Political Quotes

“in an effort to address the challenges of technology in our Nation's classrooms, I am joining with the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Vento] in introducing the Technology for Teachers Act. This bill would establish two competitive grant programs under the auspices of the Department of Education. One program would promote the inclusion of education technology in the initial undergraduate preparation of new teachers. The other would promote education technology as part of the ongoing professional development of current teachers. The Office of Technology Assessment recently released a study that shows that most new teachers graduate from teacher preparation institutions with limited knowledge of the way technology can be used in their professional practice. The study also revealed that a majority of classroom teachers feel they need additional training in order to adequately use a personal computer. Yet a review of the data on teacher training and technology reveals that school districts across the country spend very little of their technology budgets on teacher training. Mr. Speaker, advanced technology has improved America's economic competitiveness and improved the quality of life for millions of our citizens. By the year 2000, just 3 years away, 60 percent of American jobs will require technological skills. This bill is going to enhance and give teachers the training they need to meet the classroom challenge of the future.”