Recruitment and preparation of teachers with majors in engineering should be an authorized partnership activity. To ensure that this investment has maximal impact on teaching and learning, funds should first be provided for States and Local Educational Authorities to conduct together a detailed assessment of their needs for teacher quality and professional development. Funds should be provided in fall of 2001 to enable needs assessment and planning activities to be carried out in preparation for the 2002 school year. Activities subsequently funded under Title II should be in alignment with the State improvement plan. Include science in assessment and accountability provisions, in addition to reading and mathematics.
Research shows that teaching time shifts toward subject matter that is assessed.
An exclusive focus on testing reading and mathematics may inadvertently harm science teaching and learning, by reducing available classroom time. We urge inclusion of science in testing provisions, as is proposed by ESEA reauthorization bills S303, HR340 and HR345.