Letter from the FSME Board Chair Dr. Roy Weiner
Every day the daunting statistics wash over us:
- The World Economic Forum ranked the United States 48th of 133 developed and developing nations in quality of math and science instruction.
- Among the 30 developed countries, the United States ranked 25th in math and 21st in science.
- It is predicted that by 2020 only about 50 million Americans will be qualified to fill 123 million highly skilled, highly paid jobs.
Nevertheless, every day we witness hope and promises fulfilled in our students whose learning experiences are enriched, thanks to your support of the Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education. We witness curiosity quickened, benchmarks achieved, intellects stretched, learning gaps closed. We see hundreds of exemplary young people who will give lie to the negative statistics and become the bedrock upon which the economy of New Orleans and this region will flourish.
The formula for our success is really quite simple. "All" that it took to design and implement a high-quality educational model––a model that preserves accessibility to everyone––was leadership, expert teachers who are devoted to the growth and empowerment of their students, high expectations of and for those students, easy access to health and mental health services, and lots of effort, patience and second chances. Add the generosity of our donors and our community's determination to improve public high school education, and we have led the way to college and career success for students who, in the past, were underserved at school and "written off" as potential contributors and leaders.
Significant organizational developments have also occurred during the year. On May 20, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved a charter change leading to Sci Academy's independence. That school now has its own board, led by experienced educator Susan Norwood, its own internal fundraising mechanism and its own vision.
The Advocates, headed by Mary Zervigon, continue to serve as the governing board of Sci High. The Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education continues to build resources to support Sci High and its vital role in preparing students to become the skilled workforce that will meet the technical and scientific demands of our new economy.
As we dream of a new school facility for Sci High in the BioDistrict and the potential of our students to experience hands-on the lessons they learn in the classroom with mentors and role models within their easy reach, our young people also need a license to dream. When open-access charter schools like Sci High are supported by parents, community, and all friends of quality public education, then those schools become the vehicle for students to realize their dreams. With your commitment to the goals of the Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education, we are confident that our alumni will keep our city on the road to sustainable "livability" and economic success.
Again, thank you for your interest and support.
Signed
Dr. Roy Weiner
Board Chair
Foundation for Science & Mathematics Education