[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E133]]
 GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS EDUCATION ACT--MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHER 
                            RECRUITMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2001

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing two bills aimed at 
improving the quality of education in areas that need immediate 
attention. One would provide incentives for prospective teachers to 
train in math and the sciences; the other would increase opportunities 
for gifted students from all backgrounds to succeed.
  The Math and Science Teacher Recruitment Act would allow forgiveness 
of up to $10,000 in federal student loans for math and science majors 
who teach in a middle or secondary school for up to six years. 
Beginning with the successful completion of the third year of teaching, 
educators could have $2,500 in loans forgiven each year, up to a total 
of $10,000. This bill will provide an incentive for students majoring 
in math, the sciences, engineering, and technology to choose education 
as a career. Students are failing to grasp basic math and science 
concepts because they are being taught by teachers who are not grounded 
in the field. Last year, only 41 percent of our students learned math 
from teachers who majored the subject in college. This bill helps to 
ensure that our children will be taught by teachers who have extensive 
knowledge of mathematics and the sciences.
  I am also reintroducing the Gifted and Talented Students Education 
Act, with my colleagues, Representatives Etheridge, Morella, Baldacci, 
Burr, Moore, Allen, Mink, Mr. Davis of Florida, Filner, English, 
Boucher, Bono, Berkley, Mr. Lewis of Kentucky, Stark, and Mr. 
Whitfield. The measure provides grants to State educational agencies to 
identify gifted and talented students from all economic, ethnic and 
racial backgrounds--including students with limited English 
proficiency, those who live in low-income areas and students with 
disabilities. The measure authorizes State educational agencies to 
distribute competitive grants to local educational agencies, which will 
allow them to develop and expand gifted and talented education 
programs. This bill will ensure that all gifted children will have 
access to challenging programs designed to develop and enhance their 
gifts and reach their full potential.
  Mr. Speaker, we must ensure our children are ready and able to take 
on the challenges of the new economy. I strongly encourage my 
colleagues to cosponsor these important pieces of legislation and work 
toward their passage.

                          ____________________