S 659 ISCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To improve the teaching and learning of American history and civics.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

March 19, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mr. ALEXANDER introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To improve the teaching and learning of American history and civics.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 ‘Improving the Teaching and Learning of American History and Civics Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 1. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 2. Table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT OF 1965

Sec. 101. American history and civics education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 102. Standards and assessments in United States history.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 103. Repeals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 104. Table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS ACHIEVEMENT

Sec. 201. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 202. Findings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 203. Amendment to the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 204. National Assessment Governing Board.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 205. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 206. Conforming amendment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT OF 1965CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 101. AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS EDUCATION.

Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘PART E--AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS EDUCATION

‘Subpart 1--Teaching Traditional American History

‘SEC. 2511. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.

‘(a) In General- The Secretary may establish and implement a program to be known as the ‘Teaching Traditional American History Grant Program’, under which the Secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis to local educational agencies--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) to carry out activities to promote the teaching of traditional American history in elementary schools and secondary schools as a separate academic subject (not as a component of social studies); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) for the development, implementation, and strengthening of programs to teach traditional American history as a separate academic subject (not as a component of social studies) within elementary school and secondary school curricula, including the implementation of activities--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) to improve the quality of instruction; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) to provide professional development and teacher education activities with respect to traditional American history.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Required Partnership- A local educational agency that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall carry out activities under the grant in partnership with 1 or more of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) An institution of higher education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) A nonprofit history or humanities organization.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) A library or museum.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Application- To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a local educational agency shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 2512. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

‘There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Subpart 2--Presidential and Congressional History and Civics Academies

‘SEC. 2521. DEFINITIONS.

‘In this subpart:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS- The term ‘American history and civics’ means the events, persons, ideas, and documents that shaped the institutions and democratic heritage of the United States of America.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITY- The term ‘eligible entity’--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) an institution of higher education;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) an educational institution created by a legislative act of a State for the express purpose of teaching American history and civics to elementary school and secondary school students; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) a nonprofit educational institution, museum, library, or research center; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) includes a consortium of entities described in subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) STATE- The term ‘State’ means each of the 50 States and the District of Columbia.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) TEACHERS OF AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS- The term ‘teachers of American history and civics’ means kindergarten through grade 12 teachers who teach American history, government, or civics, or who incorporate such subjects into their teaching.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 2522. PRESIDENTIAL ACADEMIES FOR TEACHING OF AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS.

