[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1262 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







107th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1262

  To make improvements in mathematics and science education, and for 
                            other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 27, 2001

Mr. Rockefeller (for himself, Mr. Roberts, and Mr. Kennedy) introduced 
the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee 
               on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
  To make improvements in mathematics and science 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 Mathematics and Science 
Partnerships Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) In 1989, the President of the United States convened 
        the Nation's Governors to establish common goals for the 
        improvement of elementary and secondary education.
            (2) Among the National Education Goals established was the 
        goal that by the year 2000, United States students would be 
        first in the world in mathematics and science achievement.
            (3) Despite these goals, 8th graders in the United States 
        showed just average performance in mathematics and science in 
        the Third International Mathematics and Science Study.
            (4) The United States must redouble its efforts to provide 
        all of its students with a world-class education in 
        mathematics, science, engineering, and technology.
            (5) The United States economy has become the most robust in 
        the world, not through State planning and government 
        intervention, but through the hard work and innovation of 
        United States citizens. This success is founded in our Nation's 
        constitutional tradition of respect for individual liberty to 
        pursue personal career objectives.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of 
        the National Science Foundation.
            (2) Elementary school.--The term ``elementary school'' has 
        the meaning given such term in section 14101 of the Elementary 
        and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801).
            (3) Eligible nonprofit organization.--The term ``eligible 
        nonprofit organization'' means a nonprofit research institute 
        or a nonprofit professional association with demonstrated 
        experience delivering mathematics or science education as 
        determined by the Director.
            (4) Institution of higher education.--The term 
        ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such 
        term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 1001).
            (5) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational 
        agency'' has the meaning given such term in section 14101 of 
        the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
        8801).
            (6) Secondary school.--The term ``secondary school'' has 
        the meaning given such term in section 14101 of the Elementary 
        and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801).
            (7) State educational agency.--The term ``State educational 
        agency'' has the meaning given such term in section 14101 of 
        the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
        8801).

SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATION RULE.

    Any authorization of appropriations in this Act shall be considered 
to be in addition to amounts otherwise authorized or appropriated for 
the National Science Foundation.

SEC. 5. MATCHING REQUIREMENTS.

    The Director may establish matching fund requirements for any 
programs authorized by this Act other than programs authorized under 
title IV.

        TITLE I--MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS

         PART A--MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS

SEC. 111. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.

    (a) Grants.--
            (1) In general.--From amounts appropriated under section 
        114, the Director shall establish a program to award grants to 
        eligible partnerships to establish mathematics and science 
        education programs to improve the instruction of elementary and 
        secondary mathematics or science education.
            (2) Competitive basis.--Grants shall be awarded under this 
        section on a competitive basis using the criteria described in 
        section 112(b).
    (b) Eligible Partnerships.--
            (1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        this section, a partnership--
                    (A) shall consist of an institution of higher 
                education or eligible nonprofit organization (including 
                a consortium thereof) and a local educational agency; 
                and
                    (B) may include a State educational agency or 1 or 
                more businesses.
            (2) Requirement.--Each institution of higher education 
        participating in a partnership under this part shall include a 
        mathematics, science, or engineering department in the program 
        carried out by the partnership under this subsection.
    (c) Uses of Funds.--Grant funds awarded under this section shall be 
used for activities that draw upon the expertise of the partners to 
improve elementary or secondary education in mathematics or science. 
Such activities may include--
            (1) recruiting and preparing students for careers in 
        elementary and secondary mathematics and science education;
            (2) offering professional development programs, including 
        summer and academic year institutes and workshops, designed to 
        strengthen the capabilities of existing mathematics and science 
        teachers;
            (3) offering innovative programs that instruct teachers on 
        using technology more effectively in teaching mathematics and 
        science, including programs that recruit and train 
        undergraduate and graduate students to provide technical 
        support to teachers;
            (4) developing distance learning programs for teachers and 
        students;
            (5) offering teacher preparation and certification programs 
        for professional mathematicians, scientists, and engineers who 
        wish to begin a career in teaching;
            (6) developing assessment tools to measure student mastery 
        of content and cognitive skills;
            (7) developing and adapting elementary school and secondary 
        school curricular materials, aligned to State standards, that 
        incorporate contemporary research on the science of learning;
            (8) developing undergraduate mathematics and science 
        courses for education majors;
            (9) using mathematicians, scientists, and engineers 
        employed by private businesses to help recruit and train 
        mathematics and science teachers;
            (10) developing a cadre of master teachers who will promote 
        reform and improvement in schools;
            (11) developing and offering mathematics and science 
        enrichment programs for students;
            (12) providing research opportunities in business or 
        academia for students and teachers;
            (13) bringing mathematicians, scientists, and engineers 
        from business and academia into elementary school and secondary 
        school classrooms; and
            (14) any other activities the Director determines will 
        accomplish the goals of this section.
    (d) Science Enrichment Programs for Girls.--Activities carried out 
in accordance with paragraphs (11) and (12) of subsection (c) shall 
include elementary school and secondary school programs to encourage 
the ongoing interest of girls in science, mathematics, engineering or 
technology and to prepare girls to pursue undergraduate and graduate 
degrees and careers in science, mathematics, engineering or technology. 
Grant funds made available to partnerships for the purposes of this 
subsection may support programs for--
            (1) encouraging girls to pursue studies in science, 
        mathematics, engineering, or technology and to major in such 
        fields in postsecondary education;
            (2) tutoring girls in science, mathematics, engineering, or 
        technology;
            (3) providing mentors for girls in person and through the 
        Internet to support such girls in pursuing studies in science, 
        mathematics, engineering, or technology;
            (4) educating the parents of girls about the difficulties 
        faced by girls in maintaining an interest and a desire to 
        achieve in science, mathematics, engineering, or technology, 
        and enlisting the help of parents in overcoming these 
        difficulties; and
            (5) acquainting girls with careers in science, mathematics, 
        engineering, or technology and encouraging girls to plan for 
        careers in such fields.
    (e) Research in Secondary Schools.--Activities carried out in 
accordance with subsection (c)(11) may include support for research 
projects performed by students at secondary schools. Such support may 
include--
            (1) training secondary school mathematics or science 
        teachers in the design of research projects for students;
            (2) establishing a system for students and teachers 
        involved in research projects funded under this section to 
        exchange information about their projects and research results; 
        and
            (3) assessing the educational value of the student research 
        projects by such means as tracking the academic performance and 
        choice of academic majors of students conducting research.
    (f) Stipends.--Grants awarded under this section may be used to 
provide stipends for teachers or students participating in training or 
research activities that would not be part of their typical classroom 
activities.

