Search

This Congressional report contains the remarks made at a special meeting of the United States Committee on Aging to celebrate senior citizen's service to their community and examine policies regarding federally funded senior service programs. The following are among the programs, agencies, and organizations represented: Senior Companion Program; Catholic Charities; Foster Grandparents Program; Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program; South Central Indiana Interfaith Community Council; Big Brothers Program; Corporation for National Service; National Senior Service Corps; Civic Ventures; American Association of Retired Persons; and Purdue University. A large part of the testimony focused on senior citizens' service in areas such as mentoring, literacy education, and companionship and assistance to help other senior citizens remain at home. Extensive attention was also paid to the need for and possibility of additional government funding for the following activities: (1) expansion of existing senior service programs that have proved effective; (2) establishment of financial incentives to increase volunteering by senior citizens; (3) provision of additional training for seniors in areas such as physical and mental health, nutrition, child psychology, identifying signs of child abuse, and provision of long-term care and educational services; and (4) additional research on senior service programs. (Contains 37 references.) (MN)

This publication documents a congressional hearing on the Agricultural Job Opportunity Benefits and Security Act of 1999, which focuses on these three major concerns: the United States (US) is the home of a large and growing number of undocumented agricultural workers; the current H-2A Program is administratively burdensome, does not work well for workers or employers and could be replaced by a registry; and the bill provides a route to legal residence for farm workers and enhances protections, wages, and labor conditions. An opening statement by Senator Spencer Abraham of Michigan is followed by testimony and/or statements from Representatives from the States of California and Georgia; Senators from the States of Idaho, Florida, and Oregon; and individuals representing the United Farmworkers of America, AFL-CIO; Lutheran Ministry to Farmworkers, Woodburn, Oregon; National Council of Agricultural Employers, Washington, DC; Office of Research, Advocacy, and Legislation, National Council of La Raza; and American Farm Bureau, Traverse City, Michigan. (YLB)

A U.S. Senate committee hearing received testimony on the Indian School Construction Act, which would establish a bonding authority for leveraging existing tribal education funds through bonds to fund tribal school construction, maintenance, and repair. The testimony from U.S. senators and representatives of the Department of the Interior and American Indian organizations discussed the following: the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) school construction and repair backlog of over $1 billion; the terrible condition of school facilities on Indian reservations; the need to regard any bonding initiative as a supplement, not a replacement, to federal appropriations; the specific details of how tribes would issue bonds that would be secured by federal money in an escrow account and would have interest payments covered by federal tax credits; the question of federal loan guarantees; and the nature of the federal government's trust responsibility concerning educational assistance to tribes. The complete text of the Act is included. (SV)

A Senate committee hearing received testimony on proposed amendments to the Indian provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The proposals include amendments to the ESEA amendments of 1978 related to Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools and amendments to the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of 1988. Both sets of proposals stress local tribal flexibility in developing education programs and continue the trend toward increasing tribal contracting of federal services and programs. Testimony from U.S. Senators and representatives of Native educational associations addressed the role of Native school boards, the backlog of nearly a billion dollars in construction needs at BIA schools, the need for investment accounts for every BIA school to cover the costs of capital improvements, funding mechanisms, tribal educational standards and accountability, and local training and technical assistance needs. The question of whether a BIA grant school could also receive state charter-school funds was discussed. The appendix contains the Navajo Nation's recommendations for specific language to be used in the amendments. (SV)

When the National Forest System was established in 1907, Congress required that 25 percent of revenues derived from National Forests be shared with the counties where they are situated. These proceeds partially refund the tax revenues lost by local governments and help fund rural schools, roads, and other services. In recent years, reduced timber sales have decreased these payments dramatically, seriously impacting educational programs, road maintenance, and other services in the affected counties. This report from the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources presents and recommends passage of S. 1608, which would establish secure payments for states and counties containing federal lands and apply available forest revenues to meet these payments, with general treasury funds making up the difference. Of the payments made, 80-85 percent would go to the traditional schools and roads program; 15-20 percent would be given to the counties for federal-land management projects developed locally. The bill aims to provide secure funding for rural schools while improving cooperative relationships among the people that use and care for federal lands and federal management agencies. This report contains the text of the legislation; its purpose, background, and history; and explanations of each legislative section. A statement by James R. Lyons, Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, explains why the Clinton Administration opposed this bill, citing the need to sever completely the link between timber sales and educational funding. (SV)

This report focuses on the Educational Opportunities Act, S. 2, which was designed to reauthorize and improve programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for the next 5 years. It describes the purposes of the Act's 11 titles, which focus on the following issues: helping disadvantaged children meet high standards; teacher quality; enrichment activities; safe and drug-free schools; educational opportunity initiatives; innovative education; Impact Aid; general provisions; and amendments to other acts. The report's 11 sections are: (1) "Purpose and Summary"; (2) "Background and Need for the Legislation"; (3) "History of the Legislation and Votes in Committee"; (4) "Explanation of the Bill and Committee Views"; (5) "Cost Estimate"; (6) "Regulatory Impact Statement"; (7) "Application of Law to the Legislative Branch"; (8) "Section-by-Section Analysis"; (9) "Additional Views"; (10) "Minority Views"; and (11) "Changes in Existing Law." (SM)

At a hearing in Honolulu (Hawaii), the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations received testimony on health, education, and employment and training programs serving the Native people of Hawaii. In July 1999, a federal government brief filed in a U.S. Supreme Court case established the official legal position of the United States that Native Hawaiians have the same status as other Native people of the United States and that there is a federal trust responsibility for Native Hawaiians. Testimony from state-level administrators outlined the current status of health, housing, education, and job training for Native Hawaiians and proposed recommendations for pending federal legislation: the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Amendments of 1999, the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act, and the Native Hawaiian Education Act. Other testimony described Native Hawaiian health care systems, the Native Hawaiian heart health initiative, the Native Hawaiian Cancer Awareness Research and Training Center, the Hawaii high schools health study, the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program, the practice of naturopathic medicine with Native Hawaiians, the Native Hawaiian Higher Education Program and its outcomes and impacts, programs focused on Hawaiian language and cultural maintenance, family-based early childhood education programs, the Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence (to improve the health of indigenous Hawaiians), comprehensive school-based services, and the Native Hawaiian Special Education Project. (SV)