‘(a) Establishment- From amounts appropriated under section 2524, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to establish Presidential Academies for Teaching of American History and Civics (in this section referred to as the ‘Academies’) that offer seminars or institutes for teachers of American history and civics--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) to strengthen such teachers’ knowledge of the subjects of American history and civics; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) to learn how better to teach such subjects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Application-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- An eligible entity 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 reasonably require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) CONTENTS- An application submitted under paragraph (1) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) include the criteria that will be used to determine which teachers will be selected to attend a seminar or institute offered by the Academy;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) identify the individual the eligible entity intends to appoint to be the primary scholar at the Academy;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) include a description of the curriculum to be used at a seminar or institute offered by the Academy; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) provide an assurance that the recruitment plan for which teachers will be selected to attend a seminar or institute offered by the Academy will include teachers from high-need schools.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Priority- In awarding grants under this subpart, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that coordinate or align their activities with the National Park Service National Centennial Parks initiative to develop innovative and comprehensive programs using the resources of the National Parks.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Grant Terms- Grants awarded under this section shall be for a term of not more than 5 years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Use of Funds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) to establish an Academy and a seminar or institute in accordance with paragraph (2);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) for Academy staff in accordance with paragraph (3);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) for the selection of teachers in accordance with paragraph (4); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) to pay teacher stipends in accordance with paragraph (5).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) SEMINARS AND INSTITUTES- An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall establish an Academy that shall offer a seminar or institute for teachers of American history and civics that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) provides intensive professional development opportunities for teachers of American history and civics to strengthen such teachers’ knowledge of the subjects of American history and civics;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) is led by a team of primary scholars and core teachers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) is conducted during the summer or another appropriate time; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) is of not less than 2 weeks and not more than 6 weeks in duration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) ACADEMY STAFF-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) PRIMARY SCHOLAR- Each Academy shall be headed by a primary scholar identified in the application submitted under subsection (b) who shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) be accomplished in the field of traditional American history and civics; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) design the curriculum for and lead the seminar or institute.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) CORE TEACHERS- Each primary scholar shall appoint an appropriate number of core teachers. At the direction of the primary scholar, the core teachers shall teach and train the seminar or institute attendees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) SELECTION OF TEACHERS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) IN GENERAL-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) NUMBER OF TEACHERS- Each year, each Academy shall select teachers of American history and civics to attend the seminar or institute offered by the Academy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) FLEXIBILITY IN NUMBER OF TEACHERS- Each Academy shall select not more than 300 and not less than 50 teachers under clause (i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) TEACHERS FROM PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS- An Academy may select teachers from public schools and private schools to attend the seminar or institute offered by the Academy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) TEACHER STIPENDS- Each teacher selected to participate in a seminar or institute funded under this section shall be awarded a fixed stipend based on the length of the seminar or institute to help cover travel costs, books and other study expenses, and meals and living expenses appropriate to the length of the seminar or institute to ensure that such teacher does not incur personal costs associated with the teacher’s participation in the seminar or institute.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(f) Evaluation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- At the completion of all of the seminars and institutes assisted in the third year grants are awarded under this section, the Secretary shall conduct an evaluation and submit a report on its findings to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) CONTENT OF EVALUATION- The evaluation conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) determine the overall success of the grant program authorized under this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) highlight the best grantees’ practices in order to become models for future grantees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(g) Match-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- An eligible entity receiving Federal assistance under this section shall provide, toward the cost of the activities assisted under the grant, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to 100 percent of the amount of the grant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) WAIVER- The Secretary may waive all or part of the matching requirement described in paragraph (1) for any fiscal year for an eligible entity if the Secretary determines that applying the matching requirement would result in serious hardship or an inability to carry out the activities described in subsection (e).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 2523. CONGRESSIONAL ACADEMIES FOR STUDENTS OF AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS.

‘(a) Establishment- From amounts appropriated under section 2524, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to establish Congressional Academies for Students of American History and Civics (in this section referred to as the ‘Academies’) that shall offer seminars or institutes for outstanding students of American history and civics to broaden and deepen such students’ understanding of American history and civics.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Application-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- An eligible entity 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 reasonably require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) CONTENTS- An application submitted under paragraph (1) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) include the criteria that will be used to determine which students will be selected to attend a seminar or institute offered by the Academy;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) identify the individual the eligible entity intends to appoint to be the primary scholar at the Academy;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) include a description of the curriculum to be used at a seminar or institute offered by the Academy; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) include a description of how the eligible entity will--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) inform students served by local educational agencies receiving assistance under part A of title I, particularly students enrolled in schools with high percentages of students described as children to be counted under section 1124(c), of the Academy; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) provide such students with information on how to apply to attend a seminar or institute offered by the Academy so that such students may attend the seminar or institute.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Grant Terms- Grants awarded under this section shall be for a term of not more than 5 years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Use of Funds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) to establish an Academy and a seminar or institute in accordance with paragraph (2);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) for Academy staff in accordance with paragraph (3);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) for the selection of students in accordance with paragraph (4); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) to pay student stipends in accordance with paragraph (5).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) SEMINARS AND INSTITUTES- An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall establish an Academy that shall offer a seminar or institute during the summer for outstanding students of American history and civics that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) broadens and deepens such students’ understanding of American history and civics;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) is led by a team of primary scholars and core teachers; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) is of not less than 2 weeks and not more than 6 weeks in duration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) ACADEMY STAFF-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) PRIMARY SCHOLAR- Each Academy shall be headed by a primary scholar identified in the application submitted under subsection (b) who shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) be accomplished in the field of American history and civics; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) design the curriculum for and lead the seminar or institute.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) CORE TEACHERS- Each primary scholar shall appoint an appropriate number of core teachers. At the direction of the primary scholar, the core teachers shall teach the seminar or institute attendees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) SELECTION OF STUDENTS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) NUMBER OF STUDENTS- Each year, each Academy shall select between 100 and 300 eligible students to attend the seminar or institute offered by the Academy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) ELIGIBLE STUDENTS- A student shall be eligible to attend a seminar or institute offered by an Academy if the student--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) is recommended by the student’s secondary school principal (or other head of such student’s academic program) to attend the seminar or institute; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) will be a junior or senior in the academic year following attendance at the seminar or institute.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) STUDENT STIPENDS- Each student selected to participate in a seminar or institute funded under this section shall be awarded a fixed stipend based on the length of the seminar or institute to help cover travel costs, books and other study expenses, and meals and living expenses appropriate to the length of the seminar or institute to ensure that such student does not incur personal costs associated with the student’s participation in the seminar or institute.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Evaluation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- At the completion of all of the seminars and institutes assisted in the third year grants are awarded under this section, the Secretary shall conduct an evaluation and submit a report on its findings to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) CONTENT OF EVALUATION- The evaluation conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) determine the overall success of the grant program authorized under this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) highlight the best grantees’ practices in order to become models for future grantees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(f) Match-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- An eligible entity receiving Federal assistance under this section shall provide, toward the cost of the activities assisted under the grant, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to 100 percent of the amount of the grant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) WAIVER- The Secretary may waive all or part of the matching requirement described in paragraph (1) for any fiscal year for an eligible entity if the Secretary determines that applying the matching requirement would result in serious hardship or an inability to carry out the activities described in subsection (d).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 2524. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