SEC. 112. SELECTION PROCESS.

    (a) Application.--A partnership that desires to receive a grant 
under section 111 shall submit an application to the Director at such 
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director 
may require. The application shall include, at a minimum--
            (1) a description of the partnership and the role that each 
        partner will play in implementing the program;
            (2) a description of each of the activities to be carried 
        out using grant funds, including--
                    (A) how such activities will be aligned with State 
                and local standards and with other activities that 
                promote student achievement in mathematics and science; 
                and
                    (B) how such activities will be based on a review 
                of relevant research, and why such activities are 
                expected to improve student performance and strengthen 
                the quality of mathematics and science instruction;
            (3) a description of the number, size, and nature of any 
        stipends that will be provided to students or teachers and the 
        reasons such stipends are needed;
            (4) a description of how the partnership will serve as a 
        catalyst for reform of mathematics and science education 
        programs;
            (5) a description of how the partnership will assess its 
        success; and
            (6) an assurance that the partnership will make available 
        to the Secretary materials developed with grant funds provided 
        under this part.
    (b) Review of Applications.--In evaluating the applications 
submitted under subsection (a), the Director shall consider, at a 
minimum--
            (1) the ability of the partnership to effectively carry out 
        the proposed program;
            (2) the extent to which the members of the partnership are 
        committed to making the partnership a central organizational 
        focus;
            (3) the degree to which activities proposed to be carried 
        out by the partnership are based on relevant research and 
        likely to result in increased student achievement;
            (4) the degree to which such activities are aligned with 
        State and local standards; and
            (5) the likelihood that the partnership will demonstrate 
        activities that can be widely implemented as part of larger 
        scale reform efforts.
    (c) Awards.--
            (1) Range.--The Director shall ensure, to the extent 
        practicable, that grants are awarded under section 111 in a 
        wide range of geographic areas and that the program include 
        rural, suburban, and urban local educational agencies.
            (2) Businesses.--Not less than 50 percent of the 
        partnerships funded under section 111 shall include businesses.
            (3) Period.--The Director shall award grants under this 
        part for periods not to exceed 5 years.

SEC. 113. ACCOUNTABILITY AND DISSEMINATION.

    (a) Assessment Required.--The Director shall evaluate the program 
established under section 111. At a minimum, such evaluations shall--
            (1) use a common set of benchmarks and assessment tools to 
        identify best practices and materials developed and 
        demonstrated by the partnerships; and
            (2) to the extent practicable, compare the effectiveness of 
        practices and materials developed and demonstrated by the 
        partnerships with those of partnerships using similar practices 
        and materials funded by other State or Federal agencies.
    (b) Dissemination of Results.--
            (1) In general.--The Director shall make available the 
        results of the evaluations required under subsection (a)--
                    (A) to the public, including through the National 
                Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology 
                Education Digital Library; and
                    (B) to the Committee on Science of the House of 
                Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
                Labor, and Pensions and the Committee on Commerce, 
                Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
            (2) Materials.--The Secretary shall make available through 
        the National Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology 
        Education Digital Library materials that are demonstrated to be 
        effective and are developed by the partnerships under the 
        programs established under section 111.
    (c) Annual Meeting.--The Director shall convene an annual meeting 
of the partnerships assisted under this part to foster greater national 
collaboration.

SEC. 114. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated to the National Science 
Foundation to carry out this part $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2002 through 2006.

                PART B--TEACHER RESEARCH STIPEND PROGRAM

SEC. 121. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.

