HR 3242 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the ability of the United States to be competitive in a global economy, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

July 31, 2007

Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS (for herself and Mr. MCKEON) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the ability of the United States to be competitive in a global economy, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Strengthening America's Innovation and Competitiveness Act'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. ADJUNCT TEACHER CORPS.

Subpart 1 of part C of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6671 et seq.) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by redesignating chapter C as chapter D; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting after chapter B the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`CHAPTER C--GRANTS FOR ADJUNCT TEACHER CORPS

`SEC. 2315. PURPOSE.

`The purpose of this chapter is to create opportunities for professionals and other individuals with subject-matter expertise to teach secondary school courses in the core academic subjects, particularly mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages, on an adjunct basis.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2316. GRANTS AUTHORIZED.

`The Secretary is authorized to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities to recruit, train, and place well-qualified individuals to serve as adjunct teachers in secondary school courses in core academic subjects, particularly mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2317. DURATION OF GRANTS.

`The Secretary may award grants under this chapter for a period of not more than 5 years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2318. PRIORITIES.

`In awarding grants under this chapter, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that propose to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) serve high-need local educational agencies that have a large number or percentage of students performing below grade level, including local educational agencies that are not making adequate yearly progress under section 1111(b)(2);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) serve local educational agencies or educational service agencies all of whose schools are designated with a school locale code of 41, 42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) recruit, train, and provide schools adjunct teachers of mathematics, science or critical foreign languages; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) recruit adjunct faculty to serve in schools that have an insufficient number of teachers with demonstrated expertise in the subjects the adjunct faculty will teach.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2319. APPLICATION.

`(a) In General- To be considered for a grant under this chapter, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such a time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Contents- The application shall, at a minimum, include a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) the need for, and expected benefits of using, adjunct teachers in the participating schools, which may include information on the difficulty participating schools face in recruiting qualified faculty and the achievement levels of students in those schools;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) the goals and objectives for the project, including the number of adjunct teachers the eligible entity intends to place in classrooms and the specific gains in academic achievement intended to be achieved;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) how the eligible entity will recruit qualified individuals and appropriate public and private institutions to participate in the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) how the eligible entity will generate support among appropriate constituencies, such as businesses, state and local government, and teachers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) the participating schools and grade levels at which, and the subjects in which the eligible entity proposes to have the adjunct faculty teach;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) how the eligible entity will use funds received under this section, including how the eligible entity will evaluate the success of the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) how the eligible entity will ensure that low-income students in participating schools and local educational agencies will, during the period of the grant, receive instruction in the core academic subjects, particularly mathematics, science and critical foreign languages, from a teacher with demonstrated subject-matter expertise in the subject taught;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8) the eligible entity's commitment, after the project period ends, to continue to hire and employ adjunct teachers, as needed, to teach secondary school courses in the core academic subjects, particularly in mathematics, science and critical foreign languages; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(9) how the eligible entity will overcome legal, contractual, or administrative barriers to employment of adjunct faculty in the participating State or local educational agency or agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2320. USES OF FUNDS.

`(a) Required Uses- Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this chapter shall use the grant funds--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) to develop the capacity of the local educational agency or the State educational agency, or both, to identify, recruit, and train qualified individuals outside of the elementary and secondary education system (including individuals in business and government, and individuals who would participate through distance-learning arrangements) to become adjunct teachers in secondary schools in the core academic subject areas, particularly mathematics, science, and critical foreign language courses; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) to collect and report such performance information as the Secretary may require, including information needed for the national evaluation conducted under section 2320B.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Optional Uses- Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this chapter may use the grant funds for one or more of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) To provide signing bonuses and other financial incentives to encourage individuals to become adjunct teachers in mathematics, science and critical foreign language courses.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) To reimburse outside entities for the costs associated with allowing an employee to serve as an adjunct teacher, except that these costs shall not exceed the total cost of salary and benefits for teachers with comparable experience or expertise in the local educational agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) To provide pre-service training to adjunct teachers, including the on-going mentoring of such teachers by highly qualified teachers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2320A. MATCHING REQUIREMENT.

`Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this chapter 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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2320B. NATIONAL EVALUATION.

`From the amount reserved for this chapter for any fiscal year, the Secretary may reserve not more than 5 percent to conduct an independent evaluation, by grant or by contract, of the adjunct teacher corps program carried out under this chapter, which shall include an assessment of the impact of the program on student academic achievement. The Secretary shall report the results of this evaluation to the appropriate committees of Congress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2320C. PROGRAM PERFORMANCE.

`(a) Report- Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this chapter shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a final report on the results of the project that contains such information as the Secretary may require. At a minimum, the report shall include information on the academic achievement of students receiving instruction from an adjunct teacher.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Methods- The information required under this section shall be--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) reported in a manner that provides for a comparison of student achievement data prior to, during, and after implementation of the adjunct teacher corps program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) disaggregated by race, ethnicity, disability status, English proficiency, and status as economically disadvantaged, except that such disaggregation shall not be required in a case in which the number of students in a category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information or the result would reveal personally identifiable information about an individual student.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2320D. DEFINITIONS.

