Achievement through Technology and Innovation

Part D of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6751 et seq.) is amended to read as follows:

Achievement through Technology and Innovation

2401.

Purposes

The purposes of this part are— (1)to improve the achievement, academic growth, and college and career readiness of students who have developed the ability to think critically, apply knowledge to solve complex problems, work collaboratively, communicate effectively, be self-directed, and be responsible digital citizens; (2)to ensure all students have access to individualized, rigorous, and engaging digital learning experiences; (3)to ensure that educators have the knowledge and skills to develop and implement digital learning curriculum, use technology effectively in order to personalize and strengthen instruction, and effectively deliver and utilize assessments to measure student outcomes and support student success; (4)to ensure that administrators have the leadership, management, knowledge, and skills to design, develop, and implement a school or local educational agency-wide digital age learning environment; (5)to improve the efficiency and productivity of education through technology; (6)to address the connectivity needs of local educational agencies and educational service agencies that are eligible for support under the E-rate program without duplicating the support available under such program; (7)to ensure that students have increased access to dual and concurrent enrollment opportunities, career and technical courses, and programs leading to an industry recognized credential; and (8)to ensure that State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and elementary schools and secondary schools have the technological capacity and infrastructure to meet purposes described in paragraphs (1) through (7).

2402.

E-rate restriction

Funds awarded under this part may be used to address the networking needs of a recipient of such funds for which the recipient is eligible to receive support under the E-rate program, except that such funds may not be duplicative of support received by the recipient under the E-rate program.

2403.

Definitions

In this part: (1)

Digital learning

The term digital learning means any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student’s learning experience and encompasses a wide spectrum of tools and practices, including— (A)interactive learning resources that engage students in academic content; (B)access to online databases and other primary source documents; (C)the use of data to personalize learning and provide targeted supplementary instruction; (D)student collaboration with content experts and peers; (E)online and computer-based assessments; (F)digital content, adaptive, and simulation software or courseware; (G)online courses, online instruction, or digital learning platforms; (H)mobile and wireless technologies for learning in school and at home; (I)learning environments that allow for rich collaboration and communication; (J)authentic audiences for learning in a relevant, real world experience; (K)teacher participation in virtual professional communities of practice; and (L)hybrid or blended learning, which occurs under direct instructor supervision at a school or other location away from home and, at least in part, through online delivery of instruction with some element of student control over time, place, path, or pace. (2)

Eligible partnership

The term eligible partnership means a partnership that shall include not less than 1 high-need local educational agency and not less than 1— (A)State educational agency; (B)local educational agency, educational service agency, consortium of local educational agencies, or consortium of educational service agencies, that can demonstrate that teachers in schools served by the agency are effectively integrating technology and proven teaching standards into instruction, based on a review of relevant research, and that such integration results in improvement in— (i)classroom instruction in the core academic subjects; and (ii)the preparation of students to meet State academic content and student academic achievement standards; (C)institution of higher education; (D)nonprofit or community-based organization; or (E)business or for-profit organization. (3)

Eligible technology

The term eligible technology means modern information, computer, and communication technology hardware, software, services, or tools, including computer or mobile hardware devices and other computer and communications hardware, software applications, systems and platforms, and digital and online content, courseware, and online instruction and other online services and supports. (4)

E-rate program

The term E-rate program means the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism established under section 254(h)(1)(B) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254(h)(1)(B)). (5)

High-need local educational agency

The term ‘high-need local educational agency’ means a local educational agency that— (A)is among the local educational agencies in a State with the highest numbers or percentages of children from families with incomes below the poverty line; and (B)(i)operates one or more schools identified under section 1116; or (ii)has a substantial need for assistance in acquiring and using technology based on the technology readiness survey. (6)

Professional development

The term professional development is a process of continuous improvement for teachers and school leaders that improves educator knowledge, skills, and practice toward the goal of increased student achievement and— (A)is intensive, ongoing, connected to practice, and on-site where allowable; (B)is focused on student learning and addresses the teaching of specific curriculum content; (C)is aligned with school improvement priorities and goals of the school and local educational agency; and (D)builds strong working relationships among teachers and school leaders that— (i)may be built around active professional learning communities; and (ii)may contain on-demand components, such as instructional videos, training documents, or learning modules. (7)

