[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E409]]



                 INTRODUCTION OF NET CORPS ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2001

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, it was once conventional wisdom that if you 
merely put computers in classrooms, the quality of our children's 
education would dramatically improve. No doubt, our schools are better 
because of the presence of computers, but we have learned that our 
teachers and administrators must be better trained and assisted if we 
are to maximize the use of computers and the Internet in schools.
  Today, I will introduce legislation that expands the Corporation for 
National Service by creating a National Education Technology (NET) 
Corps that works with our school teachers and administrators to 
integrate technology into classroom curriculum.
  NET Corps will work to improve the quality of classroom education for 
our children by coupling the specific needs of our school systems with 
the energy and intellect of some of the brightest people in our 
academic institutions and high tech industry.
  In addition to recruiting students from America's universities, the 
federal government will encourage high tech businesses to lend their 
employees to the NET Corps program--on a part-time or full-time basis--
by offering these corporations a tax credit.
  Already, my proposal has drawn strong support from Silicon Valley 
executives, teachers and the non-profit community who recognizes that 
career opportunities for the next generation of Americans will 
increasingly come from our fast-paced, knowledge economy. Over two-
thirds of economic growth stems from technological innovation--our 
students must be empowered with high tech skills so they can navigate, 
adapt and succeed in the Internet economy.
  As a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador in the 1960s, I believe 
that NET Corps is an excellent model. I understand the positive impact 
that direct service programs have in our communities and the lives of 
volunteers. The NET Corps programs will afford opportunities to our 
professional men and women to make contributions to our schools and our 
children.
  As a former high school teacher and a Member of this body 
representing Silicon Valley, I'm proud to introduce legislation that 
will foster a cooperative working relationship between schoolteachers 
and high-tech savvy volunteers to improve the quality of our children's 
education.

                          ____________________