`For purposes of this chapter:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) ADJUNCT TEACHER- The term `adjunct teacher' means a teacher who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) possesses, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) has demonstrated expertise in the subject matter the teacher teaches by--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) having met the requirements of section 9101(23)(B)(ii); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) having met an alternative measure of subject-matter expertise, as determined by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CRITICAL FOREIGN LANGUAGE- The term `critical foreign language' means a foreign language considered most critical to ensure future United States national security and economic prosperity, as determined by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) ELIGIBLE ENTITY- The term `eligible entity' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) a local educational agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) a public or private entity (which may be a State educational agency); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) a partnership consisting of a local educational agency and a public or private entity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) HIGH NEED LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY- The term `high-need local educational agency' has the meaning given to the term in section 2102(3).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMENDMENTS.

(a) Purposes- Section 1702 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6532) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (8), by striking `and' at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(10) to increase the number of students who complete advanced placement courses and pass advanced placement tests in mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages, and to increase the number of teachers who are prepared to teach those courses;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(11) to encourage States and the private sector to increase their support for advanced placement and pre-advanced placement programs, in order to leverage the Federal investment in this important area;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(12) to encourage State and local educational agencies to provide additional compensation for teachers who become qualified to teach advanced placement courses in mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages and whose students pass advanced placement tests in those subjects; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(13) to support State-wide efforts to increase the availability of, and enrollment in, advanced placement and pre-advanced placement programs, particularly for low-income students.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Advanced Placement Test Fee Program- Section 1704 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6534) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking `reimburse low-income individuals to cover' and inserting `pay'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking `fees, if the low-income individuals,' and inserting `fees for low-income individuals, if those individuals';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subsection (d)(3), by striking `required under chapter 1 of subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.' and inserting `that the student is low-income (as defined in section 1707(3)).'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in subsection (f)(1)(D), by striking `socioeconomic status.' and inserting `whether the student is low-income (as defined in section 1707(3)).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Advanced Placement Incentive Program Grants- Section 1705 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6535) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ` local educational agency, or national nonprofit educational entity' through the period at the end and inserting `a local educational agency, or a nonprofit educational entity that applies in partnership with a State or local educational agency.';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subsection (c)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by amending paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) develops or expands advanced placement or pre-advanced placement programs in mathematics, science, or critical foreign languages;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) demonstrates an intent to carry out activities that target schools with a high concentration of low-income students;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) are part of a State-wide strategy for increasing the availability of advanced placement courses in mathematics, science, and critical foreign languages, particularly for low-income students; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) demonstrates an intent to carry out activities that target local educational agencies whose schools are designated with a school locale code of 41, 42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary.'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking paragraphs (6) and (7);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by amending subsection (d)(1)(B) to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) activities to increase the number of students who have the rigorous academic preparation and skills needed to succeed in advanced placement courses;';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) in subsection (f)(1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking `and' at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting `; and'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) the number of teachers served through the grant who become qualified to teach advanced placement courses.';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as (e), (g), and (h), respectively;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Equitable Distribution- The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grants under this program among the States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) promote an increase in participation in advanced placement courses and tests in all States.'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) by inserting after subsection (e) (as so redesignated) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Program Requirements- Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) shall provide, from State, local, or other sources, funds sufficient to cover at least two-thirds of the cost of activities to be carried out under the grant; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) shall, with respect to the State or local educational agency or agencies participating in the project, not later than the first year of the period for which the grant is awarded, establish and implement a policy of providing salary increases or bonuses--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) to teachers who become qualified to teach advanced placement courses in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) to teachers whose students successfully pass advanced placement examinations in mathematics, science, or a critical foreign language.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Definitions- Section 1707 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6537) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (3), by striking `data on children in families receiving assistance under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act' through the period at the end, and inserting `or through an alternate method that extrapolates from that data.'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CRITICAL FOREIGN LANGUAGES- The term `critical foreign languages' refers to languages designated by the Secretary as those most critical to help ensure the future national security and economic prosperity of the United States.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Advanced Placement Programs- Part G of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6531 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 1708. NATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

`The Secretary may reserve up to 5 percent of the amount appropriated for a fiscal year under section 1002(g) for this part, to be used for peer review of applications for grants under this part, as well as for research, evaluation, and technical assistance.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. MATH NOW.

Part F of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. 6511 et seq.) is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`Part F--Math Now

`Subpart 1--Math Now for Elementary School Students

`SEC. 1601. MATH NOW FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS PROGRAM.

