2001 Ron Paul 16:3
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise
to introduce legislation to forbid the use of federal funds to develop
or implement a national system of teacher certification or a national
teacher test.
My bill also forbids the Department of Education from
denying
funds to any state or local education agency because that state or
local educational agency has refused to adopt a federally-approved
method of teacher certification or testing. This legislation in no way
interferes with a states ability to use federal funds to support their
chosen method of teacher certification or testing.
2001 Ron Paul 16:5
Federal control of teacher
certification will inevitably lead to a national curriculum. National
teacher certification will allow the federal government to determine
what would-be teachers need to know in order to practice their chosen
profession. Teacher education will revolve around preparing teachers to
pass the national test or to receive a national certificate. New
teachers will then base their lesson plans on what they needed to know
in order to receive their Education Department-approved teaching
ceirtificate. Therefore, I call on those of my colleagues who oppose a
national curriculum to join me in opposing national teacher testing and
certification.
2001 Ron Paul 16:6
Many educators are voicing
opposition to national teacher certification and testing. The Coalition
of Independent Education Associations (CIEA), which represents the
majority of the over 300,000 teachers who are members of independent
educators associations, has passed a resolution opposing the
nationalization of teacher certification and testing. As more and more
teachers realize the impact of this proposal, I expect opposition from
the education community to grow. Teachers want to be treated as
professionals, not as minions of the federal government.
2001 Ron Paul 16:7
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I
once again urge my colleagues to join me in opposing national teacher
certification or national teacher testing. Training and certification
of classroom teachers is the job of state governments, local school
districts, educators, and parents; this vital function should not be
usurped by federal bureaucrats and/or politicians. Please stand up for
Americas teachers and students by signing on as a cosponsor of my
legislation to ensure taxpayer dollars do not support national teacher
certification or national teacher testing.