[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    THE LOIS POPE INSTITUTE HONORED

                                 ______


                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 1994

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Lois 
Pope and the outstanding achievements of the Lois Pope Institute for 
Teaching Commitment at Florida Atlantic University [FAU].
  Ms. Pope's work demonstrates to us that with time, effort, and 
dedication, students who have been disaffected and discouraged can 
become gifted teachers and role models.
  Ms. Pope proposed and funded the Lois Pope Institute for Teaching 
Commitment at Florida Atlantic University with the idea of bringing 
high school dropouts back to school and training them to become 
teachers. It is believed that these former dropouts will have the 
insight and understanding to prevent at-risk students from making the 
mistake of dropping out in the first place, and therefore, begin to 
make a difference in lowering the dropout rate.
  Recruiting nationally, the young men and women selected as 
scholarship recipients are awarded an all expenses paid, 4 year college 
education at FAU. In return, they must agree to teach for at least 4 
years after graduation. In essence, they are agreeing to become role 
models for others who are at risk of dropping out of school.
  Currently FAU has ten Pope Scholars enrolled in the program, all of 
whom dropped out of school somewhere between the 9th and 12th grade. 
Careful monitoring of academic and personal performance for each 
student helps instill a high probability of success. The primary 
concerns are helping these students learn social skills and making 
needed attitudinal and behavioral changes, as well as teaching them the 
necessary academic skills.
  The first Pope Scholars will begin teaching in fall 1995 in fields 
ranging from elementary education, special education, and math to 
foreign languages, history, and science.
  Ms. Pope has provided the opportunity for students who otherwise 
would be receivers of assistance, but instead will be leaders and role 
models themselves.
  I know all the Members of this body join me in applauding Ms. Pope, 
the institute, and her scholars for their outstanding efforts.

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