Semiconductor Industry Congratulates Congress for Passing Critical Education Reforms; Math, Science and Technology Key Areas of Reform

Business Wire, Dec 18, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech & Government Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 18, 2001

Today, the semiconductor industry applauds the U.S. Senate for passing reforms to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The bill passed the House last week and will now go to President Bush for his signature.

"This legislation will help America's elementary and secondary students excel in math, science and technology and prepare them for the careers of the 21st century," stated George Scalise, SIA president. "We urge Congress to appropriate the necessary funds to enable the states and school districts to fully implement the education reforms passed today."

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act reforms will increase expectations for teachers while strengthening accountability systems to monitor progress and target resources on schools and students who are failing to reach rigorous academic standards. Specifically, this new law will consist of:

-- Increasing much needed investments in teacher quality, math and science, and
technology;

-- Strengthening measures of accountability;

-- Creating annual assessments in math and reading in grades 3-8;

-- Using the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) as the
benchmark verify the results of state tests; and

-- Incorporating incentives for better alignment of standards, assessments, and
curriculum.

The SIA is the premier trade association representing the semiconductor industry with member companies comprising more than 90 percent of U.S.-based semiconductor production. Collectively, the chip industry employs a U.S. workforce of more than 284,000 people. For additional information on the Semiconductor Industry Association, visit: www.sia-online.org.