‘There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2015.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Subpart 3--Civic Education

‘SEC. 2531. SHORT TITLE.

‘This subpart may be cited as the ‘Education for Democracy Act’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 2532. PURPOSE.

‘It is the purpose of this subpart--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) to improve the quality of civics and government education by educating students about the history and principles of the Constitution of the United States, including the Bill of Rights;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) to foster civic competence and responsibility; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) to improve the quality of civic education and economic education through cooperative civic education and economic education exchange programs with emerging democracies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 2533. GENERAL AUTHORITY.

‘(a) Authority- The Secretary is authorized to award grants to, or enter into contracts with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) the Center for Civic Education, to carry out civic education activities under sections 2534 and 2535;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) the National Council on Economic Education, to carry out economic education activities under section 2535; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) organizations experienced in the development of curricula and programs in civics and government education or economic education for students in elementary schools and secondary schools in countries other than the United States, to carry out civic education or economic education activities under section 2535.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Distribution for Cooperative Civic Education and Economic Education Exchange Programs-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) LIMITATION- Not more than 40 percent of the amount appropriated under section 2536 for a fiscal year shall be used to carry out section 2555.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) DISTRIBUTION- Of the amount used to carry out section 2535 for a fiscal year (consistent with paragraph (1)), the Secretary shall use--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) 37.5 percent for a grant or contract for the Center for Civic Education;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) 37.5 percent for a grant or contract for the National Council on Economic Education; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) 25 percent for not less than 1, but not more than 3, grants or contracts for organizations described in subsection (a)(3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 2534. WE THE PEOPLE PROGRAM.

‘(a) The Citizen and the Constitution-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES- The Center for Civic Education--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) shall use funds made available under grants or contracts under section 2533(a)(1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) to continue and expand the educational activities of the program entitled the We the People . . . The Citizen and the Constitution program administered by such center;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) to carry out activities to enhance student attainment of challenging academic content standards in civics and government;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) to provide a course of instruction on the basic principles of the Nation’s constitutional democracy and the history of the Constitution of the United States, including the Bill of Rights;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) to provide, at the request of a participating school, school and community simulated congressional hearings following the course of instruction described in clause (iii); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) to provide an annual national competition of simulated congressional hearings for secondary school students who wish to participate in such a program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) may use funds made available under grants or contracts under section 2533(a)(1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) to provide advanced, sustained, and ongoing training of teachers about the Constitution of the United States and the political system of the United States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) to implement a comprehensive program to improve public knowledge, understanding, and support of American democratic institutions; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) to provide materials and methods of instruction, including teacher training, that utilize the latest advancements in educational technology.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) AVAILABILITY OF PROGRAM- The education program authorized under this subsection shall be made available to public and private elementary schools and secondary schools, including Bureau-funded schools, in the 435 congressional districts, and in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Project Citizen-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES- The Center for Civic Education--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) shall use funds made available under grants or contracts under section 2533(a)(1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) to continue and expand the educational activities of the program entitled the We the People . . . Project Citizen program administered by the Center;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) to carry out activities to enhance student attainment of challenging academic content standards in civics and government;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) to provide a course of instruction at the middle and high school levels on the roles of State and local governments in the Federal system established by the Constitution of the United States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) to provide an annual national showcase or competition; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) to provide civic education materials and services to address the needs of immigrants, new citizens, and other postsecondary and adult populations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) may use funds made available under grants or contracts under section 2533(a)(1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) to provide optional school and community simulated State legislative hearings;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) to provide advanced, sustained, and ongoing training of teachers on the roles of State and local governments in the Federal system established by the Constitution of the United States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) to provide materials and methods of instruction, including teacher training, that utilize the latest advancements in educational technology.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) AVAILABILITY OF PROGRAM- The education program authorized under this subsection shall be made available to public and private middle schools, including Bureau-funded schools, in the 50 States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Bureau-Funded School Defined- In this section, the term ‘Bureau-funded school’ has the meaning given such term in section 1141 of the Education Amendments of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 2021).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 2535. COOPERATIVE CIVIC EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC EDUCATION EXCHANGE PROGRAMS.

