Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers (R-Mich.), vice chairman of the House Science Committee, has introduced a trio of bills aimed at bolstering science education. The bills would establish several new programs de signed to improve science, math, engineering, and technology education in grades K-12; place a renewed emphasis on teacher mentoring and professional development; and create a tax credit for science teachers.
The proposals came just as debate was beginning to escalate on increasing the number of immigration visas granted to foreign high- tech workers. The high-tech industry has argued that an increase is necessary to overcome a severe shortage of U.S. workers. Ehlers argues that …