[Pavan Dave]

Originally Posted by Jane

I was thinking the same thing when I read Pavan's post - about the quick, positive response he received, and then yesterday (Friday), I received a response from Senator Cornyn.
http://cornyn.senate.gov/

It was supportive and positive. With Kick Off today, I thought maybe next week I'd wait and post in here and suggest what you just did, Wetzel. Thank you for your observations!

Yes it was positive but in my opinion because he sent me one as well. I think it is a copy and paste because it's topic is mostly Technology Education, but at least that is supporting the idea of FIRST by getting Technology more help.

This is my response.

Thank you for contacting me about technology in the classroom. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this issue.

A quality education system helps strengthen our society by instilling in our youth a strong foundation that will help them learn and succeed as citizens and individuals. Although government programs can never replace loving parents and a strong community, every child deserves the advantage achieved through a first-class education. Well-trained teachers are a vital step toward our goal of ensuring that all children have the opportunity to gain the mathematics and science skills necessary for success in the global marketplace.

As you may know, the No Child Left Behind Act (P.L. 107-110) reauthorized the U.S. Department of Education Math and Science Partnerships (MSP) programs to continue preparing prospective teachers to use technology in their classrooms. MSP programs were funded at $178.6 million and $182.2 million, respectively, in Fiscal Years 2005 and 2006, a $3.6 million increase in funding. In addition, the National Science Foundation also administers teacher-oriented programs and activities designed to improve math and science partnerships.

I believe career and technical education are important building blocks that increase America’s competitiveness in a global economy—translating into workforce development here at home. Our nation is a prosperous one, and it continues on a path of strong economic growth. Important to this growth are the workforce training initiatives that allow us to train new workers by equipping them with valuable skills required for success in today’s market.

The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-332) provides an important source of federal funding for vocational education and establishes an academic, vocational, and technical framework that effectively channels secondary and postsecondary students into vocational and technical education programs. Senator Michael Enzi introduced the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act (S. 250) on February 1, 2005. You will be happy to know that I supported S. 250 when it was brought before the full Senate for consideration on March 10, 2005. The measure passed by a vote of 99–0. It is important to note that the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act included approximately $1.3 billion for the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education programs in FY 2006.

I appreciate having the opportunity to represent the interests of Texans in the United States Senate, and you may be certain that I will keep your views in mind as the Senate considers future funding for math and science education. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.