Student technology literacy

The term student technology literacy means student knowledge and skills in using contemporary information, communication, and learning technologies in a manner necessary for successful employment, lifelong learning, and citizenship in the knowledge-based, digital, and global 21st century, including, at a minimum, the ability to— (A)effectively communicate and collaborate; (B)analyze and solve problems; (C)access, evaluate, manage, and create information and otherwise gain information literacy; (D)demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes; and (E)carry out the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) in a safe and ethical manner. (8)

Technology readiness survey

The term technology readiness survey means a survey completed by a local educational agency that provides standardized information comparable to the information collected through the technology readiness survey administered under the Race to the Top Assessment program under section 14006 of division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–5) on the quantity and types of technology infrastructure and access available to the students served by the local educational agency, including computer devices, Internet connectivity, operating systems, related network infrastructure, data systems, and— (A)requiring— (i)an internal review of the degree to which instruction, additional student support, and professional development is delivered in digital formats, media, and platforms and is available to students and educators at any time; (ii)an internal review of the ability of educators to use assessments and other student data to personalize and strengthen instruction and identify professional development needs and priorities; and (iii)any other information required by the State educational agency serving the local educational agency; and (B)may include an assessment of local community needs to ensure students have adequate online access and access to devices for school-related work during out-of-school time. (9)

Universal design for learning

The term universal design for learning has the meaning given the term in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003).

Technology Readiness and Access

2411.

Technology grants program authorized

(a)

In general

From the amounts appropriated under section 2416, the Secretary shall award State grants for technology readiness and access (in this subpart referred to as grants) to State educational agencies to strengthen State and local technological infrastructure and professional development that supports digital learning through State activities under section 2413(c) and local activities under section 2414(c). (b)

Grants to State educational agencies

(1)

Reservations

From the amounts appropriated under section 2416 for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve— (A)three-fourths of 1 percent for the Secretary of Interior to provide assistance under this subpart for schools operated or funded by the Bureau of Indian Education; and (B)1 percent to provide assistance under this subpart to the outlying areas. (2)

Grants

From the amounts appropriated under section 2416 for any fiscal year and remaining after the Secretary makes reservations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make a grant for the fiscal year to each State educational agency with an approved application under section 2412 in an amount that bears the same relationship to such remainder as the amount the State educational agency received under part A of title I for such year bears to the amount all State educational agencies with an approved application under section 2412 received under such part for such year. (c)

Minimum

The amount of a grant to a State educational agency under subsection (b)(2) for a fiscal year shall not be less than one-half of 1 percent of the total amount made available for grants to all State educational agencies under such subsection for such year. (d)

Reallotment of unused funds

If any State educational agency does not apply for a grant under subsection (b)(2) for a fiscal year, or does not use the State educational agency's entire grant under subsection (b)(2) for such year, the Secretary shall reallot the amount of the State educational agency’s grant, or the unused portion of the grant, to the remaining State educational agencies that use their entire grant amounts under subsection (b)(2) for such year. (e)

Matching funds

(1)

In general

A State educational agency that receives a grant under subsection (b)(2) shall provide matching funds, from non-Federal sources, in an amount equal to 20 percent of the amount of grant funds provided to the State educational agency to carry out the activities supported by the grant. Such matching funds may be provided in cash or in-kind, except that any such in-kind contributions shall be provided for the purpose of supporting the State educational agency’s activities under section 2413(c). (2)

Waiver

The Secretary may waive the matching requirement under paragraph (1) for a State educational agency that demonstrates that such requirement imposes an undue financial hardship on the State educational agency.

2412.

