Letters

To the Editor:

Your story "House Bill Adds Science Requirement to Title I" (Nov. 3, 1999) is in error. Title I now requires states to set standards in subjects of their choice, which must apply to all students, Title I and non-Title I alike. States were to have standards in reading/language arts and mathematics by the beginning of the 1997-98 school year, and standards in other subjects by 1999-2000.

A lack of science standards is not the explanation for why "we are not doing well as a nation in math and science," as Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers, R-Mich., maintains. The reason is that few teachers in Title I schools majored or minored in math or science in college. Mr. Ehlers could advance his goal with an amendment that mandates and pays for training teachers in Title I...