WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Jim Baird (R-IN) reintroduced the Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act. This bipartisan legislation would work to modernize math curriculum and improve K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the United States and help schools update their math curriculum to make it more relevant and applicable to real-world scenarios.

“Improving STEM education in Pennsylvania and across the country has been a priority for me since joining Congress,” said Houlahan. “Our bipartisan legislation does just that by incorporating modern tools and curriculum that allow students to apply STEM skills to real-world scenarios. This bill will ensure the next generation — and future STEM workforce — are more equipped to tackle 21st century problems that enable U.S. innovative technological advancements and leadership.”

“As a PhD scientist, I know the immeasurable impact STEM education has on American innovation, yet many students lack the statistical and mathematical problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in this industry,” said Baird. “I’m proud to work with Rep. Houlahan to introduce a bipartisan bill that gives students the tools they need to confidently integrate these skills into their everyday lives by giving teachers the flexibility to modernize current curricula.” 

The Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act would direct the National Science Foundation to provide competitive grants focused on modernizing mathematics in STEM education through mathematical and statistical modeling, including computational and data-driven thinking. It will also direct the National Academies to conduct a study on the same topic.

The legislation is supported by The American Statistical Association (ASA), The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), The Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications (COMAP), The American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC), the New Hampshire Learning Initiative (NHLI), the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), Center for Innovation in Education (C!E) and the Business Software Alliance (BSA).

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.

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