When the national forests were withdrawn from the public domain a century ago, they were established with the assurances that proceeds from the sustainable management of their natural resources would be shared with local governments. These proceeds partially refund the tax revenues lost by local governments and go toward funding rural schools, roads, and other services. Since 1990, controversies over federal forest management policies and reduced timber sales have decreased these payments dramatically, leaving many rural schools in difficult circumstances. A Senate subcommittee held hearings on proposed legislation that would establish a set amount to be paid to affected local governments and apply available receipts to meet these payments, with general treasury funds making up the difference. Only 75 percent of the payments would go to the traditional schools and roads program; 25 percent would be given to the counties for federal-land management projects developed locally. The bill aims to provide secure funding for rural schools while giving people a new incentive to work together at the local level. Testimony from U.S. Senators; county commissioners; and representatives of organizations advocating school, environmental, community, and timber industry interests discussed details of funding mechanisms, the balance between economic and ecological concerns, the composition and duties of local advisory committees, the risk of catastrophic wildfires, and issues related to community survival. (SV)

This transcript records testimony concerning Senate Bill 2490 which would bar federal aid from being used at colleges that directly or indirectly discriminate against off-campus businesses. The bill responds to difficulties small businesses have in competing with college campus bookstores due to the ability of colleges to channel student financial aid to college businesses and college bookstores. Following opening statements by Senators Lauch Faircloth and Olympia J. Snowe, the transcript presents the full testimonies of the following individuals: Graham Gillette, on behalf of Campus Bookstores, Inc.; William D. Gray, president of Gray's College Bookstore and national chairman of the Campus Area Small Business Alliance; Rob Karr, representing the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, and Anthony Samu, president of the United States Student Association. Also included are comments for the record from: John-Paul de Bernardo, of Campus Area Small Business Alliance; Daniel Lieberman, of Dynamic Student Services; David Longanecker, of the Office of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education; and Richard C. Yount, Loupots Bookstores of Houston, Inc. (DB)

This compilation of Federal Education Laws pertaining to higher education presents the full text of each statute. Statutes are organized in four sections: (1) general higher education programs; (2) Native American higher education; (3) National Science Foundation; and (4) assistance to specified institutions. The following is a unified listing of the statutes included: Act of March 2, 1867 (Howard University); Bankhead-Jones Act; Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation; Claiborne Pell Institute for International Relations and Public Policy Act; Edmund S. Muskie Foundation; Education Amendments of 1972, Land-Grant Status for the College of the Virgin Islands and the University of Guam; Education Amendments of 1980, Title XIII, Parts G and I; Education Amendments of 1980, Title XIII, Part H (Miscellaneous Provisions); First Morrill Act; George Bush School of Government and Public Service Act; Grants to Eisenhower College and to Samuel Rayburn Library; Harry S. Truman Memorial Scholarship Act; Herbert Hoover Memorial; Higher Education Act of 1965; Higher Education Amendments of 1968; Higher Education Amendments of 1986; Higher Education Amendments of 1992--Title IV, V, and XV; Higher Education Amendments of 1992--Title XIII; Higher Education Amendments of 1998; Howard University Endowment Act; Human Rights, Refugee, and Other Foreign Relations Provisions Act of 1996; Human Services Reauthorization Act, Title V; Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992; National Science Foundation Act of 1950; Navajo Community College Act; Public Law 98-480, Title III (Higher Education Projects); Public Law 98-558, Title V (Higher Education and Research Project); Second Morrill Act; and Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978. (RH)

This booklet contains statements of the members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions regarding financial support for arts education in magnet schools. The booklet identifies the committee members and staff members and then details the opening statements of Senator James M. Jeffords (Vermont), the Committee Chairman; Senator Edward M. Kennedy (Massachusetts); and Senator Jack Reed (Rhode Island). It also presents prepared statements from executives of schools and other organizations that deal directly with the arts. The booklet concludes with the prepared statement of June M. Hinckley, President, Music Educators National Conference (MENC). (BT)

This document highlights a congressional hearing on expanding the debate on education to involve small businesses as active participants. Opening statements of the following three United States (U.S.) senators are provided: Christopher S. Bond, John F. Kerry, and Olympia J. Snow. Testimony includes witness testimony, prepared statements, and other materials from individuals representing the American Management Association, New York, New York; Ball Publishing, Inc., Greenville, Ohio, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C.; Albert Seisler Machine Corporation, Mohnton, Pennsylvania, and the National Federation of Independent Business, Washington, D.C.; State Farm Insurance Companies, Bloomington, Indiana, and the National Alliance of Business, Washington, D.C.; Lexington/Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce, Lexington, Virginia; and Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (YLB)

This document records the oral and written testimony from a 1999 Senate Committee hearing on "the forgotten half"--young people who do not continue their education past high school and, in many cases, do not finish high school. Witnesses testified that there is a great need for persons with technical skills to fill existing and projected jobs in the United States, but that young people with the appropriate skills cannot be found. In response to this need, some witnesses suggested that more attention should be paid to high schools when Congress re-authorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Current legislation directs only 8 percent of the funds authorized by the act to high schools, although 28 percent of students are in high school. The witnesses asked for more funding for programs to improve high school teaching in technical areas and for minority and disadvantaged students, and to create innovative programs. Several witnesses profiled the programs in which they are involved, which have been successful in helping low-achieving students to acquire basic and technical skills and to advance to postsecondary education and to higher-wage employment. (KC)

This hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on examining legislation authorizing funds for the Elementary Secondary Education Act, focusing on educational technology programs, contains statements by: James M Jeffords, Chairman, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Barbara Means, Assistant Director, Center for Technology in Learning, SRI International, Menlo Park, California; Phil Hyjek, School Information Technology Specialist, Vermont Institute for Science, Math, and Technology, Waterbury Center; Patty Murray, Senator from Washington State; Jeff Bingaman, Senator from New Mexico; Ervin Duggan, President, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Alexandria, Virginia; Daniel Hogan, participant, PBS Mathline Program, Cincinnati, Ohio; Inabeth Miller, President, the Jason Foundation for Education, Waltham, Massachusetts, accompanied by Georgene Lytle, third grade teacher, Wooster, Ohio; Michael Pitroff, Project Director, Baltimore Learning Community, Baltimore, Maryland; and Carmen Gonzales, Director, Regional Educational Technology Assistance Project, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico. (MES)

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions met to consider the largest program within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title I, Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards. At this hearing, how Title I funds are spent, who they serve, and whether student performance is improving were topics discussed. After introductory remarks by Senators James M. Jeffords (Vermont), Christopher J. Dodd (Connecticut), Patty Murray (Washington), and Susan M. Collins (Maine), a panel of experts testified about the funding and impact of Title I. Wayne Riddle of the Congressional Research Service gave an overview of Title I. David Baroudi, Vermont's Title I director, discussed the important role of Title I and the need to integrate it with other education programs. Lula Ford, the Title I director for the Chicago, Illinois, schools discussed the way Title I related to overall reform efforts. William Taylor of the Citizen's Commission on Civil Rights suggested needed changes for the upcoming reauthorization of Title I. The final witness, Terry Bergeson, chief state school officer of Washington, presented her perspective on Title 1 and its relationship to other state and federal education programs. Prepared statements of these witnesses follow their testimony. (SLD)

The Hearing of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the U.S. Senate, held February 11, 1999, contains opening statements by Senators Jeffords, Hutchinson, Hagel, Sessions, Kennedy, Dodd, and Murray; prepared statements by educators, school board personnel, and a state representative; and additional material on education budget proposals and federal funding for education. (DFR)

This booklet provides a transcript of the September 16, 1997 hearing before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the U.S. Senate. The hearing concerns tobacco advertising and children. The statements delivered before the committee as well as the prepared statements of several senators are included. These senators are: John McCain, Ron Wyden, Wendell H. Ford, Olympia J. Snowe, Richard H. Bryan, and Bill Frist. A letter from Margaret S. Plattner, Director of the Teen Tobacco Enforcement Program, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in Kentucky, is also provided. The testimony of several witnesses and their prepared statements are included. The witnesses are: Joseph R. DiFranza, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, on behalf of Stop Teenage Addiction to Tobacco; Shirley Igo, Vice President for Legislation, National Parent Teacher Association; Alfred Munzer, MD, past president, American Lung Association and Director of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, Washington Adventist Hospital in Maryland; Matthew L. Myers, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids; and D. Scott Wise, Partner Davis, Polk, and Wardwell. An appendix provides the prepared statement of Senator Ernest F. Hollings. (MKA)

At an Espanola (New Mexico) hearing, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies of the Senate Committee on Appropriations heard testimony on heroin addiction and intervention efforts in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. An opening statement of Senator Pete Domenici outlined the problem of an epidemic of black tar heroin addiction afflicting the county, with accompanying crime and delinquency problems. A representative of the federal Office of Justice Programs (OJP) described relevant OJP initiatives, particularly Weed and Seed, which provides funding for community law enforcement, drug treatment programs, and after-school youth activities aimed at drug and delinquency prevention. Other federal officials discussed block grants and state incentive grants for drug prevention and treatment programs, the Starting Early Starting Smart program for children aged 0-7, physical and mental health problems related to drug abuse, the science of heroin addiction and treatment, and science-based drug education materials for grades 5-9. Representatives of state and local agencies discussed substance abuse-related detention costs; substance abuse, mental health, and related medical costs for local prisoners; the Rio Arriba Strategic Plan for Substance and Alcohol Abuse and Treatment; the rationale for a county-wide plan; current substance abuse reduction activities in the county; youth development as primary prevention; the high rates of drug-related death in New Mexico; the special problems of isolated rural communities; and a drug treatment program based on yoga, meditation, and nutrition. (SV)

This document presents the transcript of Congressional hearings held before the Committee on Labor and Human Resources on the scope and implications of illiteracy in the United States and on school and adult programs addressing literacy. After opening statements of the Hon. James M. Jeffords and the Hon. Christopher J. Dodd, the transcript for the hearing on the implications of illiteracy includes the texts of oral statements and prepared statements by the following individuals or organizations: Enrique Ramirez, Andy Hartman, Jean DeVard-Kemp, John P. Comings, and Richard C. Wade. Contains additional articles, "Understanding Health Literacy: New Estimates of the Costs of Inadequate Health Literacy" by Robert B. Friedland and Greg O'Neill, and a letter of Robert B. Friedland to the Hon. James M. Jeffords including a summary of research presented in the aforementioned article. (EF)

These hearing transcripts present testimony before the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the 105th Congress on early childhood education and related services. Participants provided different perspectives on early education, focusing on the academic achievement of American students, especially in comparison to students in other countries; the importance of early childhood longitudinal studies; the role of child care centers; and improving early childhood educators' qualifications. Speakers included Senators James Jeffords (Vermont), Tim Hutchinson (Arkansas), Susan Collins (Maine), and Jack Reed (Rhode Island). Providing expert testimony were the commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics and the executive director of the Child Care Action Campaign. Witnesses indicated that basic measures from the National Household Education Survey document tremendous variation in the skills children bring to kindergarten. Studies of child care in the United States report that the vast majority of centers provide poor to mediocre care. One participant compared U.S. child care programs to early education programs in France, noting differences in caregiver qualifications and compensation, as well as other programmatic differences. This witness also recommended accelerating the move toward universal prekindergarten programming and increasing accreditation efforts. A report on data needs for early childhood development and learning readiness is appended. (KB)