    (a) Grants.--
            (1) In general.--From amounts appropriated under section 
        123, the Director shall establish a program to award grants to 
        institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit 
        organizations (including consortia thereof), to enable such 
        institutions, eligible nonprofit entities, and consortia to 
        provide research opportunities in mathematics, science, and 
        engineering for elementary school or secondary school teachers 
        of mathematics or science. Such institutions of higher 
        education, eligible nonprofit organizations, or consortia may 
        collaborate with 1 or more businesses or Federal or State 
        laboratories.
            (2) Competitive basis.--Grants shall be awarded under this 
        section on a competitive basis using the criteria described in 
        section 122(b).
    (b) Program Components.--Grant recipients under this section--
            (1) shall recruit and select teachers to participate in the 
        program, and shall provide such teachers with opportunities to 
        conduct research in academic, business, or government 
        laboratories;
            (2) shall ensure that participating teachers have mentors 
        and other programming support to ensure that such teachers' 
        research experience will contribute to the teachers' 
        understanding of mathematics, science, or engineering and will 
        improve their performance in the classroom;
            (3) shall provide each participating teacher with a 
        stipend; and
            (4) may provide the costs of room and board to 
        participating teachers for residential programs.
    (c) Use of Funds.--
            (1) Programming support.--Not more than 25 percent of the 
        funds provided through a grant under this section may be used 
        for programming support for participating teachers.
            (2) Stipend amounts.--The Director shall issue guidelines 
        specifying the minimum and maximum amounts of stipends that 
        grant recipients may provide to teachers under this section.
    (d) Duration.--A teacher may participate in research under a 
program assisted under this section for not more than 1 calendar year 
or 2 sequential summers.

SEC. 122. SELECTION PROCESS.

    (a) Application.--An institution of higher education or an eligible 
nonprofit organization (including a consortium thereof) that desires to 
receive a grant under section 121 shall submit an application to the 
Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information 
as the Director may require. The application shall include, at a 
minimum--
            (1) a description of the research opportunities that will 
        be made available to elementary school or secondary school 
        teachers by the institution, organization, or consortium;
            (2) a description of how the institution, organization, or 
        consortium will recruit teachers to participate in the program 
        and the criteria that will be used to select the participating 
        teachers;
            (3) a description of the number, types, and amounts of the 
        stipends that the institution, organization, or consortium 
        intends to offer to participating teachers; and
            (4) a description of the programming support that will be 
        provided to participating teachers.
    (b) Review of Applications.--In evaluating the applications 
submitted under subsection (a), the Director shall consider, at a 
minimum--
            (1) the ability of the institution, organization, or 
        consortium to effectively carry out the proposed program;
            (2) the extent to which the institution, organization, or 
        consortium is committed to making the program a central 
        organizational focus; and
            (3) the likelihood that the research experiences and 
        programming proposed to be offered by the institution, 
        organization, or consortium will improve elementary and 
        secondary education.
    (c) Awards.--
            (1) Range.--The Director shall ensure, to the extent 
        practicable, that grants are awarded under this part in a wide 
        range of geographic areas and to assist teachers from rural, 
        suburban, and urban local educational agencies.
            (2) Period.--The Director shall award grants under this 
        part for periods not to exceed 5 years.

SEC. 123. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated to the National Science 
Foundation to carry out this part $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2002 through 2006.

 TITLE II--NATIONAL SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY 
                       EDUCATION DIGITAL LIBRARY

SEC. 211. EXPANSION OF THE DIGITAL LIBRARY.

    The Director shall establish a program to expand the National 
Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education Digital 
Library (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the ``Digital 
Library'') program to enable timely and continuous dissemination of 
elementary and secondary science, mathematics, engineering, and 
technology educational resources, materials, practices, and policies 
through the Internet and other digital technologies. The Digital 
Library shall--
            (1) contain an Internet-based repository of curricular 
        materials, practices, and teaching modules;
            (2) contain, to the extent practicable, an Internet-based 
        repository of information about national and regional 
        conferences related to the improvement of elementary and 
        secondary mathematics, science, engineering, and technology 
        education, including, if appropriate, links to materials 
        generated by those conferences;
            (3) provide users of the Digital Library with access to all 
        materials in the Digital Library through a single entry point;
            (4) contain only materials that have been peer-reviewed and 
        tested to ensure factual accuracy and effectiveness and that 
        are aligned with recognized State and national mathematics and 
        science standards;
            (5) present materials in a format that is consistent, 
        facilitates ease of comparison and use by classroom teachers, 
        and contains appropriate links to other Federal educational 
        clearinghouses; and
            (6) provide materials related to mathematics and science 
        partnership programs, including--
                    (A) links to all of the programs developed through 
                the mathematics and science partnerships established 
                under part A of title I;
                    (B) data related to assessment and evaluation and 
                final program reports developed under part A of title 
                I, including both positive and negative outcomes of the 
                program;
                    (C) materials developed by the partnerships under 
                part A of title I that have been demonstrated to be 
                effective; and
                    (D) a mechanism for users to make comments or 
                suggestions regarding the use and effectiveness of 
                posted materials.

SEC. 212. GRANTS AND CONTRACT.

    (a) Grants for Design of Library.--
            (1) In general.--The Director may award grants to 
        institutions of higher education or other qualified entities--
                    (A) to design all or parts of the Digital Library; 
                or
                    (B) to provide assistance to schools in the 
                selection and adaptation of curricular materials, 
                practices, and teaching methods made available through 
                the Digital Library.
            (2) Dissemination.--Grants awarded under this section may 
        be used to pay the costs of acquiring and reviewing educational 
        materials for dissemination through the Digital Library.
            (3) Competitive basis.--Grants under this section shall be 
        awarded on a competitive basis.
    (b) Contract.--The Director may enter into a contract for the 
operation and management of the Digital Library.

SEC. 213. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated to the National Science 
Foundation to carry out this title $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2002 through 2006.

            TITLE III--STRATEGIC EDUCATION RESEARCH PROGRAM

                            PART A--CENTERS

SEC. 311. ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTERS FOR RESEARCH ON LEARNING AND 
              EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT.

