REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR SHOWS PACE-SETTING SKILLS

The American educational system takes a whipping when reports are released comparing U.S. students' prowess in mathematics and sciences with that of students in other nations. Our nation should find troubling the statistics that show students in Seoul and Tokyo and most other industrialized nations outperforming those young people in domestic classrooms. Weighed on this lofty scale, the anxiety is not necessarily misplaced. On a local level, we see reason for optimism in this regard.

A reason for confidence locally can be viewed by the public this week: the Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair opens today at the Show Me Center. More than 260 entries from schools throughout Southeast Missouri will be on display. As is annually the case, the exhibits provide for us a faith in our young people to excel in these disciplines. They will likewise provide insight into the ingenuity of the youth involved, their originality in applying scientific principles and their capacity to lead the way in technological advancement.

A report released by the National Assessment of Educational Progress last fall indicated that less than 20 percent of American children in grades four, eight and 12 can perform math problems at grade level. In addition, only one percent of fourth and eighth graders can tackle advanced math. This comes at a time when school children should be groomed for a future when global interaction will increase. The competition won't wait for America to catch up ... the nation must do it on its own.

Educators in Southeast Missouri are helping the cause. By looking at the exhibits at the Regional Science Fair, people should recognize the gifts of some of the science teachers in this area. To complement these abilities, Southeast Missouri State University has been a trend-setting institution in designing a program to help educators in teaching elementary students these subjects. Thanks to a $97,000 grant by Southwestern Bell Foundation, the K-6 Science and Mathematics Improvement Program (KSAM) is being used as a model throughout the nation, and inquiries about its techniques have even come from England and Australia.

The interest in math and science can be awakened in children. Some of that work is being done within our midst.

Emphasis has been placed in recent years on forging partnerships between the education and businesses. The Southeast Missourian has helped sponsor the Regional Science Fair since its inception 36 years ago. We are proud of this association and how the fair has grown. We also feel confidence that local science students are on the right course toward realizing their potential. Visit the Show Me Center in the coming days and we believe you'll share this confidence.