Birmingham News

By ANITA DEBRO

 

U.S. Sen. Richard C. Shelby spoke to students, teachers and parents Monday about the need to improve science and math education at Alabama 's colleges and universities.

 

Shelby spoke at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in the Shades Valley High School auditorium during a brief visit.

 

Shelby commended the students for their ranking as top public school in the country as selected by Newsweek magazine.

 

"We need more schools like this one all over Alabama ," he said.

 

Shelby said improving education is one of his top priorities, particularly in science, engineering and math programs in the state's colleges and universities.

 

"Our schools' math and science programs need more money," Shelby said. "We've got to be able to compete."

 

He pointed to the University of Alabama at Birmingham 's strides in science and medical research, including the work done in biomedical program.

 

"UAB is a treasure for this area," he said.

 

Shelby, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, has been a supporter of increased funding for scientific research. He has already steered $50 million in federal funds to UAB for a research building on the campus.