State applications

(a)

Application

To receive a grant under section 2411(b)(2), a State educational agency shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require and containing the information described in subsection (b). (b)

Contents

Each application submitted under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1)A description of how the State educational agency will meet the following goals: (A)Use technology to ensure all students achieve college and career readiness and student technology literacy, including by providing high-quality education opportunities to economically or geographically isolated student populations. (B)Provide educators with the tools, devices, content, and resources to— (i)significantly improve teaching and learning, including support to increase personalization for and engagement of students in pursuit of college and career readiness and student technology literacy; and (ii)develop and use assessments to improve instruction, consistent with the principles of universal design for learning, including for students who are children with disabilities and children who are limited English proficient. (C)Ensure administrators and school leaders have the flexibility and capacity to develop and manage systems to carry out activities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), and support administrators and school leaders in utilizing technology to promote equity and increase efficiency and productivity. (D)Enable local educational agencies to build the technological capacity and infrastructure (including through local purchasing of eligible technology), necessary for the full implementation of online assessments for all students, (including students who are children with disabilities and children who are limited English proficient) and to— (i)ensure the interoperability of data systems and eligible technology; and (ii)carry out subparagraphs (A) through (C). (2)A description of the technology readiness in the State, as determined by local educational agency responses to the technology readiness survey, including— (A)the status of the ability of each local educational agency served by the State educational agency to meet the goals described in section 2414(b)(1); (B)an assurance that not less 90 percent of the local educational agencies served by the State educational agency have completed and submitted the technology readiness survey to the State educational agency; and (C)an assurance that the results of the technology readiness survey for each such local educational agency are made available to the Secretary and the public through the website of the local educational agency. (3)A description of the plan for the State educational agency to support each local educational agency served by the State educational agency in meeting the goals described in section 2414(b)(1) not later than 3 years after the local educational agency completes the technology readiness survey by addressing the readiness gaps identified in such survey. (4)A description of— (A)the State’s process for the adoption, acquisition, distribution, and use of content; (B)how the State will ensure integrity of such processes; (C)how such processes support the goals under paragraph (1) or how a State will change such processes to support such goals; and (D)how the State will ensure content quality. (5)A description of how the State educational agency will ensure that the State educational agency's data systems and eligible technology are interoperable. (6)An assurance that the State educational agency will consider making content widely available through open educational resources when making purchasing decisions with funds received under this subpart. (7)A description of the State’s student technology literacy standards and the technology standards for teachers and administrators, and an assurance that the State’s student technology literacy standards meet the requirements of section 2403(7). (8)An assurance that subgrant awards under section 2414 will be carried out by the State educational agency staff with responsibility for leadership, coordination, and implementation of instructional and other classroom technologies. (9)A description of how the State educational agency will award subgrants to local educational agencies under section 2414. (10)A description of the process, activities, and performance measures that the State educational agency will use to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the grant and subgrant funds awarded under this subpart across the State and in each local educational agency. (11)A description of how the State educational agency will, in providing technical and other assistance to local educational agencies, give priority to the local educational agencies proposing to target services to— (A)students in schools in need of improvement and persistently low-achieving schools; and (B)schools with a high percentage of students who are eligible for free or reduced price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.). (12)A description of how the State educational agency consulted with local educational agencies in the development of the State educational agency’s application under this subsection. (13)An assurance that the State educational agency will provide matching funds as required under section 2411(e). (14)A description of how the State educational agency will ensure that funds received under this subpart do not duplicate support received under the E-rate program. (15)An assurance that the State educational agency will protect the privacy and safety of students and teachers, consistent with requirements of section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (commonly known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974) and section 2441(a).

2413.

State use of grant funds

(a)

Reservation for subgrants To support technology infrastructure

Each State educational agency that receives a grant under section 2411(b)(2) shall expend not less than 90 percent of the grant amount for each fiscal year to award subgrants to local educational agencies in accordance with section 2414. (b)

Reservation for State activities

(1)

In general

A State educational agency shall reserve not more than 10 percent of the grant received under section 2411(b)(2) for the State activities described in subsection (c). (2)

Grant administration

(A)

In General

Subject to subparagraph (B), of the amount reserved by a State educational agency under paragraph (1), the State educational agency may reserve for the administration of the grant under this subpart— (i)not more than— (I)1 percent in the case of a State educational agency awarding subgrants under section 2414(a)(1); or (II)3 percent in the case of a State educational agency awarding subgrants under section 2414(a)(2). (B)

