Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act
United States·119th Congress·S-1602·Senate
· Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Summary
This bill, titled the "Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act," seeks to modernize mathematics education within STEM fields by coordinating Federal research and development. It emphasizes the integration of mathematical and statistical modeling, data science, computational thinking, and problem-based learning into prekindergarten through 12th-grade curricula. The legislation aims to address the growing STEM skills shortage and better prepare students for the demands of modern careers that increasingly rely on data analysis and computational tools. The bill authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants to institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations for research and development activities. These activities include engaging educators in professional learning, researching effective curricula and teaching practices, and providing students with opportunities to analyze real-world data sets. A key focus is on forming partnerships with local educational agencies and addressing the needs of students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM, as well as critical transitions from middle school to careers. Additionally, the bill mandates a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to identify barriers and best practices for implementing mathematical and statistical modeling in K-12 education. The bill authorizes $10,000,000 annually for NSF grants and $1,000,000 annually for the NASEM study from fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with the award authority expiring on September 30, 2029.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Senate
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy without amendment. Without written report.
Senate
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 353.
Senate
Referred sequentially to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pursuant to the order of March 3, 1988, for 30 calendar days excluding any day on which the Senate is not in session, and if not reported by that day, the Committee be discharged from further consideration thereof, and the bill be placed on the calendar.