II
Calendar No. 648
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3936
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 26, 2006
Mr. Frist (for himself, Mr. Reid, Mr. Domenici, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Enzi, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Ensign, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Alexander, Ms. Mikulski, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Burns, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Allen, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Talent, Mr. Salazar, Mr. Craig, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Smith, Mr. Kohl, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Lugar, and Mr. Rockefeller) introduced the following bill; which was read the first time
September 27, 2006
Read the second time and placed on the calendar
A BILL
To invest in innovation and education to improve the competitiveness of the United States in the global economy.
Short title
This Act may be cited as
the National Competitiveness Investment Act
.
Organization of Act into divisions; table of contents
Divisions
This Act is organized into 4 divisions as follows:
Division A
Commerce and Science.
Division B
Department of Energy.
Division C
Education.
Division D
National Science Foundation.
Table of contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Organization of Act into divisions; table of contents.
DIVISION A—Commerce and Science
Sec. 1001. Short title.
TITLE I—Office of Science and Technology Policy; Government-Wide Science
Sec. 1101. National Science and Technology Summit.
Sec. 1102. Study on barriers to innovation.
Sec. 1103. National Innovation Medal.
Sec. 1104. Release of scientific research results.
Sec. 1105. Semiannual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Days.
Sec. 1106. Study of service science.
TITLE II—Innovation Promotion
Sec. 1201. President’s Council on Innovation and Competitiveness.
Sec. 1202. Innovation acceleration research.
TITLE III—National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Sec. 1301. NASA’s contribution to innovation.
Sec. 1302. Aeronautics Institute for Research.
Sec. 1303. Basic Research enhancement.
Sec. 1304. Aging workforce issues program.
Sec. 1305. Conforming amendments.
Sec. 1306. Fiscal year 2007 basic science and research funding.
TITLE IV—National Institute of Standards and Technology
Sec. 1401. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 1402. Amendments to the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980.
Sec. 1403. Innovation acceleration.
Sec. 1404. Manufacturing extension.
Sec. 1405. Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology.
Sec. 1406. Technical amendments to the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act and other technical amendments.
TITLE V—Ocean and Atmospheric Programs
Sec. 1501. Ocean and atmospheric research and development program.
Sec. 1502. NOAA ocean and atmospheric science education programs.
DIVISION B—Department of Energy
Sec. 2001. Short title.
Sec. 2002. Definitions.
Sec. 2003. Mathematics, science, and engineering education at the Department of Energy.
Sec. 2004. Department of Energy early-career research grants.
Sec. 2005. Advanced Research Projects Authority-Energy.
Sec. 2006. Authorization of appropriations for the Department of Energy for basic research.
Sec. 2007. Discovery science and engineering innovation institutes.
Sec. 2008. Protecting America’s Competitive Edge (PACE) graduate fellowship program.
Sec. 2009. Title IX compliance.
Sec. 2010. High-risk, high-reward research.
Sec. 2011. Distinguished scientist program.
DIVISION C—Education
Sec. 3001. Findings.
Sec. 3002. Definitions.
TITLE I—Teacher assistance
Subtitle A—Teachers for a competitive tomorrow
Sec. 3111. Purpose.
Sec. 3112. Definitions.
Sec. 3113. Programs for baccalaureate degrees in mathematics, science, engineering, or critical foreign languages, with concurrent teacher certification.
Sec. 3114. Programs for master's degrees in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages education.
Sec. 3115. General provisions.
Sec. 3116. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B—Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs
Sec. 3121. Purpose.
Sec. 3122. Definitions.
Sec. 3123. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs.
TITLE II—Math Now
Sec. 3201. Math Now for elementary school and middle school students program.
TITLE III—Foreign language partnership program
Sec. 3301. Findings and purpose.
Sec. 3302. Definitions.
Sec. 3303. Program authorized.
Sec. 3304. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE IV—Alignment of Education Programs
Sec. 3401. Alignment of secondary school graduation requirements with the demands of 21st century postsecondary endeavors and support for P–16 education data systems.
DIVISION D—National Science Foundation
Sec. 4001. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 4002. Strengthening of education and human resources directorate through equitable distribution of new funds.
Sec. 4003. Graduate fellowships and graduate traineeships.
Sec. 4004. Professional science master's degree programs.
Sec. 4005. Increased support for science education through the National Science Foundation.
Sec. 4006. Meeting critical national science needs.
Sec. 4007. Reaffirmation of the merit-review process of the National Science Foundation.
Sec. 4008. Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.
Sec. 4009. Encouraging participation.
Sec. 4010. Cyberinfrastructure.
Sec. 4011. Federal information and communications technology research.
Sec. 4012. Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.
Sec. 4013. Sense of the Senate regarding the mathematics and science partnership programs of the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation.
Sec. 4014. National Science Foundation teacher institutes for the 21st century.
Commerce and Science
Short title
This division may be
cited as the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of
2006
.
Office of Science and Technology Policy; Government-Wide Science
National Science and Technology Summit
In General
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall convene a National Science and Technology Summit to examine the health and direction of the United States’ science and technology enterprises. The Summit shall include representatives of industry, small business, labor, academia, State government, Federal research and development agencies, non-profit environmental and energy policy groups concerned with science and technology issues, and other nongovernmental organizations.
Report
Not later than 90 days after the date of the conclusion of the Summit, the President shall issue a report on the results of the Summit. The report shall identify key research and technology challenges and recommendations for areas of investment for Federal research and technology programs to be carried out during the 5-year period beginning on the date the report is issued.
Annual Evaluation
Beginning in 2007, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall publish and submit to Congress an annual report that contains recommendations for areas of investment for Federal research and technology programs, including a justification for each area identified in the report. Each report submitted during the 5-year period beginning on the date of the conclusion of the Summit shall take into account any recommendations made by the Summit.
Study on barriers to innovation
In General
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall enter into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct and complete a study to identify, and to review methods to mitigate, new forms of risk for businesses beyond conventional operational and financial risk that affect the ability to innovate, including studying and reviewing—
incentive and compensation structures that could effectively encourage long-term value creation and innovation;
methods of voluntary and supplemental disclosure by industry of intellectual capital, innovation performance, and indicators of future valuation;
means by which government could work with industry to enhance the legal and regulatory framework to encourage the disclosures described in paragraph (2);
practices that may be significant deterrents to United States businesses engaging in innovation risk-taking compared to foreign competitors;
costs faced by United States businesses engaging in innovation compared to foreign competitors, including the burden placed on businesses by high and rising health care costs;
means by which industry, trade associations, and universities could collaborate to support research on management practices and methodologies for assessing the value and risks of longer term innovation strategies;
means to encourage new, open, and collaborative dialogue between industry associations, regulatory authorities, management, shareholders, labor, and other concerned interests to encourage appropriate approaches to innovation risk-taking;
incentives to encourage participation among institutions of higher education, especially those in rural and underserved areas, to engage in innovation;
relevant Federal regulations that may discourage or encourage innovation;
the extent to which Federal funding promotes or hinders innovation; and
the extent to which individuals are being equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the 21st century workforce, as measured by—
elementary school and secondary school student academic achievement on the State academic assessments required under section 1111(b)(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, especially in mathematics, science, and reading;
the rate of student entrance into institutions of higher education by type of institution, and barriers to access to institutions of higher education;
the rates of—
students successfully completing postsecondary education programs; and
certificates, associate degrees, and baccalaureate degrees awarded in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and
access to, and availability of, high quality job training programs.
Report Required
Not later than 1 year after entering into the contract required by subsection (a) and 4 years after entering into the contract required by subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under such subsection.
Authorization of Appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Academy of Sciences $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 for the purpose of carrying out the study required under this section.
National Innovation Medal
Section 16 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3711) is amended—
by striking the section heading and inserting “SEC. 16. NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MEDAL.”; and
in subsection
(a), by striking Technology Medal
and inserting
Technology and Innovation Medal
.
Release of scientific research results
Principles
Not
later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the
Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with the Director of
the Office of Management and Budget and the heads of all Federal civilian
agencies that conduct scientific research, shall develop and issue an
overarching set of principles to ensure the communication and open exchange of
data and results to other agencies, policymakers, and the public of research
conducted by a scientist employed by a Federal civilian agency and to prevent
the intentional or unintentional suppression or distortion of such research
findings. The principles shall encourage the open exchange of data and results
of research undertaken by a scientist employed by such an agency and shall be
consistent with existing Federal laws, including chapter 18 of title 35, United
States Code (commonly known as the Bayh-Dole Act
).
Implementation
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall ensure that all civilian Federal agencies that conduct scientific research develop specific policies and procedures regarding the public release of data and results of research conducted by a scientist employed by such an agency consistent with the principles established under subsection (a). Such polices and procedures shall—
specifically address what is and what is not permitted or recommended under such policies and procedures;
be specifically designed for each such agency;
be applied uniformly throughout each such agency; and
be widely communicated and readily accessible to all employees of each such agency and the public.
Semiannual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Days
It is the sense of Congress that the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy should—
encourage all elementary and middle schools to observe a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Day twice in every school year for the purpose of bringing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics mentors to provide hands-on lessons to excite and inspire students to pursue the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields (including continuing education and career paths);
initiate a program, in consultation with Federal agencies and departments, to provide support systems, tools (from existing outreach offices), and mechanisms to allow and encourage Federal employees with scientific, technological, engineering, or mathematical responsibilities to reach out to local classrooms on such Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Days to instruct and inspire school children, focusing on real life science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related applicable experiences along with hands-on demonstrations in order to demonstrate the advantages and direct applications of studying the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields; and
promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Days involvement by private sector and institutions of higher education employees in a manner similar to the Federal employee involvement described in paragraph (2).
Study of service science
Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of United States enterprises and institutions and to prepare the people of the United States for high-wage, high-skill employment, the Federal Government should better understand and respond strategically to the emerging management and learning discipline known as service science.
Study
Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, through the National Academy of Sciences, shall conduct a study and report to Congress regarding how the Federal Government should support, through research, education, and training, the emerging management and learning discipline known as service science.
Outside Resources
In conducting the study under subsection (b), the National Academy of Sciences shall consult with leaders from 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education, as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), leaders from corporations, and other relevant parties.
Service Science Defined
In this section, the term service science means curricula, training, and research programs that are designed to teach individuals to apply scientific, engineering, and management disciplines that integrate elements of computer science, operations research, industrial engineering, business strategy, management sciences, and social and legal sciences, in order to encourage innovation in how organizations create value for customers and shareholders that could not be achieved through such disciplines working in isolation.
Innovation Promotion
President’s Council on Innovation and Competitiveness
In General
The President shall establish a President’s Council on Innovation and Competitiveness.
Duties
The Council’s duties shall include—
monitoring implementation of public laws and initiatives for promoting innovation, including policies related to research funding, taxation, immigration, trade, and education that are proposed in this Act or in any other Act;
providing advice to the President with respect to global trends in competitiveness and innovation and allocation of Federal resources in education, job training, and technology research and development considering such global trends in competitiveness and innovation;
in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, developing a process for using metrics to assess the impact of existing and proposed policies and rules that affect innovation capabilities in the United States;
identifying opportunities and making recommendations for the heads of executive agencies to improve innovation, monitoring, and reporting on the implementation of such recommendations;
developing metrics for measuring the progress of the Federal Government with respect to improving conditions for innovation, including through talent development, investment, and infrastructure improvements; and
submitting to the President and Congress an annual report on such progress.
Membership and Coordination
Membership
The Council shall be composed of the Secretary or head of each of the following:
The Department of Commerce.
The Department of Defense.
The Department of Education.
The Department of Energy.
The Department of Health and Human Services.
The Department of Homeland Security.
The Department of Labor.
The Department of the Treasury.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The Securities and Exchange Commission.
The National Science Foundation.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative.
The Office of Management and Budget.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The Environmental Protection Agency.
Any other department or agency designated by the President.
Chairperson
The Secretary of Commerce shall serve as Chairperson of the Council.
Coordination
The Chairperson of the Council shall ensure appropriate coordination between the Council and the National Economic Council, the National Security Council, and the National Science and Technology Council.
Meetings
The Council shall meet on a semi-annual basis at the call of the Chairperson and the initial meeting of the Council shall occur not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
Development of Innovation Agenda
In general
The Council shall develop a comprehensive agenda for strengthening the innovation and competitiveness capabilities of the Federal Government, State governments, academia, and the private sector in the United States.
Contents
The comprehensive agenda required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
An assessment of current strengths and weaknesses of the United States investment in research and development.
Recommendations for addressing weaknesses and maintaining the United States as a world leader in research and development and technological innovation.
Recommendations for strengthening the innovation and competitiveness capabilities of the Federal government, State governments, academia, and the private sector in the United States.
Advisors
Recommendation
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council, shall develop and submit to the President a list of 50 individuals that are recommended to serve as advisors to the Council during the development of the comprehensive agenda required by paragraph (1). The list of advisors shall include appropriate representatives from the following:
The private sector of the economy.
Labor.
Various fields including information technology, energy, engineering, high-technology manufacturing, health care, and education.
Scientific organizations.
Academic organizations and other nongovernmental organizations working in the area of science or technology.
Designation
Not later than 30 days after the date that the National Academy of Sciences submits the list of recommended individuals to serve as advisors, the President shall designate 50 individuals to serve as advisors to the Council.
Requirement to consult
The Council shall develop the comprehensive agenda required by paragraph (1) in consultation with the advisors.
Initial submission and updates
Initial submission
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit to Congress and the President the comprehensive agenda required by paragraph (1).
Updates
At least once every 2 years, the Council shall update the comprehensive agenda required by paragraph (1) and submit each such update to Congress and the President.
Technical Amendment
Section 101(b) of the High-Performance Computing Act of
1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511(b)) is amended by striking an
in the first
sentence and inserting a distinct
.
Optional Assignment
Notwithstanding subsection (a) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c), the President may designate an existing council to carry out the requirements of this section.
Innovation acceleration research
Program established
The President, through the head of each Federal research agency, shall establish a program, to be known as the Innovation Acceleration Research Program, to support and promote innovation in the United States through research projects that can yield results with far-ranging or wide-ranging implications but are considered too novel or span too diverse a range of disciplines to fare well in the traditional peer review process. Priority in the awarding of grants under this program shall be given to research projects that—
meet fundamental technology or scientific challenges;
involve multidisciplinary work; and
involve a high degree of novelty.
Departments and Agencies
Funding goals
The President shall ensure that it is the goal of each Executive agency (as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code) that finances research in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology to allocate approximately 8 percent of the agency’s total annual research and development budget to funding research, including grants, under the Innovation Acceleration Research Program.
Administration
In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the head of each Executive agency participating in the Innovation Acceleration Research Program under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a plan for implementing the research program within such Executive agency. An implementation plan may incorporate existing initiatives of the Executive agencies that promote research in innovation as described in subsection (a).
Required metrics
In general
The head of each Executive agency submitting an implementation plan pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall include metrics upon which grant funding decisions will be made and metrics for assessing the success of the grants awarded.
Metrics for basic research
The metrics developed under clause (i) to assess basic research programs shall assess management of the programs and shall not assess specific scientific outcomes of the research conducted by the programs.
Grant duration and renewals
In general
Any grants issued by an Executive agency under this section shall be for a period not to exceed 3 years.
Evaluation
Not later than 90 days prior to the expiration of a grant issued under this section, the Executive agency that approved the grant shall complete an evaluation of the effectiveness of the grant based on the metrics established pursuant to subparagraph (B). In its evaluation, the Executive agency shall consider the extent to which the program funded by the grant met the goals of quality improvement and job creation.
Publication of review
The Executive agency shall publish and make available to the public the review of each grant approved pursuant to this section.