    (a) Grants.--
            (1) In general.--From amounts appropriated under section 
        314, the Director shall award grants to institutions of higher 
        education (including consortia thereof) to establish 4 
        multidisciplinary Centers for Research on Learning and 
        Education Improvement (hereafter in this Act referred to as 
        ``Centers'').
            (2) Competitive basis.--Grants shall be awarded under this 
        section on a competitive basis using the criteria described in 
        section 312(b).
    (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Centers shall be to conduct and 
evaluate research in cognitive science, education and related fields 
and to develop ways in which the results of such research can be 
applied in elementary and secondary classrooms to improve the teaching 
of mathematics and science.
    (c) Focus.--
            (1) In general.--Each Center shall be focused on a 
        different challenge faced by elementary school or secondary 
        school teachers of mathematics or science.
            (2) Determination.--In determining the research focus of 
        the Centers, the Director shall consult with the National 
        Academy of Sciences and shall take into account the extent to 
        which other Federal programs support research on similar 
        questions.
            (3) Solicitation of proposal.--The solicitation of proposal 
        issued by the Director for grants under this section--
                    (A) shall state the focus of each Center; and
                    (B) shall require institutions or consortia to 
                apply to operate as a specific Center.

SEC. 312. SELECTION PROCESS.

    (a) Application.--An institution of higher education (including a 
consortium thereof) that desires to receive a grant under this title 
shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such 
manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. 
The application shall include, at a minimum, a description of--
            (1) the initial research projects that will be undertaken 
        by the Center and the process by which new projects will be 
        identified;
            (2) how the Center will work with other research 
        institutions and schools to broaden the national research 
        agenda on learning and teaching;
            (3) how the Center will promote active collaboration among 
        physical, biological, and social science researchers;
            (4) how the Center will promote active participation by 
        elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers and 
        administrators; and
            (5) how the Center will reduce the results of its research 
        to educational practice and assess the success of new 
        practices.
    (b) Review of Applications.--In evaluating the applications 
submitted under subsection (a), the Director shall consider, at a 
minimum--
            (1) the ability of the institution or consortium to 
        effectively carry out the research program and reduce the 
        program's results to effective educational practice;
            (2) the experience of the institution or consortium in 
        conducting research on the science of teaching and learning, 
        and the capacity of the institution or consortium to foster new 
        multidisciplinary collaborations;
            (3) the capacity of the institution or consortium to 
        attract precollege educators from a diverse array of schools 
        and professional experiences for participation in Center 
        activities; and
            (4) the amount of non-Federal matching funds proposed to be 
        provided by the institution or consortium.
    (c) Awards.--The Director shall ensure, to the extent practicable, 
that the Centers funded under this section conduct research and develop 
educational practices designed to improve the educational performance 
of a broad range of students, including students from groups 
underrepresented in mathematics, science, and engineering.

SEC. 313. ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

    The Director shall convene an annual meeting of the Centers to 
foster collaboration among the Centers and to further disseminate the 
results of the Centers' activities.

SEC. 314. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated to the National Science 
Foundation to carry out this title $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2002 through 2006.

                          PART B--FELLOWSHIPS

SEC. 321. EDUCATION RESEARCH TEACHER FELLOWSHIPS.

    (a) Grants.--
            (1) In general.--From amounts appropriated under subsection 
        (g), the Director shall establish a program to award grants to 
        institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit entities 
        (including consortia thereof) to provide research opportunities 
        related to the science of learning, to elementary school and 
        secondary school teachers of science and mathematics.
            (2) Competitive basis.--Grants shall be awarded under this 
        section on a competitive basis using the criteria described in 
        subsection (f).
    (b) Program Components.--Grant recipients under this section--
            (1) shall recruit and select teachers to participate in the 
        program assisted under this part and provide such teachers with 
        opportunities to conduct research in the fields of--
                    (A) brain research as a foundation for research on 
                human learning;
                    (B) behavioral, cognitive, affective, and social 
                aspects of human learning;
                    (C) science and mathematics learning in formal and 
                informal educational settings; or
                    (D) learning in complex educational systems;
            (2) shall ensure that participating teachers have mentors 
        and other programming support to ensure that such teachers' 
        research experience will contribute to the teachers' 
        understanding of the science of learning;
            (3) shall provide programming, guidance, and support to 
        ensure that participating teachers disseminate information 
        about the current state of education research and its 
        implications on classroom practice to other elementary and 
        secondary educators and that participating teachers can use 
        that information to improve the teachers' performance in the 
        classroom;
            (4) shall provide each participating teacher with a 
        fellowship; and
            (5) may provide room and board to participating teachers 
        for residential programs.
    (c) Use of Funds.--
            (1) Programming support.--Not more than 25 percent of the 
        funds provided through a grant under this section may be used 
        for programming support for participating teachers.
            (2) Fellowship amounts.--The Director shall issue 
        guidelines specifying the minimum or maximum amounts of 
        fellowships grant recipients may provide to teachers under this 
        section.
    (d) Duration.--A teacher may participate in research under the 
program under this section for not more than 1 calendar year or 2 
sequential summers.
    (e) Application.--An institution of higher education or eligible 
nonprofit entity (including a consortium thereof) that desires to 
receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the 
Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information 
as the Director may require. The application shall include, at a 
minimum--
            (1) a description of the research opportunities that will 
        be made available to elementary school or secondary school 
        teachers by the institution, nonprofit entity, or consortium;
            (2) a description of how the institution, nonprofit entity, 
        or consortium will recruit teachers to participate in the 
        program, and the criteria that will be used to select the 
        participating teachers;
            (3) a description of the number, types, and amounts of the 
        fellowships that the institution, nonprofit entity, or 
        consortium intends to offer to participating teachers; and
            (4) a description of the programming support that will be 
        provided to participating teachers to enhance such teachers' 
        research experience and to enable the teachers to educate their 
        peers about the value, findings, and implications of education 
        research.
    (f) Review of Applicants.--In evaluating the applications submitted 
under subsection (e), the Director shall consider, at a minimum--
            (1) the ability of the institution, nonprofit entity, or 
        consortium to effectively carry out the proposed program;
            (2) the extent to which the institution, nonprofit entity, 
        or consortium is committed to making the program a central 
        organizational focus; and
            (3) the likelihood that the research experiences and 
        programming to be offered by the institution, nonprofit entity, 
        or consortium will improve elementary and secondary education.
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out this 
section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004.

