[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4271 Reported in House (RH)]
Union Calendar No. 526
106th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4271
[Report No. 106-821, Part I]
To establish and expand programs relating to science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology education, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 13, 2000
Mr. Ehlers (for himself, Mrs. Biggert, Mr. Boehlert, Mr. Brady of
Texas, Mr. Cook, Mr. Gilchrest, Mr. Gilman, Mr. Holt, Mr. Jenkins, Ms.
Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Mr. Kuykendall, Mr. Porter, Mrs.
Roukema, Mr. Smith of Michigan, Mr. Sweeney, Mr. Upton, and Mrs.
Wilson) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Education and
the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
September 6, 2000
Reported from the Committee on Science with an amendment
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
in italic]
September 6, 2000
Referral to the Commitee on Education and the Workforce extended for a
period ending not later than September 21, 2000
September 21, 2000
Additional sponsors: Mr. Spence, Mr. Davis of Virginia, Mr. English,
Mr. Ballenger, Mrs. Kelly, Mr. Frost, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Cooksey, Mr.
Petri, Ms. Lee, Mrs. Johnson of Connecticut, Mr. Calvert, Mrs. Morella,
Mr. Baca, Mr. Ewing, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Deal of Georgia, Mr. Green of
Wisconsin, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Larson, Mr. Gutknecht, Mr. Barton of Texas,
Mr. Salmon, Ms. Pryce of Ohio, Mr. Kucinich, Mr. Boehner, Mr. Weiner,
Mr. Norwood, Ms. Rivers, Mr. McCrery, Mr. Capuano, Mr. Bentsen, Mr.
Bartlett of Maryland, Mr. Weldon of Pennsylvania, Mr. Frank of
Massachusetts, Mr. Bereuter, Mr. Shays, Mr. Camp, Mr. Engel, Mr. Ose,
Mr. Lampson, Mrs. Bono, Ms. Carson, Ms. Slaughter, Ms. Dunn, Mr.
Fletcher, Ms. Hooley of Oregon, Mr. Price of North Carolina, Mr. Olver,
Mr. Gordon, Mr. Stenholm, Mr. Holden, Mr. Allen, Mr. Hobson, Mr.
Coburn, Mr. Hall of Texas, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Filner, Mrs. Mink of
Hawaii, Mr. Etheridge, Mr. Lantos, Mr. Ramstad, Mr. Pastor, Ms. Norton,
Mr. Costello, Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Barcia, Mr. Wu, Mr. Blagojevich, Ms.
Millender-McDonald, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Rahall, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Mica,
Ms. Woolsey, Mr. Hoeffel, Mr. Lucas of Oklahoma, Mr. Sensenbrenner, Mr.
Udall of Colorado, Mr. Weldon of Florida, Mr. Sandlin, Mr. Dooley of
California, Mr. Klink, Mr. Kolbe, Mr. Faleomavaega, Mr. LaTourette, Mr.
Moore, Mr. Whitfield, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Horn, Mr. Bass, Mr. Evans,
Mr. Greenwood and Mr. DeFazio
September 21, 2000
The Committee on Education and the Workforce discharged; committed to
the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered
to be printed
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on April
13, 2000]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish and expand programs relating to science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology education, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Science Education Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) As concluded in the report of the Committee on Science
of the House of Representatives, ``Unlocking Our Future Toward
a New National Science Policy'', which was adopted by the House
of Representatives, the United States must maintain and improve
its preeminent position in science and technology in order to
advance human understanding of the universe and all it
contains, and to improve the lives, health, and freedoms of all
people.
(2) It is estimated that more than half of the economic
growth of the United States today results directly from
research and development in science and technology. The most
fundamental research is responsible for investigating our
perceived universe, to extend our observations to the outer
limits of what our minds and methods can achieve, and to seek
answers to questions that have never been asked before. Applied
research continues the process by applying the answers from
basic science to the problems faced by individuals,
organizations, and governments in the everyday activities that
make our lives more livable. The scientific-technological
sector of our economy, which has driven our recent economic boom and
led the United States to the longest period of prosperity in history,
is fueled by the work and discoveries of the scientific community.
(3) The effectiveness of the United States in maintaining
this economic growth will be largely determined by the
intellectual capital of the United States. Education is
critical to developing this resource.
(4) The education program of the United States needs to
provide for 3 different kinds of intellectual capital. First,
it needs scientists, mathematicians, and engineers to continue
the research and development that are central to the economic
growth of the United States. Second, it needs technologically
proficient workers who are comfortable and capable dealing with
the demands of a science-based, high-technology workplace.
Last, it needs scientifically literate voters and consumers to
make intelligent decisions about public policy.