Failure to meet metrics
Any grant that the Executive agency awarding the grant determines has failed to satisfy any of the metrics developed pursuant to subparagraph (B), shall not be eligible for a renewal.
Renewal
A grant issued under this section that satisfies all of the metrics developed pursuant to subparagraph (B), may be renewed once for a period of not more than 3 years. Additional renewals may be considered only if the head of the Executive agency makes a specific finding that the program being funded involves a significant technology or scientific advance that requires a longer time frame to complete critical research, and the research satisfies all the metrics developed pursuant to subparagraph (B).
Waiver
The head of the Executive agency may authorize a waiver of the requirement of clauses (iv) and (v) related to satisfying metric requirements if he or she determines that the grant failed to meet a small number of metrics and the failure was not significant for the overall performance of the grant.
Definitions
In this section:
Federal research agency
The term Federal research agency means a major organizational component of a department or agency of the Federal Government, or other establishment of the Federal Government operating with appropriated funds, that has as its primary purpose the performance of scientific research.
Major organizational component
The term major organizational component, with respect to a department, agency, or other establishment of the Federal Government, means a component of the department, agency, or other establishment that is administered by an individual whose rate of basic pay is not less than the rate of basic pay payable under level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA’s contribution to innovation
Participation in interagency activities
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall be a full participant in any interagency effort to promote innovation and economic competitiveness through near-term and long-term basic scientific research and development and the promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Historic foundation
In order to carry out the participation described in subsection (a), the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall build on the historic role of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in stimulating excellence in the advancement of physical science and engineering disciplines and in providing opportunities and incentives for the pursuit of academic studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Balanced science program and robust authorization levels
The balanced science program authorized by section 101(d) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–155; 42 U.S.C. 16611) shall be an element of the contribution by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to such interagency programs. It is the sense of Congress that a robust National Aeronautics and Space Administration, funded at the levels authorized for fiscal years 2007 and 2008 under sections 202 and 203 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 16631 and 16632) and at appropriate levels in subsequent fiscal years would enable a fair balance among science, aeronautics, education, exploration, and human space flight programs and allow full participation in any interagency efforts to promote innovation and economic competitiveness.
Annual report
Requirement
The Administrator shall submit to Congress and the President an annual report describing the activities conducted pursuant to this section, including a description of the goals and the objective metrics upon which funding decisions were made.
Content
Each report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include, with regard to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education programs, at a minimum, the following:
A description of each program.
The amount spent on each program.
The number of students or teachers served by each program.
Measurement of how each program improved student achievement, including with regard to challenging State achievement standards.
Aeronautics Institute for Research
Establishment
In general
The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall establish within the Administration an Aeronautics Institute for Research for the purpose of managing the aeronautics research carried out by the Administration.
Director
The Institute shall be headed by a Director with appropriate experience in aeronautics research and development.
Duties
The Institute shall implement the programs authorized under title IV of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–155; 42 U.S.C. 16701 et seq.).
Cooperation with Other Agencies
In general
The Institute shall operate in conjunction with relevant programs in the Department of Transportation, the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Homeland Security, including the activities of the Joint Planning and Development Office established under the Vision 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108–176; 117 Stat. 2490).
Resources
The Director of the Institute may accept assistance, staff, and funding from those Departments and other Federal agencies. Any such funding shall be in addition to funds authorized for aeronautics under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–155; 119 Stat. 2895).
Other coordination
The Director of the Institute may utilize the Next Generation Air Transportation Senior Policy Committee established under section 710 of the Vision 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108–176; 49 U.S.C. 40101 note) to coordinate its programs with other Departments and agencies.
Partnerships
In developing and carrying out its plans, the Institute shall consult with the public and ensure the participation of experts from the private sector including representatives of commercial aviation, general aviation, aviation labor groups, aviation research and development entities, aircraft and air traffic control suppliers, and the space industry.
Basic Research enhancement
In General
The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Director of the National Science Foundation, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of Commerce shall, to the extent practicable, coordinate basic and fundamental research activities related to physical sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Establishment of Basic Research Executive Council
In order to ensure effective application of resources to basic science activity and to facilitate cooperative basic and fundamental research activities with other governmental organizations, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall establish within the Administration a Basic Research Executive Council to oversee the distribution and management of programs and resources engaged in support of basic research activity.
Membership
The membership of the Basic Research Executive Council shall consist of the most senior agency official representing each of the following areas of research:
Space Science.
Earth Science.
Life and Microgravity Sciences.
Aeronautical Research.
Leadership
The Basic Research Executive Council shall be chaired by an individual appointed for that purpose who shall have, as a minimum, a appropriate graduate degree in a recognizable discipline in the physical sciences, and appropriate experience in the conduct and management of basic research activity. The Chairman of the Council shall report directly to the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Supporting Resources and Personnel
The Chairman of the Basic Research Executive Council shall be provided with adequate administrative staff support to conduct the activity and functions of the Council.
Duties
The Basic Research Executive Council shall have, at minimum, the following duties:
To establish criteria for the identification of research activity as basic in nature.
To establish, in consultation with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Institutes of Health, and other appropriate external organizations, a prioritization of fundamental research activity to be conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to be reviewed and updated on an annual basis, taking into consideration evolving national research priorities.
To monitor, review, and evaluate all basic research activity of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for compliance with basic research priorities established under paragraph (2).
To make recommendations to the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration regarding adjustments in the basic research activities of the Administration to ensure consistency with the research priorities established under this section.
To provide an annual report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives outlining the activities of the Council during the preceding year and the status of basic research activity within the Administration. The initial such report, to serve as a baseline document, shall be provided within 90 days after the establishment and initial operations of the Council.
Aging workforce issues program
It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration should implement a program to address aging work force issues in aerospace that—
documents technical and management experiences before senior people leave the Administration, including—
documenting lessons learned;
briefing organizations;
providing opportunities for archiving lessons in a database; and
providing opportunities for near-term retirees to transition out early from their primary assignment in order to document their career lessons learned and brief new employees prior to their separation from the Administration;
provides incentives for retirees to return and teach new employees about their career lessons and experiences; and
provides for the development of an award to recognize and reward outstanding senior employees for their contributions to knowledge sharing.
Conforming amendments
Section 101(d) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–155; 42 U.S.C. 16611(d)) is amended—
by striking
and
after the semicolon in paragraph (2)(B);
by striking
Act.
in paragraph (2)(C) and inserting Act;
and
;
by adding at the end of paragraph (2) the following:
the number and content of science activities which are undertaken in support of science missions described in subparagraph (A), and the number and content of science activities which may be considered as fundamental, or basic research, whether incorporated within specific missions or conducted independently of any specific mission.
; and
by adding at the end of paragraph (3) the following:
How NASA science activities can best be structured to ensure that basic and fundamental research can be effectively maintained and coordinated in response to national goals in competitiveness and innovation, and in contributing to national scientific, technology, engineering and mathematics leadership.
.
Fiscal year 2007 basic science and research funding
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall increase funding for basic science and research, including for the Explorer Program, for fiscal year 2007 by $160,000,000 by transferring such amount for such purpose from accounts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The transfer shall be contingent upon the availability of unobligated balances to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce for the use of the National Institute of Standards and Technology—
for fiscal year 2007, $639,646,000, of which $110,000,000 shall be used for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program;
for fiscal year 2008, $703,611,000, of which $115,000,000 shall be used for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program;
for fiscal year 2009, $773,972,000, of which $120,000,000 shall be used for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program;
for fiscal year 2010, $851,369,000, of which $125,000,000 shall be used for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program; and
for fiscal year 2011, $936,506,000, of which $130,000,000 shall be used for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program.
Amendments to the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980
In General
Section 5 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3704) is repealed.
Conforming Amendments
Title 5, United States Code
Section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by striking Under Secretary of Commerce for
Technology.
.
Definitions
Section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703) is amended—
by striking paragraphs (1) and (3); and
by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (13) as paragraphs (1) through (11), respectively.
Repeal of authorization
Section 21(a) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3713(a)) is amended—
in paragraph (1),
by striking sections 5, 11(g), and 16
and inserting
sections 11(g) and 16
; and
in paragraph (2),
by striking $500,000 is authorized only for the purpose of carrying out
the requirements of the Japanese technical literature program established under
section 5(d) of this Act;
.
High-Performance Computing Act of 1991
Section 208 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5528) is amended by striking subsection (c) and redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).
Assistive Technology Act of 1998
Section 6(b)(4)(B)(v) of the Assistive
Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3005(b)(4)(B)(v)) is amended by striking
the Technology Administration of the Department of Commerce,
and
inserting the National Institute of Standards and
Technology,
.
Innovation acceleration
Program
In order to implement section 1202 of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall—
establish a
program linked to the goals and objectives of the measurement laboratories, to
be known as the Standards and Technology Acceleration Research
Program
, to support and promote innovation in the United States through
high-risk, high-reward research; and
set aside, from funds available to the measurement laboratories, an amount equal to not less than 8 percent of the funds available to the Institute each fiscal year for such Program.
External Funding
The Director shall ensure that at least 80 percent of the funds available for such Program shall be used to award competitive, merit-reviewed grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts to public or private entities, including businesses and universities. In selecting entities to receive such assistance, the Director shall ensure that the project proposed by an entity has scientific and technical merit and that any resulting intellectual property shall vest in a United States entity that can commercialize the technology in a timely manner. Each external project shall involve at least one small or medium-sized business and the Director shall give priority to joint ventures between small or medium-sized businesses and educational institutions. Any grant shall be for a period not to exceed 3 years.
Competitions
The Director shall solicit proposals annually to address areas of national need for high-risk, high-reward research, as identified by the Director.
Annual Report
Each year the Director shall issue an annual report describing the program’s activities, including include a description of the metrics upon which grant funding decisions were made in the previous fiscal year, any proposed changes to those metrics, metrics for evaluating the success of ongoing and completed grants, and an evaluation of ongoing and completed grants. The first annual report shall include best practices for management of programs to stimulate high-risk, high-reward research.
Administrative Expenses
No more than 5 percent of the finding available to the program may be used for administrative expenses.
High-Risk, High-Reward Research Defined
In this section, the term high-risk, high-reward research means research that—
has the potential for yielding results with far-ranging or wide-ranging implications;
addresses critical national needs related to measurement standards and technology; and
is too novel or spans too diverse a range of disciplines to fare well in the traditional peer review process.
Manufacturing extension
Manufacturing Center Evaluation
Section 25(c)(5) of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(c)(5)) is amended by inserting
A Center that has not received a positive evaluation by the evaluation
panel shall be notified by the panel of the deficiencies in its performance and
shall be placed on probation for one year, after which time the panel shall
reevaluate the Center. If the Center has not addressed the deficiencies
identified by the panel, or shown a significant improvement in its performance,
the Director shall conduct a new competition to select an operator for the
Center or may close the Center.
after at declining
levels.
.
Federal Share
Strike section 25(d) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(d)) and insert the following:
Acceptance of Funds
In addition to such sums as may be appropriated to the Secretary and Director to operate the Centers program, the Secretary and Director also may accept funds from other Federal departments and agencies and under section 2(c)(7) from the private sector for the purpose of strengthening United States manufacturing. Such funds from the private sector, if allocated to a Center or Centers, shall not be considered in the calculation of the Federal share of capital and annual operating and maintenance costs under subsection (c).
.
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology
In General
The Director of the National Institutes of Standards and Technology shall re-establish the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Technology. The purpose of the program shall be to strengthen the technological competitiveness of those States that have historically received less Federal research and development funds than a majority of the States have received.
Arrangements
In carrying out the program, the Director shall cooperate with State, regional, or local science and technology-based economic development organization and with representatives of small business firms and other appropriate technology-based businesses.
Grants and Cooperative Agreements
In carrying out the program, the Director may make grants or enter into cooperative agreements to provide for—
technology research and development;
technology transfer from university research;
technology deployment and diffusion; and
the strengthening of technological and innovation capabilities through consortia comprised of—
technology-based small business firms;
industries and emerging companies;
institutions of higher education including community colleges; and
State and local development agencies and entities.
Requirements for Making Awards
In general
In making awards under this section, the Director shall ensure that the awards are awarded on a competitive basis that includes a review of the merits of the activities that are the subject of the award, giving special emphasis to those projects which will increase the participation of women, Native Americans (including Native Hawaiians and Alaska Natives), and underrepresented groups in science and technology.
Matching requirement
The non-Federal share of the activities (other than planning activities) carried out under an award under this subsection shall be not less than 50 percent of the cost of those activities.
Criteria for States
The Director shall establish criteria for achievement by each State that participates in the program. Upon the achievement of all such criteria, a State shall cease to be eligible to participate in the program.
Coordination
To the extent practicable, in carrying out this subsection, the Director shall coordinate the program with other programs of the Department of Commerce.
Report
In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives a report that meets the requirements of this subsection.
Requirements for report
The report required by this subsection shall contain—
a description of the structure and procedures of the program;
a management plan for the program;
a description of the merit-based review process to be used in the program;
milestones for the evaluation of activities to be assisted under the program in fiscal year 2008;
an assessment of the eligibility of each State that participates in the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research of the National Science Foundation to participate in the program under this subsection; and
the evaluation criteria with respect to which the overall management and effectiveness of the program will be evaluated.
Technical amendments to the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act and other technical amendments
Research Fellowships
Section 18 of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g–1) is amended by striking up to 1 per
centum of the
in the first sentence.
Financial Agreements
Clarification
Section
2(b)(4) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
272(b)(4)) is amended by inserting and grants and cooperative
agreements,
after arrangements,
.
Memberships
Section 2(c) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(c)) is amended—
by striking
and
after the semicolon in paragraph (21);
by redesignating paragraph (22) as paragraph (23); and
by inserting after paragraph (21) the following:
notwithstanding subsection (b)(4) of this section, the Grants and Cooperative Agreements Act (31 U.S.C. 6301–6308), the Competition in Contracting Act (31 U.S.C. 3551–3556), and the Federal Acquisition Regulations set forth in title 48, Code of Federal Regulations, to expend appropriated funds for National Institute of Standards and Technology memberships in scientific organizations, registration fees for attendance at conferences, and sponsorship of conferences in furtherance of technology transfer; and
.
Working Capital Fund
Section 12 of the National Institute of Standards and Development Act (15 U.S.C. 278b) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Amount and Source of Transfers
Not to exceed one-quarter per centum of the amounts appropriated to the Institute for any fiscal year may be transferred to the fund, in addition to any other transfer authority. In addition, funds provided to the Institute from other Federal agencies for the purpose of production of Standard Reference Materials may be transferred to the fund.
.
Outdated Specifications
Redefinition of metric system
Section 2 of the Act of July 28, 1866, entitled
An Act to authorize the Use of the Metric System of Weights and
Measures
(15 U.S.C. 205; 14 Stat. 339, 340) is amended to read as
follows:
Metric system defined
The metric system of measurement shall be defined as the International System of Units as established in 1960, and subsequently maintained, by the General Conference of Weights and Measures, and as interpreted or modified for the United States by the Secretary of Commerce.
.
Repeal of redundant and obsolete authority
The Act of July 21, 1950,
entitled, An Act To redefine the units and establish the standards of
electrical and photometric measurements of 1950
(15 U.S.C. 223, 224) is
hereby repealed.
Idaho Time Zone
Section 3 of the Act of March 19, 1918, (15 U.S.C. 264; commonly known as the Calder Act) is amended—
in the section
heading, by striking third
zone
and inserting fourth zone
; and
by striking
third zone
and inserting fourth zone
.