A Senate hearing considered five bills related to the national parks. Of interest to the education community is S. 2232, which would establish Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site in Arkansas as a unit of the National Park Service. In 1957 the school became a center of controversy over school desegregation when nine African American students attempted to enroll at Central High. Senator Dale Bumpers from Arkansas spoke of the importance of recognizing the site, already on the National Register of Historic Places as the location of the first real test of desegregation in the wake of the "Brown v. Board of Education" decision. Everett Tucker, III, President of the Central High Museum spoke in support of the measure, as did Ernest Green, one of the nine students who integrated the school with federal support. Both speakers noted that the nine students were an inspiration to America because of their poise in a crisis. Although the school would be designated as a National Parks site, it would continue to be a functioning school, administered by the Little Rock school district. The hearing report also contains testimony by witnesses related to the other bills and the prepared statements of all witnesses. (SLD)

A Senate hearing was held regarding the current condition of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools. The BIA selection process for building and repairing these schools was resumed; and discussed innovative measures for financing BIA schools was discussed. This document includes testimony from the Director of the National Indian Education Association, the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, and the President of the Dakota Area Consortium of Treaty Schools, Inc., along with prepared statements from other interested parties. Among the information presented is the fact that there is a $1.5 billion backlog of needed repairs, renovations, and replacement for all federally owned and operated BIA schools. Half of BIA schools are over 30 years old, and one quarter of the schools are over 50 years old--all of which fail to meet current codes and standards. Overall, BIA schools are generally in poorer physical condition than even central city schools, have less technology than the average American school, and have funding that is at crisis levels. Numerous statements and attachments illustrating these observations conclude the report. (GR)

The Committee on Labor and Human Resources examined the need for more qualified teachers in America's classrooms. Senators Bingaman and Jeffords made opening statements regarding the importance of the issue, then Margot Schenet, a specialist in social legislation with the Congressional Research Service, discussed the need for program quality in postsecondary schools and the role of the federal government. Her statement addressed institutional eligibility for student aid under the Higher Education Act. Statements from Kati Haycock, Director of the Education Trust; Terry Hartle, Senior Vice President of the American Council on Education; Arthur Wise, President of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education; and Donald Warren, Dean, School of Education, Indiana University followed. They addressed the importance of teacher quality and competency in providing optimal education to diverse students. An opening statement by Senator DeWine discussed the crisis in teacher education in the U.S., examining NCATE accreditation. Statements from Thomas Payzant, Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools, and Nancy Grasmick, State Superintendent of the Maryland State Department of Education, follow. Payzant discussed the type of training teachers need to succeed in Boston's public schools. Grasmick discussed teacher education initiatives and reforms in Maryland. Prepared statements by Senators Bill Frist and Edward Kennedy supported the statements of the previous speakers. A prepared statement of the National Education Association made recommendations for achieving the goal of improved educational quality. (SM)

These hearings transcripts present testimony before a U.S. Senate Committee on the implementation and success of the Safe Kids campaign after 10 years. Statements at the hearing were provided by: Dr. C. Everett Koop, chairman of the National Safe Kids Campaign; Heather Paul, executive director of the National Safe Kids Campaign in Washington, DC; Cullen Dwyer and Mikaela Matten, Child Safety Stars; Senator Patty Murray (Washington State); Greg LeMond, a champion bicyclist; Ralph S. Larsen, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson & Johnson; Robert Lange, director of auto safety, General Motors Corporation; Ann Brown, the chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; Dr. Ricardo Martinez, the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and Mark L. Rosenberg the director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (EV)

The purposes of Senate bill S.1415 concerning youth smoking are reviewed and a favorable report with an amendment is provided. The background and need for the legislation is analyzed and the legislative history, including hearings and testimony, is summarized. An analysis of Sections 1-10 is presented individually. Discussion of the bill follows by titles: (1) "Regulation of the Tobacco Industry" includes jurisdiction of FDA and advertising; (2) "Reductions in Underage Tobacco Use" which includes goals, state enforcement incentives, and smoking cessation programs; (3) "Tobacco Product Warnings and Smoke Constituent Disclosure"; (4) "National Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund," which includes spending for childcare and early childhood development; (5) "Standards to Reduce Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke"; (6) "Application to Indian Tribes"; (7) "Civil Liability of Manufacturers of Tobacco Products"; (8) "Tobacco Industry Compliance and Employee Protection from Reprisals"; (9) "Public Disclosure of Tobacco Industry Documents"; (10) "Long-Term Assistance for Farmers," which includes the "Tobacco Community Revitalization Trust Fund" and transition assistance; (11) "Miscellaneous"; (12) "Tobacco Asbestos Trust Fund"; and (13) "Veterans Benefits." A statement of intent of the committee for additional amendments is included. Additional views of several senators and a chart of roll-call votes in committee are appended. (EMK)

