President Bush embarked on a tour to promote the education goals he had outlined in his State of the Union Message, as well as to demonstrate his support for science and technology. During his visits to North Carolina State University and the University of Tennessee, the President participated in the announcement of a joint summer training program for math and science teachers sponsored by Martin Marietta Corporation, the Tennessee government, and the federal government. Additionally, he used this trip to declare the formation of a Presidential advisory committee on science and technology.
In Knoxville, President Bush delivered a speech beneath a large banner reading "Goal 2000: U.S.A. #1 Math and Science," which referred to his objective of ensuring that American students would be leading the world in scientific and mathematical achievements by the end of the century. He described his six goals for education in the 90s as the "six R’s" and emphasized that the foundation of his plan for American excellence was "educational excellence." When questioned by a group of accomplished local high school students in mathematics and science, the President made it clear that the federal government should not dictate how educators achieve these goals. He asserted that the responsibility lies with the state and local levels.
When asked why the goals did not address closing the achievement gap between minority and white students, President Bush explained that improving education overall would inherently benefit minority students as well. Amidst the advanced laboratories in Raleigh and Knoxville, the President announced the creation of the President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology. The council, chaired by D. Allan Bromley, the President’s science adviser, consists of 11 scientists from higher education institutions and various industries with expertise ranging from agriculture to cardiology. Their role is to provide the President with advice on scientific matters.
The teacher-training program unveiled in Knoxville will become part of the "Summer School of the South for Science and Mathematics," along with an existing program for exceptional high school students. Each summer, at least 200 precollegiate math and science teachers will receive instruction from scientists at the University of Tennessee and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This research facility, operated by the U.S. Energy Department, will contribute alongside the state of Tennessee and Martin Marietta, each providing $1 million towards the initiative. Funding will be utilized for teacher scholarships and the establishment of an alternative-certification program for scientists and engineers interested in teaching. President Bush and state officials highlighted this program as a successful collaboration between government, educators, and the private sector. They expressed hope that other states and universities would adopt a similar approach.
According to John Clark, a spokesperson for the University of Tennessee, the program was swiftly organized by the university’s president, Lamar Alexander, who reached out to Martin Marietta and state and federal officials. A small group of teachers will meet with government and university officials this summer to plan the training program, which is set to commence in 1991. While the majority of teachers will be from Tennessee, some will be recruited from other Southeastern states as well.