Special Rule

Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a State educational agency that forms a State purchasing consortium under subsection (d)— (i)may reserve an additional 1 percent to carry out the activities described in subsection (d)(1); and (ii)may reserve amounts in addition to the percentage described in clause (i) if the State purchasing consortium receives direct approval from the local educational agencies receiving subgrants under section 2414(a) from the State educational agency prior to reserving more than the additional percentage authorized under clause (i). (c)

State activities

A State educational agency shall use funds described in subsection (b) to carry out each of the following: (1)Except for the awarding of subgrants in accordance with section 2414, activities described in the State educational agency’s application under section 2412(b). (2)Providing technical assistance to local educational agencies to— (A)identify and address technology readiness needs; (B)redesign curriculum and instruction, improve educational productivity, and deliver computer-based and online assessment; (C)use technology, consistent with the principles of universal design for learning, to support the learning needs of all students, including students who are children with disabilities and children who are limited English proficient; (D)support principals so that principals have the expertise to evaluate teachers’ proficiency in implementing digital tools for teaching and learning; and (E)build capacity for individual school and local educational agency leaders. (3)Developing or utilizing research-based or innovative strategies for the delivery of specialized or rigorous academic courses and curricula through the use of technology, including digital learning technologies and assistive technology. (4)Integrating and coordinating activities under this subpart with other educational resources and programs across the State. (5)Disseminating information, including making publicly available on the website of the State educational agency, promising practices to improve technology instruction, and acquiring and implementing technology tools and applications. (6)Ensuring that teachers, paraprofessionals, library and media personnel, specialized instructional support personnel, and administrators possess the knowledge and skills to use technology— (A)for curriculum redesign to change teaching and learning and improve student achievement; (B)for formative and summative assessment administration, data analysis, and to personalize learning; (C)to improve student technology literacy; (D)to expand the range of supports and accommodations available to children who are limited English proficient and students who are children with disabilities; (E)for ongoing professional development and for access to teaching resources and tools; and (F)to provide access to dual enrollment opportunities, career and technical courses, and programs leading to an industry recognized credential. (7)Coordinating with teacher and school leader preparation programs to— (A)align digital learning teaching standards; and (B)provide ongoing professional development for teachers and school leaders that is aligned to State student technology standards and activities promoting college and career readiness. (d)

Purchasing consortia

(1)

In general

A State educational agency receiving a grant under section 2411(b)(2) may— (A)form a State purchasing consortium with 1 or more State educational agencies receiving such a grant to carry out the State activities described in subsection (c), including purchasing eligible technology; (B)encourage local educational agencies to form local purchasing consortia under section 2414(c)(4); and (C)promote pricing opportunities to local educational agencies for the purchase of eligible technology that are— (i)negotiated by the State educational agency or the State purchasing consortium of the State educational agency; and (ii)available to such local educational agencies. (2)

Restrictions

A State educational agency receiving a grant under section 2411(b)(2) shall not— (A)except for promoting the pricing opportunities described in paragraph (1)(C), make recommendations to local educational agencies for, or require, use of any specific commercial products and services by local educational agencies; (B)require local educational agencies to participate in a State purchasing consortia or local purchasing consortia; or (C)use more than the amount reserved under subsection (b) to carry out the activities described in paragraph (1), unless the State educational agency receives approval in accordance with subsection (b)(2)(B).

2414.

Local subgrants

(a)

Subgrants

(1)

Grants to local educational agencies

From the grant funds provided under section 2411(b)(2) to a State educational agency that are remaining after the State educational agency makes reservations under section 2413(b) for any fiscal year and subject to paragraph (2), the State educational agency shall award subgrants for the fiscal year to local educational agencies served by the State educational agency and with an approved application under subsection (b) by allotting to each such local educational agency an amount that bears the same relationship to the remainder as the amount received by the local educational agency under part A of title I for such year bears to the amount received by all such local educational agencies under such part for such year, except that no local educational agency may receive less than $3,000. (2)

