As a result of a report from the National Commission on Excellence in Education recognizing the crisis in science, math, and technology training, and the increasing need for skilled manpower critical to economic growth and national defense, the federal government has proposed several bills for educational advancement. The President has signed into law over $l.3 billion for the National Science Foundation including $75 million designated for various educational activities, and has made a budget request for $50 million for relieving math and science teacher shortages. Both the House and Senate have standing bills appropriating money for the provision of accessible, quality instruction in the sciences, foreign languages, computer learning, and the training of technical, engineering and scientific personnel. Acting within current programs, the U.S. Department of Education will be awarding $1.6 million to schools using technology to advance learning in teaching the sciences, reading, and writing; has provided extra funds for current "Lighthouse" schools serving as models for other school systems in using technology; has hosted a conference focusing on research in technology; has established a Center for Technology for research purposes; has focused surveys on computer usage in schools; has awarded contracts focusing on benefits of using technology to teach writing and the sciences; and has used educational television to promote scientific knowledge. (DJR)