[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 50 (Wednesday, April 29, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H2443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                SUPPORT THE HIGHER EDUCATION AMENDMENTS

  (Mr. CALVERT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, early this year several news organizations 
in the southern California area conducted a poll to identify issues of 
concern to the citizens of that region. Improving the education system 
was far and away the highest priority among those polled. A staggering 
80 percent of respondents supported requiring that teachers take 
competency tests on a regular basis. The survey clearly illustrated 
that most Americans want training for teachers so they are better 
equipped for the classroom.
  This week in the House we will be considering H.R. 6, the Higher 
Education Amendments, which establishes a competitive grant system 
designed to improve the quality of teacher training in colleges and 
universities. The bill would hold institutions of higher education 
accountable for preparing teachers in the subjects in which they plan 
to teach.
  Mr. Speaker, today's youths are tomorrow's leaders. We must give them 
every opportunity to succeed. I urge all of my colleagues to support 
education reform and support H.R. 6.

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