Competitive grants to local educational agencies

If the amount of funds appropriated under section 2411 is less than $300,000,000 for any fiscal year, a State educational agency— (A)shall not award subgrants under paragraph (1); and (B)shall— (i)award subgrants, on a competitive basis, to local educational agencies based on the quality of applications submitted under subsection (b), including— (I)the level of technology readiness, as determined by the technology readiness surveys completed by local educational agencies submitting such applications; and (II)the technology plans described in subsection (b)(4) and how the local educational agencies with such plans will carry out the alignment and coordination described in such subsection; (ii)ensure that such subgrants are of sufficient size and scope to carry out the local activities described in subsection (c); and (iii)give priority to local educational agencies that have demonstrated substantial need for assistance in acquiring and using technology, based on the agency's technology readiness survey. (3)

Definition of local educational agency for certain fiscal years

For purposes of awarding subgrants under paragraph (2), the term local educational agency means— (A)a local educational agency; (B)an educational service agency; or (C)a local educational agency and an educational service agency. (b)

Application

A local educational agency that desires to receive a subgrant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to the State at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the State educational agency may require, including— (1)a description of how the local educational agency will— (A)carry out the goals described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 2412(b)(1); and (B)enable schools served by the local educational agency to build the technological capacity and infrastructure (including through local purchasing of eligible technology), necessary for the full implementation of online assessments for all students (including students who are children with disabilities and children who are limited English proficient) and to— (i)ensure the interoperability of data systems and eligible technology; and (ii)carry out the goals described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 2412(b)(1); (2)a description of the results of the technology readiness survey completed by the local educational agency and a description of the plan for the local educational agency to meet the goals described in paragraph (1) within 3 years of completing the survey; (3)a description of the local educational agency’s student technology literacy standards, the agency's goals for the technology skills for teachers and administrators, and an assurance that the student technology literacy standards meet the requirements of section 2403(7); (4)a description of the local educational agency’s technology plan to carry out paragraphs (1) and (3) and how the agency will align and coordinate the activities under this section with other activities across the local educational agency; (5)a description of the team of educators who will coordinate and carry out the activities under this section, including individuals with responsibility and expertise in instructional technology, teachers that specialize in supporting students who are children with disabilities and children who are limited English proficient, school leaders, technology officers, and staff responsible for assessments and data analysis; (6)a description of how the local educational agency will evaluate teachers’ proficiency and progress in implementing technology for teaching and learning; (7)a description of how the local educational agency will ensure that principals have the expertise to evaluate teachers’ proficiency and progress in implementing technology for teaching and learning and the interoperability of data systems and eligible technology; (8)a description of— (A)the local educational agency’s procurement process and process for the creation, acquisition, distribution, and use of content; (B)how the local educational agency will ensure integrity of such processes; (C)how such processes support the goals described in paragraph (1) or how a local educational agency will change such processes to support such goals; and (D)how the local educational agency will ensure content quality; (9)a description of how the local educational agency will carry out activities under subsection (c); (10)a description of how the subgrant funds received under subsection (a) will be coordinated with and supported by other Federal, State, and local funds to support activities under this subpart; (11)a description of how the local educational agency will ensure that the subgrant received under subsection (a) is not duplicative of support received under the E-rate program; and (12)an assurance that the local educational agency will protect the privacy and safety of students and teachers, consistent with requirements section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (commonly known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974) and section 2441(a). (c)

Use of funds

(1)

Technology infrastructure

Subject to paragraph (3), a local educational agency receiving a subgrant under subsection (a) shall use not less than 40 percent of such funds to support activities for the acquisition of eligible technology needed to— (A)except for the activities described in paragraph (2), carry out activities described in the application submitted under subsection (b), including purchasing devices, equipment, and software applications, and improving connectivity to and within schools; and (B)address readiness shortfalls identified under the technology readiness survey completed by the local educational agency. (2)

