[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 86 (Thursday, May 24, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S6857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. ROCKEFELLER (for himself and Ms. Snowe):
  S. 1483. A bill to create a new incentive fund that will encourage 
States to adopt the 21st Century Skills Framework; to the Committee on 
Finance.
  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation 
to create a 21st Century Skills Incentive Fund, and I am proud to have 
the bipartisan support of my colleague, Senator Olympia Snowe. We have 
a tradition of working together, especially on education and 
technology.
  This legislation is designed to support and encourage those States 
that are willing to accept the bold challenge of the Partnership for 
21st Century Skills to teach the core subjects, but to also go beyond 
the basics to include 21st Century themes like global awareness and 
entrepreneurial literacy. The partnership's framework emphasizes skills 
like critical thinking, innovation and communication skills. It also 
promotes information and communications technology literacy, known as 
ICT literacy, and life and career skills such as self direction and 
leadership. This bold agenda needs to be woven into State education 
strategy at every level, including standards and assessments, 
curriculum, professional development, and learning environments.
  Every State willing to accept and work to implement such a 
progressive model and agenda deserves encouragement and support. That 
is why this bill would create a 21st Century Skills Incentive Fund to 
provide Federal matching dollars for new State investments and 
foundation donations to 21st Century Skills. There would also be a 
Federal tax incentive for corporate donations. The Federal Government 
won't put up a dime until a state's plan is approved by the Partnership 
for 21st Century Skills, a nonprofit organization of leading technology 
companies and education leaders. But the Federal Government will offer 
matching grants to help States that are willing to make an investment 
in such quality education.
  This is an important investment, and the next step to enhance 
education and prepare our students for the new, competitive workforce. 
This initiative also will emphasize global awareness, civic literacy 
and life skills so young people understand our place in the world and 
are ready to take on greater responsibilities in understanding and 
improving their own communities.
  The Partnership for 21st Century Skills Partnership has introduced a 
new model for education. It represents a bold and important new 
direction for the future of education in this country. This legislation 
is designed to help the Federal Government become a partner and play a 
positive role in preparing our students for their future.
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