| |
For Immediate Release |
|
| |
Contact: Murat Gokcigdem |
|
| |
Phone: (202) 225-8885 |
|
|
November 14, 2007 |
|
|
| |
|
HOUSE OVERWHELMINGLY PASSES IMPROVING HEAD START ACT
|
|
| |
Includes Johnson Amendment to Increase the Number of African-American Head Start Teachers) |
|
|
|
Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bi-partisan conference report to the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007.
Included in the passage was Congresswoman Johnson’s amendment to encourage partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Head Start programs. This demonstration grant program will increase the number of highly qualified African-American Head Start teachers by requiring HBCU students who receiving tuition assistance under the program to teach in a Head Start classroom for a designated period of time.
“We must ensure that every child in America has the fundamental skills and tools to enter kindergarten ready to succeed,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act focuses on the need for school readiness, expands access for more children, and improves teacher and classroom quality.”
“I am pleased that the final bill included my amendment to increase the number of highly qualified teachers in our Head Start classrooms. As our nation’s classrooms become more and more diverse, the need for minority teachers is growing. Teachers are role models to students, and it is important that students have teachers with whom they can relate and identify. Currently, out of our Nation’s 3 million school teachers, only 10% are minorities.”
“Our Historically Black Colleges and Universities play a significant role in bringing qualified African American teachers to Head Start classrooms. While HBCUs represent a mere 3% of the nation’s institutions of higher learning, they graduate more than 50% of all African American teachers.”
The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 passed by a vote of 381-36. It will now go to the Senate for passage and then to the desk of the President.
|
|
| |
U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.
- 30 -
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
