Gov. Chris Gregoire has announced a $197 plan to improve math and science instruction in Washington's public schools.

Gregoire’s seven-point initiative will be included in her budget proposal for the 2007-09 biennium. Under state law, the governor must submit her total budget package no later than Dec. 20.

The governor’s plan reflects statewide concern over student achievement in the areas of math and science. Of the 10th graders who took the WASL last year, 51 percent met the math standard, and 35 percent met the science standard.

"We already know that our students are not getting the math and science education they deserve and we know that our teachers don’t always have the tools to provide that education," said Gregoire. "The best way to grow our economy and secure a bright future for our students is to make comprehensive, smart, responsible and accountable investments in math and science now."

Gregoire said her initiative will provide Washington students with personalized instruction, rigorous coursework, expanded opportunities, consistent support and better preparation for competing in the global market. Her seven-point plan calls for the following actions:

• Reduce class size. Provide districts with the funding to hire more middle and high school math and science teachers, paving the way for Washington to meet the nationally recommended standard of one teacher for every 25 students. (Cost: $90.2 million)
• Recruit and train more math and science teachers. Recruit 750 additional teachers and hire instructional coaches to provide teacher training. Give nationally certified teachers an annual bonus of $5,000 for working in "challenging schools" where students require the most help, and an additional $5,000 if they are certified in math or science. (Cost: $61.9 million)
• Align system, curriculum and testing with international standards. Identify international math and science standards, and adapt WASL and course content to align with those standards. Standardize math curricula across the state by selecting no more than three K-12 math curricula, also aligned with international standards. (Cost: $4.9 million)
• Bring hands-on science instruction into more classrooms. Expand the Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER) program to introduce toolkits, training and support into 1,000 additional K-8 classrooms. (Cost: $12.1 million)
• Gain support of the private sector. Attract private sector resources to support the materials, software and hardware necessary to teach students real world applications of math and science. (Cost: $1.3 million)
• Help struggling students. Use intensive learning options, test preparation and tutoring to provide extra assistance to students who have not passed the 10th grade math WASL. (Cost: $12.5 million)
• Increase access to math and science scholarships. Provide incentives for middle and high school students to perform well in math and science and pursue degrees in college. Offer math and science scholarships to college students who agree to teach in those areas. (Cost: $14 million)