the Stimulous Bill, Congress, and Informal Education

How much of what you've learned in life was taught to you in a formal school environment? Everything else falls under the heading of "Informal Education." Boosting our understanding of informal education is increasingly important both as people live longer (meaning a smaller percentage of their time is spent in formal education settings) and as the pace of change accelerates (meaning that what we do learn becomes out of date faster). These two facts are reflected in the watershed report, "Rising Above the Gathering Storm", and passage by Congress of the America COMPETES Act, both of which emphasize the need for a greater emphasis on science and technology skills. A new research report from the National Academies focused on "Learning Science in Informal Environments" provides a rich source of information for addressing this education crisis.

But don't cheer too soon. Congress, despite last year's COMPETES Act, isn't on board yet. AAAS analysis of the Stimulus Bill, which lumps zoos and aquariums along with "casino or other gambling establishments," golf courses, and swimming pools, all of which are banned from receiving funds. Jeffrey Mervis's article draws the conclusion:

Museum officials say the language is a clear sign that politicians don't fully understand how museums serve the U.S. economy and society as a whole. "Last year, museums attracted 850 million visitors," says Ford Bell, president
of the American Association of Museums in Washington, D.C. "That's more than the
attendance at all professional sporting events in the country, and it tells you
about our role in educating the public and boosting tourism. But if you ask most
members of Congress, they'll say museums are nice but not essential."

Are museums "nice, but not essential", based on the goals of the America COMPETES Act?

Thanks to Ryan Zelnio for sending this article.