               TITLE IV--ROBERT NOYCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

SEC. 411. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Cost of attendance.--The term ``cost of attendance'' 
        has the meaning given such term in section 472 of the Higher 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll).
            (2) Mathematics and science teacher.--The term 
        ``mathematics and science teacher'' means a mathematics, 
        science, or technology teacher at the elementary school or 
        secondary school level.
            (3) Mathematics, science, or engineering professional.--The 
        term ``mathematics, science, or engineering professional'' 
        means a person who holds a baccalaureate, masters, or doctoral 
        degree in science, mathematics, or engineering and is working 
        in that field or a related area.
            (4) Scholarship.--The term ``scholarship'' means an award 
        under section 415.
            (5) Scholarship recipient.--The term ``scholarship 
        recipient'' means a student receiving a scholarship.
            (6) Stipend.--The term ``stipend'' means an award under 
        section 416.
            (7) Stipend recipient.--The term ``stipend recipient'' 
        means a science, mathematics or engineering professional 
        receiving a stipend.

SEC. 412. SCHOLARSHIP AND STIPEND PROGRAM.

    (a) Grants.--
            (1) In general.--From amounts appropriated under section 
        421, the Director shall establish a program to award grants to 
        institutions of higher education (including consortia thereof) 
        to enable the institutions or consortia to provide 
        scholarships, stipends, and programming designed to recruit and 
        train mathematics and science teachers at the elementary and 
        secondary level. Such program shall be known as the ``Robert 
        Noyce Scholarship Program''.
            (2) Competitive basis.--
                    (A) In general.--Grants shall be provided under 
                this section on a competitive basis using the criteria 
                described in section 413(b).
                    (B) Priority.--In awarding grants under this 
                section, the Director shall give priority to 
                institutions of higher education that have historically 
                specialized in teacher training.
    (b) Use of Grants.--Grants provided under this section shall be 
used by institutions of higher education--
            (1) to develop and implement programs to encourage top 
        college juniors and seniors majoring in mathematics, science, 
        and engineering at the grant recipient's institution to become 
        elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers, 
        through--
                    (A) administering scholarships in accordance with 
                section 415;
                    (B) offering programs to help scholarship 
                recipients teach in elementary schools and secondary 
                schools, including programs that will result in teacher 
                certification; and
                    (C) offering programs to scholarship recipients, 
                before and after such recipients receive their 
                baccalaureate degree, to enable the recipients to 
                become better mathematics and science teachers, and to 
                exchange ideas with others in their fields; or
            (2) to develop and implement programs to encourage science, 
        mathematics, or engineering professionals to become elementary 
        and secondary mathematics and science teachers, through--
                    (A) administering stipends in accordance with 
                section 416;
                    (B) offering programs to help stipend recipients 
                obtain teacher certification; and
                    (C) offering programs to stipend recipients, during 
                and after matriculation, to enable stipend recipients 
                to become better mathematics and science teachers and 
                exchange ideas with others in their fields.

SEC. 413. SELECTION PROCESS.

    (a) Application.--An institution of higher education or consortium 
desiring to receive a grant under this title shall submit an 
application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and 
containing such information as the Director may require. The 
application shall include, at a minimum--
            (1) a description of the scholarship or stipend program 
        that the institution or consortium intends to operate, 
        including the number of scholarships and the size and number of 
        stipends the institution or consortium intends to award, and 
        the selection process that will be used in awarding the 
        scholarships or stipends;
            (2) evidence that the institution or consortium has the 
        capability to administer the scholarship or stipend program in 
        accordance with the provisions of this title; and
            (3) a description of the programming that will be offered 
        to scholarship recipients or stipend recipients during and 
        after their matriculation.
    (b) Review of Applications.--In evaluating the applications 
submitted under subsection (a), the Director shall consider, at a 
minimum--
            (1) the ability of the institution or consortium to 
        effectively carry out the program;
            (2) the extent to which the institution or consortium is 
        committed to making the program a central organizational focus;
            (3) the ability of the proposed programming to enable 
        scholarship recipients or stipend recipients to become 
        successful mathematics and science teachers;
            (4) the number and quality of the students that will be 
        served by the program; and
            (5) the ability of the institution or consortium to recruit 
        students who otherwise would not pursue a career in teaching.

SEC. 414. AWARDS.

    (a) Designation.--The Director shall designate institutions or 
consortia that are awarded grants under this title as ``National 
Teacher Scholarship Centers''.
    (b) Distribution.--The Director shall ensure, to the extent 
practicable, that grants are awarded under this title in a wide range 
of geographic areas and to prepare students for jobs in rural, 
suburban, and urban local educational agencies.
    (c) Period.--Grants under this title shall be awarded for periods 
of 10 years.

