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SENATE PASSES BILL TO ADVANCE STUDIES IN MATH, SCIENCE, AND ENGINEERING

FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR KENNETH P. LAVALLE

6/17/2008

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle today announced that a measure he sponsored to establish the School of Math, Science and Engineering Regional Technology Institute has passed the Senate. The bill would allow Suffolk County to join other areas of the state committed to fostering the development and advancement of emerging technologies.

According to Senator LaValle, the School of Math, Science and Engineering Regional Technology Institute would be jointly operated by Eastern Suffolk BOCES and Western Suffolk BOCES and would be open to students in grades 9 through 12. The school will advance the interests of students through exposure to project-based learning and providing experience within advanced technical facilities. The Institute will grant admission on a random selection basis rather than academic measures, provided that preference is given to returning students.

“The creation of this Institute will expand learning opportunities and encourage students to pursue careers in math and science,” said Senator LaValle. “By engaging students in rigorous and enriching educational projects focused on emerging technologies, they will be able to study real world applications that they wouldn’t be exposed to in a traditional academic setting.”

This bill was sent to the Assembly.