(5) Student performance on the recent Third International
Mathematics and Science Study highlights the shortcomings of
current K-12 science and mathematics education in the United
States, particularly when compared to other countries. We must
expect more from our Nation's educators and students if we are
to build on the accomplishments of previous generations. New
methods of teaching science, mathematics, engineering, and
technology are required, as well as better curricula and
improved training of teachers.
(6) Science is more than a collection of facts, theories,
and results. It is a process of inquiry built upon observations
and data that leads to a way of knowing and explaining in
logically derived concepts and theories. Mathematics is more
than procedures to be memorized. It is a field that requires
reasoning, understanding, and making connections in order to
solve problems. Engineering is more than just designing and
building. It is the process of making compromises to optimize
design and assessing risks so that designs and products best
solve a given problem. Technology is more than using computer
applications, the Internet, and programming. Technology is the
innovation, change, or modification of the natural environment,
based on scientific, mathematical, and engineering principles.
(7) Students should learn science primarily by doing
science. Science education ought to reflect the scientific
process and be object-oriented, experiment-centered, and
concept-based. Students should learn mathematics with
understanding that numeric systems have intrinsic properties
that can represent objects and systems in real life, and can be
applied in solving problems. Engineering education should
reflect the realities of real world design, and should involve
hands-on projects and require students to make trade-offs based
upon evidence. Students should learn technology as both a tool
to solve other problems and as a process by which people adapt
the natural world to suit their own purposes. Computers
represent a particularly useful form of technology, enabling
students and teachers to acquire data, model systems, visualize
phenomena, communicate and organize information, and
collaborate with others in powerful new ways. A background in
the basics of information technology is essential for success
in the modern workplace and the modern world.
(8) Children are naturally curious and inquisitive. To
successfully tap into these innate qualities, education in
science, mathematics, engineering, and technology must begin at
an early age and continue throughout the entire school
experience.
(9) Teachers provide the essential connection between
students and the content they are learning. Prospective
teachers need to be identified and recruited by presenting to
them a career that is respected by their peers, is financially
and intellectually rewarding, contains sufficient opportunities
for advancement, and has continuing access to professional
development.
(10) Teachers need to have incentives to remain in the
classroom and improve their practice, and training of teachers
is essential if the results are to be good. Teachers need to be
knowledgeable of their content area, of their curriculum, of
up-to-date research in teaching and learning, and of techniques
that can be used to connect that information to their students
in their classroom.
SEC. 3. ASSURANCE OF CONTINUED LOCAL CONTROL.
Nothing in this Act may be construed to authorize any department,
agency, officer, or employee of the United States to exercise any
direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum, program of
instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational
institution or school system.
SEC. 4. MASTER TEACHER GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Program Authorized.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall conduct a grant program to make grants to a State or
local educational agency, a private elementary or middle school, or a
consortium of any combination of those entities, for the purpose of
hiring a master teacher described in subsection (b).
(b) Eligibility.--In order to be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, a State or local educational agency, private
elementary or middle school, or consortium described in subsection (a)
shall submit to the Director a description of the relationship the
master teacher will have vis-a-vis other administrative and managerial
staff and the State and local educational agency, the ratio of master
teachers to other teachers, and the requirements for a master teacher
of the State or local educational agency or school, including
certification requirements and job responsibilities of the master
teacher. Job responsibilities must include a discussion of any
responsibility the master teacher will have for--
(1) development or implementation of science, mathematics,
engineering, or technology curricula;
(2) in-classroom assistance;
(3) authority over hands-on inquiry materials, equipment,
and supplies;
(4) mentoring other teachers or fulfilling any leadership
role; and
(5) professional development, including training other
master teachers or other teachers, or developing or
implementing professional development programs.
(c) Assessment of Effectiveness.--The Director shall assess the
effectiveness of activities carried out under this section.
(d) Funds.--
(1) Source.--Grants shall be made under this section out of
funds available for the National Science Foundation for
Education and Human Resources Activities.
(2) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to the National Science Foundation to carry out this section
$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2003.
SEC. 5. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
(a) General Authority.--
(1) In general.--
(A) Grant program.--The Director of the National
Science Foundation shall, subject to appropriations,
carry out a demonstration project under which the
Director awards grants in accordance with this section
to eligible local educational agencies.
(B) Uses of funds.--A local educational agency that
receives a grant under this section may use such grant
funds to develop a program that builds or expands
mathematics, science, and information technology
curricula, to purchase equipment necessary to establish
such program, and to provide professional development
in such fields.
(2) Program requirements.--The program described in
paragraph (1) shall--
(A) provide professional development specifically
in information technology, mathematics, and science;
and
(B) provide students with specialized training in
mathematics, science, and information technology.
