Vernon Ehlers: “let me clarify this issue. First of all, this is typical language that we have incorporated in this bill. We are not…”

“let me clarify this issue. First of all, this is typical language that we have incorporated in this bill. We are not breaking new ground. The National Science Foundation at present does give grants to private schools. Let me also clarify that private schools does not mean rich preparatory schools, as many people think, and does not necessarily mean religious schools. In my city in Grand Rapids, we have a private school that serves students in the inner city, and survives through my extensive fund-raising. It operates on a poverty shoestring. Most of its students are from minority groups. So private schools can include many different types. Be that as it may, note that the letter that has been circulated saying that this program may raise a constitutional question, is based on a 1971 Supreme Court decision which has been superseded by several other decisions, and I think this issue deserves considerable study before one could conclude that there is a constitutional problem. Secondly, if we read the bill carefully we note the grants provide for development or implementation of science, mathematics, engineering or technical curricula in classroom assistance; authority over hands-on inquiry materials, equipment and supplies; mentoring other teachers or fulfilling any leadership role and professional development, including training other master teachers or other teachers or developing or implementing professional development programs.…”