The U.S. Senate conducted a hearing consisting of two panels: the first panel discussed overcoming reading difficulties with a primary focus on children and the second panel focused on reading and literacy outreach activities that are ongoing in the U.S. After opening statements of the Hon. James M. Jeffords, the Hon. Edward M. Kennedy, and the Hon. Jack Reed, the transcript includes the texts of oral statements and prepared statements by the following individuals: Blanche Podhajski, Stern Center for Language and Learning; Catherine E. Snow, Committee on the Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children (National Research Council); Reid Lyon, Child Development and Behavior Branch (National Institutes of Health); Perri Klass, Vermont State Colleges; Charles I. Bunting, Department of Pediatrics (Boston Medical Center); Dawnna Lanctot (students) Community College of Vermont; Peggy A. Minnis, D.C. Head Start Toyota Family Literacy Program; Noel C.R. Gunther, WETA Learning Project; and Janet Arnowitz (teacher) Fairfax County Public Schools. An appendix contains a letter to Senator Jeffords from Gwen O'Donnell Graham and a series of articles from the Hartford Courant, by Robert A. Frahm and Rick Green. (RS)

This is a transcript from a Joint Hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce that addresses the U.S. Department of Education's development of regulations necessary to implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997. It includes opening statements from Senator James Jeffords (R-VT), Representative William Goodling (R-PA), Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Senator Dan Coats (R-IN), Representative Matthew Martinez (D-CA), and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). Prepared statements are included from Senator Bill Frist (R-TN), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Representative Frank Riggs (R-CA), and Representative Charlie Norwood (R-GA). Presentations are then provided from Judith Heumann, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, Martha Feland, the President of Cabot School Board in Arkansas, Frank Clark, a school district attorney from Hershey Pennsylvania, Brian McNulty, Colorado Assistant Commissioner of Education, and Patricia McGill Smith, from the National Parent Network on Disabilities. Questions from the members of Congress and answers from the panelists are included. Among issues addressed in the testimony are discipline, suspensions of students with disabilities, funding of IDEA, and alternative placements. (CR)

Charter schools are public schools that are established through state law and are often released from traditional regulations that apply to public schools in return for an accountability system that emphasizes student outcomes. This hearing focused on how Federal education funds are distributed to charter schools; the academic and administrative operations of charter schools; the impact of a charter-school environment on special-needs students; and the impact of charter schools on the public school system. The hearing includes the statements of Representative Tim Roemer; Senator Joseph Lieberman; Cornelia Blanchette, associate director of education and employment issues, Health, Education, and Human Services Division of the General Accounting Office; Lisa Keegan, state superintendent of Public Instruction, Arizona; Senator Christopher Dodd; Joan Heffernan, director of the Integrated Day Charter School; Raymond Jackson, president and chief executive officer of ATOP Academy; Tim Sindelar, an attorney for the Disability Law Center; and Eric Rofes, who produced a report on how school districts respond to charter laws and charter schools. Some of the issues covered include how some charter schools improve graduation rates and how some of these schools underserve the special-education population. (RJM)

This document presents the transcript of a congressional hearing held before a Senate subcommittee concerning reporting requirements of the Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990. Among issues addressed is whether the definition of "campus" includes buildings used partially or completely for commercial purposes, sidewalks, and hospitals, and whether hate crimes should be included in reporting requirements. Emphasis is on a current case involving the University of Pennsylvania. Following an opening statement by Senator Arlen Specter, the report includes the texts of oral statements and prepared statements by the following individuals or organizations: Howard Clery, founder of Security on Campus, Inc.; Jacob McKee, a student; Barbara Prentice, a parent; Stanley Ikenberry, president of the American Council on Education; Michele Goldfarb, administrator at the University of Pennsylvania; Peter C. Erichsen, vice president and general counsel at the University of Pennsylvania; Dolores A. Stafford, director of the university police department at George Washington University (District of Columbia); the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators; David A. Longanecker, Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education; and Robert C. Torricelli, U.S. Senator. (DB)

This hearing explored ways in which to meet children's and families' needs during nonschool hours. It examined the nature of those needs, the barriers that various segments of the community face, how the Federal Government can help build coordinated school and community networks, and how to make nonschool hours safe for children. Testimony was provided by Gerald Tirozzi, assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education, U.S. Department of Education; Shepherd Smith, president of Institute for Youth Development; Brad Luck, high school student and president of the Essex Vermont Teen Center; Sue Luck, associate executive director of the greater Burlington YMCA; Senator Patty Murray; Arthur Sheninger, principal of Hatchery Hill School; Linda Childears, president of Young Americans Bank; and Thomas Frazier, commissioner of the Baltimore police department. Some of the issues discussed include starting school later in the day, supporting communities' youth initiatives, liability issues, and other concerns. (RJM)

These hearings transcripts present testimony regarding child care before the Senate's Subcommittee on Children and Families. The hearings attempted to answer three questions before action is taken by Congress concerning the care of the nation's children: (1) what is best for children?; (2) what do families really want?; and (3) what truly effective steps can be taken to enable families to provide the best care they can get for their children? Oral and written statements were offered by: (1) Indiana Senator Dan Coats; (2) Diane G. Fisher, a psychologist and policy consultant from the Independent Women's Forum; (3) Dr. Stanley Greensban, a child psychologist; (4) Jay Belsky, a professor of human development and family studies; (5) Dr. Armand Nicholi, a clinician and researcher from Harvard Medical School; (6) Ellen Gallinsky, a representative from the Family and Work Institute; (7) Darcy Olgen, a representative of The Cato Institute; (8) Danielle Crittenden, a representative from The Woman's Quarterly; and (9) Anita Blair, a representative of the Independent Women's Institute. (EV)

This transcript reports on a Senate hearing concerning the reauthorization of the Education of the Deaf Act. As well as statements by committee members, the transcript presents statements by and answers to questions of the following: students at Gallaudet University (Washington, DC), students at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (New York), Jordan I. King, president of Gallaudet University; Robert R. DaVila, vice president of National Technical Institute for the Deaf; Judith Heumann, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education; Carol Cichowski, Director, Special Education, Rehabilitation and Research Analysis Division, Department of Education; Ramone Rodriguez, Liaison Office for Special Institutions, Department of Education; Sarah E. Snyder, Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf; and Nancy J. Bloch, President, National Association for the Deaf. Additional material includes a chart showing placements of Gallaudet graduates and responses to questions asked by Senators James Jeffords and Tom Harkin. (DB)

