Inquiry First.

Increasingly, the demands of state tests for proficiency in math and reading seem to be pushing subjects like science, art, and social studies aside, according to a survey commissioned by Washington-based research organization Common Core. "During the past decade, our public schools have focused—almost exclusively—on reading and math instruction," said Common Core president and executive director Lynn Munson. "As a result, we are denying our students the complete education they deserve and the law demands." Specifically, the study reveals that while art and music predictably have taken the hardest hit, foreign languages, social studies, phys ed, and science are right behind them, with science getting 27% less time than it used to.
Via blogs.edweek.org

During Computer Science Education Week (December 4-10, 2011), here are several interesting facts about computer science (from CSEdWeek.org):

• Five of the top ten fastest growing jobs will be in computing-related fields ( i.e., computer software engineer jobs expected to grow 45% over the next five to seven years).
• Only 17% of AP computer science test-takers in 2008 were women, although women represented 55% of all AP test-takers.
• By 2018, current government projections show that more than 800,000 high-end computing jobs will be created in the economy, making it one of the fastest growing occupational fields.

more at www.csedweek.org

Biotechnology veteran -- and MSSEF board member -- Michael S. Wyzga has assumed the position of CEO at Cambridge, MA-based Radius Health, following a 13-year career at Genzyme. While serving as Genzyme's Executive Vice President, Finance, and CFO, Mike led the $20.1 billion sale of Genzyme to Sanofi last April -- the second-largest acquisition ever in the industry.

In his new role at Radius, Mike will drive corporate strategy and lead the advancement of Phase 3 osteoporosis drug BA058. “It is a great privilege to have been asked to lead Radius at this important point in the company’s evolution,” Mike said. “BA058 represents a unique opportunity to advance not just a best-in-class drug, but potentially a best-in-disease drug in the expanding osteoporosis market. BA058 has the potential to transform the treatment of osteoporosis and optimize outcomes based not only on its unique bone-building and safety attributes but on the development of the once-daily, short wear-time transdermal... Read More

Applications for the 2012-2013 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program are due on January 5, 2012.  From the Einstein Fellowship web site: "The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program provides a unique professional development opportunity for accomplished K-12 educators in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to serve in the national education arena. Fellows spend eleven months working in a Federal agency or in a U.S. Congressional office, bringing their extensive knowledge and experience in the classroom to education program and/or education policy efforts."  Click this link to begin the application process.  Good luck!
Via science.energy.gov