Standard time
The first section of the Act of March 19, 1918, (15 U.S.C. 261; commonly known as the Calder Act) is amended—
by inserting
(a) In
General.—
before For the
purpose
;
by striking the
second sentence and the extra period after it and inserting Except as
provided in section 3(a) of the Uniform Time Act of 1966, the standard time of
the first zone shall be Coordinated Universal Time retarded by 4 hours; that of
the second zone retarded by 5 hours; that of the third zone retarded by 6
hours; that of the fourth zone retarded by 7 hours; that of the fifth zone
retarded 8 hours; that of the sixth zone retarded by 9 hours; that of the
seventh zone retarded by 10 hours; that of the eighth zone retarded by 11
hours; and that of the ninth zone shall be Coordinated Universal Time advanced
by 10 hours.
; and
adding at the end the following:
Coordinated Universal Time Defined
In this section, the term Coordinated Universal Time means the time scale maintained through the General Conference of Weights and Measures and interpreted or modified for the United States by the Secretary of Commerce in coordination with the Secretary of the Navy.
.
Retention of Depreciation Surcharge
Section 14 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278d) is amended—
by inserting
(a) In
General.—
before Within
; and
adding at the end the following:
Retention of Fees
The Director is authorized to retain all building use and depreciation surcharge fees collected pursuant to OMB Circular A–25. Such fees shall be collected and credited to the Construction of Research Facilities Appropriation Account for use in maintenance and repair of National Institute of Standards and Technology’s existing facilities.
.
Non-Energy Inventions Program
Section 27 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278m) is repealed.
Ocean and Atmospheric Programs
Ocean and atmospheric research and development program
The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in consultation with the Director of the National Science Foundation and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, shall establish a coordinated program of ocean and atmospheric research and development, in collaboration with academic institutions and other nongovernmental entities, that shall focus on the development of advanced technologies and analytical methods that will promote United States leadership in ocean and atmospheric science and competitiveness in the applied uses of such knowledge.
NOAA ocean and atmospheric science education programs
In General
The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall conduct, develop, support, promote, and coordinate formal and informal educational activities at all levels to enhance public awareness and understanding of ocean, coastal, and atmospheric science and stewardship by the general public and other coastal stakeholders, including underrepresented groups in ocean and atmospheric science and policy careers. In conducting those activities, the Administrator shall build upon the educational programs and activities of the agency.
NOAA Science Education Plan
The Administrator, appropriate National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration programs, ocean atmospheric science and education experts, and interested members of the public shall develop a science education plan setting forth education goals and strategies for the Administration, as well as programmatic actions to carry out such goals and priorities over the next 20 years, and evaluate and update such plan every 5 years.
Construction
Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the application of section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232a) or sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794 and 794d).
Department of Energy
Short title
This division may be
cited as the Protecting America’s
Competitive Edge Through Energy Act
or the
PACE–Energy Act
.
Definitions
In this division:
Department
The term Department means the Department of Energy.
Institution of higher education
The term institution of higher education has the meaning given in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
National Laboratory
The term National Laboratory has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Under Secretary for Science appointed under section 202(b) of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7132(b)).
Mathematics, science, and engineering education at the Department of Energy
Science education programs
Section 3164 of the Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381a) is amended—
by redesignating subsections (b) through (d) as subsections (c) through (e), respectively;
by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
Organization of mathematics, science, and engineering education programs
Director of Mathematics, Science and Engineering Education
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Science (referred to in this subsection as the Under Secretary), shall appoint a Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education (referred to in this subsection as the Director) with the principal responsibility for administering mathematics, science, and engineering education programs across all functions of the Department.
Qualifications
The Director shall be an individual, who by reason of professional background and experience, is specially qualified to advise the Under Secretary on all matters pertaining to mathematics, science, and engineering education at the Department.
Duties
The Director shall—
oversee all mathematics, science, and engineering education programs of the Department;
represent the Department as the principal interagency liaison for all mathematics, science, and engineering education programs, unless otherwise represented by the Secretary or the Under Secretary;
prepare the annual budget and advise the Under Secretary on all budgetary issues for mathematics, science, and engineering education programs of the Department;
increase, to the maximum extent practicable, the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented minorities at every level of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education; and
perform other such matters related to mathematics, science, and engineering education as are required by the Secretary or the Under Secretary.
Staff and other resources
The Secretary shall assign to the Director such personnel and other resources as the Secretary considers necessary to permit the Director to carry out the duties of the Director.
Assessment
In general
The Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences under which the National Academy, not later than 5 years after, and not later than 10 years after, the date of enactment of this paragraph, shall assess the performance of the mathematics, science, and engineering education programs of the Department.
Considerations
An assessment under this paragraph shall be conducted taking into consideration, where applicable, the effect of mathematics, science, and engineering education programs of the Department on student academic achievement in math and science.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection.
; and
by striking subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)) and inserting the following:
Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund
The Secretary shall establish a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education Fund, using not less than 0.3 percent of the amount made available to the Department for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for each fiscal year, to carry out sections 3165, 3166, and 3167.
.
Consultation
The Secretary shall—
consult with the Secretary of Education regarding activities authorized under subpart B of the Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (as added by subsection (d)(3)) to improve mathematics and science education; and
otherwise make available to the Secretary of Education reports associated with programs authorized under that section.
Definition
Section 3168 of the Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381d) is amended by adding at the end the following:
National Laboratory
The term National Laboratory has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
.
Mathematics, science, and engineering education programs
The Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381 et seq.) is amended—
by inserting after section 3162 the following:
Science education enhancement
;
in section
3169, by striking part
and inserting subpart
;
and
by adding at the end the following:
Mathematics, science, and engineering education programs
Definitions
In this subpart:
Director
The term Director means the Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education.
National laboratory
The term National Laboratory has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
Assistance for specialty schools for mathematics and science
Specialty schools for mathematics and science
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to provide assistance to States to establish or expand public, statewide specialty secondary schools that provide comprehensive mathematics and science (including engineering) education to improve the academic achievement of students in mathematics and science.
Definition of specialty school for mathematics and science
In this chapter, the term specialty school for mathematics and science means a public secondary school (including a school that provides residential services to students) that—
serves students residing in the State in which the school is located; and
offers to those students a high-quality, comprehensive mathematics and science (including engineering) curriculum designed to improve the academic achievement of students in mathematics and science.
Grants authorized
In general
From the amounts authorized under subsection (i), the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to States in order to provide assistance to the States for the costs of establishing or expanding public, statewide specialty schools for mathematics and science.
Resources
The Director shall ensure that appropriate resources of the Department, including the National Laboratories, are available to schools funded under this section in order to—
increase experiential, hands-on learning opportunities in mathematics and science for students attending such schools; and
provide ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers employed at such schools.
Assistance
Consistent with sections 3165 and 3166, the Director shall make available necessary funds for a program using scientific and engineering staff of the National Laboratories, during which the staff—
assists teachers in teaching courses at the schools funded under this section;
uses National Laboratory scientific equipment in teaching the courses; and
uses distance education and other technologies to provide assistance described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) to schools funded under this section that are not located near the National Laboratories.
Restriction
No State shall receive funding for more than 1 specialty school for mathematics and science for a fiscal year.
Federal and non-Federal shares
Federal share
The Federal share of the costs described in subsection (c)(1) shall not exceed 50 percent.
Non-Federal share
The non-Federal share of the costs described in subsection (c)(1) shall be—
not less than 50 percent; and
provided from non-Federal sources, in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including services.
Application
Each State desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Director may require that describes—
the process by which and selection criteria with which the State will select and designate a school as a specialty school for mathematics and science in accordance with this section;
how the State will ensure that funds made available under this section are used to establish or expand a specialty school for mathematics and science—
in accordance with the activities described in subsection (g); and
that has the capacity to improve the academic achievement of all students in all core academic subjects, and particularly in mathematics and science;
how the State will measure the extent to which the school increases student academic achievement on State academic achievement standards in mathematics and science;
the curricula and materials to be used in the school;
the availability of funds from non-Federal sources for the non-Federal share of the costs of the activities authorized under this section; and
how the State will use technical assistance and support from the Department, including the National Laboratories, and other entities with experience and expertise in mathematics and science education, including institutions of higher education.
Distribution
In awarding grants under this section, the Director shall—
ensure a wide, equitable distribution among States that propose to serve students from urban and rural areas; and
provide equal consideration to States without National Laboratories.
Uses of Funds
In general
A State that receives a grant under this section shall use the funds made available through the grant to—
employ proven strategies and methods for improving student learning and teaching in mathematics and science;
integrate into the curriculum of the school comprehensive mathematics and science education, including instruction and assessments that are aligned with the State’s academic content and student academic achievement standards (within the meaning of section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311)), classroom management, professional development, parental involvement, and school management; and
provide high-quality and continuous teacher and staff professional development.
Special rule
Grant funds under this section may be used for activities described in paragraph (1) only if the activities are directly related to improving student academic achievement in mathematics and science.
Evaluation and report
State evaluation and report
Evaluation
Each State that receives a grant under this section shall develop and carry out an evaluation and accountability plan for the activities funded through the grant that measures the impact of the activities, including measurable objectives for improved student academic achievement on State mathematics and science assessments.
Report
The State shall submit to the Director a report containing the results of the evaluation and accountability plan.
Report to Congress
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the PACE–Energy Act, the Director shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress detailing the impact of the activities assisted with funds made available under this section.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$20,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$40,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
Experiential-Based Learning Opportunities
Experiential-based learning opportunities
Internships authorized
In general
From the amounts authorized under subsection (f), the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall establish a summer internship program for middle school and secondary school students that shall—
provide the students with internships at the National Laboratories; and
promote experiential, hands-on learning in mathematics or science.
Residential services
The Director may provide residential services to students participating in the Internship authorized under this chapter.
Selection Criteria
In general
The Director shall establish criteria to determine the sufficient level of academic preparedness necessary for a student to be eligible for an internship under this section.
Participation
The Director shall ensure the participation of students from a wide distribution of States, including States without National Laboratories.
Priority
In general
The Director shall give priority for an internship under this section to a student who meets the eligibility criteria described in subsection (b) and who attends a school—
in which not less than 30 percent of the children enrolled in the school are from low-income families; or
that is designated with a school locale code of 6, 7, or 8, as determined by the Secretary of Education; and
for which there is—
a high percentage of teachers who are not teaching in the academic subject areas or grade levels in which the teachers were trained to teach;
a high teacher turnover rate; or
a high percentage of teachers with emergency, provisional, or temporary certification or licenses.
Coordination
The Director shall consult with the Secretary of Education in order to determine whether a student meets the priority requirements of this subsection.
Outreach and experiential-based programs for minority students
In general
The Secretary, acting through the Director, in cooperation with Hispanic-serving institutions, historically Black colleges and universities, tribally controlled colleges and universities, Alaska Native- and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and other minority-serving institutions and nonprofit entities with substantial experience relating to outreach and experiential-based learning projects, shall establish outreach and experiential-based learning programs that will encourage underrepresented minority students in kindergarten through grade 12 to pursue careers in math, science, and engineering.
Community involvement
The Secretary shall ensure that the programs established under paragraph (1) involve, to the maximum extent practicable—
participation by parents and educators; and
the establishment of partnerships with business organizations and appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies.
Distribution
The Secretary shall ensure that the programs established under paragraph (1) are located in diverse geographic regions of the United States, to the maximum extent practicable.
Evaluation and Accountability Plan
The Director shall develop an evaluation and accountability plan for the activities funded under this chapter that objectively measures the impact of the activities.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
National Laboratories Centers of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education
National Laboratories Centers of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education
Definition of high-need public secondary school
In this chapter, the term high-need public secondary school means a secondary school—
with a high concentration of low-income individuals (as defined in section 1707 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6537)); or
designated with a school locale code of 6, 7, or 8, as determined by the Secretary of Education.
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish at each of the National Laboratories a program to support a Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Science at 1 high-need public secondary school located in the region of the National Laboratory to provide assistance in accordance with subsection (f).
Partnership
Each high-need public secondary school selected as a Center of Excellence shall form a partnership with a department that provides training for teachers and principals at an institution of higher education for purposes of compliance with subsection (g).
Selection
In general
The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall establish criteria to guide the National Laboratories in selecting the sites of the Centers of Excellence.
Process
The National Laboratories shall select the sites of the Centers of Excellence through an open, widely publicized, and competitive process.
Goals
The Secretary shall establish goals and performance assessments for each Center of Excellence authorized under subsection (b).
Assistance
Consistent with sections 3165 and 3166, the Director shall make available necessary funds for a program using scientific and engineering staff of the National Laboratories, during which the staff—
assists teachers in teaching courses at the Centers of Excellence in Mathematics and Science; and
uses National Laboratory scientific equipment in the teaching of the courses.
Special rule
Each Center of Excellence shall ensure—
provision of clinical practicum, student teaching, or internship experiences for math and science teacher candidates as part of its teacher preparation program;
provision of supervision and mentoring for teacher candidates in the teacher preparation program; and
to the maximum extent practicable, provision of professional development for veteran teachers in the public secondary schools in the region.
Evaluation
The Secretary shall consider the results of performance assessments required under subsection (e) in determining the contract award fee of a National Laboratory management and operations contractor.
Plan
The Director shall—
develop an evaluation and accountability plan for the activities funded under this chapter that objectively measures the impact of the activities; and
disseminate information obtained from those measurements.
No effect on similar programs
Nothing in this section displaces or otherwise affects any similar program being carried out as of the date of enactment of this subpart at any National Laboratory under any other provision of law.
Summer Institutes
Summer institutes
Definitions
In this section:
Eligible partner
The term eligible partner means—
the mathematics or science (including engineering) department at an institution of higher education, acting in coordination with a department at an institution of higher education that provides training for teachers and principals; or
a nonprofit entity with expertise in providing professional development for mathematics or science teachers.
Summer institute
The term summer institute means an institute, conducted during the summer, that—
is conducted for a period of not less than 2 weeks;
includes, as a component, a program that provides direct interaction between students and faculty, including personnel of 1 or more National Laboratories who have scientific expertise; and
provides for follow-up training, during the academic year, that is conducted in the classroom.
Summer institute programs authorized
Programs at the national laboratories
The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall establish or expand programs of summer institutes at each of the National Laboratories to provide additional training to strengthen the mathematics and science teaching skills of teachers employed at public schools for kindergarten through grade 12, in accordance with the activities authorized under subsections (c) and (d).
Programs with eligible partners
In general
The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall identify and provide assistance to eligible partners to establish or expand programs of summer institutes that provide additional training to strengthen the mathematics and science teaching skills of teachers employed at public schools for kindergarten through grade 12, in accordance with the activities authorized under subsections (c) and (d).
Assistance
Consistent with sections 3165 and 3166, the Director shall make available necessary funds for a program using scientific and engineering staff of the National Laboratories, during which the staff—
assists in providing training to teachers at summer institutes; and
uses National Laboratory scientific equipment in the training.
Limitation of amount
To carry out this paragraph, the Director may use not more than 50 percent of the amounts authorized under subsection (h) for a fiscal year.
Required activities
Each program authorized under subsection (b) shall—
create opportunities for enhanced and ongoing professional development for teachers that improves the mathematics and science content knowledge of such teachers;
include material pertaining to recent developments in mathematics and science pedagogy;
provide training on the use and integration of technology in the classroom;
directly relate to the curriculum and academic areas in which the teachers provide instruction;
enhance the ability of the teachers to understand and use the challenging State academic content standards for mathematics and science and to select appropriate curricula;
train teachers to use curricula that are—
based on scientific research;
aligned with challenging State academic content standards; and
object-centered, experiment-oriented, and concept- and content-based;
provide professional development activities, including supplemental and follow-up activities; and
allow for the exchange of best practices among the participants.