These hearing transcripts present testimony to the Senate Committee on Agriculture regarding the School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Statements were made by several senators, the president of the American School Food Service Association (Connecticut); a school food service program director (Florida); the director of nutrition and education for the American School Food Service Association (Virginia); the director of the Children's Nutrition Research Center (Texas); the vice president of Food Operations at Disneyland Resort and Concept Development (California); and an assistant professor of clinical dietetics and nutrition, University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania). Witnesses maintained that the Nutrition Education and Training Program needs funding to maintain its current service level. It is necessary to modify the School Lunch Program to encourage student participation, make it easier for schools for qualify, and to reduce the administrative burden. Testimony also indicated that breakfast programs are vital to student nutrition, academic performance, and school attendance. School food service has become more efficient and more consumer-oriented, has expanded to supply meals to new audiences, and has increased the flexibility of service delivery. However, it is necessary to integrate food service within the educational day to enhance student nutrition knowledge and practice. Offering food choices may reduce food waste. The solution to major childhood nutritional problems is to apply current information to improve children's diets and to support nutrition research. An appendix to the transcripts contains additional statements, letters, and materials submitted. (KB)

This publication contains the testimony from a hearing on growth and tobacco use. Statements include: (1) Opening Statement of Senator Bill Frist; (2) Statements of a panel of teens, Brandi Battle, Washington, DC; Kellie Jolly, Tennessee; Nickita Bradley, Maryland; and Josh, Virginia; followed by discussion; (3) Discussion and prepared statements of Scott J. Leischow, Ph.D., Director, Nicotine Dependence Program, Arizona Prevention Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; Richard D. Hurt, M.D., Director, Nicotine Dependence Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Michael C. Fiore, M.D., M.P.H., Panel Chair Smoking Prevention and Cessation, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, and Director and Associate Professor, center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin; and Tim McAfee, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Center for Health Promotion, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound-Kaiser, Seattle, Washington; (4) Prepared Statement of Senator Mike Enzi; (5) Discussion and prepared statements of Paul Schwab, Deputy Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland; and Joseph R. DiFranza, M.D., University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts. (EMK)

The focus of this hearing was on lessons learned in the District of Columbia public schools in the year preceding the hearing. In his opening remarks, Senator Brownback (Kansas) remarked that one of the first lessons is that the academic quality of the schools is not good enough and is in dire need of improvement. A second set of lessons focuses on discipline and school safety. The first hearing witness was Gloria L. Jarmon, of the U.S. General Accounting Office, who spoke about the funding of school repairs in the District of Columbia. Delays in school repairs hindered the operation of the District schools in the preceding year. The second speaker, David L. Cotton, accompanied by Ed Fritts and Marvin Allmond who were members of a firm that audited the District of Columbia schools procurement process. Irregularities in the procurement process and the need for further investigation were pointed out. The statement of Joyce Ladner of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority discussed the steps taken to improve the poor condition of the District's schools and instructional effectiveness. Accomplishments that began to put into place the foundations of better learning, including administrative changes, were outlined. The testimony of Julius W. Becton, Jr., the Superintendent of Schools, reviewed the progress made in the relatively short time in which the newly appointed administration has operated. Improvements to facilities and personnel and financial management were outlined. The final panelist was Taalib-Din Uqdah, businessman and custodial parent of D.C. public school students, who spoke about the expectations and experiences of parents for their children's schools. An appendix contains supporting material from the Government Accounting Office and the school system, as well as prepared statements of some of the speakers. (SLD)

A Senate committee met to discuss the appropriate preparation of teachers for schools of the future. Senator James M. Jeffords from Vermont presented an opening statement and discussed the need for high quality, competent teachers. Senator DeWine's opening statement discussed how education has changed over the years and what it still needs to improve. The two panels of experts and witnesses presented their opinions, experiences, and expertise on the subject of teacher education, teacher certification, and teaching. The first panel included: the President of Moyerson Academy (Larry Rowedder); the Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools (Merrill Grant); an associate professor from Central State University (Mary B. Howard); and the Former Dean of Education for Central State University (Edward Wingard). The second panel included: the 1997 National Teacher of the Year at Mayerson Academy (Sharon Draper); the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Cincinnati (Arlene Mitchell); the Assistant Superintendent and Co-Director of the Far East Regional Professional Development Center (Anna Marie Vaughn); the Professor of Education, chair-elect of the School of Education at the University of Rio Grande (Chormaine Lepley); and an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Cleveland State University (David Ball). An appendix provides the prepared statements of several individuals interested in improving education and teacher education (teachers, administrators, and university professors). (SM)

A hearing was held to consider the issues involved in funding the administration's proposals for certain educational testing. After opening remarks by Senators Kennedy (Massachusetts) , Specter (Pennsylvania), and Harkin (Iowa), the Secretary of Education, Richard W. Riley, spoke about the proposed tests. The Clinton Administration and Secretary Riley believe that a rigorous voluntary national testing system in fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade mathematics would determine how well students are achieving in basic skills. The proposed tests are an extension of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and would use the NAEP framework to hold students to high standards. Secretary Riley emphasized that these tests are voluntary and not designed to be part of a move toward a national curriculum. Senator Specter raised the question of delaying establishing the tests until a better national consensus is reached, and Senator Kennedy also commented favorably on the testing proposal. Senator Faircloth (North Carolina) questioned the usefulness of a voluntary test, and Senator Gregg (New Hampshire) questioned the participation of the Department of Education in the creation of the tests. Additional remarks were made by Senator Jeffords and Representative Goodling (Chairman of the Committee on Education of the House of Representatives), who opposes the voluntary national test. (SLD)