‘(a) Cooperative Education Exchange Programs- The Center for Civic Education, the National Council on Economic Education, and organizations described in section 2533(a)(3) shall use funds made available under grants or contracts under section 2533 to carry out cooperative education exchange programs in accordance with this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Purpose- The purpose of the cooperative education exchange programs carried out under this section shall be--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) to make available to educators from eligible countries exemplary curriculum and teacher training programs in civics and government education, and economics education, developed in the United States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) to assist eligible countries in the adaptation, implementation, and institutionalization of such programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) to create and implement civics and government education, and economic education, programs for students that draw upon the experiences of the participating eligible countries;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) to provide a means for the exchange of ideas and experiences in civics and government education, and economic education, among political, educational, governmental, and private sector leaders of participating eligible countries; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) to provide support for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) independent research and evaluation to determine the effects of educational programs on students’ development of the knowledge, skills, and traits of character essential for the preservation and improvement of constitutional democracy; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) effective participation in, and the preservation and improvement of, an efficient market economy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Activities- In carrying out the cooperative education exchange programs assisted under this section, the Center for Civic Education, the National Council on Economic Education, and organizations described in section 2533(a)(3) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) provide to the participants from eligible countries--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) seminars on the basic principles of United States constitutional democracy and economic system, including seminars on the major governmental and economic institutions and systems in the United States, and visits to such institutions;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) visits to school systems, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations conducting exemplary programs in civics and government education, and economic education, in the United States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) translations and adaptations with respect to United States civics and government education, and economic education, curricular programs for students and teachers, and in the case of training programs for teachers, translations and adaptations into forms useful in schools in eligible countries, and joint research projects in such areas; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) independent research and evaluation assistance--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) to determine the effects of the cooperative education exchange programs on students’ development of the knowledge, skills, and traits of character essential for the preservation and improvement of constitutional democracy; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) to identify effective participation in, and the preservation and improvement of, an efficient market economy;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) provide to the participants from the United States--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) seminars on the histories, economies, and systems of government of eligible countries;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) visits to school systems, institutions of higher education, and organizations conducting exemplary programs in civics and government education, and economic education, located in eligible countries;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) assistance from educators and scholars in eligible countries in the development of curricular materials on the history, government, and economy of such countries that are useful in United States classrooms;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) opportunities to provide onsite demonstrations of United States curricula and pedagogy for educational leaders in eligible countries; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) independent research and evaluation assistance to determine--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) the effects of the cooperative education exchange programs assisted under this section on students’ development of the knowledge, skills, and traits of character essential for the preservation and improvement of constitutional democracy; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) effective participation in, and improvement of, an efficient market economy; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) assist participants from eligible countries and the United States to participate in international conferences on civics and government education, and economic education, for educational leaders, teacher trainers, scholars in related disciplines, and educational policymakers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Participants- The primary participants in the cooperative education exchange programs assisted under this section shall be educational leaders in the areas of civics and government education, and economic education, including teachers, curriculum and teacher training specialists, scholars in relevant disciplines, and educational policymakers, and government and private sector leaders from the United States and eligible countries.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Consultation- The Secretary may award a grant to, or enter into a contract with, the entities described in section 2533 to carry out programs assisted under this section only if the Secretary of State concurs with the Secretary that such grant, or contract, respectively, is consistent with the foreign policy of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(f) Avoidance of Duplication- With the concurrence of the Secretary of State, the Secretary shall ensure that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) the activities carried out under the programs assisted under this section are not duplicative of other activities conducted in eligible countries; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) any institutions in eligible countries, with which the Center for Civic Education, the National Council on Economic Education, or organizations described in section 2533(a)(3) may work in conducting such activities, are credible.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(g) Eligible Country Defined- In this section, the term ‘eligible country’ means a Central European country, an Eastern European country, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the independent states of the former Soviet Union as defined in section 3 of the FREEDOM Support Act (22 U.S.C. 5801), the Republic of Ireland, the province of Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom, and any developing country (as such term is defined in section 209(d) of the Education for the Deaf Act) if the Secretary, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, determines that such developing country has a democratic form of government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 2536. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