`(a) Purpose; Definition-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) PURPOSE- The purpose of this section is to improve instruction in mathematics for students in kindergarten through sixth grade by implementing mathematics programs that reflect the best available evidence on mathematics instruction, in order to enable all students to reach grade-level achievement standards and prepare them to enroll in and pass algebra courses.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) DEFINITION- As used in this section, the term `eligible entity' meansCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) A local educational agency with one or more elementary or middle schools--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) with significant numbers or percentages of students whose mathematics skills are below grade level;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) that are not making adequate yearly progress in mathematics under section 1111(b)(2); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) in which students are receiving instruction in mathematics from teachers who do not have expertise in mathematics;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) a State educational agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) educational service agencies that serve areas whose schools are designated with a school locale code of 41, 42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) a partnership of one more agencies described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C), which may also include one or more institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Program Authorized-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) GENERAL- From the amounts appropriated to carry out this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary is authorized to award competitive grants of up to five years to eligible entities to carry out activities consistent with the purpose of this program in local educational agencies that meet the criteria described in subsection (a)(2)(A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) PRIORITY- In making grants under this section, the Secretary may give priority to applications for projects that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) will implement Statewide strategies for improving elementary school mathematics instruction and raising mathematics achievement in kindergarten through sixth grade; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) schools designated with a school local code of 41, 42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Uses of Funds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) MANDATORY USES- A grantee shall use grant funds under this section for each of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) To implement mathematics instructional materials, for students in kindergarten through the final grade of a participating elementary school, which involve intensive and systematic instruction and are based on the best available evidence on mathematics instruction.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) To provide professional development for teachers and, if appropriate, administrators and other personnel, on the implementation of the new materials (and on the content of those materials).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) To conduct continuous progress monitoring, which may include the adoption and use of assessments that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) measure student progress and identify areas in which students need help learning mathematics; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) reflect mathematics content that is consistent with state academic achievement standards in mathematics described in section 1111(b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) To carry out activities, if requested by the Secretary, to assist the Secretary in completing the evaluation required under subsection (f).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) OPTIONAL USES- A grantee may use grant funds under this section to collect and report the performance data required under subsection (g).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Applications- To be considered for a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application at such time and in such manner as the secretary may require. Each application shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) information, on an aggregate basis, on the school or schools to be served by the project, including such demographic, socioeconomic, and mathematics achievement data as the Secretary may request;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) a description of the mathematics instructional materials that will be used for the proposed project, including information on how those materials reflect the best available evidence on mathematics instruction;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) 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 personnel, and of how those activities will support achievement of the purposes of the grant; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) any other information the Secretary may reasonably require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Equitable Participation- Title IX, part E, subpart 1 shall apply to this program. For the purpose of determining equitable participation, the term `eligible children' (as used in section 9501(a)) means children from low-income families (using the measures described in section 1113(a)(5)) in the area served by the participating local educational agency or school.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Evaluation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) EVALUATION- The Secretary shall conduct an independent evaluation of the program under this section, which shall include an assessment of the impact of the program on student achievement, and may use funds available under this section to conduct the evaluation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) LIMITATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall ensure that the organization selected to carry out the independent evaluation under paragraph (1) does not hold a contract or subcontract to implement any aspect of the program under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) SUBCONTRACTORS- Any contract entered into under paragraph (1) shall prohibit the independent organization conducting the evaluation from subcontracting with any entity that holds a contract or subcontract for any aspect of the implementation of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Technical Assistance-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE- The Secretary may use funds available under this section to provide technical assistance to prospective applicants and grantees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CONFLICTS OF INTEREST- If the Secretary carries out paragraph (1) through any contracts, the Secretary shall ensure that each contract requires the contractor to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) screen for conflicts of interest when hiring individuals to carry out the responsibilities under the contract;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) include the requirement in subparagraph (A) in any subcontracts the contractor enters into under the contract; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) establish and follow a schedule for carrying out subparagraph (A) and paragraph (3) and reporting to the Secretary on its actions under those provisions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) SCREENING PROCESS- The screening process described in paragraph (2)(A) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) include, at a minimum, a review of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) each individual performing duties under the contract or subcontract for connections to any State's program under this section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) potential financial interests in, or other connection to, products that might be purchased by a State educational agency or local educational agency in the course of the agency's implementation of the program under this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) connections to teaching methodologies that might require the use of specific products; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) be designed to prevent, to the extent possible, bias or the appearance of bias in the performance of the responsibilities outlined in the contract or subcontract.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) INFORMATION DISSEMINATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- If the Secretary enters into contracts to provide technical assistance under paragraph (1), and if a contractor enters into subcontracts for that purpose, each such contract and subcontract shall require the provider of technical assistance to clearly separate technical assistance provided under the contract or subcontract from information provided, or activities engaged in, as part of the normal operations of the contractor or subcontractor.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) SEPARATE INTERNET WEB PAGES- Efforts to comply with subparagraph (A) may include, but are not limited to, the creation of separate Internet web pages for the purpose of fulfilling a contract or subcontract entered into under paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(h) Program Performance and Accountability-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Each grantee shall collect and report to the Secretary such information on the results of the grant as the Secretary may reasonably require, including information on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the mathematics test scores on State or district-wide assessments for all elementary schools in the local educational agency or agencies, including both those in schools participating in the program under this section and those in schools not participating in the program under this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the percentage of students in the schools of the local educational agency who enroll in algebra courses and the percentage of those enrollees who pass algebra courses.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) METHOD- The information required under paragraph (1) shall be--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) reported in a manner that allows for a comparison of student achievement before (to the extent feasible), during, and after implementation of this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) disaggregated by race, ethnicity, disability status, English proficiency, and status as economically disadvantaged, except that such disaggregation shall not be required in a case in which the number of students in a category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information or the result would reveal personally identifiable information about an individual student.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`Subpart 2--Math Now for Middle School Students

`SEC. 1611. MATH NOW FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS PROGRAM.