This hearing received testimony on school-age care. The hearing examined proposals to coordinate federal and state efforts to establish increased programs to provide after-school care for children and to improve academic and social outcomes for students by providing productive activities during after-school hours. Testimony was given by: (1) Senator Christopher J. Dodd, Connecticut; (2) Mary Margaret Oliver, State Senator, Georgia; (3) the associate director of School's Out Consortium/Seattle Most, Seattle, Washington; (4) the president and founder of the Bridgeport Youth Coalition and member of the Bridgeport Board of Education, Bridgeport, Connecticut; (5) Senator Barbara Boxer, California; (6) Edward A. Flynn, chief of police, Arlington, Virginia; (7) Thomas M. Menino, mayor, Boston, Massachusetts; (8) a parent of a child with special health needs; and (9) a program participant from the Chinle Learning Center, the Navajo Nation, Chinle, Arizona. (EV)

This hearing includes testimony on contaminated strawberries in school lunches. Contaminated strawberries were determined to be the cause of an outbreak of hepatitis in the state of Michigan. In addition to statements by the committee members, testimony was given by: (1) Mary Ann Keeffe, Acting Under Secretary, Food Nutrition and Consumer Services, Department of Agriculture; (2) Lon Hatamiya, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, accompanied by Craig Beauchamp, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Harold Margolis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Fred Shank, Food and Drug Administration; (3) David R. Johnson, the chief executive and medical officer, Community Public Health Agency, Michigan Department of Community Health, Lansing, MI; (4) Thomas W. Schimm, a teacher and parent of a child who contracted hepatitis; and (5) Susan Doneth, a mother and member of the Safe Tables Our Priority (S.T.O.P.), Marshall, MI. An appendix contains additional material submitted for the record, including questions submitted to government agencies by committee members and a letter to the committee. (EV)

This Congressional Hearing focuses on protecting children from exploitation on the Internet. Opening remarks of Senator Gregg, statements of Senator Hollings, and Senator Mikulski, and statement and summary statement of Hon. Louis J. Freeh, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, are provided at the beginning of the document. Topics of discussion in the hearing include: CyberTipline; Innocent Images initiative; child abduction and serial killer unit; training; public awareness; Innocent Images cases; national coordination; regional state and local task forces; DNA profiles; private industry assistance; Crimes Against Children Program accomplishments; prepared statement of Louis J. Freeh; implementation of 1998 FBI enhancements; challenges for combating child exploitation; crimes against children; extent of Internet child pornography problem; traveler cases; DNA tracking system; federal, state and local cooperation; caliber of FBI agents; resources needed; St. Mary's College students in Guatemala; and congressional intent. Nondepartmental Witness statement of Ernest E. Allen, president and CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and update on progress addressing child sexual exploitation on the Internet, the subcommittee's mandate, and NCMEC report make up the end of the document. (AEF)

A hearing before the oversight committee for the District of Columbia (D.C.) public schools provided the opportunity for several senators and educators to comment on the progress of educational reform in the District's public schools. The hearing was held at a time when the opening of the city's public schools was delayed because of their many safety and code violations. Representative Richard K. Armey spoke about the conditions in the D.C. schools and discussed the school choice legislation he has sponsored. Jeanne Allen, president of the Center for Education Reform, discussed charter schools and emphasized that the priorities of the public school system are not consistent with fundamental education reform. Nina Shokraii of the Heritage Foundation advocated vouchers to allow parents to send their children to schools of their choice. Kent B. Amos discussed a proposal to change the funding of charter schools in the District of Columbia. Bruce K. MacLaury, Chairman of the Emergency Transition Education Board of Trustees of the District of Columbia Public Schools, presented the views of the transitional board about the progress toward school reform in the city's schools and offered support for charter schools. General Julius W. Becton, Jr., the appointed Superintendent of Schools, discussed the condition of the schools in general and outlined some improvements made under his administration, focusing on the ongoing physical plant repairs. An appendix contains the District of Columbia Student Opportunity Scholarship Act of 1997 and some supporting statements, including prepared remarks of those who testified at the hearing. (SLD)

This Congressional hearing transcript presents testimony on how to best combat the risk of copyright infringement facing content providers on the Internet. The Internet enables users to reproduce perfectly and distribute globally copies of the digital works that represent some of the most valuable products of American creativity. While some of these digital transmissions are legal, many others are not. The challenge is to balance copyright protection to encourage and reward creativity, while promoting accessibility to information. These hearings address the concerns raised by online service providers regarding their potential liability for copyright infringement whey they are involved in making available copyrighted material. Testimony is presented by: Fritz E. Attaway (Motion Picture Association of America); Cary H. Sherman (Recording Industry Association of America); Daniel Burton (Novell, on behalf of the Business Software Alliance and the Software Publishers Association); George Vradenburg, III (American Online, Inc., on behalf of the Ad Hoc Copyright Coalition); Roy Neel (United States Telephone Association); and Robert L. Oakley (Georgetown University Law Center, on behalf of the American Association of Law Libraries). The appendix includes the text of the proposed legislation, and responses of witnesses Attaway, Sherman, Burton, Vradenburg, and Oakley to questions from Senators. A prepared statement on behalf of the Graphic Artists Guild by Daniel Abraham is provided as an additional submission for the record. (SWC)

This transcript contains the testimony of witnesses who testified or submitted written materials for hearings of the U.S. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources on the following topics: (1) labor market shortages in the information technology jobs from a national perspective and from the perspective of the Washington, DC area; (2) the education crisis that exists in the District of Columbia public schools and the problems of infrastructure as well as educational problems revealed by test scores; and (3) innovative programs and solutions and ways to finance these plans in the Washington, DC region. Witnesses, who included corporation executives, school officials, public agency spokespersons, Senators, and staff of nonprofit programs, stressed the need to improve education in the United States, and especially in Washington, DC, so that students are prepared for the thousands of technology-related jobs that are now unfilled or are being exported overseas. They examined the problems of the Washington, DC schools and suggested improvements. Witnesses also discussed programs that are working and need to be replicated in other schools. (KC)