Permissible activities
A program authorized under subsection (b) may include—
a program that provides teachers with opportunities to work under the guidance of experienced teachers and college faculty;
instruction in the use and integration of data and assessments to inform and instruct classroom practice; and
extended master teacher programs.
Priority
To the maximum extent practicable, the Director shall ensure that each summer institute program authorized under subsection (b) provides training to—
teachers from a wide range of school districts;
teachers from disadvantaged school districts; and
teachers from groups underrepresented in the fields of mathematics and science teaching, including women and members of minority groups.
Coordination and consultation
The Director shall consult and coordinate with the Secretary of Education and the Director of the National Science Foundation regarding the implementation of the programs authorized under subsection (b).
Evaluation and accountability plan
In general
The Director shall develop an evaluation and accountability plan for the activities funded under this section that measures the impact of the activities.
Contents
The evaluation and accountability plan shall include—
measurable objectives to increase the number of mathematics and science teachers who participate in the summer institutes involved; and
measurable objectives for improved student academic achievement on State mathematics and science assessments.
Report to congress
The Secretary shall submit to Congress with the annual budget submission of the Secretary a report on how the activities assisted under this section improve the mathematics and science teaching skills of participating teachers.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
$15,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$25,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$40,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$75,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
Nuclear science education
Nuclear science talent expansion program for institutions of higher education
Purposes
The purposes of this section are—
to address the decline in the number of and resources available to nuclear science programs of institutions of higher education; and
to increase the number of graduates with degrees in nuclear science, an area of strategic importance to the economic competitiveness and energy security of the United States.
Definition of nuclear science
In this section, the term nuclear science includes—
nuclear science;
nuclear engineering;
nuclear chemistry;
radio chemistry; and
health physics.
Establishment
The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall establish in accordance with this section a program to expand and enhance institution of higher education nuclear science educational capabilities.
Nuclear science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education
In general
The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall award up to 3 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education that establish new academic degree programs in nuclear science.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a grant under this subsection, an applicant shall partner with a National Laboratory or other eligible nuclear-related entity, as determined by the Secretary.
Criteria
Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on—
the potential to attract new students to the program;
academic rigor; and
the ability to offer hands-on learning opportunities.
Duration and amount
Duration
A grant under this subsection shall be 5 years in duration.
Amount
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $1,000,000 for each year of the grant period.
Use of funds
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to—
recruit and retain new faculty;
develop core and specialized course content;
encourage collaboration between faculty and researchers in the nuclear science field; or
support outreach efforts to recruit students.
Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education
In general
The Secretary, acting through the Director shall award up to 10 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education with existing academic degree programs that produce graduates in nuclear science.
Criteria
Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on the potential for increasing the number and academic quality of graduates in the nuclear sciences who enter into careers in nuclear-related fields.
Duration and amount
Duration
A grant under this subsection shall be 5 years in duration.
Amount
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $500,000 for each year of the grant period.
Use of funds
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to—
increase the number of graduates in nuclear science that enter into careers in the nuclear science field;
enhance the teaching of advanced nuclear technologies;
aggressively pursue collaboration opportunities with industry and National Laboratories;
bolster or sustain nuclear infrastructure and research facilities of the institution of higher education, such as research and training reactors or laboratories; and
provide tuition assistance and stipends to undergraduate and graduate students.
Authorization of appropriations
Nuclear science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (d)—
$3,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$9,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$13,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$18,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$22,500,000 for fiscal year 2011.
Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (e)—
$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$11,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$16,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$22,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$27,500,000 for fiscal year 2011.
.
Department of Energy early-career research grants
Purpose
It is the purpose of this section to authorize research grants in the Department for early-career scientists and engineers for purposes of pursuing independent research.
Definition of eligible early-career researcher
In this section, the term eligible early-career researcher means an individual who—
completed a doctorate or other terminal degree not more than 10 years before the date of application for a grant authorized under this section, except as provided in subsection (c)(3); and
has demonstrated promise in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computer science, or computational science.
Grant program authorized
In general
The Secretary shall award not less than 65 grants per year to outstanding eligible early-career researchers to support the work of such researchers in the Department, particularly at the National Laboratories, or other federally-funded research and development centers.
Application
An eligible early-career researcher who desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require.
Waiver
The Secretary may find eligible a candidate who has completed a doctorate more than 10 years prior to the date of application if the candidate was unable to conduct research for a period of time because of extenuating circumstances, including military service or family responsibilities.
Duration and amount
Duration
A grant under this section shall be 5 years in duration.
Amount
An eligible early career-researcher who receives a grant under this section shall receive up to $100,000 for each year of the grant period.
Use of funds
An eligible early career-researcher who receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds for basic research in natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, or computer sciences at the Department, particularly the National Laboratories, or other federally-funded research and development center.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
$6,500,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$13,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$19,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$26,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$32,500,000 for fiscal year 2011.
Advanced Research Projects Authority-Energy
Definitions
In this section:
Advisory Board
The term Advisory Board means the Advisory Board established under subsection (d).
Authority
The term Authority means the Advanced Research Projects Authority—Energy established under subsection (b).
Director
The term Director means the Director of the Authority appointed under subsection (c)(1).
Energy technology
The term energy technology means technology, including carbon-neutral technology, used for—
fossil energy;
carbon sequestration;
nuclear energy;
renewable energy;
energy distribution; or
energy efficiency technology.
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish an Advanced Research Projects Authority-Energy to overcome the long-term and high-risk technological barriers in the development of energy technologies.
Director
Appointment
The Secretary shall appoint a Director of the Authority.
Qualifications
The Director shall be an individual who, by reason of professional background and experience, is especially qualified to advise the Secretary on matters pertaining to long-term, high-risk programs to overcome long-term and high-risk technological barriers to the development of energy technologies.
Duties
The Director shall—
employ such qualified technical staff as are necessary to carry out the duties of the Authority, including providing staff for the Advisory Committee;
serve as the selection official for proposals relating to energy technologies that are solicited within the Department;
develop metrics to assist in developing funding criteria and for assessing the success of existing programs;
terminate programs carried out under this section that are not achieving the goals of the programs; and
perform such duties relating to long-term and high-risk technological barriers in the development of energy technologies as are determined to be appropriate by the Secretary.
Advisory Board
Appointment
The Secretary shall, consistent with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), establish, and appoint members to, an Advisory Board to make recommendations to the Secretary and the Director on actions necessary to carry out this section.
Qualifications
The Advisory Board shall consist of individuals who, by reason of professional background and experience, are especially qualified to advise the Secretary and the Director on matters pertaining to long-term and high-risk technological barriers in the development of energy technologies.
Term
A member of the Advisory Board shall be appointed for a term of 5 years.
Information
Each fiscal year, individuals who carry out energy technology programs of the Department and staff of the Authority shall provide to the Advisory Board written proposals and oral briefings on long-term and high-risk technological barriers that are critical to overcome for the successful development of energy technologies.
Duties
Each fiscal year, the Advisory Board shall—
recommend to the Secretary and the Director—
in order of priority, proposals of energy programs of the Department that are critical to overcoming long-term and high-risk technological barriers to enable the successful development of energy technologies; and
additional programs not covered in the proposals that are critical to overcoming the barriers described in clause (i); and
based on the metrics described in subsection (c)(3)(C), make recommendations to the Secretary and the Directory concerning whether programs funded under this section are achieving the goals of the programs.
Review
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the Academy shall—
conduct reviews during each of calendar years 2009 and 2011 to determine the success of the activities carried out under this section; and
submit to Congress, the Secretary, and the Director a report describing the results of each review.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
Authorization of appropriations for the Department of Energy for basic research
Section 971(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16311(b)) is amended—
in paragraph (2), by striking
and
at the end;
in paragraph (3)—
by striking
$5,200,000,000
and inserting $4,800,000,000
;
and
by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
by adding at the end the following:
$4,945,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$5,265,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
.
Discovery science and engineering innovation institutes
In general
The Secretary shall establish distributed,
multidisciplinary institutes (referred to in this section as
Institutes
) centered at National Laboratories to apply
fundamental science and engineering discoveries to technological innovations
related to the missions of the Department and the global competitiveness of the
United States.
Topical areas
The Institutes shall support scientific and engineering research and education activities on critical emerging technologies determined by the Secretary to be essential to global competitiveness, including activities related to—
sustainable energy technologies;
multi-scale materials and processes;
micro- and nano-engineering;
computational and information engineering; and
genomics and proteomics.
Partnerships
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall establish partnerships between the Institutes and—
institutions of higher education to—
train undergraduate and graduate engineering and science students;
develop innovative educational curricula; and
conduct research within the topical areas described in subsection (b);
private industry to develop innovative technologies within the topical areas described in subsection (b);
State and local governments to promote regionally-based commercialization and entrepreneurship; and
financing entities to guide successful technology commercialization.
Merit-based selection
The selection of Institutes under this section shall be merit-based and made through an open, competitive selection process.
Restriction
Not more than 3 Institutes shall receive grants for a fiscal year.
Review
The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences under which the Academy shall, not later than 3 and 6 years after the date of enactment of this Act—
review the performance of the Institutes under this section; and
submit to Congress and the Secretary a report describing the results of the review.
Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities of each Institute selected under this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
Protecting America’s Competitive Edge (PACE) graduate fellowship program
Definition of eligible student
In this section, the term eligible student means a student who attends an institution of higher education that offers a doctoral degree in a field relevant to a mission area of the Department.
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a graduate fellowship program for eligible students pursuing a doctoral degree in a mission area of the Department.
Selection
In general
The Secretary shall award fellowships to eligible students under this section through a competitive merit review process (involving written and oral interviews) that will result in a wide distribution of awards throughout the United States.
Criteria
The Secretary shall establish selection criteria for awarding fellowships under this section that require an eligible student to—
pursue a field of science or engineering of importance to the mission area of the Department;
rank in the upper 10 percent of the class of the eligible student;
demonstrate to the Secretary—
the capacity to understand technical topics related to the fellowship that can be derived from the first principles of the technical topics;
imagination and creativity;
leadership skills in organizations or intellectual endeavors, demonstrated through awards and past experience; and
excellent verbal and communication skills to explain, defend, and demonstrate an understanding of technical subjects related to the fellowship; and
be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States.
Awards
Amount
A fellowship awarded under this section shall—
provide an annual living stipend; and
cover—
graduate tuition at an institution of higher education; and
incidental expenses associated with curricula and research at the institution of higher education (including books, computers and software).
Duration
A fellowship awarded under this section shall be for a period of not greater than 5 years.
Portability
A fellowship awarded under this section shall be portable with the fellow.
Administration
The Secretary (acting through the Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education)—
shall administer the program established under this section; and,
may enter into a contract with a nonprofit entity to administer the program, including the selection and award of fellowships.
Authorization of appropriations
Fellowships
There are authorized to be appropriated to award fellowships under this section—
$4,500,000 for 100 fellowships for fiscal year 2007;
$9,300,000 for 200 fellowships for fiscal year 2008 (including non-expiring fellowships for the prior fiscal year);
$14,500,000 for 300 fellowships for fiscal year 2009 (including non-expiring fellowships for prior fiscal years);
$25,000,000 for 500 fellowships for fiscal year 2010 (including non-expiring fellowships for prior fiscal years); and
$35,500,000 for 700 fellowships for fiscal year 2011 (including non-expiring fellowships for prior fiscal years).
Administration
There are authorized to be appropriated for administrative expenses incurred in carrying out this section—
$1,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$1,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$1,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$2,500,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$3,500,000 for fiscal year 2011.
Title IX compliance
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes actions taken by the Department of Energy to implement the recommendations in the report of the Government Accountability Office numbered 04–639.
Compliance
To comply with title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), the Secretary of Energy shall annually conduct compliance reviews of at least 2 recipients of Department of Energy grants.
High-risk, high-reward research
Definition of high-risk, high-reward research
In this section, the term high-risk, high reward research means research that—
has the potential for yielding results with far-ranging implications;
is too novel or spans too diverse a range of disciplines to fare well in the traditional peer review process; and
is supportive of the missions of the sponsoring agency.
Establishment of grant programs
Energy grant program
The Secretary shall establish a grant program to encourage the conduct of high-risk, high-reward research at the Department.
Geological grant program
The Director of the United States Geological Survey shall establish a grant program to encourage the conduct of high-risk, high-reward research at the United States Geological Survey.
Distinguished scientist program
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to promote scientific and academic excellence through collaborations between institutions of higher education and the National Laboratories.
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a program to support the joint appointment of distinguished scientists by institutions of higher education and National Laboratories.
Qualifications
Successful candidates under this section shall be persons who, by reason of professional background and experience, are able to bring international recognition to the appointing institution of higher education and National Laboratory in their field of scientific endeavor.
Selection
A distinguished scientist appointed under this section shall be selected through an open, competitive process.
Appointment
Institution of higher education
An appointment by an institution of higher education under this section shall be filled within the tenure allotment of the institution of higher education at a minimum rank of professor.
National laboratory
An appointment by a National Laboratory under this section shall be at the rank of the highest grade of distinguished scientist or technical staff of the National Laboratory.
Duration
An appointment under this section shall be for 6 years, consisting of 2 3-year funding allotments.
Use of funds
Funds made available under this section may be used for—
the salary of the distinguished scientist and support staff;
undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral appointments;
research-related equipment;
professional travel; and
such other requirements as the Director determines are necessary to carry out the purpose of the program.
Review
In general
The appointment of a distinguished scientist under this section shall be reviewed at the end of the first 3-year allotment for the distinguished scientist through an open peer-review process to determine whether the appointment is meeting the purpose of this section under subsection (a).
Funding
Funding of the appointment of the distinguished scientist for the second 3-year allotment shall be determined based on the review conducted under paragraph (1).
Cost sharing
To be eligible for assistance under this section, an appointing institution of higher education shall pay at least 50 percent of the total costs of the appointment.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
$15,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 (to support up to 15 appointments under this section);
$30,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 (to support up to 30 such appointments);
$60,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 (to support up to 60 such appointments); and
$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2011 (to support up to 100 such appointments).
Education
Findings
Congress makes the following findings:
A well-educated population is essential to retaining America’s competitiveness in the global economy.
The United States needs to build on and expand the impact of existing programs by taking additional, well-coordinated steps to ensure that all students are able to obtain the knowledge the students need to obtain postsecondary education and participate successfully in the workforce or the Armed Forces.
The next steps must be informed by independent information on the effectiveness of current programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, and by identification of best practices that can be replicated.
Teacher preparation and elementary school and secondary school programs and activities must be aligned with the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) and the requirements of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).
The ever increasing knowledge and skill demands of the 21st century require that secondary school preparation and requirements be better aligned with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in postsecondary education and the workforce, and States need better data systems to track educational achievement from prekindergarten through baccalaureate degrees.
Definitions
ESEA definitions
Unless otherwise specified in this division, the terms used in this division have the meanings given the terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
Other definitions
In this division:
Critical foreign language
The term critical foreign language means a foreign language that the Secretary determines, in consultation with the heads of such Federal departments and agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate, is critical to the national security and economic competitiveness of the United States.
Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Education.
Teacher assistance
Teachers for a competitive tomorrow
Purpose
The purpose of this subtitle is—
to develop and implement programs to provide integrated courses of study in mathematics, science, engineering, or critical foreign languages, and teacher education, that lead to a baccalaureate degree with concurrent teacher certification; and
to develop and implement 2- or 3-year part-time master’s degree programs in mathematics, science, or critical foreign language education for teachers in order to enhance the teachers' content knowledge and pedagogical skills.
Definitions
In this subtitle:
Children from low-income families
The term children from low-income families means children described in section 1124(c)(1)(A) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6333(c)(1)(A)).