‘There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Subpart 4--National History Day

‘SEC. 2541. NATIONAL HISTORY DAY PROGRAMS.

‘(a) In General- The Secretary is authorized to award a grant to, or enter into a contract with the National History Day, Inc. to carry out activities under subsection (b) to promote the study of history and improve instruction in history.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Activities- In carrying out the activities assisted under this section, the National History Day, Inc. shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) develop a framework for hands-on, student-centered learning that guides classroom teaching as well as continuous professional development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) enable students to conduct extensive primary and secondary research through libraries, archives, museums, oral history interviews, and historic sites;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) provide students an opportunity to present their work in original papers, exhibits, performances, and documentaries;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) enable students, through educational opportunities, training, and mentoring, to develop--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) critical thinking and problem-solving skills;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) research and reading skills;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) oral and written communication and presentation skills; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) a sense of responsibility for and involvement in the democratic process;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) provide students with the opportunity to work with and analyze historical documents and other primary source material;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) conduct competitions at local, State, and national levels where entries are evaluated by professional historians and educators; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(7) assist teachers and schools in meeting State educational standards.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 2542. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

‘There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2010 and for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Subpart 5--Close Up Fellowship Program

‘SEC. 2551. CLOSE UP FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

‘(a) Program for Middle School and Secondary School Students-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) GENERAL AUTHORITY- In accordance with this subsection, the Secretary may make grants to the Close Up Foundation of Washington, District of Columbia, a nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation, for the purpose of assisting the Close Up Foundation in carrying out its programs of increasing civic responsibility and understanding of the Federal Government among middle school and secondary school students.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) USE OF FUNDS- Grants under this subsection shall be used only to provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students who participate in the programs described in subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) NAME OF FELLOWSHIPS- Financial assistance received by students pursuant to this subsection shall be known as Close Up fellowships.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) APPLICATIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) APPLICATION REQUIRED- No grant under this subsection may be made except upon an application at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) CONTENTS OF APPLICATION- Each application submitted under this paragraph shall contain assurances that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) Close Up fellowships provided under this subsection shall be made to economically disadvantaged middle school and secondary school students;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) every effort shall be made to ensure the participation of students from rural, small town, and urban areas;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) in awarding the fellowships to economically disadvantaged students, special consideration shall be given to the participation of those students with special educational needs, including students with disabilities, ethnic minority students, and students with migrant parents; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) the funds received under this subsection shall be properly disbursed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Program for Middle School and Secondary School Teachers-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) GENERAL AUTHORITY- In accordance with this subsection, the Secretary may make grants to the Close Up Foundation of Washington, District of Columbia, a nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation, for the purpose of assisting the Close Up Foundation in carrying out its programs of professional development for middle school and secondary school teachers and its programs to increase civic responsibility and understanding of the Federal Government among the teachers’ students.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) USE OF FUNDS- Grants under this subsection shall be used only to provide financial assistance to teachers who participate in the programs described in subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) NAME OF FELLOWSHIPS- Financial assistance received by teachers pursuant to this subsection shall be known as Close Up fellowships.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) APPLICATIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) APPLICATION REQUIRED- No grant under this subsection may be made except upon an application at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) CONTENTS OF APPLICATION- Each application submitted under this paragraph shall contain assurances that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) Close Up fellowships provided under this subsection shall be made only to a teacher who has worked with at least 1 student from such teacher’s school who participates in a program described in subsection (a)(1)(A);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) no teacher shall receive more than 1 such fellowship in any fiscal year; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) the funds received under this subsection shall be properly disbursed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Programs for New Americans-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) GENERAL AUTHORITY- In accordance with this subsection, the Secretary may make grants to the Close Up Foundation of Washington, District of Columbia, a nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation, for the purpose of assisting the Close Up Foundation in carrying out its programs of increasing civic responsibility and understanding of the Federal Government among economically disadvantaged middle school and secondary school recent immigrant students.