See How Your Politicians Voted
Title: Teacher Empowerment Act
Vote Smart's Synopsis:
Vote to pass a bill that provides federal funding to states in order to hire new teachers and for teacher training programs.
Highlights:
- Appropriates $2 billion per year from 2000-2004 for block grants that are given through states to to local educational agencies to hire and retain qualified teachers and to reduce class sizes.
- Authorizes states to implement teacher testing to determine if current teachers should remain in the classrooms.
- Creates mentoring programs for newly hired teachers.
- Authorizes local educational agencies to use funds for teacher quality improvement and professional development, including technology training, tenure reform, and merit pay.