Eligible recipient
The term eligible recipient means an institution of higher education that receives grant funds under this subtitle on behalf of a department of mathematics, engineering, science, or critical foreign language for use in carrying out activities assisted under this subtitle.
High-need local educational agency
The term high-need local educational agency means a local educational agency or educational service agency—
that serves not fewer than 10,000 children from low-income families;
for which not less than 20 percent of the children served by the agency are children from low-income families; or
with a total of less than 600 students in average daily attendance at the schools that are served by the agency and all of whose schools are designated with a school locale code of 6, 7, or 8, as determined by the Secretary; and
for which there is a high percentage of teachers providing instruction in academic subject areas or grade levels for which the teachers are not highly qualified; or
for which there is a high teacher turnover rate or a high percentage of teachers with emergency, provisional, or temporary certification or licensure.
Highly qualified
The term highly qualified has the meaning given such term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801) and, with respect to special education teachers, in section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1401).
Partnership
The term partnership means a partnership that—
shall include—
an eligible recipient;
a department within the eligible recipient that provides a program of study in mathematics, engineering, science, or critical foreign languages;
a school or department within the eligible recipient that provides a teacher preparation program; or
a 2-year institution of higher education that has a teacher preparation offering or a dual enrollment program with the eligible recipient; and
not less than 1 high-need local educational agency and a public school or a consortium of public schools served by the agency; and
may include a nonprofit organization that has the capacity to provide expertise or support to meet the purposes of this subtitle.
Teaching skills
The term teaching skills means the ability to—
increase student achievement;
effectively convey and explain academic subject matter;
employ strategies that—
are based on scientifically based research;
are specific to academic subject matter; and
focus on the identification of, and tailoring of academic instruction to, students’ specific learning needs, particularly children with disabilities, students who are limited English proficient, and students who are gifted and talented;
conduct ongoing assessment of student learning;
effectively manage a classroom; and
communicate and work with parents and guardians, and involve parents and guardians in their children’s education.
Programs for baccalaureate degrees in mathematics, science, engineering, or critical foreign languages, with concurrent teacher certification
Program authorized
From the amounts made available to carry out this section under section 3116(1) and not reserved under section 3115(d) for a fiscal year, the Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible recipients to enable partnerships served by the eligible recipients to develop and implement programs to provide courses of study in mathematics, science, engineering, or critical foreign languages that—
are integrated with teacher education; and
lead to a baccalaureate degree with concurrent teacher certification.
Application
Each eligible recipient desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require. Each application shall—
describe the program for which assistance is sought;
describe how a department of mathematics, science, engineering, or a critical foreign language participating in the partnership will ensure significant collaboration with a teacher preparation program in the development of undergraduate degrees in mathematics, science, engineering, or a critical foreign language, with concurrent teacher certification, including providing student teaching and other clinical classroom experiences;
describe the high-quality research, laboratory, or internship experiences, integrated with coursework, that will be provided under the program;
describe how members of groups that are underrepresented in the teaching of mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages will be encouraged to participate in the program;
describe how program participants will be encouraged to teach in schools determined by the partnership to be most in need, and what assistance in finding employment in such schools will be provided;
describe the ongoing activities and services that will be provided to graduates of the program;
describe how the activities of the partnership will be coordinated with any activities funded through other Federal grants, and how the partnership will continue the activities assisted under the program when the grant period ends;
describe how the partnership will assess the content knowledge and teaching skills of the program participants; and
provide any other information the Secretary may reasonably require.
Authorized activities
In general
Each eligible recipient receiving a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to enable a partnership to develop and implement a program to provide courses of study in mathematics, science, engineering, or a critical foreign language that—
are integrated with teacher education programs that promote effective teaching skills; and
lead to a baccalaureate degree in mathematics, science, engineering, or a critical foreign language with concurrent teacher certification.
Program requirements
The program shall—
provide high-quality research, laboratory, or internship experiences for program participants;
provide student teaching or other clinical classroom experiences that—
are integrated with coursework; and
lead to the participants' ability to demonstrate effective teaching skills;
if implementing a program in which program participants are prepared to teach mathematics or science courses, include strategies for improving student literacy;
encourage the participation of individuals who are members of groups that are underrepresented in the teaching of mathematics, science or critical foreign languages;
encourage participants to teach in schools determined by the partnership to be most in need, and actively assist the participants in finding employment in such schools;
offer training in the use of and integration of educational technology;
collect data regarding and evaluate, using measurable objectives and benchmarks, the extent to which the program succeeded in—
increasing the percentage of highly qualified mathematics, science, or critical foreign language teachers, including increasing the percentage of such teachers teaching in those schools determined by the partnership to be most in need;
improving student academic achievement in mathematics and science;
increasing the number of students in secondary schools enrolled in upper level mathematics and science courses; and
increasing the numbers of elementary school, middle school, and secondary school students enrolled in and continuing in critical foreign language courses;
collect data on the employment placement of all graduates of the program, including information on how many graduates are teaching and in what kinds of schools;
provide ongoing activities and services to graduates of the program who teach elementary school, middle school, or secondary school, by—
keeping the graduates informed of the latest developments in their respective academic fields; and
supporting the graduates of the program who are employed in schools in the local educational agency participating in the partnership during the initial years of teaching through—
induction programs;
promotion of effective teaching skills; and
providing opportunities for regular professional development; and
develop recommendations to improve the teacher preparation program participating in the partnership.
Annual report
Each eligible recipient receiving a grant under this section shall collect and report to the Secretary annually such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, including—
the number of participants in the program;
information on the academic majors of participating students;
the race, gender, income, and disability status of program participants;
the employment placement of program participants as teachers in schools determined by the partnership to be most in need;
the extent to which the program succeeded in meeting the objectives and benchmarks described in subsection (c)(2)(G); and
the data collected under subparagraphs (G) and (H) of subsection (c)(2).
Technical assistance
From the funds made available under section 3116(1), the Secretary may provide technical assistance to an eligible recipient developing a baccalaureate degree program with concurrent teacher certification, including technical assistance provided through a grant or contract awarded on a competitive basis to an institution of higher education or a technical assistance center.
Programs for master's degrees in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages education
Program authorized
From the amounts made available to carry out this section under section 3116(2) and not reserved under section 3115(d) for a fiscal year, the Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible recipients to enable the partnerships served by the eligible recipients to develop and implement 2- or 3-year part-time master's degree programs in mathematics, science, or critical foreign language education for teachers in order to enhance the teacher's content knowledge and teaching skills.
Application
Each eligible recipient desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require. Each application shall describe—
how a department of mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language will ensure significant collaboration with a teacher preparation program in the development of master’s degree programs in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language for teachers that enhance the teachers' content knowledge and teaching skills;
the role of the local educational agency in the partnership in developing and administering the program and how feedback from the local educational agency, school, and participants will be used to improve the program;
how the program will help increase the percentage of highly qualified mathematics, science, or critical foreign language teachers, including increasing the percentage of such teachers teaching in schools determined by the partnership to be most in need;
how the program will—
improve student academic achievement in mathematics and science and increase the number of students taking upper-level courses in such subjects; or
increase the numbers of elementary school, middle school, and secondary school students enrolled and continuing in critical foreign language courses;
how the program will prepare teachers to become more effective mathematics, science, or critical foreign language teachers;
how the program will prepare teachers to assume leadership roles in their schools;
how teachers who are members of groups that are underrepresented in the teaching of mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages and teachers from schools determined by the partnership to be most in need will be encouraged to apply for and participate in the program;
the ongoing activities and services that will be provided to graduates of the program;
how the partnership will continue the activities assisted under the grant when the grant period ends; and
how the partnership will assess, during the program, the content knowledge and teaching skills of teachers participating in the program.
Authorized activities
Each eligible recipient receiving a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to develop and implement a 2- or 3-year part-time master’s degree program in mathematics, science, or critical foreign language education for teachers in order to enhance the teachers' content knowledge and teaching skills. The program shall—
promote effective teaching skills so the teachers participating in the program become more effective mathematics, science, or critical foreign language teachers;
prepare teachers to assume leadership roles in their schools by participating in activities such as teacher mentoring, development of curricula that integrate state of the art applications of mathematics and science into the classroom, working with school administrators in establishing in-service professional development of teachers, and assisting in evaluating data and assessments to improve student academic achievement;
use high-quality research, laboratory, or internship experiences for program participants that are integrated with coursework;
provide student teaching or clinical classroom experience;
if implementing a program in which participants are prepared to teach mathematics or science courses, provide strategies for improving student literacy;
align the content knowledge in the master’s degree program with challenging student academic achievement standards and challenging academic content standards established by the State in which the program is conducted;
encourage the participation of—
individuals who are members of groups that are underrepresented in the teaching of mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages; and
teachers teaching in schools determined by the partnership to be most in need;
offer tuition assistance, based on need, as appropriate; and
evaluate and report on the impact of the program, in accordance with subsection (d).
Evaluation and report
Each eligible recipient receiving a grant under this section shall evaluate, using measurable objectives and benchmarks, and provide an annual report to the Secretary regarding, the extent to which the program assisted under this section succeeded in increasing the following:
The number and percentage of mathematics, science, or critical foreign language teachers who have a master's degree and meet 1 or more of the following requirements:
Are teaching in schools determined by the partnership to be most in need, and taught in such schools prior to participation in the program.
Are teaching in schools determined by the partnership to be most in need, and did not teach in such schools prior to participation in the program.
Are members of a group underrepresented in the teaching of mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language.
The retention of teachers who participate in the program.
General provisions
Duration of grants
The Secretary shall award each grant under this subtitle for a period of not more than 5 years.
Matching requirement
Each eligible recipient that receives a grant under this section shall provide, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to 50 percent of the amount of the grant (which may be provided in cash or in kind) to carry out the activities supported by the grant.
Supplement, not supplant
Grant funds provided under this subtitle shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal or State funds.
Evaluation
From amounts made available for any fiscal year under section 3116, the Secretary shall reserve such sums as may be necessary—
to provide for the conduct of an annual independent evaluation, by grant or by contract, of the activities assisted under this subtitle, which shall include an assessment of the impact of the activities on student academic achievement; and
to prepare and submit an annual report on the results of the evaluation described in paragraph (1) to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $180,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $210,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 3 succeeding fiscal years, of which—
55.5 percent shall be available to carry out section 3113 for fiscal year 2007; and
57.1 percent shall be available to carry out section 3113 for fiscal year 2008 and each succeeding fiscal year; and
44.5 percent shall be available to carry out section 3114 for fiscal year 2007; and
42.9 percent shall be available to carry out section 3114 for fiscal year 2008 and each succeeding fiscal year.
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs
Purpose
It is the purpose of this subtitle—
to raise academic achievement through Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs by increasing, by 70,000, over a 5-year period beginning in 2007, the number of teachers serving high-need schools who are qualified to teach Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages;
to increase, to 700,000 per year, the number of students attending high-need schools who—
take and score a 3, 4, or 5 on an Advanced Placement examination in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language administered by the College Board; or
achieve a passing score on an examination administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization in such a subject;
to increase the availability of, and enrollment in, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages, and pre-Advanced Placement or pre-International Baccalaureate courses in such subjects, in high-need schools; and
to support statewide efforts to increase the availability of, and enrollment in, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages, and pre-Advanced Placement or pre-International Baccalaureate courses in such subjects, in high-need schools.
Definitions
In this subtitle:
Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate course
The term Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate course means a course of college-level instruction provided to middle or secondary school students, terminating in an examination administered by the College Board or the International Baccalaureate Organization, or another such examination approved by the Secretary.
Eligible entity
The term eligible entity means—
a State educational agency;
a local educational agency; or
a partnership consisting of—
a national, regional, or statewide nonprofit organization, with expertise and experience in providing Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate services; and
a State educational agency or local educational agency.
Low-income student
The term low-income student has the meaning given the term low-income individual in section 1707(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6537(3)).
High concentration of low-income students
The term high concentration of low-income students has the meaning given the term in section 1707(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6537(2)).
High-need local educational agency
The term high-need local educational agency means a local educational agency or educational service agency described in 3112(3)(A).
High-need school
The term high-need school means a middle school or secondary school—
with a pervasive need for Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages, or for additional Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in such a subject; and
with a high concentration of low-income students; or
designated with a school locale code of 6, 7 or 8, as determined by the Secretary.
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs
Program authorized
From the amounts appropriated under subsection (l), the Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable the eligible entities to carry out the authorized activities described in subsection (g).
Duration of grants
The Secretary may award grants under this section for a period of not more than 5 years.
Coordination
The Secretary shall coordinate the activities carried out under this section with the activities carried out under section 1705 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6535).
Priority
In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that are part of a statewide strategy for increasing the availability of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages, and pre-Advanced Placement or pre-International Baccalaureate courses in such subjects, in high-need schools.
Equitable distribution
The Secretary, to the extent practicable, shall—
ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grants under this section among the States; and
promote an increase in participation in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate mathematics, science, and critical foreign language courses and examinations in all States.
Application
In general
Each eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
Contents
The application shall, at a minimum, include a description of—
the goals and objectives for the project, including—
increasing the number of teachers serving high-need schools who are qualified to teach Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages;
increasing the number of qualified teachers serving high-need schools who are teaching Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages to students in the high-need schools;
increasing the number of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages that are available to students attending high-need schools; and
increasing the number of students attending a high-need school, particularly low-income students, who enroll in and pass—
Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages; and
pre-Advanced Placement or pre-International Baccalaureate courses in such a subject (where provided in accordance with subparagraph (B));
how the eligible entity will ensure that students have access to courses, including pre-Advanced Placement and pre-International Baccalaureate courses, that will prepare the students to enroll and succeed in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages;
how the eligible entity will provide professional development for teachers assisted under this section;
how the eligible entity will ensure that teachers serving high-need schools are qualified to teach Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages;
how the eligible entity will provide for the involvement of business and community organizations and other entities, including institutions of higher education, in the activities to be assisted; and
how the eligible entity will use funds received under this section, including how the eligible entity will evaluate the success of its project.
Authorized activities
In general
Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to carry out activities designed to increase—
the number of qualified teachers serving high-need schools who are teaching Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages; and
the number of students attending high-need schools who enroll in, and pass, the examinations for such Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses.
Permissive activities
The activities described in paragraph (1) may include—
teacher professional development, in order to expand the pool of teachers in the participating State, local educational agency, or high-need school who are qualified to teach Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages;
pre-Advanced Placement or pre-International Baccalaureate course development and professional development;
coordination and articulation between grade levels to prepare students to enroll and succeed in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages;
purchase of instructional materials;
activities to increase the availability of, and participation in, online Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages;
reimbursing low-income students attending high-need schools for part or all of the cost of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examination fees;
carrying out subsection (j), relating to collecting and reporting data;
in the case of a State educational agency that receives a grant under this section, awarding subgrants to local educational agencies to enable the local educational agencies to carry out authorized activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (G); and
providing salary increments or bonuses to teachers serving high-need schools who—
become qualified to teach, and teach, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language; or
increase the number of low-income students, who take Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examinations in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language with the goal of successfully passing such examinations.
Matching requirement
In general
Subject to paragraph (2), each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall provide, toward the cost of the activities assisted under the grant, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to 200 percent of the amount of the grant, except that an eligible entity that is a high-need local educational agency shall provide an amount equal to not more than 100 percent of the amount of the grant.
Waiver
The Secretary may waive all or part of the matching requirement described in paragraph (1) for any fiscal year for an eligible entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 3122(2), if the Secretary determines that applying the matching requirement to such eligible entity would result in serious hardship or an inability to carry out the authorized activities described in subsection (g).
Supplement not supplant
Grant funds provided under this section shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other Federal and non-Federal funds available to carry out the activities described in subsection (g).
