[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 146 (Monday, October 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      STUDENT RESULTS ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 20, 1999

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2) to send 
     more dollars to the classroom and for certain other purposes:

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of the Mink-
Woolsey-Sanchez-Morella amendment to restore current gender equity 
provisions from Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
to H.R. 2., the Student Results Act. We must ensure that girls succeed 
in school.
  Since the passage of Title IX a quarter-century ago, America's 
schools have been expected to provide the same opportunities for girls 
as well as boys. While a great deal of progress has been made, a gender 
gap still exists in America's schools.
  Studies show that more than half of all female students take no high 
school math beyond Algebra 2. In a global economy, where science and 
technology advances are paramount, this closes doors on future studies, 
scholarships and careers for these female students.
  This amendment will retain gender equity provisions in current law, 
including the Women's Educational Equity Act (WEEA). The amendment 
encourages the training of teachers to treat boys and girls fairly in 
the classroom. It targets dropout prevention programs for at-risk 
youth, as well as pregnant and parenting teenagers. It also allows the 
training of teachers to encourage girls to pursue careers and higher 
education degrees in mathematics, science, engineering and technology.
  The amendment is supported by over 70 organizations, including the 
Girl Scouts of America; the National Education Association; the 
American Association of University Women; and the National Parent 
Teacher Association. The National Women's Law Center, which also 
supports this amendment, writes:

       [The] Elimination of the Women's Educational Equity Act 
     signifies the dissolution of the only federal program that 
     specifically targets and tackles the barriers to educational 
     opportunities for women and girls.

  They give an example of a 1999 WEEA program that created and 
implemented an on-line course for teachers called ``Engaging Middle 
School Girls in Math and Science.'' This program helps to ensure that 
stereotypes and biases do not eliminate educational opportunities for 
girls.
  However, this is just one of many programs and services provided by 
WEEA. Generally, WEEA represents the federal commitment ensuring that 
girls' future choices and success are determined not by their gender, 
but by their own interests, aspirations, and abilities. It is a 
comprehensive resource for teachers, administrators, and parents 
seeking proven methods to ensure equity in their school systems and 
communities.
  Let's do the smart thing. Let's do the right thing. Support the Mink/
Woolsey/Sanchez/Morella amendment. We must give all students, girls and 
boys alike, the chance to learn, excel and achieve.

                          ____________________