(b) Eligible Local Educational Agencies.--For purposes of this
section, a local educational agency or consortium of local educational
agencies is eligible to receive a grant under this section if the
agency or consortium--
(1) provides assurances that it has executed conditional
agreements with representatives of the private sector to
provide services and funds described in subsection (c); and
(2) agrees to enter into an agreement with the Director to
comply with the requirements of this section.
(c) Private Sector Participation.--The conditional agreements
referred to in subsection (b)(1) shall describe participation by the
private sector, including--
(1) the donation of computer hardware and software;
(2) the establishment of internship and mentoring
opportunities for students who participate in the information
technology program; and
(3) the donation of higher education scholarship funds for
eligible students who have participated in the information
technology program.
(d) Application.--
(1) In general.--To apply for a grant under this section,
each eligible local educational agency or consortium of local
educational agencies shall submit an application to the
Director in accordance with guidelines established by the
Director pursuant to paragraph (2).
(2) Guidelines.--
(A) Requirements.--The guidelines referred to in
paragraph (1) shall require, at a minimum, that the
application include--
(i) a description of proposed activities
consistent with the uses of funds and program
requirements under subsection (a)(1)(B) and
(a)(2);
(ii) a description of the higher education
scholarship program, including criteria for
selection, duration of scholarship, number of
scholarships to be awarded each year, and
funding levels for scholarships; and
(iii) evidence of private sector
participation and financial support to
establish an internship, mentoring, and
scholarship program.
(B) Guideline publication.--The Director shall
issue and publish such guidelines not later than 6
months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(3) Selection.--The Director shall select a local
educational agency to receive an award under this section in
accordance with subsection (e) and on the basis of merit to be
determined after conducting a comprehensive review.
(e) Priority.--The Director shall give special priority in awarding
grants under this section to eligible local educational agencies that--
(1) demonstrate the greatest ability to obtain commitments
from representatives of the private sector to provide services
and funds described under subsection (c); and
(2) demonstrate the greatest economic need.
(f) Assessment.--The Director shall assess the effectiveness of
activities carried out under this section.
(g) Study and Report.--The Director--
(1) shall initiate an evaluative study of eligible students
selected for scholarships pursuant to this section in order to
measure the effectiveness of the demonstration program; and
(2) shall report the findings of the study to Congress not
later than 4 years after the award of the first scholarship.
Such report shall include the number of students graduating
from an institution of higher education with a major in
mathematics, science, or information technology and the number
of students who find employment in such fields.
(h) Definition.--Except as otherwise provided, for purposes of this
section, the term ``eligible student'' means a student enrolled in the
12th grade who--
(A) has participated in an information technology program
established pursuant to this section;
(B) has demonstrated a commitment to pursue a career in
information technology, mathematics, science, or engineering;
and
(C) has attained high academic standing and maintains a
grade point average of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the
last 2 years of secondary school (11th and 12th grades).
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out this
section, $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2003.
(j) Maximum Grant Award.--An award made to an eligible local
educational agency under this section may not exceed $300,000.
SEC. 6. DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ON REQUIRED COURSE OF STUDY FOR
CAREERS IN SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING, AND
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Science Foundation
shall, jointly with the Secretary of Education, compile and disseminate
information (including through outreach, school counselor education,
and visiting speakers) regarding--
(1) typical standard prerequisites for middle school and
high school students who seek to enter a course of study at an
institution of higher education in science, mathematics,
engineering, or technology education for purposes of teaching
in an elementary or secondary school; and
(2) the licensing requirements in each State for science,
mathematics, engineering, or technology elementary or secondary
school teachers.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated for the National Science Foundation to carry out this
section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2003.
SEC. 7. REQUIREMENT TO CONDUCT STUDY EVALUATION.
(a) Study Required.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies of
Sciences and Engineering under which the Academies shall review
existing studies on the effectiveness of technology in the classroom on
learning and student performance, using various measures of learning
and teaching outcome including standardized tests of student
achievement, and explore the feasibility of one or more methodological
frameworks to be used in evaluations of technologies that have
different purposes and are used by schools and school systems with
diverse educational goals. The study evaluation shall include, to the
extent available, information on the type of technology used in each
classroom, the reason that such technology works, and the teacher
training that is conducted in conjunction with the technology.
(b) Deadline for Completion.--The study evaluation required by
subsection (a) shall be completed not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Definition of Technology.--In this section, the term
``technology'' has the meaning given that term in section 3113(11) of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6813(11)).
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the National Science Foundation for the purpose of
conducting the study evaluation required by subsection (a), $600,000.