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) DEFINITION- In this subsection, the term ‘recent immigrant student’ means a student who is a member of a family that immigrated to the United States within 5 years of the student’s participation in such a program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) USE OF FUNDS- Grants under this subsection shall be used only to provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged recent immigrant students and their teachers who participate in the programs described in subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) NAME OF FELLOWSHIPS- Financial assistance received by students and teachers pursuant to this subsection shall be known as Close Up Fellowships for New Americans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) APPLICATIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) APPLICATION REQUIRED- No grant under this subsection may be made except upon an application at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) CONTENTS OF APPLICATION- Each application submitted under this paragraph shall contain assurances that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) Close Up Fellowships for New Americans shall be made to economically disadvantaged middle school and secondary school recent immigrant students;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) every effort shall be made to ensure the participation of recent immigrant students from rural, small town, and urban areas;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) in awarding the fellowships to economically disadvantaged recent immigrant students, special consideration shall be given to the participation of those students with special educational needs, including students with disabilities, students with migrant parents, and ethnic minority students;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) fully describe the activities to be carried out with the proceeds of the grant made under paragraph (1); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) the funds received under this subsection shall be properly disbursed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Administrative Provisions-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) ACCOUNTABILITY- In consultation with the Secretary, the Close Up Foundation shall devise and implement procedures to measure the efficacy of the programs authorized in subsections (a), (b), and (c) in attaining objectives that include the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) Providing young people with an increased understanding of the Federal Government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) Heightening a sense of civic responsibility among young people.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) Enhancing the skills of educators in teaching young people about civic responsibility, the Federal Government, and attaining citizenship competencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) GENERAL RULE- Payments under this section may be made in installments, in advance, or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments on account of underpayments or overpayments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) AUDIT RULE- The Comptroller General of the United States or any of the Comptroller General’s duly authorized representatives shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, and records that are pertinent to any grant under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2010 and for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 102. STANDARDS AND ASSESSMENTS IN UNITED STATES HISTORY.

(a) Challenging Academic Standards- Section 1111(b)(1)(C) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)(C)) is amended by striking ‘and (beginning in the 2005-2006 school year) science,’ and inserting ‘(beginning in the 2005-2006 school year) science, and (beginning in the 2011-2012 school year) United States history,’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Academic Assessments- Section 1111(b)(3)(A) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(3)(A)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking ‘and science’ and inserting ‘science, and United States history’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting before the period at the end the following: ‘and no State shall be required to meet the requirements of this part relating to United States history assessments until the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Assessment Requirements- Section 1111(b)(3)(C)(v) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(3)(C)(v)) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(III) beginning not later than school year 2012-2013, measure the proficiency of all students in United States history and be administered not less than 1 time during--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘(aa) grades 3 through 5;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘(bb) grades 6 through 9; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘(cc) grades 10 through 12;’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 103. REPEALS.

The following provisions of law are repealed:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Section 1504 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6494).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Subpart 3 of part C of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6711 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Subpart 4 of part C of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6721 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) The American History and Civics Education Act of 2004 (20 U.S.C. 6713 note).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 104. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 note) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking the item related to section 1504;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by striking the items relating to subparts 3 and 4 of part C of title II; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by inserting after the items relating to part D of title II the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘PART E--American History and Civics

‘subpart 1--teaching traditional american history

‘Sec. 2511. Establishment of program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 2512. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘subpart 2--presidential and congressional history and civics academies

‘Sec. 2521. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 2522. Presidential Academies for Teaching of American History and Civics.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 2523. Congressional Academies for Students of American History and Civics.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 2524. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘subpart 3--civic education

‘Sec. 2531. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 2532. Purpose.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 2533. General authority.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 2534. We the People Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 2535. Cooperative civic education and economic education exchange programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 2536. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘subpart 4--national history day

‘Sec. 2541. National History Day programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 2542. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘subpart 5--close up fellowship program

‘Sec. 2551. Close Up fellowship program.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS ACHIEVEMENTCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

This title may be cited as the ‘Improving the Teaching and Learning of American History and Civics Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 202. FINDINGS.