Collecting and reporting requirements
Report
Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall collect and report to the Secretary annually such data on the results of the grant as the Secretary may reasonably require, including data regarding—
the number of students enrolling in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language, and pre-Advanced Placement or pre-International Baccalaureate courses in such a subject, and the distribution of grades those students receive;
the number of students taking Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examinations in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language, and the distribution of scores on those examinations;
the number of teachers receiving training in teaching Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language who will be teaching such courses in the next school year;
the number of teachers becoming qualified to teach Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language; and
the number of qualified teachers who are teaching Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages to students in a high-need school.
Reporting of data
Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall report data required under paragraph (1)—
disaggregated by subject area;
in the case of student data, disaggregated in the same manner as information is disaggregated under section 1111(h)(1)(C)(i) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(h)(1)(C)(i)); and
to the extent feasible, in a manner that allows comparison of conditions before, during, and after the project.
Evaluation and report
From the amount made available for any fiscal year under subsection (l), the Secretary shall reserve such sums as may be necessary—
to conduct an annual independent evaluation, by grant or by contract, of the program carried out under this section, which shall include an assessment of the impact of the program on student academic achievement; and
to prepare and submit an annual report on the results of the evaluation described in paragraph (1) to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $58,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007 and 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 3 succeeding fiscal years.
Math Now
Math Now for elementary school and middle school students program
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to enable all students to reach or exceed grade-level academic achievement standards and to prepare the students to enroll in and pass algebra courses by—
improving instruction in mathematics for students in kindergarten through grade 9 through the implementation of mathematics programs and the support of comprehensive mathematics initiatives that are based on the best available evidence of effectiveness; and
providing targeted help to low-income students who are struggling with mathematics and whose achievement is significantly below grade level.
Definition of eligible local educational agency
In this section, the term eligible local educational agency means a high-need local educational agency (as defined in section 3112(3)) serving 1 or more schools—
with significant numbers or percentages of students whose mathematics skills are below grade level;
that are not making adequate yearly progress in mathematics under section 1111(b)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)); or
in which students are receiving instruction in mathematics from teachers who do not have mathematical content knowledge or expertise in the teaching of mathematics.
Program authorized
In general
From the amounts appropriated under subsection (k) for any fiscal year, the Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, for not more than 5 years, to State educational agencies to enable the State educational agencies to award grants to eligible local educational agencies to carry out the activities described in subsection (e).
Priority
In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applications for projects that will implement statewide strategies for improving mathematics instruction and raising the mathematics achievement of students, particularly students in grades 4 through 8.
State uses of funds
In general
Each State educational agency that receives a grant under this section for a fiscal year—
shall expend not more than a total of 10 percent of the grant funds to carry out the activities described in paragraphs (2) or (3) for the fiscal year; and
shall use not less than 90 percent of the grant funds to award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible local educational agencies to enable the eligible local educational agencies to carry out the activities described in subsection (e) for the fiscal year.
Mandatory uses of funds
A State educational agency shall use the grant funds made available under paragraph (1)(A) to carry out each of the following activities:
Planning and administration
Planning and administration, including—
evaluating applications from eligible local educational agencies using peer review teams described in subsection (f)(1)(D);
administering the distribution of grants to eligible local educational agencies; and
assessing and evaluating, on a regular basis, eligible local educational agency activities assisted under this section, with respect to whether the activities have been effective in increasing the number of children—
making progress toward meeting grade-level mathematics achievement; and
meeting or exceeding grade-level mathematics achievement.
Reporting
Annually providing the Secretary with a report on the implementation of this section as described in subsection (i).
Permissive use of funds; technical assistance
In general
A State educational agency may use the grant funds made available under paragraph (1)(A) for 1 or more of the following technical assistance activities that assist an eligible local educational agency, upon request by the eligible local educational agency, in accomplishing the tasks required to design and implement a project under this section, including assistance in—
selecting and implementing a program of mathematics instruction, or materials and interventions, based on the best available evidence of effectiveness;
evaluating and selecting diagnostic and classroom based instructional mathematics assessments; and
identifying eligible professional development providers to conduct the professional development activities described in subsection (e)(1)(B).
Guidance
The technical assistance described in subparagraph (A) shall be guided by researchers with expertise in the pedagogy of mathematics, mathematicians, and mathematics educators from high-risk, high-achievement schools and eligible local educational agencies.
Local uses of funds
Mandatory uses of funds
Each eligible local educational agency receiving a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to carry out each of the following activities:
To implement mathematics instructional materials and interventions (including intensive and systematic instruction)—
for students in the grades of a participating school as identified in the application submitted under subsection (f)(2)(A); and
that are based on the best available evidence of effectiveness.
To provide professional development and instructional leadership activities for teachers and, if appropriate, for administrators and other school staff, on the implementation of comprehensive mathematics initiatives designed—
to improve the achievement of students performing significantly below grade level;
to improve the mathematical content knowledge of the teachers, administrators, and other school staff;
to increase the use of effective instructional practices; and
to monitor student progress.
To conduct continuous progress monitoring, which may include the adoption and use of assessments that—
measure student progress and identify areas in which students need help in learning mathematics; and
reflect mathematics content that is consistent with State academic achievement standards in mathematics described in section 1111(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)).
Permissive uses of funds
An eligible local educational agency may use grant funds under this section to—
adopt and use mathematics instructional materials and assessments;
implement classroom-based assessments, including diagnostic or formative assessments;
provide remedial coursework and interventions for students, which may be provided before or after school;
provide small groups with individualized instruction in mathematics;
conduct activities designed to improve the content knowledge and expertise of teachers, such as the use of a mathematics coach, enrichment activities, and interdisciplinary methods of mathematics instruction; and
collect and report performance data.
Applications
State educational agency
Each State educational agency desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require. Each application shall include—
an assurance that the core mathematics instructional materials or program, supplemental instructional materials, and intervention programs used by the eligible local educational agencies for the project, are based on the best available evidence of effectiveness and are aligned with State academic achievement standards;
an assurance that eligible local educational agencies will meet the requirements described in paragraph (2);
an assurance that local applications will be evaluated using a peer review process; and
a description of the qualifications of the peer review teams, which shall consist of—
researchers with expertise in the pedagogy of mathematics;
mathematicians; and
mathematics educators serving high-risk, high-achievement schools and eligible local educational agencies.
Eligible local educational agency
Each eligible local educational agency desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the State educational agency at such time and in such manner as the State educational agency may require. Each application shall include—
an assurance that the eligible local educational agency will provide assistance to 1 or more schools that are—
served by the eligible local educational agency; and
described in section 3201(b);
a description of the grades kindergarten through grade 9, and of the schools, that will be served;
information, on an aggregate basis, on each school to be served by the project, including such demographic, socioeconomic, and mathematics achievement data as the State educational agency may request;
a description of the core mathematics instructional materials or program, supplemental instructional materials, and intervention programs or strategies that will be used for the project, including an assurance that the programs or strategies and materials are based on the best available evidence of effectiveness and are aligned with State academic achievement standards;
a description of the activities that will be carried out under the grant, including a description of the professional development that will be provided to teachers, and, if appropriate, administrators and other school staff, and a description of how the activities will support achievement of the purpose of this section;
an assurance that the eligible local educational agency will report to the State educational agency all data on student academic achievement that is necessary for the State educational agency's report under subsection (i);
a description of the eligible entity's plans for evaluating the impact of professional development and leadership activities in mathematics on the content knowledge and expertise of teachers, administrators, or other school staff; and
any other information the State educational agency may reasonably require.
Prohibition on endorsement of curriculum
In general
In implementing this section, the Secretary shall not—
endorse, approve, or sanction any mathematics curriculum designed for use in any school; or
engage in oversight, technical assistance, or activities that will require the adoption of a specific mathematics program or instructional materials by a State, local educational agency, or school.
Rule of construction
Nothing in this title shall be construed to authorize or permit the Department of Education, or a Department of Education contractor, to mandate, direct, control, or suggest the selection of a mathematics curriculum, supplemental instructional materials, or program of instruction by a State, local educational agency, or school.
Matching requirements
State educational agency
A State educational agency that receives a grant under this section shall provide, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to 50 percent of the amount of the grant, in cash or in kind, to carry out the activities supported by the grant, of which not more than 20 percent of such 50 percent may be provided by local educational agencies within the State.
Waiver
The Secretary may waive all of or a portion of the matching requirement described in paragraph (1) for any fiscal year, if the Secretary determines that—
the application of the matching requirement will result in serious hardship for the State educational agency; or
providing a waiver best serves the purpose of the program assisted under this section.
Program performance and accountability
Information
Each State educational agency receiving a grant under this section shall collect and report to the Secretary annually such information on the results of the grant as the Secretary may reasonably require, including information on—
mathematics achievement data that show the progress of students participating in projects under this section (including, to the extent practicable, comparable data from students not participating in such projects), based primarily on the results of State, school district wide, or classroom-based, assessments, including—
specific identification of those schools and eligible local educational agencies that report the largest gains in mathematics achievement; and
evidence on whether the State educational agency and eligible local educational agencies within the State have—
significantly increased the number of students achieving at grade level or above in mathematics;
significantly increased the percentages of students described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)(C)(v)(II)) who are achieving at grade level or above in mathematics;
significantly increased the number of students making significant progress toward meeting grade-level mathematics achievement standards; and
successfully implemented this section;
the percentage of students in the schools served by the eligible local educational agency who enroll in algebra courses and the percentage of such students who pass algebra courses; and
the progress made in increasing the quality and accessibility of professional development and leadership activities in mathematics, especially activities resulting in greater content knowledge and expertise of teachers, administrators, and other school staff, except that the Secretary shall not require such information until after the third year of a grant awarded under this section.
Reporting and disaggregation
The information required under paragraph (1) shall be—
reported in a manner that allows for a comparison of aggregated score differentials of student academic achievement before (to the extent feasible) and after implementation of the project assisted under this section; and
disaggregated in the same manner as information is disaggregated under section 1111(h)(1)(C)(i) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(h)(1)(C)(i)).
Privacy protection
The data in the report shall be reported in a manner that—
protects the privacy of individuals; and
complies with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g).
Evaluation and technical assistance
Evaluation
In general
The Secretary shall conduct an annual independent evaluation, by grant or by contract, of the program assisted under this section, which shall include an assessment of the impact of the program on student academic achievement and teacher performance, and may use funds available to carry out this section to conduct the evaluation.
Report
The Secretary shall annually submit, to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives, a report on the results of the evaluation.
Technical assistance
The Secretary may use funds made available under paragraph (3) to provide technical assistance to prospective applicants and to eligible local educational agencies receiving a grant under this section.
Reservation of funds
The Secretary may reserve not more than 2.5 percent of funds appropriated under subsection (k) for a fiscal year to carry out this subsection.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $146,700,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007 and 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 3 succeeding fiscal years.
Foreign language partnership program
Findings and purpose
Findings
Congress makes the following findings:
The United States faces a shortage of skilled professionals with higher levels of proficiency in foreign languages and area knowledge critical to the Nation's security.
Given the Nation’s economic competitiveness interests, it is crucial that our Nation expand the number of Americans who are able to function effectively in the environments in which critical foreign languages are spoken.
Students' ability to become proficient in foreign languages can be addressed by starting language learning at a younger age and expanding opportunities for continuous foreign language education from elementary school through postsecondary education.
Purpose
The purpose of this title is to significantly increase—
the opportunities to study critical foreign languages and the context in which the critical foreign languages are spoken; and
the number of American students who achieve the highest level of proficiency in critical foreign languages.
Definitions
In this title:
Eligible recipient
The term eligible recipient means an institution of higher education that receives grant funds under this title on behalf of a partnership for use in carrying out the activities assisted under this title.
Partnership
The term partnership means a partnership that—
shall include—
an institution of higher education; and
1 or more local educational agencies; and
may include 1 or more entities that support the purposes of this title.
Superior level of proficiency
The term superior level of proficiency means level 3, the professional working level, as measured by the Federal Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) or by other generally recognized measures of superior standards.
Program authorized
Program authorized
In general
The Secretary is authorized to award grants to eligible recipients to enable partnerships served by the eligible recipients to establish articulated programs of study in critical foreign languages that will enable students to advance successfully from elementary school through postsecondary education and achieve higher levels of proficiency in a critical foreign language.
Duration
A grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall be for a period of not more than 5 years. A grant may be renewed for not more than 2 additional 5-year periods, if the Secretary determines that the partnership's program is effective and the renewal will best serve the purposes of this title.
Applications
In general
Each eligible recipient desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
Contents
Each application shall—
identify each local educational agency partner, including contact information and letters of commitment, and describe the responsibilities of each member of the partnership, including—
how each of the partners will be involved in planning, developing, and implementing—
program curriculum and materials; and
teacher professional development;
what resources each of the partners will provide; and
how the partners will contribute to ensuring the continuity of student progress from elementary school through the postsecondary level;
describe how an articulated curriculum for students will be developed and implemented, which may include the use and integration of technology into such curriculum;
identify target proficiency levels for students at critical benchmarks (such as grades 4, 8, and 12), and describe how progress toward those proficiency levels will be assessed at the benchmarks, and how the program will use the results of the assessments to ensure continuous progress toward achieving a superior level of proficiency at the postsecondary level;
describe how the partnership will—
ensure that students from a program assisted under this title who are beginning postsecondary education will be assessed and enabled to progress to a superior level of proficiency;
address the needs of students already at, or near, the superior level of proficiency, which may include diagnostic assessments for placement purposes, customized and individualized language learning opportunities, and experimental and interdisciplinary language learning; and
identify and describe how the partnership will work with institutions of higher education outside the partnership to provide participating students with multiple options for postsecondary education consistent with the purposes of this title;
describe how the partnership will support and continue the program after the grant has expired, including how the partnership will seek support from other sources, such as State and local governments, foundations, and the private sector; and
describe what assessments will be used or, if assessments not available, how assessments will be developed.
Uses of funds
Grant funds awarded under this title—
shall be used to develop and implement programs at the elementary school level through postsecondary education, consistent with the purpose of this title, including—
the development of curriculum and instructional materials; and
recruitment of students; and
may be used for—
teacher recruitment (including recruitment from other professions and recruitment of native-language speakers in the community) and professional development directly related to the purposes of this title at the elementary school through secondary school levels;
development of appropriate assessments;
opportunities for maximum language exposure for students in the program, such as the creation of immersion environments (such as language houses, language tables, immersion classrooms, and weekend and summer experiences) and special tutoring and academic support;
dual language immersion programs;
scholarships and study-abroad opportunities, related to the program, for postsecondary students and newly recruited teachers who have advanced levels of proficiency in a critical foreign language, except that not more than 20 percent of the grant funds provided to an eligible recipient under this section for a fiscal year may be used to carry out this subparagraph;
activities to encourage community involvement to assist in meeting the purposes of this title;
summer institutes for students and teachers;
bridge programs that allow dual enrollment for secondary school students in institutions of higher education;
programs that expand the understanding and knowledge of historic, geographic, and contextual factors within countries with populations who speak critical foreign languages, if such programs are carried out in conjunction with language instruction;
research on, and evaluation of, the teaching of critical foreign languages;
data collection and analysis regarding the results of—
various student recruitment strategies;
program design; and
curricular approaches; and
the impact of the strategies, program design, and curricular approaches described in subparagraph (K) on increasing—
the number of students studying critical foreign languages; and
the proficiency of the students in the critical foreign languages.
Matching requirement
In general
An eligible recipient that receives a grant under this title shall provide, toward the cost of carrying out the activities supported by the grant, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to—
20 percent of the amount of the grant payment for the first fiscal year for which a grant payment is made;
30 percent of the amount of the grant payment for the second such fiscal year;
40 percent of the amount of the grant payment for the third such fiscal year; and
50 percent of the amount of the grant payment for each of the fourth and fifth such fiscal years.
