The National Center for Science and Civic Engagement and SENCER hosted the Washington Symposium and Capitol Hill Poster Session on April 13-15, 2008.  The Symposium is an annual, invitational event and this year focused on the connection between STEM education and important civic questions, and the ensuing implications for public policy. We thank all invited guests for their enthusiastic participation in both the Symposium and Poster Session! 

We designed this event to serve the needs of alumni in our community, many of whom have expressed a desire to report on their innovative efforts in STEM education reform, but who have been frustrated by the lack of venues. The Symposium is an opportunity for alumni to connect with colleagues and congressional representatives to share their accomplishments.  This year, around 80 educators, administrators, and students participated in the Symposium and presented information to Congress on their projects to improve learning.

Based on participant feedback from the 2007 event, we extended the agenda to include more speakers and a workshop to prepare participants for meetings with congressional representatives and staffers.  Educators and students invited to participate took part in panel discussions, participated in workshops, and conversed with representatives of several federal agencies.  For a complete listing of all Symposium events and distinguished guests, please click on the appropriate links below.

The Poster Session and a reception in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill closed the Symposium on Tuesday, April 15.  Once again, the Poster Session was sponsored by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, representative from Wisconsin and member of the NCSCE-SENCER National Advisory Board.  We thank Congresswoman Baldwin and her staff for their help in organizing this event.  Copies of posters presented by invited participants will be posted to the right sidebar as we receive them.  You can access a complete list of all participants and read poster abstracts in the Washington Symposium and Poster Session Program.

Notes from conference call with Kristen Kulinowski on planning for a successful meeting with a member of Congress or legislative assistant.

Washington Symposium & Capitol Hill Poster Session Program with Poster Abstracts

Effective Evaluation for Educators (Russ Pimmel, National Science Foundation)