SEC. 415. SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) In General.--Scholarships under this title shall be available 
only to individuals who are--
            (1) majoring in science, mathematics, or engineering; and
            (2) in the last 2 years of a baccalaureate degree program.
    (b) Selection.--Individuals shall be selected to receive 
scholarships primarily on the basis of academic merit, with 
consideration given to financial need and to the goal of promoting the 
participation of minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities.
    (c) Amount.--Scholarships under this title shall be awarded in the 
amount of $7,500 per year, or the cost of attendance at the institution 
of higher education, whichever is less. Individuals may receive a 
maximum of 2 years of scholarship support.
    (d) Service Obligation.--
            (1) In general.--An individual receiving a scholarship 
        under this title shall be required to complete, not later than 
        6 years after graduation from the baccalaureate degree program 
        for which the award was made, 2 years of service as a 
        mathematics or science teacher in an elementary school or 
        secondary school for each year a scholarship was received.
            (2) School.--Service required under this subsection shall 
        be performed at a school receiving assistance under part A of 
        title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

SEC. 416. STIPENDS.

    (a) In General.--Stipends under this title shall be available only 
to mathematics, science, or engineering professionals who, while 
receiving the stipend, are enrolled in a program to receive 
certification to teach in an elementary school or secondary school.
    (b) Selection.--Individuals shall be selected to receive stipends 
under this title primarily on the basis of academic merit, with 
consideration given to financial need and to the goal of promoting the 
participation of minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities.
    (c) Amount.--A stipend under this title shall be awarded in the 
amount of $7,500 per year, or the cost of tuition at the institution of 
higher education, whichever is less. Individuals may receive a maximum 
of 1 year of stipend support.
    (d) Service Obligation.--
            (1) In general.--An individual receiving a stipend under 
        this title shall be required to complete, not later than 6 
        years after completion of the program for which the stipend 
        award was made, 2 years of service as a mathematics or science 
        teacher.
            (2) Requirement.--Service required under this subsection 
        shall be performed at a school receiving assistance under part 
        A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
        1965.

SEC. 417. CONDITIONS OF SUPPORT.

    As a condition of acceptance of a scholarship or stipend under this 
title, a scholarship recipient or stipend recipient shall enter into an 
agreement with the applicable institution of higher education or 
consortium under which the recipient agrees to--
            (1) the terms of the scholarship or stipend pursuant to 
        section 415 or 416, as appropriate, and section 419;
            (2) provide the awarding institution of higher education or 
        consortium with annual certification of employment and current 
        contact information, and to participate in surveys provided by 
        the institution or consortium as part of an ongoing assessment 
        program; and
            (3) repay the United States any amount that is required to 
        be repaid in accordance with the provisions of section 419.

SEC. 418. COLLECTION FOR NONCOMPLIANCE.

    (a) Monitoring Compliance.--An institution of higher education or 
consortium receiving a grant under this title, as a condition of 
participating in the program, shall enter into an agreement with the 
Director to monitor the compliance of scholarship recipients and 
stipend recipients with their respective service requirements.
    (b) Collection of Repayment.--
            (1) In general.--In the event that a scholarship recipient 
        or stipend recipient is required to repay the scholarship or 
        stipend under section 419, the institution of higher education 
        or consortium that awarded the scholarship or stipend shall be 
        responsible for collecting the repayment amounts.
            (2) Treasury.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), any 
        repayment shall be deposited into the Treasury of the United 
        States.
            (3) Administrative costs.--An institution or consortium may 
        retain a percentage of any repayment it collects to defray 
        administrative costs associated with the collection. The 
        Director shall establish a single, fixed percentage that will 
        apply to all institutions and consortia.

SEC. 419. FAILURE TO COMPLETE SERVICE OBLIGATION.

    (a) General Rule.--An individual who receives a scholarship under 
this title shall repay to the United States the amount described in 
subsection (b) if that individual--
            (1) fails to maintain an acceptable level of academic 
        standing in the educational institution in which the individual 
        is enrolled, as determined by the Director;
            (2) is dismissed from such educational institution for 
        disciplinary reasons;
            (3) withdraws from the baccalaureate degree program for 
        which the award was made before the completion of such program;
            (4) declares that the individual does not intend to fulfill 
        the individual's service obligation under this title; or
            (5) fails to fulfill the service obligation of the 
        individual under this title.
    (b) Amount of Repayment.--
            (1) Before completion of 1 year of service.--If a 
        circumstance described in subsection (a) occurs before the 
        completion of 1 year of a service obligation under this title, 
        then the United States shall be entitled to repayment from the 
        individual, not later than 1 year after the date of the 
        occurrence, an amount equal to 2 times the sum of--
                    (A) the total amount of awards received by such 
                individual under this title; plus
                    (B) the interest on such amounts that would be 
                payable if at the time the amounts were received they 
                were loans bearing interest at the underpayment rate 
                determined under section 6621(a)(2) of the Internal 
                Revenue Code of 1986.
            (2) After completion of 1 year of service.--If a 
        circumstance described in subsection (a) (4) or (5) occurs 
        after the completion of 1 year of a service obligation under 
        this title, then the United States shall be entitled to 
        repayment from the individual, not later than 1 year after the 
        date of the occurrence, an amount equal to the sum of--
                    (A) the total amount of awards received by such 
                individual under this title minus $3,750 for each full 
                year of service completed; plus
                    (B) the interest on such amounts that would be 
                payable if at the time the amounts were received they 
                were loans bearing interest at the underpayment rate 
                determined under section 6621(a)(2) of the Internal 
                Revenue Code of 1986.
    (c) Exceptions.--
            (1) Waiver or suspension.--The Director may provide for the 
        partial or total waiver or suspension of any service obligation 
        or repayment by an individual under this title whenever 
        compliance by the individual is impossible or would involve 
        extreme hardship to the individual, or if enforcement of such 
        obligation with respect to the individual would be 
        unconscionable.
            (2) Bankruptcy.--Any obligation of an individual under this 
        title for repayment under subsection (b) may be released by a 
        discharge in bankruptcy under title 11, United States Code, 
        only if such discharge is granted after the expiration of the 
        5-year period beginning on the first date that such repayment 
        is required.

SEC. 420. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the 
National Science Foundation to carry out this title $20,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2002 through 2005.
    (b) Specific Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out the 
activities described in subsections (b)(1) (A) and (C) and (b)(2) (A) 
and (C) of section 412, such sums as may be necessary for each of 
fiscal years 2006 through 2011.

               TITLE V--REQUIREMENTS FOR RESEARCH CENTERS

SEC. 511. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESEARCH CENTERS.

    The Director shall ensure that any National Science Foundation 
program that awards grants for the establishment of research centers at 
institutions of higher education after the date of enactment of this 
Act--
            (1) requires that each research center offer programs for 
        elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers and 
        students to increase their understanding of the field in which 
        the center specializes; and
            (2) uses the quality of a center's proposed precollege 
        education programs as a criterion in determining grant awards.

               TITLE VI--EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH

SEC. 611. EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CENTERS.

    (a) Grants.--
            (1) In general.--From amounts appropriated under section 
        614, the Director shall establish a program to award grants to 
        institutions of higher education (including consortia thereof) 
        to establish centers to evaluate and improve the effectiveness 
        of information technologies in elementary and secondary 
        mathematics and science education.
            (2) Competitive basis.--Grants under this title shall be 
        awarded on a competitive basis using the criteria described in 
        section 612(b).
    (b) Activities.--Centers established under this title shall, at a 
minimum--
            (1) identify educational approaches and techniques that are 
        based on the use of information technology and that have the 
        potential for being effective in classroom settings;
            (2) develop methods to measure the effectiveness of various 
        applications of information technology in mathematics and 
        science education, including methods to measure student 
        performance;
            (3) evaluate the effectiveness of the use of technology in 
        elementary and secondary mathematics and science education in a 
        variety of classroom settings;
            (4) identify the key variables that influence educational 
        effectiveness and the conditions necessary to implement 
        successfully an approach or technique determined to be 
        educationally effective for a particular educational setting;
            (5) ensure that the results of such evaluations are widely 
        disseminated; and
            (6) develop a program to work with local educational 
        agencies to help the agencies apply the results of the research 
        conducted under this section.

SEC. 612. SELECTION PROCESS.

    (a) Application.--An institution of higher education (or a 
consortium thereof) desiring a grant under this title shall submit an 
application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and 
containing such information as the Director may require. The 
application shall include, at a minimum, a description of--
            (1) the approaches to the use of information technology 
        that the center will initially evaluate, how the center chose 
        those approaches, how the center will seek any additional 
        approaches, and how assessment procedures will be developed and 
        applied;
            (2) how the center will work with local education agencies 
        to evaluate the approaches in classrooms;
            (3) how the center will disseminate the results of the 
        center's work; and
            (4) how the center will develop an outreach program to work 
        with local educational agencies to help the agencies apply the 
        results of the center's research.
    (b) Review of Applications.--In evaluating the applications 
submitted under subsection (a), the Director shall consider, at a 
minimum, the ability of the institution of higher education or 
consortium to effectively evaluate information technology approaches 
and to help local educational agencies apply the results of those 
evaluations.
    (c) Awards.--The Director shall ensure, to the extent practicable, 
that the program established under this title evaluates information 
technology--
            (1) in a wide range of grade levels and geographic areas;
            (2) in rural, suburban, and urban schools; and
            (3) with a wide variety of students in terms of race, 
        ethnicity, and income.

SEC. 613. DOCUMENTATION AND DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS.

    (a) In General.--The results of the research and evaluations 
conducted in accordance with section 611 shall be documented and widely 
disseminated, including through publication in peer-reviewed scholarly 
journals.
    (b) Workshops, Conferences, and Web Sites.--The Director is 
authorized to sponsor and support workshops, conferences, and dedicated 
web sites to disseminate information about the activities of the 
educational technology research centers established under section 611.
    (c) Deposit in Library.--Information about effective approaches and 
techniques, including information and materials necessary for their 
implementation, shall be deposited in the Digital Library described in 
Title II.

SEC. 614. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Science 
Foundation to carry out section 611--
            (1) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004; 
        and
            (2) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 and 2006.

                      TITLE VII--SCIENCE EDUCATION

SEC. 711. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``National Science Education Act''.