Professional development for digital learning

Subject to paragraph (3), a local educational agency receiving a subgrant under subsection (a)— (A)shall use not less than 35 percent of such funds to carry out— (i)digital age professional development opportunities for teachers, paraprofessionals, library and media personnel, specialized instructional support personnel, technology coordinators, and administrators in the effective use of modern information and communication technology tools and digital resources to deliver instruction, curriculum and school classroom management, including for classroom teachers to assess, support, and provide engaging student learning opportunities, including professional development that— (I)is ongoing, sustainable, and scalable; (II)is participatory; (III)includes communication and regular interactions with instructors, facilitators, and peers and is directly related to up-to-date teaching methods in content areas; (IV)includes strategies and tools for improving communication with parents and family engagement; (V)may be built around active professional learning communities or online communities of practice or other tools that increase collaboration among teachers across schools, local educational agencies, or States; and (VI)may contain on-demand components, such as instructional videos, training documents, or learning modules; (ii)ongoing professional development in strategies and pedagogy in the core academic subjects that involve the use of technology and curriculum redesign as key components of supporting effective, innovative teaching and learning, and improving student achievement; (iii)ongoing professional development in the use of educational technologies to ensure every educator achieves and maintains student technology literacy, including possessing and maintaining the knowledge and skills to use technology— (I)across the curriculum for student learning; (II)for real-time data analysis and online or digital assessment to enable individualized instruction; and (III)to develop and maintain student technology literacy; (iv)ongoing professional development for school leaders to provide and promote leadership in the use of— (I)educational technology to ensure a digital-age learning environment, including the capacity to lead the reform or redesign of curriculum, instruction, assessment; and (II)data through the use of technology in order to increase student learning opportunity, student technology literacy, student access to technology, and student engagement in learning; and (v)a review of the effectiveness of the professional development and regular intervals of learner feedback and data; and (B)may use such funds for— (i)the use of technology coaches to work directly with teachers, including through the preparation of teachers as technology leaders or master teachers— (I)who are provided with the means to serve as experts and to create professional development opportunities for other teachers in the effective use of technology; and (II)who may leverage technologies, such as distance learning and online virtual educator-to-educator peer communities, as a means to support ongoing, participatory professional growth around the integration of effective educational technologies; (ii)innovative approaches to ongoing professional development such as non-standard achievement recognition strategies, including digital badging, gamification elements, use of learner-created learning objects, integration of social and professional networking tools, rating and commenting on learning artifacts, and personalization of professional development; and (iii)any other activities required to carry out the local educational agency’s technology plan described in subsection (b)(4). (3)

Modification of funding allocations

A State educational agency may authorize a local educational agency to modify the percentage of the local educational agency’s subgrant funds required to carry out the activities described in paragraphs (1) or (2) if the local educational agency demonstrates that such modification will assist the local educational agency in more effectively carrying out such activities. (4)

Purchasing consortia

Local educational agencies receiving subgrants under subsection (a) may— (A)form a local purchasing consortia with other such local educational agencies to carry out the activities described in this subsection, including purchasing eligible technology; and (B)use such funds for purchasing eligible technology through a State purchasing consortia under section 2413(d).

2415.

Reporting

(a)

Local educational agencies

Each local educational agency receiving a subgrant under section 2414 shall submit to the State educational agency that awarded such subgrant an annual report the meets the requirements of subsection (c). (b)

State educational agencies

Each State educational agency receiving a grant under section 2411(b)(2) shall submit to the Secretary an annual report that meets the requirements of subsection (c). (c)

Report requirements

A report submitted under subsection (a) or (b) shall include, at a minimum, a description of— (1)the status of the State educational agency’s plan described in section 2412(b)(3) or the local education agency’s technology plan under section 2414(b)(4), as applicable; (2)the categories of eligible technology acquired with funds under this subpart and how such technology is being used; (3)the professional development activities funded under this subpart, including types of activities and entities involved in providing such professional development to classroom teachers and other staff, such as school librarians; (4)the instruction, strategies, activities, and curricula used in the programs funded under this subpart; and (5)the types of programs funded under this subpart.

2416.

Authorization

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

Technology for Tomorrow Fund

2421.

Short title

This subpart may be cited as the Technology for Tomorrow Fund.

2422.

Technology for tomorrow fund

(a)

Grants to eligible partnerships

From the amounts appropriated under section 2427 and not reserved under subsection (b), the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible partnerships to enable the eligible partnerships to carry out activities described in section 2424 to improve student achievement, academic growth, and college and career readiness through the use of technology and digital learning. (b)

Reservation of funds

The Secretary may reserve not more than 5 percent of the amounts appropriated under section 2427 for a fiscal year for— (1)the administration of this subpart; and (2)the evaluation and dissemination activities described in section 2424(b). (c)

Duration of grant period

A grant under subsection (a) shall be awarded to an eligible partnership for not less than a 2-year period and not more than a 3-year period, except that the Secretary may award the eligible partnership an additional 2-year grant if the eligible partnership demonstrates satisfactory progress on the performance measures described in section 2426(a).

