Frank Lautenberg: “I rise to introduce ``E-21''--the Education for the 21st Century Act. The E-21 Act will help ensure that all middle…”

“I rise to introduce ``E-21''--the Education for the 21st Century Act. The E-21 Act will help ensure that all middle school graduates attain basic computer literacy skills that will prepare them for high school and beyond, and ultimately, for the 21st Century workplace. The E-21 Act will also allow all school districts to obtain and utilize the latest high-quality educational software, free of charge. Mr. President, the first piece of legislation I introduced in the Senate was to provide financial assistance to introduce computers into schools, to help students learn and expand their horizons. That was in 1983. Back then, it was the exceptional school that even had a computer. It was an unusual teacher or student who knew how to use one. That legislation was enacted into law. Along with other resources, it helped bring computers into our schools as part of everyday learning. Mr. President, as many of my colleagues know, I got my start in the computing business. Back then, computers filled large rooms and were so expensive that only the largest corporations could afford their own computing centers. Today, even more powerful computers sit on a desktop in millions of homes, schools and businesses across the nation. Mr. President, we've made great strides toward introducing computers into schools, but too many of these computers are not being utilized to their potential due to lack of updated computer training for teachers.”