SEC. 8. TEACHER TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Science Foundation
shall establish a grant program under which grants may be made to a
State or local educational agency, a private elementary or middle
school, or a consortium consisting of any combination of those entities
for instruction of teachers for grades kindergarten through the 12th
grade on the use of information technology in the classroom. Grants
awarded under this section shall be used for training teachers to use--
(1) classroom technology, including hardware, software,
communications technologies, and laboratory equipment; or
(2) specific technology for science, mathematics,
engineering or technology instruction, including data
acquisition, modeling, visualization, simulation, and numerical
analysis.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated for the National Science Foundation to carry out this
section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2003.
SEC. 9. SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS
EDUCATION CONFERENCE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation
shall convene the first of an annual 3- to 5-day conference for
kindergarten through the 12th grade science, mathematics, engineering,
and technology education stakeholders, including--
(1) representatives from Federal, State, and local
governments, private industries, private businesses, and
professional organizations;
(2) educators;
(3) science, mathematics, engineering, and technology
educational resource providers;
(4) students; and
(5) any other stakeholders the Director determines would
provide useful participation in the conference.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the conference convened under
subsection (a) shall be to--
(1) identify and gather information on existing science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology education programs and
resource providers, including information on distribution,
partners, cost assessment, and derivation;
(2) determine the extent of any existing coordination
between providers of curricular activities, initiatives, and
units; and
(3) identify the common goals and differences among the
participants at the conference.
(c) Report and Publication.--At the conclusion of the conference
the Director of the National Science Foundation shall--
(1) transmit to the Committee on Science of the House of
Representatives and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a report on the outcome and
conclusions of the conference, including an inventory of
curricular activities, initiatives, and units, the content of
the conference, and strategies developed that will support
partnerships and leverage resources; and
(2) ensure that a similar report is published and
distributed as widely as possible to stakeholders in science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology education.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated for the National Science Foundation to carry out this
section--
(1) $300,000 for fiscal year 2001; and
(2) $200,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 and 2003.
SEC. 10. GRANTS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Science Foundation
may make competitive, merit-based awards to develop partnerships for
distance learning of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology
education to a State or local educational agency or to a private
elementary, middle, or secondary school, under any grant program
administered by the Director using funds appropriated to the National
Science Foundation for activities in which distance learning is
integrated into the education process in grades kindergarten through
the 12th grade.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated for the National Science Foundation to carry out this
section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2003.
SEC. 11. SCHOLARSHIPS TO PARTICIPATE IN CERTAIN RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--The President, acting through the National Science
Foundation, shall provide scholarships to teachers at public and
private schools in grades kindergarten through the 12th grade in order
that such teachers may participate in research programs conducted at
private entities or Federal or State government agencies. The purpose
of such scholarships shall be to provide teachers with an opportunity
to expand their knowledge of science, mathematics, engineering,
technology, and research techniques.
(b) Requirements.--In order to be eligible to receive a scholarship
under this section, a teacher described in subsection (a) shall be
required to develop, in conjunction with the private entity or
Government agency at which the teacher will be participating in a
research program, a proposal to be submitted to the President
describing the types of research activities involved.
(c) Period of Program.--Participation in a research program in
accordance with this section may be for a period of one academic year
or two sequential summers.
(d) Use of Funds.--The Director may only use funds for purposes of
this section for salaries of scholarship recipients, administrative
expenses (including information dissemination, direct mailing,
advertising, and direct staff costs for coordination and accounting
services), expenses for conducting an orientation program, relocation
expenses, and the expenses of conducting final selection interviews.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated for the National Science Foundation to carry out this
section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2003.
SEC. 12. EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION EXTENSION ASSISTANCE.
(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to improve the
utilization of educational technologies in elementary and secondary
education by creating an educational technology extension service based
at undergraduate institutions of higher education.
(b) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) Extension services such as the Manufacturing Extension
Partnership and the Agricultural Extension Service have proven
to be effective public/private partnerships to integrate new
technologies and to improve utilization of existing
technologies by small to medium sized manufacturers and the
United States agricultural community.
(2) Undergraduate institutions of higher education working
with nonprofit organizations and State and Federal agencies can
tailor educational technology extension programs to meet
specific local and regional requirements.
(3) Undergraduate institutions of higher education, often
with the assistance of the National Science Foundation, have
for the past 20 years been integrating educational technologies
into their curricula, and as such they can draw upon their own
experiences to advise elementary and secondary school educators
on ways to integrate a variety of educational technologies into
the educational process.
(4) Many elementary and secondary school systems,
particularly in rural and traditionally underserved areas, lack
general information on the most effective methods to integrate
their existing technology infrastructure, as well as new
educational technology, into the educational process and
curriculum.
(5) Most Federal and State educational technology programs
have focused on acquiring educational technologies with less
emphasis on the utilization of those technologies in the
classroom and the training and infrastructural requirements
needed to efficiently support those types of technologies. As a
result, in many instances, the full potential of educational
technology has not been realized.
(6) Our global economy is increasingly reliant on a
workforce not only comfortable with technology, but also able
to integrate rapid technological changes into the production
process. As such, in order to remain competitive in a global
economy, it is imperative that we maintain a work-ready labor
force.
(7) According to ``Teacher Quality: A Report on the
Preparation and Qualifications of Public School Teachers'',
prepared by the Department of Education, only one in five
teachers felt they were well prepared to work in a modern
classroom.
(8) The most common form of professional development for
teachers continues to be workshops that typically last no more
than one day and have little relevance to teachers' work in the
classroom.
(9) A 1998 national survey completed by the Department of
Education found that only 19 percent of teachers had been
formally mentored by another teacher, and that 70 percent of
these teachers felt that this collaboration was very helpful to
their teaching.
(c) Program Authorized.--
(1) General authority.--The Director of the National
Science Foundation, in cooperation with the Secretary of
Education and the Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology, is authorized to provide assistance
for the creation and support of regional centers for the
utilization of educational technologies (hereinafter in this
section referred to as ``ETU Centers'').
(2) Functions of centers.--
(A) Establishment.--ETU Centers may be established
at any institution of higher education, but such
centers may include the participation of nonprofit
entities, organizations, or groups thereof.
(B) Objectives of centers.--The objective of the
ETU Centers is to enhance the utilization of
educational technologies in elementary and secondary
education through--
(i) advising elementary and secondary
school administrators, school boards, and
teachers on the adoption and utilization of new
educational technologies and the utility of
local schools' existing educational technology
assets and infrastructure;
(ii) participation of individuals from the
private sector, universities, State and local
governments, and other Federal agencies;
(iii) active dissemination of technical and
management information about the use of
educational technologies; and
(iv) utilization, where appropriate, of the
expertise and capabilities that exist in
Federal laboratories and Federal agencies.
(C) Activities of centers.--The activities of the
ETU Centers shall include the following:
(i) The active transfer and dissemination
of research findings and ETU Center expertise
to local school authorities, including school
administrators, school boards, and teachers.
(ii) The training of teachers in the
integration of local schools existing
educational technology infrastructure into
their instructional design.
(iii) The training and advising of
teachers, administrators, and school board
members in the acquisition, utilization, and
support of educational technologies.
(iv) Support services to teachers,
administrators, and school board members as
agreed upon by ETU Center representatives and
local school authorities.
(v) The advising of teachers,
administrators, and school board members on
current skill set standards employed by private
industry.
(3) Program administration.--
(A) Proposed rules.--The Director of the National
Science Foundation, after consultation with the
Secretary of Education and the Director of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, shall publish in
the Federal Register, within 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this section, proposed rules for the
program for establishing ETU Centers, including--
(i) a description of the program;
(ii) the procedures to be followed by
applicants;
(iii) the criteria for determining
qualified applicants; and
(iv) the criteria, including those listed
in this section, for choosing recipients of
financial assistance under this section from
among qualified applicants.
(B) Final rules.--The Director of the National
Science Foundation shall publish final rules for the
program under this section after the expiration of a
30-day comment period on such proposed rules.
(4) Eligibility and selection.--
(A) Applications required.--Any undergraduate
institution of higher education, consortium of such
institutions, nonprofit organizations, or groups
thereof may submit an application for financial support
under this section in accordance with the procedures
established under this section. In order to receive
assistance under this section, an applicant shall
provide adequate assurances that the applicant will
contribute 50 percent or more of the proposed Center's
capital and annual operating and maintenance costs.
(B) Selection.--The Director of the National
Science Foundation, in conjunction with the Secretary
of Education and the Director of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology, shall subject each
application to competitive, merit review. In making a
decision whether to approve such application and
provide financial support under this section, the
Director of the National Science Foundation shall
consider at a minimum--
(i) the merits of the application,
particularly those portions of the application
regarding the adaption of training and
educational technologies to the needs of
particular regions;
(ii) the quality of service to be provided;
(iii) the geographical diversity and extent
of service area, with particular emphasis on
rural and traditionally underdeveloped areas;
and
(iv) the percentage of funding and amount
of in-kind commitment from other sources.
(C) Evaluation.--Each ETU Center which receives
financial assistance under this section shall be
evaluated during its third year of operation by an
evaluation panel appointed by the Director of the
National Science Foundation. Each evaluation panel
shall measure the involved Center's performance against
the objectives specified in this section. Funding for
an ETU Center shall not be renewed unless the
evaluation is positive.
SEC. 13. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION OF SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Interagency Coordination Committee.--
(1) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy shall establish an interagency committee
to coordinate Federal programs in support of science and
mathematics education at the elementary and secondary level.
(2) Membership.--The membership of the committee shall
consist of the heads, or designees, of the National Science
Foundation, the Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, the Department of Education, and
other Federal departments and agencies that have programs
directed toward support of elementary and secondary science and
mathematics education.
(3) Functions.--The committee shall--
(A) prepare a catalog of Federal research,
development, demonstration and other programs designed
to improve elementary and secondary science or
mathematics education, including for each program a
summary of its goals and the kinds of activities
supported, a summary of accomplishments (including
evidence of effectiveness in improving student
learning), the funding level, and, for grant programs,
the eligibility requirements and the selection process
for awards;
(B) review the programs identified under
subparagraph (A) in order to--
(i) determine the relative funding levels
among support for--
(I) teacher professional
development;
(II) curricular materials;
(III) improved classroom teaching
practices;
(IV) applications of computers and
related information technologies; and
(V) other major categories of
activities;
(ii) assess whether the balance among kinds
of activities as determined under clause (i) is
appropriate and whether unnecessary duplication
or overlap among programs exists;
(iii) assess the degree to which the
programs assist the efforts of State and local
school systems to implement standards-based
reform of science and mathematics education,
and group the programs in the categories of
high, moderate, and low relevance for assisting
standards-based reform;
(iv) for grant programs, identify ways to
simplify the application procedures and
requirements and to achieve greater conformity
among the procedures and requirements of the
agencies; and
(v) evaluate the adequacy of the assessment
procedures used by the departments and agencies
to determine whether the goals and objectives
of programs are being achieved, and identify
the best practices identified from the
evaluation for assessment of program
effectiveness; and
(C) monitor the implementation of the plan
developed under subsection (c) and provide to the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
its findings and recommendations for modifications to
that plan.
(b) External Review.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall enter into an agreement with the National Research
Council to conduct an independent review of programs as described in
subsection (a)(3)(B) and to develop findings and recommendations. The
findings and recommendations from the National Research Council review
of programs shall be reported to the Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy and to the Congress.
(c) Education Plan.--
(1) Plan contents.--On the basis of the findings of the
review carried out in accordance with subsection (a)(3)(B) and
taking into consideration the findings and recommendations of
the National Research Council in accordance with subsection
(b), the Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy shall prepare a plan for Federal elementary and
secondary science and mathematics education programs which
shall include--
(A) a strategy to increase the effectiveness of
Federal programs to assist the efforts of State and
local school systems to implement standards-based
reform of elementary and secondary science and
mathematics education;
(B) a coordinated approach for identifying best
practices for the use of computers and related
information technologies in classroom instruction;
(C) the recommended balance for Federal resource
allocation among the major types of activities
supported, including projected funding allocations for
each major activity broken out by department and
agency;
(D) identification of effective Federal programs
that have made measurable contributions to achieving
standards-based science and mathematics education
reform;
(E) recommendations to the departments and agencies
for actions needed to increase uniformity across the
Federal Government for application procedures and
requirements for grant awards for support of
elementary and secondary science and mathematics education; and
(F) dissemination procedures for replicating
results from effective programs, particularly best
practices for classroom instruction.
(2) Consultation.--The Director shall consult with
academic, State, industry, and other appropriate entities
engaged in efforts to reform science and mathematics education
as necessary and appropriate for preparing the plan under
paragraph (1).
(d) Reports.--
(1) Initial report.--The Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy shall submit to the Congress, not later
than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, a
report which--
(A) includes the plan described in subsection
(c)(1);
(B) in accordance with subsection (c)(1)(C),
describes, for each department and agency represented
on the committee established under subsection (a)(1),
appropriate levels of Federal funding;
(C) includes the catalog prepared under subsection
(a)(3)(A);
(D) includes the findings from the review required
under subsection (a)(3)(B)(iii);
(E) includes the findings and recommendations of
the National Research Council developed under
subsection (b); and
(F) describes the procedures used by each
department and agency represented on the committee to
assess the effectiveness of its education programs.
(2) Annual updates.--The Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy shall submit to the Congress an annual
update, at the time of the President's annual budget request,
of the report submitted under paragraph (1), which shall
include, for each department and agency represented on the
committee, appropriate levels of Federal funding for the fiscal
year during which the report is submitted and the levels
proposed for the fiscal year with respect to which the budget
submission applies.
SEC. 14. SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, AND ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Program Authorized.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation is authorized to establish a scholarship program to assist
graduates of baccalaureate degree programs in science, mathematics or
engineering, or individuals pursuing degrees in those fields, to
fulfill the academic requirements necessary to become certified as
elementary or secondary school teachers.
(b) Scholarship Amount and Duration.--Each scholarship provided
under subsection (a) shall be in the amount of $5,000 and shall cover a
period of 1 year.
(c) Requirements.--
(1) Eligibility.--Undergraduate students majoring in
science, mathematics, or engineering who are within one
academic year of completion of degree requirements, and
individuals who have received degrees in such fields, are
eligible to receive scholarships under the program established
by subsection (a).
(2) Guidelines, procedures, and criteria.--The Director
shall establish and publish application and selection
guidelines, procedures, and criteria for the scholarship
program.
(3) Requirements for applications.--Each application for a
scholarship shall include a plan specifying the course of study
that will allow the applicant to fulfill the academic
requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate during the
scholarship period.
(4) Work requirement.--As a condition of acceptance of a
scholarship under this section, a recipient shall agree to work
as an elementary or secondary school teacher for a minimum of
two years following certification as such a teacher or to repay
the amount of the scholarship to the National Science
Foundation.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out this
section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001, 2002, and 2003.
SEC. 15. GO GIRL GRANTS.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Getting Our
Girls Ready for the 21st Century Act (Go Girl Act)''.
(b) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Women have historically been underrepresented in
mathematics, science, and technology occupations.
(2) Female students take fewer high-level mathematics and
science courses in high school than male students.
(3) Female students take far fewer advanced computer
classes and tend to take only the basic data entry and word
processing classes compared to courses that male students take.
(4) Female students earn fewer bachelors, masters, and
doctoral degrees in mathematics, science, and technology than
male students.
(5) Early career exploration is key to choosing a career.
(6) Teachers' attitudes, methods of teaching, and classroom
atmosphere affect females' interest in nontraditional fields.
(7) Stereotypes about appropriate careers for females, a
lack of female role models, and a lack of basic career
information significantly deters girls' interest in
mathematics, science, and technology careers.
(8) Females consistently rate themselves significantly
lower than males in computer ability.
(9) By the year 2000, 65 percent of all jobs will require
technological skills.
(10) Limited access is a hurdle faced by females seeking
jobs in mathematics, science, and technology.
(11) Common recruitment and hiring practices make extensive
use of traditional networks that often overlook females.
(c) Program Authority.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation is authorized to provide grants to and enter into
contracts or cooperative agreements with with local educational
agencies and institutions of higher education to encourage the ongoing
interest of girls in science, mathematics, and technology and to
prepare girls to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees and careers
in science, mathematics, or technology.
(2) Application.--
(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant
under this section, a local educational agency or
institution of higher education shall submit an
application to the Director at such time, in such form,
and containing such information as the Director may
reasonably require.
(B) Contents.--The application referred to in
subparagraph (A) shall contain, at a minimum, the
following:
(i) A specific program description,
including the content of the program and the
research and models used to design the program.
(ii) A description of how an eligible
entity will provide for collaboration between
elementary and secondary school programs to
fulfill goals of the grant program.
(iii) An explanation regarding the
recruitment and selection of participants.
(iv) A description of the instructional and
motivational activities planned to be used.
(v) An evaluation plan.
(d) Uses of Funds for Elementary School Program.--Under grants
awarded pursuant to subsection (c), funds may be used for the
following:
(1) Encouraging girls in grades 4 and higher to enjoy and
pursue studies in science, mathematics, and technology.
(2) Acquainting girls in grades 4 and higher with careers
in science, mathematics, and technology.
(3) Educating the parents of girls in grades 4 and higher
about the difficulties faced by girls to maintain an interest
and desire to achieve in science, mathematics, and technology
and enlisting the help of the parents in overcoming these
difficulties.
(4) Tutoring in reading, science, mathematics, and
technology.
(5) Mentoring relationships, both in-person and through the
Internet.
(6) Paying the costs of attending events and academic
programs in science, mathematics, and technology.
(7) After-school activities designed to encourage the
interest of girls in grades 4 and higher in science,
mathematics, and technology.
(8) Summer programs designed to encourage interest in and
develop skills in science, mathematics, and technology.
(9) Purchasing software designed for girls, or designed to
encourage girls' interest in science, mathematics, and
technology.
(10) Field trips to locations that educate and encourage
girls' interest in science, mathematics, and technology.
(11) Field trips to locations that acquaint girls with
careers in science, mathematics, and technology.
(12) Purchasing and disseminating information to parents of
girls in grades 4 and higher that will help parents to
encourage their daughters' interest in science, mathematics,
and technology.
(e) Uses of Funds for Secondary School Program.--Under grants
awarded pursuant to subsection (c), funds may be used for the
following:
(1) Encouraging girls in grades 9 and higher to major in
science, mathematics, and technology in a postsecondary
institution.
(2) Providing academic advice and assistance in high school
course selection.
(3) Encouraging girls in grades 9 and higher to plan for
careers in science, mathematics, and technology.
(4) Educating the parents of girls in grades 9 and higher
about the difficulties faced by girls to maintain an interest
and desire to achieve in science, mathematics, and technology
and enlist the help of the parents in overcoming these
difficulties.
(5) Tutoring in science, mathematics, and technology.
(6) Mentoring relationships, both in-person and through the
Internet.
(7) Paying the costs of attending events and academic
programs in science, mathematics, and technology.
(8) Paying 50 percent of the cost of an internship in
science, mathematics, or technology.
(9) After-school activities designed to encourage the
interest of girls in grades 9 and higher in science,
mathematics, and technology, including the cost of that
portion of a staff salary to supervise these activities.
(10) Summer programs designed to encourage interest in and
develop skills in science, mathematics, and technology.
(11) Purchasing software designed for girls, or designed to
encourage girls' interest in science, mathematics, and
technology.
(12) Field trips to locations that educate and encourage
girls' interest in science, mathematics, and technology.
(13) Field trips to locations that acquaint girls with
careers in science, mathematics, and technology.
(14) Visits to institutions of higher education to acquaint
girls with college-level programs in science, mathematics, or
technology, and to meet with educators and female college
students who will encourage them to pursue degrees in science,
mathematics, and technology.
(f) Definition.--In this section the term ``local educational
agency'' has the same meaning given such term in section 14101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801), except
that in the case of Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the term ``local educational agency''
shall be deemed to mean the State educational agency.
SEC. 16. GRANT FOR LEARNING COMMUNITY CONSORTIUM FOR ADVANCEMENT OF
WOMEN, MINORITIES, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN
SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY.
The Director of the National Science Foundation may, through a
competitive, merit-based process, provide to a consortium composed of
community colleges a grant in an amount not more than $11,000,000 for
the purpose of carrying out a pilot project to provide support to
encourage women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to enter and
complete programs in science, engineering, and technology.
SEC. 17. USE OF FUNDS FOR PROVIDING RELEASE TIME AND OTHER INCENTIVES.
A recipient of a grant under section 4 or 8 may use funds received
through such grant for expenses related to leave from work (consistent
with State law and contractual obligations), and other incentives, to
permit and encourage full-time teachers to participate in--
(1) professional development activities relating to the use
of technology in education; and
(2) the development, demonstration, and evaluation of
applications of technology in elementary and secondary
education.
SEC. 18. SCIENCE TEACHER EDUCATION.
(a) Program Authorized.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation may establish a program to improve the undergraduate
education and in-service professional development of science and
mathematics teachers in elementary and secondary schools. Under the
program, competitive awards shall be made on the basis of merit to
institutions of higher education that offer baccalaureate degrees in
education, science and mathematics.
(b) Purpose of Awards.--Awards made under subsection (a) shall be
for developing--
(1) courses and curricular materials for--
(A) the preparation of undergraduate students
pursuing education degrees who intend to serve in
elementary or secondary schools as science or
mathematics teachers; or
(B) the professional development of science and
mathematics teachers serving in elementary and
secondary schools; and
(2) educational materials and instructional techniques
incorporating innovative uses of information technology.
(c) Requirements.--The Director shall establish and publish
application and selection guidelines, procedures, and criteria for the
program established by subsection (a). Proposals for awards under the
program shall involve collaborations of education, mathematics, and
science faculty and include a plan for a continued collaboration beyond
the period of the award. In making awards under this section, the
Director shall consider--
(1) the degree to which courses and materials proposed to
be developed in accordance with subsection (b) combine content
knowledge and pedagogical techniques that are consistent with
hands-on, inquiry-based teaching, are aligned with established
national science or mathematics standards, and are based on
validated education research findings; and
(2) evidence of a strong commitment by the administrative
heads of the schools and departments, whose faculty are
involved in preparing a proposal to the program, to provide
appropriate rewards and incentives to encourage continued
faculty participation in the collaborative activity.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out this
section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2003.
SEC. 19. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) The terms ``local educational agency'' and ``State educational
agency'' have the meanings given such terms in section 14101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801).
(2) The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning
given that term by section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
Union Calendar No. 526
106th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4271
[Report No. 106-821, Part I]
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish and expand programs relating to science, mathematics,
engineering, and technology education, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
September 21, 2000
The Committee on Education and the Workforce discharged; committed to
the Committee on the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered
to be printed