2423.

Application

(a)

In general

To receive a grant under section 2422, an eligible partnership shall submit an application at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require, and containing the information described in subsection (b). (b)

Contents

An application submitted under subsection (a) shall include— (1)a description of the eligible partnership, the partners forming the eligible partnership, and the roles and responsibilities of each partner; (2)a demonstration of each partner’s capacity and commitment to fulfill its role and responsibilities to ensure the successful completion of activities described in section 2424; (3)a description of how the grant funds will be used to improve the achievement, academic growth, and college and career readiness of students, particularly at-risk, low-income, and low-performing students; (4)a description of how the activities funded by the grant will be innovative, systemic, or evidence-based by ensuring such activities— (A)are based on strong or promising evidence or a review of the best available research evidence; and (B)may contribute to the development and use of new models; (5)a description of how such activities will utilize technology and digital learning to— (A)promote personalized, individualized instruction that improves student achievement, academic growth, and college and career readiness; (B)improve teacher and school leader preparation, training, knowledge, skills, practice, and professional capacity; (C)ensure all students, particularly at-risk and historically disadvantaged students, including students who are children with disabilities and children who are limited English proficient, have equitable access to high-quality curriculum, instruction, assessments, technology, and digital learning; or (D)improve the efficiency and productivity of education; (6)a description of how the eligible partnership will measure and report data on the effectiveness of such activities under section 2425(a); (7)an assurance that the grant funds will not solely be used— (A)to purchase materials, hardware, or technology-based tools; or (B)to implement online learning to the exclusion of other activities; (8)a description of how the eligible partnership will ensure that a grant received under this subpart is not duplicative of support received under the E-rate program; and (9)such other information as the Secretary may require. (c)

Application review and award

(1)

Application review and approval

The Secretary shall— (A)establish a peer review process to assist in the review of the grant applications and approval of the grants under this section; (B)appoint to the peer review process individuals who are educators and experts in— (i)technology and digital learning; (ii)classroom instruction and teaching practice; (iii)school improvement, redesign, or turnaround; (iv)teacher and school leader training or professional development; and (v)education efficiency and productivity; and (C)ensure that each grant is of sufficient size and scope to carry out the activities described in the grant application under subsection (b), including the activities described in section 2424 and measuring and reporting data under section 2425(a). (2)

Grant award

In awarding grants under this subpart, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, ensure— (A)diversity in the type of activities funded under the grants, including statewide and local initiatives; (B)equitable geographic distribution of the grants, including urban and rural areas and small and large local educational agencies; and (C)that eligible partnerships receiving such grants— (i)demonstrate that activities funded by the grant will be carried out based on strong or promising evidence; and (ii)are committed to and capable of successfully carrying out the activities described in the grant application submitted under subsection (b), including the activities described in section 2424 and measuring and reporting data under section 2425(a).

2424.

Use of funds

(a)