Congress finds that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the 2006 National Assessment of Educational Progress assessments in United States history and civics demonstrated high percentages of students scoring below basic even though there were increases in scores, particularly for lower-performing students, compared to previous such assessments;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in the 2006 National Assessment of Educational Progress assessment in United States history--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) 30 percent of students in grade 4 scored below basic, 35 percent of students in grade 8 scored below basic, and 53 percent of students in grade 12 scored below basic;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a 31 point achievement gap exists for students in grade 4 who are from low-income families, as compared to students in grade 4 who are from high-income families, a 32 point achievement gap exists between Black and White students in grade 4, and a 30 point achievement gap exists between White and Hispanic students in grade 4;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) 86 percent of students in grade 12 could not explain a reason for United States involvement in the Korean War;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) 99 percent of students in grade 8 could not explain how the fall of the Berlin Wall affected United States foreign policy; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) 76 percent of students in grade 4 could not explain why early American pioneers settled on the western frontier;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in the 2006 National Assessment of Educational Progress assessment in the United States civics--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) 27 percent of students in grade 4 scored below basic, 30 percent of students in grade 8 scored below basic, and 34 percent of students in grade 12 scored below basic;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a 29 point achievement gap exists for students in grade 4 who are from low-income families, as compared to students in grade 4 who are from high-income families, a 25 point achievement gap exists between Black and White students in grade 4, and a 26 point achievement gap exists between White and Hispanic students in grade 4;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) 72 percent of students in grade 8 could not explain the historical purpose of the Declaration of Independence; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) 57 percent of students in grade 12 were unable to describe the meaning of federalism in the United States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) America’s past encompasses great leaders and great ideas that contribute to our shared heritage and to the principles of freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity for all;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) an appreciation for the defining events in our Nation’s history can be a catalyst for civic involvement; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) the strength of American democracy and our standing in the world depend on ensuring that our children have a strong understanding of our Nation’s past.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 203. AMENDMENT TO THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS AUTHORIZATION ACT.

Section 303(b) of the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (20 U.S.C. 9622(b)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (2)(D), by inserting ‘(with a priority in conducting assessments in history not less frequently than once every 4 years)’ after ‘subject matter’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraph (3)(A)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in clause (iii)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) by inserting ‘except as provided in clause (iv),’ before ‘may conduct’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) by striking ‘and’ after the semicolon;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by inserting after clause (iii) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) shall conduct trial State academic assessments of student achievement in United States history in grades 8 and 12 in not less than 10 States representing geographically diverse regions of the United States and in civics in grades 8 and 12 in not less than 10 States representing geographically diverse regions of the United States (with a priority given to conducting assessments in United States history); and’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 204. NATIONAL ASSESSMENT GOVERNING BOARD.

Section 302(e)(1) of the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (20 U.S.C. 9621(e)(1)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subparagraph (I), by striking ‘and’ after the semicolon;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (K);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in the flush matter at the end, by striking ‘subparagraph (J)’ and inserting ‘subparagraph (K)’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) by inserting after subparagraph (I) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(J) in consultation with the Commissioner for Education Statistics, identify and select the States that will participate in the trial State academic assessments described in section 303(b)(3)(A)(iv); and’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

Section 305 of the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (20 U.S.C. 9624) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) History and Civics Assessments- There are authorized to be appropriated--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011 to carry out sections 303(b)(3)(A)(iv) and 302(e)(1), of which not more than $500,000 for each fiscal year shall be available to carry out section 302(e)(1); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) such sums as may be necessary to carry out such sections for each succeeding fiscal year.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 206. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.

Section 113(a)(1) of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9513(a)(1)) is amended by striking ‘section 302(e)(1)(J)’ and inserting ‘section 302(e)(1)(K)’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink