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10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science And Math Scholarship Act

Floor Speech

Date: April 24, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Higher Education Science


10,000 TEACHERS, 10 MILLION MINDS SCIENCE AND MATH SCHOLARSHIP ACT -- (House of Representatives - April 24, 2007)

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Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 362, the 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act.

As you know, it is a sad truth that American students' performance in science and math is below that of other developed countries. Like many of my colleagues, I am concerned that without increased attention to this issue at the elementary, high school and postsecondary levels, our country's technological leadership could decline and ultimately harm not only today's students but tomorrow's economy as well as our national security.

This legislation provides a framework for improving math and science education by investing heavily in the recruitment and training of teachers.

In recent years, I have had the pleasure of observing several of the ``For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,'' or FIRST Program's competitions. This program is designed to inspire young people to take an interest and participate in science and technology. Through FIRST, teams of students and their mentors work together to solve complex, real-world problems or design actual pieces of technology. They are given the opportunity to compete against their peers, all the while developing self-confidence, good sportsmanship, and critical life skills.

The talent and drive of the students I have observed in the FIRST competitions leaves me encouraged--in fact, awestruck--by the potential of America's high school students. I have seen first hand that with quality resources and instruction, our children can do great things in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Today, our support for H.R. 362 is a tremendous step towards bringing these resources to future generations, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

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