Although quality education is a concern in every field of study, science, mathematics, and technology have a special importance in this country. They make up one of the cornerstones on which our success as a nation is built. To maintain our strength and independence, skills in these fields cannot degenerate. President Reagan has said that the declining condition of science/mathematics education has become serious enough to compromise the nation's future ability to develop and advance our traditional industrial base, and to compete in international marketplaces. The problems are particularly severe at the secondary level where there is a growing shortage of qualified science/mathematics teachers at a time when efforts are under way to raise standards and increase enrollments. In response to these problems, dozens of bills have been introduced to Congress. What is more urgent, however, is the necessity to forge an effective partnership with states, local education authorities, and private industry so that each can do its part of the job to resolve the problems. Although the federal role must be a limited one, several initiatives have been proposed, including allocating funds to states as scholarships for individuals not currently qualified to teach science/mathematics. (JN)