Illinois § 1

§ 1.

Policy and Purposes. It shall be the policy of the State of Illinois to provide excellence in mathematics and science education in order to nourish an informed citizenry, assure technological skills for the work force, and assist in the preparation of professionals to serve the interests of Illinois in such fields as engineering, research, teaching and computer technology. It shall further be the policy to enlist the support of the educational, industrial, and scientific communities in a cooperative effort to provide excellence in science and mathematics education. As a symbol of this cooperative endeavor, there shall be established the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy to serve the people of Illinois as a preparatory institution and the school system of the State as a catalyst and laboratory for the advancement of teaching. The primary role of the Academy shall be to offer a uniquely challenging education for students talented in the areas of mathematics and science. Both high school and college levels of instruction will be provided in order to assure appropriate linkage with higher education. Other programs deemed necessary to assure the elements of a strong general education required of creative scientists will be provided. The Academy shall also carry a responsibility to stimulate further excellence for all Illinois schools in mathematics and science. That responsibility may be exercised through any or all of the following means: 1. Stimulating curriculum development and revisions through the collaborative efforts of the interacting institutions involved in the Academy including: universities, secondary schools, the industrial sector and national laboratories. 2. Providing preservice training sites for persons in preparation for the teaching of science and mathematics. 3. Hosting summer institute opportunities for Illinois teachers modeled after the successful National Science Foundation program prevalent in the 1960s. 4. Providing opportunities for exchanging teaching or faculty seats at the Academy for science and math educators in the elementary and secondary schools in this State. 5. Creating the opportunity and potential to link vocational programs, education for technology and employment programs to the work of the Academy. 6. Offering speakers and programs for teacher institutes and in-service training around the State. 7. Producing videotapes of lectures and experiments for use in the schools of this State. 8. Providing assistance in identifying necessary competencies to be incorporated in public school district graduation requirements. (Source: P.A. 84-126.)