety risks;
(2) Increasing the local capacity of educators to develop and deliver a coordinated environmental education program;
(3) Developing and illustrating the concepts that demonstrate how the geologic environment directly impacts and controls the social and economic development of Missouri;
(4) Providing opportunities for participants to acquire knowledge about the development of Missouri's mineral and agricultural resources; and
(5) Providing opportunities for science teachers to build networks for common growth and support as they pursue effective careers in teaching the children of Missouri.
3. The science summer program established pursuant to this section will be funded, administered and taught by faculty at the Rolla campus of the University of Missouri with assistance from the department of elementary and secondary education.
4. Participating in the science summer program may be included as part of a teacher's participation in the career plan of a school district participating in the career development and teacher excellence plan pursuant to sections 168.500 to 168.515, RSMo, to the extent such participation is consistent with the teacher's career plan approved by the school board.