`(a) Purpose; Definitions-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) PURPOSE- The purpose of this section is to improve the mathematics achievement of middle-school students whose achievement is significantly below grade level and to enable them to reach challenging State achievement standards, by supporting comprehensive mathematics initiatives that are based on the best available evidence on mathematics instruction for middle-school students, and that improve the quality of mathematics instruction, provide intensive interventions to middle-school students whose achievement is significantly below grade level, and help build a strong, scientific research base for identifying and replicating strategies that improve adolescent mathematics skills.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) DEFINITIONS- As used in this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the term `eligible entity' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) a local educational agency that has one or more schools;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) with significant numbers or percentages of middle-school students whose mathematics skills are below grade level;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) that are not making adequate yearly progress in mathematics for middle-school students under section 1111(b)(2); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) that have mathematics classes that are not taught by teachers with expertise in mathematics;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a State educational agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) educational service agencies that serve areas whose schools are designated with a school locale code of 41, 42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) a partnership of one or more agencies described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii), which may also include one or more institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, and for-profit organizations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the term `middle-school students' means students in any of the grades six through nine.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Program Authorized-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- From the amounts appropriated to carry out this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary is authorized to award competitive grants of up to five years to eligible entities to carry out activities, consistent with the purpose of this section, in local educational agencies that meet the criteria described in subsection (a)(2)(A)(i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) PRIORITY- In making awards under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applications for projects that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) will implement Statewide strategies for improving mathematics instruction for middle-school students and raising the mathematics achievement of middle-school students who are below grade level in mathematics; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) schools designated with a school locale code of 41, 42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Uses of Funds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) MANDATORY USES- A grantee shall use grant funds under this section for each of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) To implement interventions that reflect the best available evidence on teaching middle school mathematics and that involve intensive and systematic instruction either specifically for middle-school students who are not achieving grade-level proficiency in mathematics or to increase the mathematics achievement of all of the middle-school students in a school, or both.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) To conduct continuous progress monitoring, including by adopting and using assessments in order to measure middle-school students' progress and identify areas in which they need help in learning mathematics.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) To provide professional development for teachers of middle-school students and, as appropriate, administrators and other personnel that targets important mathematics content knowledge and effective practices and reflects the best available evidence on mathematics education for middle-school students.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) To carry out activities, if requested by the Secretary, to assist the Secretary in completing the evaluation required under subsection (f).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) OPTIONAL USES- A grantee may use grant funds under this section to collect and report the performance data required under subsection (g).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Applications- To be considered for a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require. Each application shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) information, on an aggregate basis, on the school or schools to be served by the project, including such demographic, socioeconomic, and mathematics achievement data for middle-school students as the Secretary may request;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) a description of the activities to be carried out under the grant, including a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) how, and the extent to which, the proposed activities reflect the best available evidence on mathematics instruction for middle-school students; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the professional development to be provided to teachers and, if appropriate, administrators and other personnel and how that professional development will support achievement of the purposes of the project; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) any other information the Secretary may reasonably require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Equitable Participation- Title IX, part E, subpart 1 shall apply to this program. For the purpose of determining equitable participation, the term `eligible children' (as used in section 9501(a)) means children from low-income families (using the measures described in section 1113(a)(5)) in the area served by the participating local educational agency or school.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Evaluation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) EVALUATION- The Secretary shall conduct an independent evaluation of the program, which shall include an assessment of the impact of the program on student achievement, and may use funds available under this section to conduct the evaluation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) LIMITATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall ensure that the organization selected to carry out the independent evaluation under paragraph (1) does not hold a contract or subcontract to implement any aspect of the program under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) SUBCONTRACTORS- Any contract entered into under paragraph (1) shall prohibit the independent organization conducting the evaluation from subcontracting with any entity that holds a contract or subcontract for any aspect of the implementation of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Technical Assistance-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE- The Secretary may use funds available under this section to provide technical assistance to prospective applicants and grantees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CONFLICTS OF INTEREST- If the Secretary carries out paragraph (1) through any contracts, the Secretary shall ensure that each contract requires the contractor to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) screen for conflicts of interest when hiring individuals to carry out the responsibilities under the contract;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) include the requirement in subparagraph (A) in any subcontracts the contractor enters into under the contract; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) establish and follow a schedule for carrying out subparagraph (A) and paragraph (3) and reporting to the Secretary on its actions under those provisions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) SCREENING PROCESS- The screening process described in paragraph (2)(A) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) include, at a minimum, a review of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) each individual performing duties under the contract or subcontract for connections to any State's program under this section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) potential financial interests in, or other connection to, products that might be purchased by a State educational agency or local educational agency in the course of the agency's implementation of the program under this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) connections to teaching methodologies that might require the use of specific products; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) be designed to prevent, to the extent possible, bias or the appearance of bias in the performance of the responsibilities outlined in the contract or subcontract.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) INFORMATION DISSEMINATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- If the Secretary enters into contracts to provide technical assistance under paragraph (1), and if a contractor enters into subcontracts for that purpose, each such contract and subcontract shall require the provider of technical assistance to clearly separate technical assistance provided under the contract or subcontract from information provided, or activities engaged in, as part of the normal operations of the contractor or subcontractor.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) SEPARATE INTERNET WEB PAGES- Efforts to comply with subparagraph (A) may include, but are not limited to, the creation of separate Internet web pages for the purpose of fulfilling a contract or subcontract entered into under paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(h) Program Performance and Accountability-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Each grantee shall collect and report to the Secretary such information on the results of the grant as the Secretary may reasonably require, including information on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the mathematics test scores on State or district-wide assessments for all middle-school students in the local educational agency, including both those in schools participating in the program under this section and those in schools not participating in the program under this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the percentage of students in the schools of the local educational agency who enroll in algebra courses and the percentage of those enrollees who pass algebra courses.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) METHOD- The information required under paragraph (1) shall be--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) reported in a manner that allows for a comparison of student achievement before (to the extent feasible), during, and after implementation of this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) disaggregated by race, ethnicity, disability status, English proficiency, and status as economically disadvantaged, except that such disaggregation shall not be required in a case in which the number of students in a category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information or the result would reveal personally identifiable information about an individual student.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`Subpart 3--Peer Review of State Applications

`SEC. 1622. REVIEW OF STATE APPLICATIONS.

`(a) Conflicts of Interest-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall establish a process through which individuals who review State applications under section 1601 and 1611 (hereafter in this section referred to as `reviewers') are screened for potential conflicts of interest.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) SCREENING- The screening process shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) be reviewed and approved by the Office of the General Counsel of the department;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) include, at a minimum, a review of each reviewer's--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) connection to any State's program under those sections;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) potential financial interest in products that might be purchased by a State educational agency or local educational agency in the course of the agency's implementation of the program under those sections; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) professional connections to teaching methodologies that might require the use of specific products; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) be designed to prevent, to the extent possible, bias or the appearance of bias in the review of those applications.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Guidance-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall develop guidance for how reviewers will review applications submitted under sections 1601 and 1611 and provide feedback to State educational agencies and recommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary shall also develop guidance for how the Secretary will review those recommendations and make final determinations of approval or disapproval of those applications.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) REQUIREMENTS- Such guidance shall, at a minimum--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) create a transparent process through which review panels provide clear, consistent, and publicly available documentation in support of all recommendations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) ensure that State educational agencies have the opportunity for direct interaction with any panel that reviewed its application under those sections when revising an application as a result of feedback from the panel;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) require that any review panel and the Secretary clearly and consistenly document that all required elements of an application under those sections are included before the application is approved; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) create a transparent process through which the Secretary clearly, consistently, and publicly documents decisions to approve or disapprove those applications and the reasons for those decisions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 1623. PROHIBITION ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

`(a) In General- Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to alter or lessen the prohibition contained in section 9527(b) of this Act or section 3403(b) of the Department of Education Organization Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Guidance-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall develop guidance for Department of Education employees responsible for the implementation of this chapter that will assist those employees in complying with the prohibitions included in subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CONSULTATION- Such guidance shall emphasize the importance of consultation with the Department's Office of General Counsel on issues related to such prohibitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE- Such guidance shall stress that any information disseminated, or technical assistance provided, related to this subpart, shall be balanced in presenting eligible products and not in any way endorse or appear to endorse any particular product that might be purchased by a State educational agency or local educational agency in the course of such agency's implementation of the program under this chapter'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 5. ROBERT C. BYRD HONORS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

Subpart 6 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070d-31) is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`Subpart 6--Robert C. Byrd American Competitiveness Program

`SEC. 419A. ROBERT C. BYRD MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE HONORS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

`(a) Purpose- The purpose of this section is to award scholarships to students who are enrolled in studies leading to baccalaureate and advanced degrees in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, and engineering.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Definitions- As used in this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) the term `computer science' means the branch of knowledge or study of computers, including such fields of knowledge or study as computer hardware, computer software, computer engineering, information systems, and robotics;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) the term `eligible student' means a student who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) is a citizen of the United States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) is selected by the managing agent to receive a scholarship;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) is enrolled full-time in an institution of higher education, other than a United States service academy; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) has shown a commitment to and is pursuing a major in studies leading to a baccalaureate, masters, or doctoral degree (or a combination thereof) in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, or engineering;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) the term `engineering' means the science by which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to humanity in structures, machines, and products, as in the construction of engines, bridges, buildings, mines, and chemical plants, including such fields of knowledge or study as aeronautical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, and mechanical engineering;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) the term `life sciences' means the branch of knowledge or study of living things, including such fields of knowledge or study as biology, biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, genetics, physiology, botany, zoology, ecology, and behavioral biology, except that the term does not encompass social psychology or the health professions;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) the term `managing agent' means an entity to which an award is made under subsection (c) to manage a program of Mathematics and Science Honors Scholarships;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) the term `mathematics' means the branch of knowledge or study of numbers and the systematic treatment of magnitude, relationships between figures and forms, and relations between quantities expressed symbolically, including such fields of knowledge or study as statistics, applied mathematics, and operations research; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) the term `physical sciences' means the branch of knowledge or study of the material universe, including such fields of knowledge or study as astronomy, atmospheric sciences, chemistry, earth sciences, ocean sciences, physics, and planetary sciences.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Award-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1)(A) From funds authorized under section 419F to carry out this section, the Secretary is authorized, through a grant or cooperative agreement, to make an award to a private, non-profit organization, other than an institution of higher education or system of institutions of higher education, to manage, through a public and private partnership, a program of Mathematics and Science Honors Scholarships under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) The award under subparagraph (A) shall be for a five-year period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2)(A) One hundred percent of the funds awarded under paragraph (1)(A) for any fiscal year shall be obligated and expended solely on scholarships to eligible students.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) No Federal funds shall be used to provide more than 50 percent of the cost of any scholarship to an eligible student.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) The maximum scholarship award shall be the difference between an eligible student's cost of attendance minus any non-loan based aid such student receives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3)(A) The secretary may establish--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) eligibility criteria for applicants for managing agent, including criteria regarding financial and administrative capability; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) operational standards for the managing agent, including management and performance requirements, such as audit, record keeping, record retention, and reporting procedures and requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) The Secretary, as necessary, may review and revise any criteria, standards, and rules established under this paragraph and, through the agreement with the managing agent, see that any revisions are implemented.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) If the managing agent fails to meet the requirements of this section the Secretary may terminate the award to the managing agent.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) The Secretary shall conduct outreach efforts to help raise awareness of the Mathematics and Science Honors Scholarships.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Duties of the Managing Agent- The managing agent shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) develop criteria to award Mathematics and Science Honors Scholarships based on established measurements available to secondary students who wish to pursue degrees in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, and engineering;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) establish a Mathematics and Science Honors Scholarship Fund in a separate, named account that clearly discloses the amount of Federal and non-Federal funds deposited in the account and used for scholarships under this section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) solicit funds for scholarships and for the administration of the program from non-Federal sources;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) solicit applicants for scholarships;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) from the amounts in the Fund, award scholarships to eligible students and transfer such funds to the institutions of higher education that they attend;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) annually submit to the Secretary a financial audit and a report on the progress of the program, and such other documents as the Secretary may require to determine the effective management of the program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) shall not develop a criteria that discriminates against a student based on the type of program in which the student completed his or her secondary education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Applications-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) Any eligible entity that desires to be the managing agent under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary, in such form and containing such information, as the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) Each application shall include a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) how the applicant meets or will meet requirements established under subsections (c)(3)(A) and (d);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) how the applicant will solicit funds for scholarships and for the administration of the program from non-Federal sources;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) how the applicant will provide nationwide outreach to inform students about the program and to encourage students to pursue degrees in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, and engineering;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) how the applicant will solicit applications for scholarships, including how the applicant will balance efforts in urban and rural areas;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) the selection criteria based on established measurements available to secondary students the applicant will use to award scholarships and to renew those awards;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) how the applicant will inform the institution of higher education chosen by the recipient of the name and scholarship amount of the recipient;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) what procedures and assurances the applicant and the institution of higher education that the recipient attends will use to verify student eligibility, attendance, degree progress, and academic performance and to deliver and account for payments to such institution;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) the management (including audit and accounting) procedures the applicant will use for the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) the human, financial, and other resources that the applicant will need and use to manage the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(J) how the applicant will evaluate the program and report to the Secretary annually; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(K) a description of how the entity will coordinate with, complement, and buildCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





on similar public and private mathematics and science programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Scholarship Recipients-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) A student receiving a scholarship under this section shall be known as a `Byrd mathematics and Science Honors Scholar'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) Any student desiring to receive a scholarship under this section shall submit an application to the managing agent in such form, and containing such information, as the managing agent may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) Any student that receives a scholarship under this section shall enter into an agreement with the managing agent to complete 5 consecutive years of service to begin no later than 12 months following completion of the final degree in a position related to the field in which the student obtained the degree.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) If any student that receives a scholarship under this section fails to earn at least a baccalaureate degree in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, or engineering as defined under this section, the student shall repay to the managing agent the amount of any financial assistance paid to such student.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) If any student that receives a scholarship under this section fails to meet the requirements of paragraph (3), the student shall repay to the managing agent the amount of any financial assistance paid to such student.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6)(A) Scholarships shall be awarded for only one academic year of study at a time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B)(i) A scholarship shall be renewable on an annual basis for the established length of the academic program if the student awarded the scholarship remains eligible.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) The managing agent may condition renewal of a scholarship on measures of academic progress and achievement, with the approval of the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C)(i) If a student fails to either remain eligible or meet established measures of academic progress and achievement, the managing agent shall instruct the student's institution of higher education to suspend payment of the student's scholarship.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) A suspension of payment shall remain in effect until the student is able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the managing agent that he or she is again eligible and meets the established measures of academic progress and achievement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) A student's eligibility for a scholarship shall be terminated if a suspension period exceeds 12 months.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D)(i)(I) A student awarded a scholarship may, in a manner and under the terms established by, and with the approval of, the managing agent, postpone or interrupt his or her enrollment at an institution of higher education for up to 12 months.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) Such a postponement or interruption shall not be considered a suspension for purposes of subparagraph (C).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) Neither a student nor the student's institution of higher education shall receive the student's scholarship payments during the period of postponement or interruption, but such payments shall resume upon enrollment or reenrollment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) In exceptional circumstances, such as serious injury or illness or the necessity to care for family members, the student's postponement or interruption may, upon notification and approval of the managing agent, be extended beyond the 12 month period described in clause (i)(I).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Responsibilities of Institution of Higher Education-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) The managing agent shall require any institution of higher education that enrolls a student who receives a scholarship under this section to annually provide an assurance, prior to making any payment, that the student--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) is eligible in accordance with subsection (b)(2); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) has provided the institution with a written commitment to attend, or is attending, classes and is satisfactorily meeting the institution's academic criteria for enrollment in its program of study.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2)(A) The managing agent shall provide the institution of higher education with payments from the Fund for selected recipients in at least two installments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) An institution of higher education shall return prorated amounts of any scholarship payment to the managing agent, who shall deposit it in to the Fund, if a recipient declines a scholarship, does not attend courses, transfers to another institution of higher education, or becomes ineligible for a scholarship.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 419B. MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

`(a) Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary is authorized to carry out a program of assuming the obligation to pay, pursuant to the provisions of this section, the interest on a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B or D of this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) ELIGIBILITY- The Secretary may assume interest payments under paragraph (1) only for a borrower who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) has submitted an application in compliance with subsection (d);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) obtained one or more loans described in paragraph (1) as an undergraduate student;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) is a new borrower (within the meaning of section 103(7) of this Act) on or after the date of enactment of the Strengthening America's Innovation and Competitiveness Act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) is a highly qualified teacher (as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) of science, technology, engineering or mathematics at an elementary or secondary school in a high need local educational agency, or is a mathematics, science, or engineering professional; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) enters into an agreement with the Secretary to complete 5 consecutive years of service in a position described in subparagraph (D), starting on the date of the agreement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) PRIOR INTEREST LIMITATIONS- The Secretary shall not make any payments for interest that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) accrues prior to the beginning of the repayment period on a loan in the case of a loan made under section 428H or a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) has accrued prior to the signing of an agreement under paragraph (2)(E).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) INITIAL SELECTION- In selecting participants for the program under this section, the Secretary--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) shall choose among eligible applicants on the basis of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the national security, homeland security, and economic security needs of the United States, as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with other Federal agencies, including the Departments of Labor, Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce, and Energy, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Science Foundation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) the academic record or job performance of the applicant; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) may choose among eligible applicants on the basis of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the likelihood of the applicant to complete the 5-year service obligation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) the likelihood of the applicant to remain in science, mathematics, or engineering after the completion of the service requirement; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) other relevant criteria determined by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) AVAILABILITY SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATIONS- Loan interest payments under this section shall be subject to the availability of appropriations. If the amount appropriated for any fiscal year is not sufficient to provide interest payments on behalf of all qualified applicants, the Secretary shall give priority to those individuals on whose behalf interest payments were made during the preceding fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) REGULATIONS- The Secretary is authorized to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Duration and Amount of Interest Payments- The period during which the Secretary shall pay interest on behalf of a student borrower who is selected under subsection (a) is the period that begins on the effective date of the agreement under subsection (a)(2)(E), continues after successful completion of the service obligation, and ends on the earlier of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) the completion of the repayment period of the loan;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) payment by the Secretary of a total of $5,000 on behalf of the borrower;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) if the borrower ceases to fulfill the service obligation under such agreement prior to the end of the 5-year period, as soon as the borrower is determined to have ceased to fulfill such obligation in accordance with regulations of the Secretary; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) 6 months after the end of any calendar year in which the borrower's gross income equals or exceeds 4 times the national per capita disposable personal income (current dollars) for such calendar year, as determined on the basis of the National Income and Product Accounts Tables of the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce, as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Repayment to Eligible Lenders- Subject to the regulations prescribed by the Secretary by regulation under subsection (a)(6), the Secretary shall pay to each eligible lender or holder for each payment period the amount of the interest that accrues on a loan of a student borrower who is selected under subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Application for Repayment-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Each eligible individual desiring loan interest payment under this section shall submit a complete and accurate application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) FAILURE TO COMPLETE SERVICE AGREEMENT- Such application shall contain an agreement by the individual that, if the individual fails to complete the 5 consecutive years of service required by subsection (a)(2)(E), the individual agrees to repay the Secretary the amount of any interest paid by the Secretary on behalf of the individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Treatment of Consolidation Loans- A consolidation loan made under section 428C of this Act, or a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan made under part D of title IV of this Act, may be a qualified loan for the purpose of this section only to the extent that such loan amount was used by a borrower who otherwise meets the requirements of this section to repay--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) a loan made under section 428 or 428H of this Act; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, or a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, made under part D of title IV of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Prevention of Double Benefits- No borrower may, for the same service, receive a benefit under both this section and--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) any loan forgiveness program under title IV of this Act; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) subtitle D of title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12601 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Definitions- As used in this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) the term `high need local educational agency' has the same meaning given such term in section 201(b)(4); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) the term `mathematics, science, or engineering professional' means a person who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) holds a baccalaureate, masters, or doctoral degree (or a combination thereof) in science, mathematics, or engineering; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) works in a field the Secretary determines is closely related to that degree,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





which shall include working as a professor at a two- or four-year institution of higher education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 419F. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

`There are authorized to be appropriated $41,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years to carry out this subpart.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 6. CRITICAL FOREIGN LANGUAGES.