In this report, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs reports favorably on Senate Bill 569 to amend the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978 and recommends its passage with an amendment. In enacting ICWA, Congress sought to: (1) protect the relationship between Indian children and their parents; (2) affirm the tribal right to participate meaningfully in placement decisions affecting Indian children; (3) preserve each Indian child's Indian heritage and, if possible, specific tribal affiliation; and (4) provide an orderly mechanism for resolving questions concerning state and tribal jurisdiction over Indian children. The purpose of Senate Bill 569 is to amend ICWA to provide additional procedures applicable to voluntary Indian child custody proceedings. These procedures will help ensure greater certainty, stability, and finality in child custody determinations without compromising the meaningful participation of tribes in Indian child placement decisions, a vital aspect of tribal sovereignty. Following the text of the bill, this report includes purposes of the bill, background on federal Indian child welfare policy in relation to ICWA's four objectives listed above, procedures applicable to ICWA, need for legislation, description of the substantive amendments (which place time restrictions on tribal and family intervention and provide for visitation agreements), summary of provisions, legislative history, section-by-section analysis, cost and budgetary considerations, executive communications, and changes in existing law. (SV)

Finding that violent crimes perpetrated by juvenile offenders has increased dramatically in this century, the Committee on the Judiciary recommended and forwarded this bill for enaction by the Senate. The bill revises federal court procedures, addresses the problem of violent crime and controlled substance offenses by youth gangs, and encourages states to adopt policies "to ensure that the victims of violent crimes committed by juveniles receive the same level of justice as do victims of...adults." Title I reforms the procedures by which juveniles who commit federal crimes are prosecuted and punished. Title II deals with juvenile gangs. Title III amends and reauthorizes the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to provide block grants to states for effective youth crime control and accountability. Title IV provides seed money for Boys and Girls Clubs in distressed areas. Title V contains definitions and authorizations regarding miscellaneous offenses including carjacking, firearms safety, use of prison labor for data entry, hate crimes and child exploitation. Legislative history; minority, additional, and supplemental views; and cost estimates are included. (EMK)

This report recommends passage of the Workforce Investment Partnership Act of 1997. It describes this bill as one that streamlines the current federal job training system, making it more user-friendly, and consolidates the numerous federal job training programs, eliminating confusing and redundant mandates and creating integrated statewide work force development systems. Nine sections are included: (1) background and need for the legislation; (2) history of the legislation and votes in committee; (3) committee views; (4) cost estimate; (5) regulatory impact statement; (6) application of the law to the legislative branch; (7) section-by-section analysis; (8) additional views; and (9) changes in existing law. (YLB)

The Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources met to hear two panels of witnesses discuss improving educational opportunities for low-income children, including provisions of Senate 847, to provide scholarship assistance for District of Columbia elementary and secondary school students. Opening remarks by Senators Coats, Lieberman, Reed, and Hutchinson set the stage for the discussion of educational improvement for low-income children and a discussion of school choice for urban students. The first panel of four witnesses included Howard Fuller (Institute for the Transformation of Learning, Marquette University), Pam Ballard (mother of urban students), Alieze Stallworth (teacher in the District of Columbia schools and parent), and Barbara S. Lewis (representative of a group supporting school choice and urban parent). With the exception of Ms. Stallworth, these panelists supported various forms of choice for urban schools. Ms. Stallworth argued that the issue was one of excellence in education for all students. The second panel included Glenn Lewis (State representative from Texas), Alex Molnar (professor of education), Paul Perseon (college professor), Zakiya Courtney (Parents for School Choice), and Dolores Fridge (Minnesota State Commissioner of Human Rights). These panelists discussed school choice programs currently operating. The prepared statements of panelists and supplemental materials are included. (SLD)

This 10th and final hearing in a series related to the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, focused on three specific areas: (1) the challenges posed by demographic changes in the college student population--nearly half of all students attend community colleges where the average age of students is 29; (2) the challenges and opportunities posed by technology, including distance learning and underserved communities; and (3) lifelong learning and nontraditional students. Testimony and prepared statements were submitted by: Senators James Jeffords, Edward Kennedy, Wayne Allard, and Christopher Dodd; and by Donald Stewart of the College Board (Washington, D.C.); Joel Harrell, University of Tennessee; Bryan Hannegan, National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (Wilmette, Illinois); Stanley Ikenberry, American Council on Education (Washington, D.C.); Philip Day, Daytona Beach (Florida) Community College; Omer Waddles, Career College Association (Washington, D.C.); and Deborah Dunn, Yorktowne Business Institute (York, Pennsylvania). Testimony covered such topics as: college costs and affordability, access and student aid, graduate education, the grant/loan imbalance, managing student debt, federal student loan programs, and the Kid's Bank amendment. (CH)

This congressional report contains testimony examining the vocational rehabilitation system and the Vocational Rehabilitation Act and exploring some of the issues, including linkage, faced by the vocational rehabilitation system in Ohio. Statements were provided by a U.S. senator (Mike DeWine, Ohio) and representatives of the following agencies and organizations: Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission; The Ohio State University; Ohio Client Assistance Program; Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities; Ohio Association for the Deaf; and Ohio Disabilities Planning Council. Special attention was paid to proposed changes in the Vocational Rehabilitation Act to streamline the program's bureaucracy and regulations and improve the quality and quantity of job placements for people with disabilities. Other topics discussed include the following: the vocational rehabilitation process at the direct-service level; the role of the private sector in vocational rehabilitation; the Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program; and the National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems' nationwide Client Assistance Program. Appended are written statements by representatives of the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission and National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems. (MN)