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ASTC: Statement on Anti-Museum Amendments to H.R. 1

banner from www.astc.org
Statement issued by ASTC:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – ‘On behalf of the hundreds of science museums and centers in this country, the Association of Science-Technology Centers opposes two amendments proposed for inclusion in H.R. 1, the Full Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2011. The first, Amendment No. 35, would eliminate funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Nation’s primary source of federal support for museums. The second, Amendment No. 471, would prohibit funding from the bill to be used for activities at non-federal museums. Both amendments would decimate the ability of science centers and museums to compete for federal support and thus provide the kind of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education needed by our young people today.

‘These learning settings, outside the formal education system, offer people of all ages valuable and unique opportunities to become interested in STEM and more knowledgeable about the world around them. Such learning experiences foster a better informed citizenry and inspire young people to consider STEM careers in which they may help address societal challenges.
Improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education is critical to the Nation’s economic strength and global competitiveness in the 21st century. To improve STEM education, it is important to draw on the full range of learning opportunities and experiences, including those in non-school settings. Science centers and museums in the United States receive more than 50 million visitors per year. Reports by the National Science Board, the Academic Competitiveness Council, and the National Academy of Sciences cite these types of institutions and their programs as an integral component of our Nation’s education system. These respected studies make clear that science centers and museums can have a significant impact on STEM learning outcomes in historically underrepresented groups, and that these non-traditional, non-school settings are uniquely positioned to make STEM education accessible to all.

‘These findings are particularly significant since science centers and museums are on the front line when it comes to providing students, teachers, parents, and all citizens with the tools to appreciate the implications of important public policy issues that will affect our well being and standard of living now and well into the future. Science centers and museums are deeply engaged with local school systems to provide wide ranging programs of teacher training to help educators bring flexibility and creativity to the school curriculum. These centers and museums are also the venues for community dialogues and programs of learning on issues such as climate change, information technology, nanotechnology, alternative and conventional energy, and environmental impacts on health and well being.

‘ASTC understands the budget challenges facing Congress, along with the need to restrain spending. We do, however, believe it is wrong to completely deny the institutions we represent the right to compete for merit-based support from authorized – and effective – federal programs. Such provisions work to deprive our children and their parents from the kind of educational experiences that will help today’s students become productive citizens tomorrow. On behalf of America’s science centers and museums, ASTC therefore urges all Members of Congress to oppose these amendments.’
Judith Rubin
Judith Rubin
Judith Rubin ([email protected]) is a leading journalist, content marketing specialist and connector in the international attractions industry. She reports on design and technical design, production and project management, industry trends and company culture. From 2005-2020 she ran communications and publications for the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). In 2013, she was honored with the TEA Service Award. She was development director of IMERSA and publicist for the Large Format Cinema Association, and has contributed to the publications of PLASA, IAAPA and the International Planetarium Society. Judith joined World’s Fair magazine in 1987, which introduced her to the attractions industry. She joined InPark in 2010. Judith earned a BFA from Pratt Institute. She has lived in Detroit, New York, Oakland, and now Saint Louis, where she is active in the local arts community.

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