This week, Rep. Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) introduced legislation that aims to encourage and expand international education and foreign language programs in elementary and secondary schools. The U.S. and the World Education Act (H.R. 3359) would require the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International and Foreign Language Education to provide funding for educational programs that promote international enrichment for school students and their teachers. The legislation authorizes an appropriation of $200 million to carry out the Act for fiscal year 2010.

 

The U.S. and the World Education Act tries to address the growing education gap separating children in America from their counterparts in other industrialized countries. In 2006, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that America ranked 25th out of 30 industrialized countries in math and 24th in science. The OECD also found that older students are more likely to lag in core subjects like reading, math, and science.

 

Hoping to help close this achievement gap, Rep. Sanchez's bill will provide grants to support international education and foreign language programs for students. The Act will also provide funding for professional development programs to equip teachers with the skills they need to give students a solid foundation in world history, international relations, foreign languages, and global economics.

 

A press release from Rep. Sanchez is available here.