Non-Federal share
The non-Federal share required under paragraph (1) may be provided in cash or in-kind.
Waiver
The Secretary may waive all or part of the matching requirement of paragraph (1), for any fiscal year, if the Secretary determines that—
the application of the matching requirement will result in serious hardship for the partnership; or
the waiver will best serve the purposes of this title.
Supplement not supplant
Grant funds provided under this title shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other Federal and non-Federal funds available to carry out the activities described in subsection (c).
Technical assistance
The Secretary shall enter into a contract to establish a technical assistance center to provide technical assistance to partnerships developing critical foreign language programs assisted under this section. The center shall—
assist the partnerships in the development of critical foreign language instructional materials and assessments; and
disseminate promising foreign language instructional practices.
Program evaluation
In general
The Secretary may reserve not more than 5 percent of the total amount appropriated for this title for any fiscal year to annually evaluate the programs under this title.
Report
The Secretary shall prepare and annually submit, to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives, a report on the results of any program evaluation conducted under this subsection.
Authorization of appropriations
For the purpose of carrying out this title, there are authorized to be appropriated $22,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007 and 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 3 succeeding fiscal years.
Alignment of Education Programs
Alignment of secondary school graduation requirements with the demands of 21st century postsecondary endeavors and support for P–16 education data systems
Purpose
It is the purpose of this section—
to promote more accountability with respect to preparation for higher education, the 21st century workforce, and the Armed Forces, by aligning—
student knowledge, student skills, State academic content standards and assessments, and curricula, in elementary and secondary education, especially with respect to mathematics, science, reading, and, where applicable, engineering and technology; with
the demands of higher education, the 21st century workforce, and the Armed Forces;
to support the establishment or improvement of statewide P–16 education data systems that—
assist States in improving the rigor and quality of elementary and secondary education content knowledge requirements and assessments;
ensure students are prepared to succeed in—
academic credit-bearing coursework in higher education without the need for remediation;
the 21st century workforce; or
the Armed Forces; and
enable States to have valid and reliable information to inform education policy and practice.
Definitions
In this section:
Institution of higher education
The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
P–16 education
The term P–16 education means the educational system from prekindergarten through the conferring of a baccalaureate degree.
Statewide partnership
The term statewide partnership means a partnership that—
shall include—
the Governor of the State or the designee of the Governor;
the heads of the State systems for public higher education, or, if such a position does not exist, not less than 1 representative of a public degree-granting institution of higher education;
not less than 1 representative of a technical school;
not less than 1 representative of a public secondary school;
the chief State school officer;
the chief executive officer of the State higher education coordinating board;
not less than 1 public elementary school teacher employed in the State;
not less than 1 public elementary school teacher certified in early childhood education;
not less than 1 public secondary school teacher employed in the State;
not less than 1 representative of the business community in the State; and
not less than 1 member of the Armed Forces; and
may include other individuals or representatives of other organizations, such as a school administrator, a faculty member at an institution of higher education, a member of a civic or community organization, a representative from a private institution of higher education, a dean or similar representative of a school of education at an institution of higher education or a similar teacher certification or licensure program, or the State official responsible for economic development.
Grants authorized
The Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to States to enable each such State to work with a statewide partnership—
to promote better alignment of content knowledge requirements for secondary school graduation with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in postsecondary education, the 21st century workforce, or the Armed Forces; or
to establish or improve a statewide P–16 education data system.
Period of grants; non-renewability
Grant period
The Secretary shall award a grant under this section for a period of not more than 3 years.
Non-renewability
The Secretary shall not award a State more than 1 grant under this section.
Authorized activities
Grants for P–16 alignment
Each State receiving a grant under subsection (c)(1)—
shall use the grant funds for—
identifying and describing the content knowledge and skills students who enter institutions of higher education, the workforce, and the Armed Forces need to have in order to succeed without any remediation based on detailed requirements obtained from institutions of higher education, employers, and the Armed Forces;
identifying and making changes that need to be made to a State's secondary school graduation requirements, academic content standards, academic achievement standards, and assessments preceding graduation from secondary school in order to align the requirements, standards, and assessments with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in academic credit-bearing coursework in postsecondary education, in the 21st century workforce, and in the Armed Forces without the need for remediation;
convening stakeholders within the State and creating a forum for identifying and deliberating on education issues that—
involve prekindergarten through grade 12 education, postsecondary education, the 21st century workforce, and the Armed Forces; and
transcend any single system of education’s ability to address; and
implementing activities designed to ensure the enrollment of all elementary school and secondary school students in rigorous coursework, which may include—
specifying the courses and performance levels necessary for acceptance into institutions of higher education; and
developing curricula and assessments aligned with State academic content standards, which assessments may be used as measures of student academic achievement in secondary school as well as for entrance or placement at institutions of higher education, including through collaboration with institutions of higher education in, or State educational agencies serving, other States; and
may use the grant funds for—
developing and making available specific opportunities for extensive professional development for teachers, paraprofessionals, principals, and school administrators, including collection and dissemination of effective teaching practices to improve instruction and instructional support mechanisms;
identifying changes in State academic content standards, academic achievement standards, and assessments for students in grades preceding secondary school in order to ensure the students are adequately prepared when the students enter secondary school;
developing a plan to provide remediation and additional learning opportunities for students who are performing below grade level to ensure that all students will have the opportunity to meet secondary school graduation requirements; or
identifying and addressing teacher certification needs.
Grants for statewide P–16 education data systems
Establishment of system
Each State that receives a grant under subsection (c)(2) shall establish a statewide P–16 education longitudinal data system that—
provides each student, upon enrollment in a public elementary school or secondary school in the State, with a unique identifier, such as a bar code, that—
does not permit a student to be individually identified by users of the system; and
is retained throughout the student's enrollment in P–16 education in the State; and
meets the requirements of subparagraphs (B) through (E).
Improvement of existing system
Each State that receives a grant under subsection (c)(2) for the improvement of a statewide P–16 education data system may employ, coordinate, or revise an existing statewide data system to establish a statewide longitudinal P–16 education data system that meets the requirements of subparagraph (A), if the statewide longitudinal P–16 education data system produces valid and reliable data.
Data and compliance with FERPA
The State, through the implementation of the statewide P–16 education data system, shall—
ensure the implementation and use of valid and reliable secondary school dropout data; and
ensure that the statewide P–16 education data system meets the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g).
Required elements of a statewide P–16 education data system
The State shall ensure that the statewide P–16 education data system includes the following elements:
Prekindergarten through grade 12 education and postsecondary education
With respect to prekindergarten through grade 12 education and postsecondary education—
a unique statewide student identifier that does not permit a student to be individually identified by users of the system;
student-level enrollment, demographic, and program participation information;
student-level information about the points at which students exit, transfer in, transfer out, drop out, or complete P–16 education programs;
the capacity to communicate with higher education data systems; and
a State data audit system assessing data quality, validity, and reliability.
Prekindergarten through grade 12 education
With respect to prekindergarten through grade 12 education—
yearly test records of individual students with respect to assessments under section 1111(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b));
information on students not tested by grade and subject;
a teacher identifier system with the ability to match teachers to students;
student-level transcript information, including information on courses completed and grades earned; and
student-level college readiness test scores.
Postsecondary education
With respect to postsecondary education, data that provide—
information regarding the extent to which students transition successfully from secondary school to postsecondary education, including whether students enroll in remedial coursework; and
other information determined necessary to address alignment and adequate preparation for success in postsecondary education.
Functions of the statewide P–16 education data system
In implementing the statewide P–16 education data system, the State shall—
identify factors that correlate to students’ ability to successfully engage in and complete postsecondary-level general education coursework without the need for prior developmental coursework;
identify factors to increase the percentage of low-income and minority students who are academically prepared to enter and successfully complete postsecondary-level general education coursework; and
use the data in the system to otherwise inform education policy and practice in order to better align student knowledge and skills, and curricula, with the demands of postsecondary education, the 21st century workforce, and the Armed Forces.
Application
In general
Each State desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
Application contents
Each application submitted under this section shall specify whether the State application is for the conduct P–16 education alignment activities, or the establishment or improvement of a statewide P–16 education data system. The application shall include, at a minimum, the following:
A description of the activities and programs to be carried out with the grant funds and a comprehensive plan for carrying out the activities.
A description of how the concerns and interests of the larger education community, including parents, students, teachers, teacher educators, principals, and school administrators will be represented in carrying out the authorized activities described in subsection (e).
in the case of a State applying for funding for P–16 education alignment, a description of how the State will provide assistance to local educational agencies in implementing rigorous State content knowledge requirements through substantive curricula and other changes the State determines necessary, including scientifically based remediation and acceleration opportunities for students.
in the case of a State applying for funding to establish or improve a statewide P–16 education data system—
a description of and the timetable for the establishment or improvement of such system; and
an assurance that the State will continue to fund the statewide P–16 education data system after the end of the grant period.
Supplement not supplant
Grant funds provided under this section shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other Federal, State, and local funds available to carry out the authorized activities described in subsection (e).
Matching requirement
Each State that receives a grant under this section shall provide, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to 100 percent of the amount of the grant, in cash or in kind, to carry out the activities supported by the grant.
Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require States to provide raw data to the Secretary.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009.
National Science Foundation
Authorization of appropriations
In General
There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Science Foundation—
$6,232,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$6,808,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$7,433,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$8,446,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$11,200,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
Plan for Increased Research
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the National Science Board, shall submit a comprehensive, multiyear plan that describes how the funds authorized in subsection (a) would be used, if appropriated, to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives.
Plan requirements
The Director shall—
develop the plan with a focus on strengthening the Nation’s lead in physical science and technology, increasing overall workforce skills in physical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at all levels, and strengthening innovation by expanding the focus of competitiveness and innovation policy at the regional and local level; and
emphasize spending increased research funds appropriated pursuant to subsection (a) in areas of investment for Federal research and technology programs identified under section 1101(c) of this Act.
Strengthening of education and human resources directorate through equitable distribution of new funds
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to ensure the continued involvement of experts at the National Science Foundation in improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary school levels by providing annual funding increases for the education and human resources programs of the National Science Foundation that are proportional to the funding increases provided to the Foundation overall.
Equitable distribution of new funds
Within the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 4001, there are authorized to be appropriated for the education and human resources programs of the National Science Foundation—
$1,050,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2011, an amount equal to $1,050,000,000 increased for each such fiscal year by an amount equal to the percentage increase in the appropriation for the National Science Foundation for such fiscal year above the amount appropriated to the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 2007.
Graduate fellowships and graduate traineeships
Graduate Research Fellowship Program
In general
During the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall expand the Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation so that an additional 1,250 fellowships are awarded to citizens or nationals of the United States or eligible lawful permanent residents under the Program during that period.
Extension of fellowship period
The Director is authorized to award fellowships under the Graduate Research Fellowship Program for a period of up to 5 years.
Authorization of appropriations
Within the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 4001, there are authorized to be appropriated, to provide an additional 250 fellowships under the Graduate Research Fellowship Program during each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2011, the following:
$12,000,000 for fiscal year 2007.
$24,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
$36,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
$48,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
$60,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program
In general
During the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall expand the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program of the National Science Foundation so that an additional 1,250 individuals who are citizens or nationals of the United States or eligible lawful permanent residents are awarded grants under the program during that period.
Authorization of appropriations
Within the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 4001, there are authorized to be appropriated, to provide grants to an additional 250 individuals under the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program during each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2011, the following:
$11,000,000 for fiscal year 2007.
$22,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
$33,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
$44,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
$55,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
Definition of eligible lawful permanent resident
In this section, the term eligible lawful permanent resident means a lawful permanent resident of the United States who declares an intent—
to apply for United States citizenship; or
to reside in the United States for not less than 5 years after the completion of a graduate fellowship or traineeship awarded under this section.
Professional science master's degree programs
Clearinghouse
Development
The Director of the National Science Foundation shall establish a clearinghouse, in collaboration with 4-year institutions of higher education (including applicable graduate schools and academic departments), and industries and Federal agencies that employ science-trained personnel, to share program elements used in successful professional science master's degree programs and other advanced degree programs related to science, mathematics, technology, and engineering.
Availability
The Director shall make the clearinghouse of program elements developed under paragraph (1) available to institutions of higher education that are developing professional science master's degree programs.
Programs
Programs authorized
The Director shall award grants to 4-year institutions of higher education to facilitate the institutions’ creation or improvement of professional science master's degree programs.
Application
A 4-year institution of higher education desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Director may require. The application shall include—
a description of the professional science master's degree program that the institution of higher education will implement;
the amount of funding from non-Federal sources, including from private industries, that the institution of higher education shall use to support the professional science master's degree program; and
an assurance that the institution of higher education shall encourage students in the professional science master's degree program to apply for all forms of Federal assistance available to such students, including applicable graduate fellowships and student financial assistance under titles IV and VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq., 1133 et seq.).
Preference for applicants with alternative funding sources
The Director shall give preference in making awards to 4-year institutions of higher education seeking Federal funding to create or improve professional science master's degree programs, to those applicants that secure more than 2/3 of the funding for such professional science master's degree programs from sources other than the Federal Government.
Number of grants; time period of grants
Number of grants
Subject to the availability of appropriated funds, the Director shall award grants under paragraph (1) to a maximum of 200 4-year institutions of higher education.
Time period of grants
Grants awarded under this section shall be for one 3-year term. Grants may be renewed only once for a maximum of 2 additional years.
Evaluation and reports
Development of performance benchmarks
Prior to the start of the grant program, the Director of the National Science Foundation, in collaboration with 4-year institutions of higher education (including applicable graduate schools and academic departments), and industries and Federal agencies that employ science-trained personnel, shall develop performance benchmarks to evaluate the pilot programs assisted by grants under this section.
Evaluation
For each year of the grant period, the Director, in consultation with 4-year institutions of higher education (including applicable graduate schools and academic departments), and industries and Federal agencies that employ science-trained personnel, shall complete an evaluation of each program assisted by grants under this section. Any program that fails to satisfy the performance benchmarks developed under subparagraph (A) shall not be eligible for further funding.
Report
Not later than 180 days after the completion of an evaluation described in subparagraph (B), the Director shall submit a report to Congress that includes—
the results of the evaluation described in subparagraph (B); and
recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the pilot programs, as the Director determines to be appropriate.
Institution of Higher Education Defined
In this section, the term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
Authorization of Appropriations
Within the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 4001, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$15,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$18,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
$20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2010 and 2011.
Increased support for science education through the National Science Foundation
In general
Within the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 4001, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the science, mathematics, engineering, and technology talent expansion program under section 8(7) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–368, 116 Stat. 3042)—
$33,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$40,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$45,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$55,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
Promoting outreach and high quality
Section 8(7)(C) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–368, 116 Stat. 3042) is amended—
by redesignating clauses (i) through (vi) as subclauses (I) through (VI), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
by striking “include those that promote high quality—” and inserting “include programs that—
promote high-quality—
;
in clause (i) (as inserted by paragraph (2))—
in subclause
(III) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)), by striking for
students;
and inserting for students, especially
underrepresented minority and female mathematics, science, engineering, and
technology students;
;
in subclause (V)
(as redesignated by paragraph (1)), by striking and
after the
semicolon;
in subclause (VI)
(as redesignated by paragraph (1)), by striking students.
and
inserting students; and
; and
by adding at the end the following:
outreach programs that provide middle and secondary school students and their science and math teachers opportunities to increase the students' and teachers' exposure to engineering and technology;
; and
by adding at the end the following:
finance summer internships for mathematics, science, engineering, and technology undergraduate students;
facilitate the hiring of additional mathematics, science, engineering, and technology faculty; and
serve as bridges to enable underrepresented minority and female secondary school students to obtain extra mathematics, science, engineering, and technology training prior to entering an institution of higher education.
