(1) The department of education and the Colorado commission on higher education, in cooperation and consultation with the business, industry, and professionals in the fields of mathematics, science, technology, and engineering, shall develop a plan for improving Pre-K-16 mathematics, science, and technology education in the state of Colorado through the use of telecommunications networks and facilities. The department of education and the Colorado commission on higher education shall use existing resources and personnel to develop the plan and may collaborate with interested parties, including, but not limited to, those described in this subsection (1). (2) At a minimum, the plan shall provide direction for program development including: (a) Identification of curricular goals, which goals reflect the systemic change in the mathematics, science, and technology education curriculum so as to be consistent with the contemporary understanding and emerging patterns of content and pedagogy. Such goals shall also reflect current guidelines and standards, such as those defined by the national council of teachers of mathematics, the American association for the advancement of science, and the national science teachers association. (b) Identification of essential teacher characteristics; (c) A statement of desired levels of mathematics, science, and technology achievement by students; (d) A description of recommended courses of action to improve educational programs, practices, and service; (e) The improvement of access and availability of mathematics, science, and technology courses, especially for rural school districts and particularly to those groups which are traditionally underrepresented. The plan shall include goals for using telecommunications facilities. (f) Pre-K-16 teacher training in mathematics, science, and technology; and (g) Cost estimates. (3) The plan should provide a framework that enables the teachers, school districts, and institutions of higher education to solve the stated problems as they deem appropriate. The plan should provide mechanisms and incentives to: (a) Course providers and receivers at the Pre-K-16 and postsecondary levels to design and implement new curricula and to develop new course materials; (b) Course providers and receivers for leveraging distance learning technologies and applying distance learning instructional design techniques; (c) Pre-K-16 teachers for taking graduate mathematics, science, and technology courses and degree programs. Such incentives may include a tuition matching program. (d) Involve appropriate Colorado state agencies, federal agencies, professional organizations, public television stations, and business and industry in the development of the strategic plan; and (e) Business, industry, and individuals for volunteering their time and community resources. (4) The plan shall provide a mechanism for incorporating the cost for accomplishing these goals into the ongoing operating budget beginning in 1991.
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