2012 Maryland Senate Debates: on Education

Benjamin Cardin: $3M for Baltimore STEM education grants

Cardin selected, "Yes."

Cardin adds, "I have met with numerous young students who develop an interest in science and technology once they learn about the career opportunities available to them. For this reason, I am a strong supporter of increased funding for the National Science Foundation. Additionally, last fall, I was pleased to join Sen. Mikulski in announcing a $3 million U.S. Department of Education grant to Baltimore City Public Schools to use innovative methods, such as robotics instruction and career mentors, to strengthen the mathematics skills of middle school students and get more students involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. I will continue to support funding for these types of grant programs."

Dan Bongino: Schools must inspire next generation of engineers & doctors

Bongino selected, "Yes."

Bongino added, "Inspiring the next generation of engineers, doctors, and scientists begins with our primary schools and teachers. I fully support the implementation of tools such as parent choice vouchers, charter schools, and merit based pay systems for educators. In addition, we must reward good teachers, the bedrock of our educational system, and allow them to work in a system not stifled by bureaucracy and archaic work rules. Our educational goals in math, science, and every other industry should not simply be to 'keep pace with the world,' but to be the BEST in the world."