Ralph Lee Abraham: “title II of the bill before the Senate today includes a provision called the Teacher Employment Act--or TEA. This…”

“title II of the bill before the Senate today includes a provision called the Teacher Employment Act--or TEA. This provision combines the current ESEA, title II, Eisenhower Professional Development Program and the class-size reduction program, for a total of $2 billion, which is then made available to states and local education agencies for teacher development programs. Our amendment would amend the TEA provision--and expand the scope of allowable uses of title II professional development funds to allow states and local education agencies to use these funds for the development and implementation of teacher testing, merit-based pay, and tenure reform programs. Mr. President, I believe that a qualified, highly trained, and highly motivated teacher is the key to a quality education for America's children. Most of our colleagues would agree. Teachers play a special and indispensable role in our children's education. Nothing can replace the positive and long-lasting impact a dedicated, knowledgeable teacher has on a child's learning process. The National Commission on Teaching and America's Future found that while class size reduction has the least impact on increasing student achievement and that teacher-education--teacher quality--has the most impact on student achievement. Our amendment is designed to improve the quality of our teachers.”