House Bill Adds Science Requirement to Title I

By David J. Hoff

Washington

The House wants to add science to the list of subjects that would have to be taught under the largest federal education program, ending Title I's historic emphasis on reading and mathematics.

Toward the end of last month's debate on the bill, which would keep much of the federal program intact, the House approved an amendment that would require states to set academic standards for science by 2005 and ensure that students in the $8 billion federal program aimed at disadvantaged students were tested on the content.

Title I now requires states to set standards in reading and mathematics--the subjects the 34-year-old...