In addition to research, the National Science Foundation supports and funds educational programs to foster development of young scientists and engineers in K12 and college. With the NSF shut down, hundreds of students and teachers will see their work cut off and their paychecks stop.

Children who immigrate to the U.S. study more math and science in high school and college, which leads to a greater presence in STEM careers, according to new research. While about 20 percent of U.S.-born college students major in STEM subjects, 36 percent of those who arrive in the U.S. after age 10, and who come from countries whose native languages are unlike English, focus on STEM subjects.

The state is launching a three-year plan aimed at improving oversight and expertise in the troubled Louisiana School for the Deaf and others in the Special School District, which oversees the schools. The initial goal is to revamp the district and improve its staff so that high-qualify services can be delivered to students.

The Atlanta school board will devote a full day to fleshing out a districtwide plan to improve schools, an ambitious goal that starts with rating all of its schools. The rating system would be unique to Atlanta and include data that isn't reflected in the state's report card.