Lawmaker Wages Lonely Crusade To Improve Studies

By Debra Viadero

Washington, Del.

Education research is not what anyone would call a "hot topic" on Capitol Hill. It doesn't make headlines back in the congressional district or draw crowds to hearing rooms. It doesn't have the constituency that research on cancer or heart disease has.

Yet for three years, U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Education Reform, has waged a lonely and diligent crusade for legislation aimed, he says, at making education research better.

Last week, he came a step closer to succeeding in that quest, when the House passed his "Education Sciences Reform" Act. The bill would set new standards for the education research the federal government underwrites and remake the U.S. Department of Education office that oversees much of it. ( "Research Bill Clears House Without Fuss." )