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CONSORTIUM FOR NEUROSCIENCE EDUCATION (CNE)
PREAMBLE:
We-college science education virtually ignores neuroscience. The paucity of instructional time devoted to the nervous system is difficult to reconcile with the explosion of information about the structure and function of the nervous system in the past two decades, the centrality of nervious function to every aspect of human endeavor, and societal issues (e.g., drug addiction, Alzheimer's disease, mental health concerns) which arise from dysfunction of the nervous system.
Democracy depends on its citizens being capable of solving problems, thinking well, dealing with technical issues so they can make wise decisions for themselves, the U.S. and the earth. An initiative to improve neuroscience education at the pre-college level is essential since information about the nervous system is relevant to our lives as individuals and a society. Such an initiative improves all science education while enhancing present and future neuroscience literacy in the U.S. The Consortium for Neuroscience Education (CNE) is the strategy of choice to improve pre-college neuroscience education through a national partnership of professional neuroscientists, science educators, government and industry.
MISSION:
To help improve U.S. science education in grades K-12 by offering the expertise and resources of the neuroscience community, which includes professional societles, government, industry organiations, and educators.
GOALS:
1. To promote and support the participation of the neuroscience community in the science education reform effort in grades K-12.
2. To facilitate partnerships In the neuroscience community to Increase neuroscience education for all students in grades K-12.
3. To promote public neuroscience literacy and the importance of neuroscience research In our daily lives, through student education.
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NEUROSCIENCE ISSUES:
The CNE will focus on primary neuroscience issues relating to how the brain and nervous system work and the promise of the future through research. Critical societal issues involving neuroscience include (but are not limlted to):
*Drug Abuse
*Our Aging Population (Dementia snd Stroke)
*AlDS
*Epilepsy
*Learning Disabllities
*Head and Spinal Cord Trauma *Genetically-Inherited Diseases of the
Nervous System
*Mental Health Disorders
*Other Disorders of the Brain
These Issues can be considered wlth their prevalence, cost to the nation' s economy and Impact on those affected. Discussions as to how the nervous system works in health and disease, prevention and treatment methods, and the status of research may also be useful.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP:
CNE membership will provide organizations with:
*National visibility of each member organization' s commitment to neuroscience education and literacy.
*Continued dialogue between member organizations, neuroscience professionals, the neuroscience education community, educators, and the public,
*Interaction between the neuroscience disciplines and the natlonal science education reform effort.
*Access to the CNE neuroscience resource database which will list relevant member organizatlon's educational activites as part of a national education network.
*Models of successful CNE programs.
MEMBERSHIP:
Sponsoring organization membership: $1500 annual fee (or)
$4000 for three years (payable in the first year)
Individual membership:
$100 annual fee (or)
$250 for three years (payable in the first year)
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CONVENING ORGANIZATIONS:
*American Academy of Neurology *American Association for the Study of
Headache
*American Association of Neurological Surgeons
*American Epilepsy Society
*American Psychiatric Association *American Psychological Association
*American Society for Neurochemistry
*Association of University Professors of Neurology
* Child Neurology Society
*Commission Life Sciences, National Research Council
*Congress of Neurological Surgeons
* Electronic Data Systems
*Epilepsy Foundation of American
*National Science Resources Center
* National Science Teachers Association * Nicolet Corporation
*Society for Neuroscience
INSTITUTE LIAISON:
* National Institutes of Health Directorate *National Iinstitute of
Drug Abuse (NIDA)
*National institute of General Medical Services (NIGMS)
*National institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
* National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke (NINDS)
SUMMARY OF CNE THREE-YEAR PUN
*Develop program on "How to Work with Teachers to Bring Neuroscience into the Classroom," to be presented at member organizations' annual meetings.
*Create a pilot neuroscience speaker's bureau to use as a model for a national program.
*Become involved in the development of national science education standards.
*Create CNE neuroscience resource database listing member organization's educational activities interfacting with the national education network.
*Develop neuroscience teaching materials with master teachers.
October, 1993
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