(a) Findings- Section 601(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1121(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) It is crucial that we expand the number of individuals in the United States mastering languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Hindi and Farsi, and the number of advanced-level speakers of those languages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) The weaknesses in teaching and learning foreign languages can be addressed by starting language learning at a younger age and expanding opportunities for foreign language education throughout formal schooling, including the postsecondary level.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Purposes- Section 601(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1121(b)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (2), by striking `and' at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting `; and'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) to significantly increase the opportunities to study, and the number of students in the United States who achieve the highest level of proficiency in, foreign languages critical to the security and competitiveness of the Nation.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) International and Foreign Language Studies- Part A of title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by redesignating sections 607 through 610 as sections 608 through 611, respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting after section 606 the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 607. ADVANCING AMERICA THROUGH FOREIGN LANGUAGE PARTNERSHIPS.

`(a) Program Authorized-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary is authorized to award grants to institutions of higher education, in partnership with one or more local educational agencies, to establish articulated programs of study in critical-need foreign languages that will enable successful students to advance from elementary school through college to achieve a superior level of proficiency in those languages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) GRANT PERIOD- A grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall be for a period of not more than five years. A grant may be renewed for not more than two additional five-year periods, if the Secretary determines that the grantee's program is effective and the renewal will best serve the purpose of this program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Definitions- As used in this section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) The term `critical-need foreign languages' means foreign languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, and Farsi, determined by the Secretary to be most critical for the national security of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) The term `superior level of proficiency' means level (3), the professional working level, as measured by the Federal Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Applications-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Any institution of higher education that desires to receive 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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CONTENTS- Each application shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) identify each local educational agency partner, including contact information and letters of commitment, and describe each such partner's responsibilities (including how they will be involved in planning and implementing program curriculum, what resources they will provide, and how they will ensure continuity of student progress from elementary school to the postsecondary level);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) describe how an articulated curriculum for students will be developed and implemented, including how pedagogical philosophy, goals, and approaches will be consistent throughout all educational levels of the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) 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 project will use the results of the assessments to ensure continuous progress toward achieving a superior level of proficiency at the postsecondary level;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) describe how the applicant will--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) ensure that students entering college from a program supported under this part will be assessed and enabled to progress to a superior level of proficiency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) 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; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) identify and describe how it will partner with other institutions of higher education to provide participating students with multiple options for postsecondary education consistent with the purpose of this part; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) describe how the applicant will support and continue the program after the grant has expired, including how it will seek support from other sources, such as State and local government, foundations, and the private sector.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Uses of Funds- Funds awarded under this part shall be used to develop and implement programs at the elementary through postsecondary school levels consistent with the purpose of this part by carrying out one or more of the following activities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) To recruit and develop teachers directly related to the purpose of this part at the elementary through high school levels.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) To provide innovative opportunities for maximum language exposure for students in the program, such as the creation of immersion environments (like language houses, language tables, and immersion classrooms, and weekend and summer experiences).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Matching-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) CONTRIBUTION- In each fiscal year, a grantee shall provide a non-Federal contribution in an amount equal to 10 percent of the total amount of the grant award for that fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) WAIVER- The Secretary may waive the requirement of subparagraph (A), in any fiscal year, if the Secretary determines that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the application of the matching requirement will result in serious hardship for the grantee; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) it will best serve the purpose of this program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) COMPOSITION- A grantee's non-Federal contribution required under paragraph (1) may be provided in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, and shall include only non-Federal funds that are used in a manner consistent with the purpose of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Program Evaluation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary may reserve not more than five percent of the total amount appropriated for this part for any fiscal year to evaluate the program under this part.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) REPORTS- The Secretary shall promptly report to Congress on the results of any program evaluation conducted under this subsection.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 7. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

(a) Findings- The Congress makes the following findings:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Just 21 percent of mathematics doctorates and 39 percent of master's degrees went to women in 1992.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Fewer girls than boys take advanced math and science courses in high school, and girls as a group are outperformed by boys on standardized math and science tests. Those gaps persist throughout college and beyond.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) According to the author Tom Peters in his book titled `Re-Imagine', women control 51 percent of the New York Stock Exchange, women manage 83 percent of the household income, and women are responsible for 85 percent of all purchasing of goods and services in the United States, which represents $6,000,000,000.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Women will inherit 85 to 90 percent of the Nation's wealth in the next 10 years, women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men, making women-owned businesses the fastest growing segment in the United States economy, and women-owned businesses generate some $2.46 trillion dollars in revenue each year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Sense of Congress- It is the sense of the Congress that female students should be encouraged to participate in programs that are served by the grants authorized under this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink