Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act
Key claim: The legislation requires the National Science Foundation to award competitive grants for mathematical and statistical modeling education in elementary and secondary schools and commission a National Academies study on school curriculum improvements.
Abstract
(HR1735 · 118th Congress) Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act This bill requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to take certain actions to increase mathematical and statistical modeling education in elementary and secondary schools. First, the NSF must make competitive awards to institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations for research and development to support high-quality mathematical modeling education (e.g., data science and computational thinking) in schools, including schools that are private, faith-based, or homeschools. This authority to provide awards expires on September 30, 2028. In addition, the NSF must seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study and report on mathematical and statistical modeling education in schools. Latest action (2024-09-24): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Why this matters
The legislation would support K–12 STEM education through competitive NSF grants and a National Academies study intended to inform curriculum improvements. For prospective university and nonprofit applicants, the practical distinction is between a proposed funding mechanism and an available grant opportunity: reported House passage alone establishes neither enactment nor appropriated funding.