Introduction

High Schools and Transition into the Workforce: Statement of Grover J. (Russ) Whitehurst, Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement, Before the House Subcommittee on Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations

FOR RELEASE: April 25, 2002
Speaker frequently deviates from prepared text
Contact: Dan Langan (202) 401-1576

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:

I am pleased to appear before you today to discuss the President's fiscal year 2003 budget request for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) and how it supports the goal of ensuring that students complete high school prepared for the workforce and for higher education. The President has requested a total of $432.9 million for OERI research, development, dissemination, statistics, and assessment activities in 2003. Both research and statistics have significant increases in 2003—nearly 44 percent in the case of research, and nearly 12 percent for statistics.

You have already heard how our work will strengthen foundations for learning. Many of the research activities that focus on improving student learning and achievement in younger children will be helpful in ensuring that students are prepared for middle and high school. Other research projects are specifically targeted on older students and on adults. Today, I will focus on our activities related to ensuring that students are able to make a successful transition from high school to the workplace and postsecondary education.