.
Meeting critical national science needs
In General
In addition to any other criteria, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall include consideration of the degree to which awards and research activities that otherwise qualify for support by the National Science Foundation may assist in meeting critical national needs in innovation, competitiveness, the physical and natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Priority Treatment
The Director shall give priority in the selection of awards and the allocation of National Science Foundation resources to proposed research activities, and grants funded under the National Science Foundation’s Research and Related Activities Account, that can be expected to make contributions in physical or natural science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, or that enhance competitiveness or innovation in the United States.
Limitation
Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict or bias the grant selection process against funding other areas of research deemed by the National Science Foundation to be consistent with its mandate nor to change the core mission of the National Science Foundation.
Reaffirmation of the merit-review process of the National Science Foundation
Nothing in this division or division A, or the amendments made by this division or division A, shall be interpreted to require or recommend that the National Science Foundation—
alter or modify its merit-review system or peer-review process; or
exclude the awarding of any proposal by means of the merit-review or peer-review process.
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
Within the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 4001, there are authorized to be appropriated to the National Science Foundation for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research authorized under section 113 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862g)—
$125,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2011, an amount equal to $125,000,000 increased for each such year by an amount equal to the percentage increase in the appropriation for the National Science Foundation for such fiscal year above the total amount appropriated to the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 2007.
Encouraging participation
Mentoring Program
The Director of the National Science Foundation shall establish a program to recruit and provide mentors for women who are interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by pairing such women who are in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics programs of study in secondary school, community college, undergraduate or graduate school with mentors who are working in industry.
Additional learning program
The Director shall also establish a program to provide grants to community colleges to provide additional learning and other appropriate training to allow women to enter higher-paying technical jobs in fields related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Applications
An institution of higher education, including a community college, desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Director may require.
Program Evaluation
The Director shall establish metrics to evaluate the success of the programs established under subsections (a) and (b) annually and report the findings and conclusions of the evaluations annually to Congress.
Cyberinfrastructure
In order to continue and expand efforts to ensure that research institutions throughout the Nation can fully participate in research programs of the National Science Foundation and collaborate with colleagues throughout the nation, the Director of the National Science Foundation, within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, shall develop and publish a plan that describes the current status of broadband access for scientific research purposes in States located in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions and outlines actions which can be taken to ensure that such connections are available to enable participation in those National Science Foundation programs which rely heavily on high-speed networking and collaborations across institutions and regions.
Federal information and communications technology research
Advanced Information and Communications Technology Research
National science foundation information and communications technology research
The Director of the National Science Foundation shall establish a program of basic research in advanced information and communications technologies focused on enhancing or facilitating the availability and affordability of advanced communications services to all people of the United States. In developing and carrying out the program, the Director shall consult with the Board established under paragraph (2).
Federal advanced information and communications technology research board
There is established within the National Science Foundation a Federal Advanced Information and Communications Technology Research Board (referred to in this subsection as the Board) which shall advise the Director of the National Science Foundation in carrying out the program authorized under paragraph (1). The Board shall be composed of individuals with expertise in information and communications technologies, including representatives from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Department of Defense, and representatives from industry and educational institutions.
Grant program
The Director of the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the Board, shall award grants for basic research into advanced information and communications technologies that will contribute to enhancing or facilitating the availability and affordability of advanced communications services to all people of the United States. Areas of research to be supported through the grants include—
affordable broadband access, including wireless technologies;
network security and reliability;
communications interoperability;
networking protocols and architectures, including resilience to outages or attacks;
trusted software;
privacy;
nanoelectronics for communications applications;
low-power communications electronics;
implementation of equitable access to national advanced fiber optic research and educational networks in noncontiguous States; and
such other related areas as the Director, in consultation with the Board, finds appropriate.
Centers
The Director shall award multiyear grants, subject to the availability of appropriations, to institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), nonprofit research institutions affiliated with institutions of higher education, or consortia thereof to establish multidisciplinary Centers for Communications Research. The purpose of the Centers shall be to generate innovative approaches to problems in communications and information technology research, including the research areas described in paragraph (3). Institutions of higher education, nonprofit research institutions affiliated with institutions of higher education, or consortia receiving such grants may partner with 1 or more government laboratories or for-profit entities, or other institutions of higher education or nonprofit research institutions.
Applications
The Director of the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the Board, shall establish criteria for the award of grants under paragraphs (3) and (4). Such grants shall be awarded under the programs on a merit-reviewed competitive basis. The Director shall give priority to grants that offer the potential for revolutionary rather than evolutionary breakthroughs.
Authorization of appropriations
Within the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 4001, there are authorized to be appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out this subsection—
$40,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$45,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$55,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$60,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
National Institute of Standards and Technology Responsibilities
The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall continue to support research and support standards development in advanced information and communications technologies focused on enhancing or facilitating the availability and affordability of advanced communications services to all people of the United States, in order to implement the Institute’s responsibilities under section 2(c)(12) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272(c)(12)). The Director shall support intramural research and cooperative research with institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)) and industry.
Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program
In general
Section 10 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n–1) is amended—
in the section
heading, by inserting Teacher
after Noyce
;
in subsection (a)—
in paragraph (1)—
by striking
to provide scholarships, stipends, and programming
designed
;
by inserting
and to provide scholarships and stipends to students participating in
the program
after science teachers
; and
by inserting
Teacher
after Noyce
;
in paragraph (3)—
in subparagraph (A)—
in the matter preceding clause (i)—
by striking
encourage top college juniors and seniors majoring in
and
inserting recruit and prepare undergraduate students to pursue degrees
in
; and
by striking
to become
and inserting and become qualified
as
;
in clause (ii)—
by striking
programs to help scholarship recipients
and inserting
academic courses and clinical teaching experiences designed to prepare
students participating in the program
;
by striking
programs that will result in
and inserting such
preparation as is necessary to meet requirements for
; and
by striking
licensing; and
and inserting licensing;
;
in clause (iii)—
by striking
scholarship recipients
and inserting students
participating in the program
;
by striking
enable the recipients
and inserting enable the
students
; and
by striking
; or
and inserting ; and
; and
by adding at the end the following:
providing summer internships for freshman and sophomore students participating in the program; or
; and
in subparagraph (B)—
in the matter preceding clause (i)—
by striking
encourage
and inserting recruit and prepare
;
and
by inserting
qualified as
after to become
;
by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
offering academic courses and clinical teaching experiences designed to prepare stipend recipients to teach in elementary schools and secondary schools, including such preparation as necessary to meet requirements for teacher certification or licensing;
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Eligibility requirement
To be eligible for an award under this section, an institution of higher education (or a consortium of such institutions) shall ensure that specific faculty members and staff from the mathematics, science, or engineering department of the institution (or a participating institution of the consortium) and specific education faculty members of the institution (or such participating institution) are designated to carry out the development and implementation of the program. An institution of higher education (or consortium) may also include teachers to participate in developing the pedagogical content of the program and to supervise students participating in the program in their field teaching experiences. No institution of higher education (or consortium) shall be eligible for an award unless faculty from the institution's mathematics, science, or engineering department are active participants in the program.
;
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (1)—
in subparagraph (A)—
by striking
scholarship or stipend
;
by inserting
and summer internships
after number of
scholarships
; and
by inserting
the type of activities proposed for the recruitment of students to the
program,
after intends to award,
;
in subparagraph (B)—
by striking
scholarship or stipend
; and
by striking
; and
and inserting , which may include a description of
any existing programs at the applicant's institution that are targeted to the
education of science and mathematics teachers and the number of teachers
graduated annually from such programs;
; and
by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following:
a description of the academic courses and clinical teaching experiences required under subparagraph (A)(ii) or B)(ii) of subsection (a)(3), including—
a description of the undergraduate program that will enable a student to graduate in 4 years with a major in mathematics, science, or engineering and to obtain teacher certification or licensing;
a description of clinical teaching experiences proposed; and
evidence of agreements between the applicant and the schools or school districts that are identified as the locations at which clinical teaching experiences will occur;
a description of the programs required under subparagraph (A)(iii) or (B)(iii) of subsection (a)(3), including activities to assist new teachers in fulfilling their service requirements under this section; and
an identification of the applicant's mathematics, science, or engineering faculty and its education faculty who will carry out the development and implementation of the program as required under subsection (a)(4).
; and
in paragraph (2)—
by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (E) as subparagraphs (C) through (F), respectively; and
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
the extent to which the applicant's mathematics, science, or engineering faculty and its education faculty have worked or will work collaboratively to design new or revised curricula that recognize the specialized pedagogy required to teach mathematics and science effectively in elementary schools and secondary schools;
;
in subsection (c)—
in paragraph (3)—
by striking
$7,500
and inserting $10,000
; and
by striking
of scholarship support
and inserting of scholarship
support, unless the Director establishes a policy by which part-time students
may receive additional years of support
; and
in paragraph (4),
by inserting , with a maximum service requirement of 4 years
after was received
;
in subsection (d)—
in paragraph (2),
by inserting and professional achievement
after academic
merit
; and
in paragraph (4),
by striking for each year a stipend was received
;
in subsection (g)—
in paragraph (1),
by inserting or stipend
after scholarship; and
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
Repayment for failure to complete service
Less than 1 year of service
If a circumstance described in paragraph (1) occurs before the completion of 1 year of a service obligation under this section, the sum of the total amount of awards received by the individual under this section shall be treated as a loan payable to the Federal Government, consistent with the provisions of part B or D of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and shall be subject to repayment in accordance with terms and conditions specified by the Secretary of Education in regulations promulgated to carry out this paragraph.
1 year or more of service
If a circumstance described in subparagraph (D) or (E) of paragraph (1) occurs after the completion of 1 year of a service obligation under this section, an amount equal to 1/2 of the sum of the total amount of awards received by the individual under this section shall be treated as a loan payable to the Federal Government, consistent with the provisions of part B or D of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and shall be subject to repayment in accordance with terms and conditions specified by the Secretary of Education in regulations promulgated to carry out this paragraph.
;
by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (k);
by inserting after subsection (h) the following:
Science and mathematics scholarship gift fund
In accordance with section 11(f) of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, the Director is authorized to accept donations from the private sector to supplement, but not supplant, scholarships, stipends, or internships associated with the programs under this section.
Assessment of teacher retention
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the National Competitiveness Investment Act, the Director shall transmit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of the program carried out under this section regarding the retention of participants in the teaching profession beyond the service obligation required under this section.
;
in subsection (k) (as redesignated by paragraph (7))—
by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as paragraphs (3) through (6), respectively;
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
the term
high-need local educational agency
means a local educational
agency or educational service agency (as defined in section 9101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965)—
that serves not less than 10,000 children from low-income families;
for which not less than 20 percent of the children served by the agency are children from low-income families; or
with a total of less than 600 students in average daily attendance at the schools that are served by the agency, and all of whose schools are designated with a school locale code of 6, 7, or 8, as determined by the Secretary of Education; and
for which there is a higher percentage of teachers providing instruction in academic subject areas or grade levels for which the teachers are not highly qualified; or
for which there is a high teacher turnover rate or a high percentage of teachers with emergency, provisional, or temporary certification or licensure;
; and
in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (A)) by inserting or had a career
after is
working
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Authorization of appropriations
In general
Within the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 4001 of the National Competitiveness Investment Act and except as provided in paragraph (2), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Director for the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program under this section—
$105,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, of which at least $15,000,000 shall be used for capacity building activities described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of subsection (a)(3)(A) and clauses (ii) and (iii) of subsection (a)(3)(B);
$117,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, of which at least $18,000,000 shall be used for such capacity building activities;
$130,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, of which at least $21,000,000 shall be used for such capacity building activities;
$148,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, of which at least $24,000,000 shall be used for such capacity building activities; and
$200,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, of which at least $27,000,000 shall be used for such capacity building activities.
Exception
For any fiscal year for which the funding allocated for activities under this section is less than $105,000,000, the amount of funding available for capacity building activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1) shall not exceed 15 percent of the allocated funds.
.
Conforming amendments
Section 4
Section 4 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act
of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n note) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1)
by striking In this Act:
and inserting Except as
otherwise provided, in this Act:
.
Section 8
Section 8(6) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–368) is amended—
in the paragraph
heading, by inserting Teacher
after Noyce
; and
by inserting
Teacher
after Noyce
.
Sense of the Senate regarding the mathematics and science partnership programs of the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation
It is the sense of the Senate that—
although the mathematics and science education partnership program at the National Science Foundation and the mathematics and science partnership program at the Department of Education practically share the same name, the 2 programs are intended to be complementary, not duplicative;
the National Science Foundation partnership programs are innovative, model reform initiatives that move promising ideas in education from research into practice to improve teacher quality, develop challenging curricula, and increase student achievement in mathematics and science, and Congress intends that the National Science Foundation peer-reviewed partnership programs found to be effective should be put into wider practice by dissemination through the Department of Education partnership programs; and
the Director of the National Science Foundation and the Secretary of Education should have ongoing collaboration to ensure that the 2 components of this priority effort for mathematics and science education continue to work in concert for the benefit of States and local practitioners nationwide.
National Science Foundation teacher institutes for the 21st century
Authorization of appropriations
Within the amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 4001, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the teacher institutes for the 21st century under paragraphs (3) and (7) of section 9(a) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (as amended by subsection (b)) (42 U.S.C. 1862n(a))—
$76,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$84,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$94,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$106,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
$140,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
Teacher institutes for the 21st century
Section 9(a) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n(a)) is amended—
in paragraph
(3)(B), by striking summer or
and inserting teacher
institutes for the 21st century, as described in paragraph (7),
;
by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
Teacher institutes for the 21st century
In general
Teacher institutes for the 21st century carried out in accordance with paragraph (3)(B) shall—
be carried out in conjunction with a school served by the local educational agency in the partnership;
be science, technology, engineering, and mathematics focused institutes that provide professional development to elementary school and secondary school teachers during the summer;
serve teachers who are considered highly qualified (as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965), teach high-need subjects, and teach in high-need schools (as described in section 1114(a)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965);
focus on the theme and structure developed by the Director under subparagraph (C);
be content-based and build on school year curricula that are experiment-oriented, content-based, and grounded in current research;
ensure that the pedagogy component is designed around specific strategies that are relevant to teaching the subject and content on which teachers are being trained, which may include training teachers in the essential components of reading instruction for adolescents in order to improve student reading skills within the subject areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics;
be a multiyear program that is conducted for a period of not less than 2 weeks per year;
provide for direct interaction between participants in and faculty of the teacher institute;
have a component that includes the use of the Internet;
provide for followup training in the classroom during the academic year for a period of not less than 3 days, which may or may not be consecutive, for participants in the teacher institute, except that for teachers in rural local educational agencies, the followup training may be provided through the Internet;
provide teachers participating in the teacher institute with travel expense reimbursement and classroom materials related to the teacher institute, and may include providing stipends as necessary; and
establish a mechanism to provide supplemental support during the academic year for teacher institute participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained at the teacher institute.
Optional members of the partnership
In addition to the partnership requirement under paragraph (2), an institution of higher education or eligible nonprofit organization (or consortium) desiring a grant for a teacher institute for the 21st century may also partner with a teacher organization, museum, or educational partnership organization.
Theme and structure
Each year, not later than 180 days before the application deadline for a grant under this section, the Director shall, in consultation with a broad group of relevant education organizations, develop a theme and structure for the teacher institutes of the 21st century supported under paragraph (3)(B).
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September 27, 2006
Read the second time and placed on the calendar