[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 2 (Friday, January 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E33]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION LEGISLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 5, 2007

  Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a package of 
four bills aimed at improving our nation's math and science education 
at the pre-school through university levels.
  Too often, our young students lack the academic background necessary 
to learn math and science skills in elementary school. The Math and 
Science School Readiness Act
(H.R.  ) promotes pre-mathematics and pre-science school readiness in 
preschool-aged children enrolled in the federal Head Start program. The 
bill updates the current law provision that requires that Head Start 
programs develop preschoolers' ``numeracy skills'' by requiring that 
such programs instead ensure that children develop and demonstrate 
basic pre-math and pre-science skills, such as counting, grouping 
similar objects together, and deciphering whether items have been added 
or subtracted. I included a similar provision in the major Head Start 
reauthorization bills that passed the House in 2003 and 2005, but 
unfortunately these bills did not become law.
  Now more than ever, our nation's future economic competitiveness and 
national security will depend upon a workforce equipped with necessary 
math and science skills. Our students lag behind their international 
peers on several key indicators, and our states and schools are not 
held accountable for K-12 science education. The Science Accountability 
Act (H.R. ) holds states and schools accountable for ensuring that our 
K-12 students are learning science. It amends the federal No Child Left 
Behind Act of 2001 to require that the science assessments, which begin 
in the 2007-2008 school year, be included in the state's accountability 
system beginning in the 2008-2009 school year. It also gradually phases 
in annual assessments in science in grades 3-8, matching the existing 
requirements for reading and math assessments.
  This package of math and science bills also provides resources for 
improving math and science education. A tandem of bills provides 
incentives for teachers and businesses to enhance math and science 
education.
  A key component of high-quality math and science education is a 
qualified teaching workforce. The National Science Education Tax 
Incentive for Teachers Act (H.R. ) helps bring qualified math and 
science teachers to our K-12 schools and helps retain them. Eligible 
teachers may receive a tax credit of up to $1,500 per year.
  A former science educator, I understand that students should learn 
math and science primarily by doing math and science. Schools lack the 
necessary equipment and some teachers lack training in how to use the 
equipment. The National Science Education Tax Incentive for Businesses 
Act (H.R. ) encourages businesses to donate new and needed math and 
science-related equipment to schools or donate teacher training 
services. Businesses may receive a tax credit equal to 100 percent of 
the value of their donations.
  I am hopeful that the House and Senate can quickly act on this 
legislative package and that President Bush will sign the bills so that 
our nation's math and science education may be improved on all levels.

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