Governor visits KMS

Governor Matt Blunt visited the Kennett School District on Monday to meet with administrators, educators, and students to discuss the importance of improving math and science achievement and the potential obstacles facing schools and students. Blunt visited and observed Robert Gill's science class and talked with students about their science projects while promoting student achievement in math and science education

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"To ensure students are equipped for the global economy we must eliminate the barriers that hinder achievement in math and science," Blunt said. "Our students' interest, achievement and success in math and science will have a direct and lasting impact on our state's economic viability and our ability to attract and retain jobs in the global marketplace of the future."

Statistics show that by 2010, more than 90 percent of all scientists and engineers in the world will be living in Asia if current trends continue. Engineering degrees in the United States have decreased by 20 percent since 1985. In the Un ited States fourth graders score high in math and science when compared to other countries, but 12th graders score near the bottom.

In Missouri, fourth graders' math scores rank in the bottom third nationally. Math scores of eighth graders have declined in national assessments, ranking Missouri below 34 other states. Less than half of Missouri high school students meet ACT college-readiness benchmarks in biology and algebra. These facts demonstrate a clear opportunity for improvement and highlight the potential to implement new ideas to improve student achievement.

The governor's Math and Science Summit incorporated many of the ideas Blunt has gathered at school stops like Kennett across the state. A diverse planning committee representing business, education and government sectors helped plan the summit with the goal of convening stockholders to discuss ways to improve student knowledge in the areas of math, engineering, technology and science to better prepare them for the global economy.

Education continues to be Blunt's first budget and policy priority. He helped secure a $158 million increase for public schools this fiscal year and led a successful effort to craft a needs-based school funding formula. Blunt proposed an additional $167 million increase for schools in the next fiscal year and a $17.1 million increase for colleges and universities. The governor's Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative also paved the way to generate $450 million to enhance learning opportunities for students across the state and provide the basis to ensure Missouri remains a leader in the plant and science biotechnology industries.

Blunt visited Robert Gill's science classroom and spoke with students about their ongoing science projects. He also spoke with Gill about what the students were learning in the classroom and how it was being applied.

Blunt thanked the students and Gill for allowing him the opportunity to visit the classroom and campus and encouraged them to continue toward success and achievement in math and science education.

Following the classroom visit, Blunt met with several educators from the Kennett School District including the superintendent of schools, Jerry Noble.

During the meeting Blunt openly discussed issues that are facing schools and students and collectively gathered information to implement new ideas on improving student achievement.

"Thank you for what you do in education, I appreciate it," Blunt said.

Two students, Jody Vancil, president of the KMS student council, and Meredith Combs, president of the KMS chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, presented Blunt with a book and an afghan of the State of Missouri as a thank you for the work that he has done in office and for visiting the Kennett School District.

Blunt thanked everyone for allowing him the opportunity to visit the school and commented on his intentions to visit the tornado damaged Caruthersville area and meet with FEMA representatives.