Requirements

An eligible partnership receiving a grant under this subpart shall use grant funds to carry out 1 or more of the following activities that utilize technology and digital learning: (1)Promoting personalized, individualized instruction that improves student achievement, academic growth, and college and career readiness, such as— (A)hybrid, blended, or other digital-learning opportunities that combine online and teacher-based instruction to improve student outcomes; (B)gaming or other personalized digital or technology-based tools that individualize instruction and promote self-directed learning and higher order thinking skills, including giving students control over the place, pace, or time of learning; (C)online platforms or opportunities that provide students opportunities for credit recovery or advanced credit accumulation; and (D)expanding the accommodations available to students who are children with disabilities and children who are limited English proficient. (2)Improving teacher and school leader preparation, professional development, knowledge, skills, practice, and professional capacity, such as— (A)tools or programs that equip teachers to differentiate instruction, conduct ongoing formative assessments, and use real-time data or data systems to identify individual student learning needs and guide personalized instruction, learning, and appropriate interventions that address those individualized student learning needs; (B)on-demand professional development, online communities of practice, or other technology-based tools that improve teaching and leadership; (C)pre-service training in the use of technology and digital learning to improve student outcomes; and (D)technology-based tools to improve the administration and implementation of teacher evaluation systems or other human capital systems. (3)Ensuring all students, particularly at-risk and low-performing students, have equitable access to high-quality curriculum, instruction, assessments, technology, and digital learning by effectively implementing technology tools consistent with the principle of universal design for learning, such as— (A)using tools or programs to teach students higher order thinking skills; (B)improving the education of students who are children with disabilities through assessment accommodations, including assistive technology; (C)improving the education of children who are limited English proficient, including language proficiency and academic content, through intuitive games and interfaces, web-based interventions, or technology-based assessments and assessment accommodations; (D)technology-based tools or digital learning opportunities that enhance high-quality early learning or early childhood education programs; (E)expanding learning opportunities, particularly for students who are low-performing or live in rural areas, that increase access to high-quality curriculum and instruction, advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, or enrichment activities; and (F)enhancing the quality, depth, or administration of student assessments, including summative, formative, and classroom-based assessments. (4)Improving the efficiency and productivity of education, such as— (A)extending the reach of high-quality materials, tools, curriculum, instruction, or teachers through such means as open educational resources or blended learning; (B)making student learning or school improvement more effective and cost-efficient through online or digital platforms; and (C)use of laptops, personal devices, or technology-infused instruction to reduce cost and improve delivery of instruction. (b)

Limitations on uses of funds

An eligible partnership may not use the total amount of a grant received under this subpart for a fiscal year— (1)on materials, hardware, or technology-based tools; or (2)to implement online learning to the exclusion of other activities.

2425.

Data collection and reporting

(a)

Reporting

Each eligible partnership receiving a grant under this subpart shall collect and report to the Secretary, on at least an annual basis, such information on the progress, outcomes, and best practices learned from activities under the grant as the Secretary may require, which— (1)shall include information on the impact of the grant on student outcomes, such as— (A)the number of and demographic information about students who are served by the eligible partnership under this subpart; (B)student achievement, student growth, and graduation rates of such students; (C)college and career readiness data about students, such as rates of credit accumulation, course taking and completion, and college enrollment and persistence; (D)student attendance and participation rates; and (E)such other information the Secretary may require or other information the eligible partnership proposes to include and has approved by the Secretary; and (2)may include data on— (A)student engagement and discipline; (B)school climate and teacher working conditions; and (C)increases in inclusion of students who are children with disabilities and children who are limited English proficient. (b)

Disaggregation

Each eligible partnership receiving a grant under this subpart shall disaggregate the information required under subsection (a) in the same manner as information is disaggregated under section 1111(h)(1)(C)(i).

2426.

Performance measurement and evaluation and dissemination

(a)

Performance measures

Prior to the reviewing and awarding of grants under this subpart, the Secretary shall establish performance measures used to evaluate the progress and performance of each eligible partnership that— (1)shall include, at a minimum, information on the impact of the grants on student outcomes as reported under section 2425(a); and (2)may include such other information as the Secretary may reasonably require. (b)

Evaluation and dissemination

From amounts reserved under section 2422(b), the Secretary shall— (1)conduct or enter into a contract with an outside evaluator to conduct— (A)a comprehensive evaluation after the third year that the grant program is carried under this subpart on the effectiveness of all grants awarded under this subpart; and (B)a final evaluation following the final year of the grant program under this subpart— (i)that focuses on the improvement in student outcomes reported under paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 2425(a); (ii)that compares the relative effectiveness of different types of programs carried under this subpart and compares the relative effectiveness of variations in implementation within such programs; and (iii)identifies the conditions and practices needed for the effective use of technology and digital learning, including issues related to teacher professional development, educational leadership, classroom and school practices and implementation and support; (2)disseminate and provide technical assistance to local educational agencies and State educational agencies on best practices in utilizing technology and digital learning to improve student achievement, academic growth, and college and career readiness; and (3)ensure that the Department of Education applies the best practices described in paragraph (2) in carrying out other innovation funds.

2427.

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014 and each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.