SEC. 712. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) As concluded in the report of the Committee on Science 
        of the House of Representatives entitled ``Unlocking Our Future 
        Toward a New National Science Policy'', 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 in 2001 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 kindergarten through grade 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 an 
        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. 713. MASTER TEACHER GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Master teacher.--The term ``master teacher'' means a 
        mathematics or science teacher who works to improve the 
        instruction of mathematics or science in kindergarten through 
        9th grade through--
                    (A) participating in the development or revision of 
                science, mathematics, engineering, or technology 
                curricula;
                    (B) serving as a mentor to mathematics or science 
                teachers at the sponsoring school or other schools;
                    (C) coordinating and assisting teachers in the use 
                of hands-on inquiry materials, equipment, and supplies, 
                and when appropriate, supervising acquisition and 
                repair of such materials;
                    (D) providing in-classroom teaching assistance to 
                mathematics or science teachers; and
                    (E) providing professional development, including 
                for the purposes of training other master teachers, to 
                mathematics and science teachers.
            (2) Mathematics or science teacher.--The term ``mathematics 
        or science teacher'' means a teacher of mathematics, science, 
        engineering, or technology in an elementary school or secondary 
        school.
            (3) Nonclassroom time.--The term ``nonclassroom time'' 
        means time during regular school hours that is not utilized by 
        a master teacher for instructing elementary school or secondary 
        school children in the classroom.
            (4) Sponsoring school.--The term ``sponsoring school'' 
        means an elementary school or secondary school that employs a 
        teacher who is participating in a program funded in accordance 
        with this section.
    (b) Grants.--
            (1) In general.--From amounts made available under 
        subsection (f), the Director of the National Science Foundation 
        (hereafter in this section referred to as the ``Director'') 
        shall establish a program to award grants to institutions of 
        higher education (or consortia thereof) to enable such 
        institutions or consortia to train master teachers and assist 
        elementary schools and secondary schools to design and 
        implement master teacher programs.
            (2) Competitive basis.--Grants shall be awarded under this 
        section on a competitive basis using the criteria described in 
        subsection (c)(2).
            (3) Requirements.--An institution of higher education or 
        consortium receiving a grant under this section shall offer a 
        program to train master teachers. As part of such program, an 
        institution or consortium shall--
                    (A) recruit and select teachers to receive 
                training;
                    (B) ensure that training covers both content and 
                pedagogy;
                    (C) ensure that participating teachers have 
                mentors; and
                    (D) assist participating teachers with the 
                development and implementation of master teacher 
                programs at their sponsoring schools.
            (4) Activities.--An institution of higher education or 
        consortium may use grant funds received under this section to--
                    (A) develop and implement professional development 
                programs to train elementary school or secondary school 
                teachers to become master teachers or to train existing 
                master teachers;
                    (B) provide stipends and reimbursement for travel 
                to allow teachers to participate in professional 
                development programs in the summer and throughout the 
                year;
                    (C) provide guidance to sponsoring schools to 
                enable schools to develop and implement a plan for the 
                use of master teachers;
                    (D) support teachers who participate during the 
                summer in research programs conducted at institutions 
                of higher education, private entities, or government 
                facilities;
                    (E) provide educational materials and equipment to 
                master teachers;
                    (F) provide computer equipment and network 
                connectivity necessary to enable master teachers to 
                collaborate with other master teachers, to access 
                educational materials available online, and to 
                communicate with scientists or other mentors at remote 
                locations; and
                    (G) carry out any other activities the Director 
                determines will accomplish the goals of this section.
    (c) Selection Process.--
            (1) Application.--An institution of higher education or 
        consortium desiring a grant under this section shall submit an 
        application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and 
        containing such information as the Director may require. The 
        application shall include, at a minimum--
                    (A) a description of which classroom subjects and 
                grade levels the training will address;
                    (B) a description of the activities to be carried 
                out, including--
                            (i) how such activities will be aligned 
                        with State and local standards and with other 
                        activities that promote student achievement in 
                        mathematics and science; and
                            (ii) how such activities will be based on a 
                        review of relevant research and why such 
                        activities are expected to strengthen the 
                        quality of mathematics and science instruction;
                    (C) a description of how the institution or 
                consortium will ensure the active participation of its 
                mathematics, science, or engineering departments in the 
                development and implementation of the program;
                    (D) an explanation of how the institution or 
                consortium will ensure that teachers participating in 
                the program are given instruction in both content and 
                pedagogy;
                    (E) a description of how the institution or 
                consortium will recruit teachers to participate  in the 
program and the criteria that will be used to select the participating 
teachers;
                    (F) a description of the type and amount of any 
                financial assistance that will be provided to teachers 
                to enable teachers to participate; and
                    (G) a description of how the institution or 
                consortium will work with schools to ensure the success 
                of the participating teachers.
            (2) Review of applications.--In evaluating the applications 
        submitted under this subsection, the Director shall consider, 
        at a minimum--
                    (A) the ability of the institution or consortium to 
                effectively carry out the proposed program;
                    (B) the experience of the institution or consortium 
                in developing and implementing high-quality 
                professional development programs for mathematics or 
                science teachers; and
                    (C) the extent to which the institution or 
                consortium is committed to making the program a central 
                organizational focus.
            (3) Priority.--In evaluating the applications submitted 
        under this subsection, the Director shall give priority to 
        those applications that demonstrate the greatest participation 
        of mathematics, science, or engineering departments.
    (d) Teacher Eligibility.--
            (1) In general.--To be eligible to participate in a program 
        carried out by an institution or consortium under this section, 
        a mathematics or science teacher shall submit to the Director, 
        at such time and in such manner as the Director may require, an 
        assurance executed by the sponsoring school, that, after 
        completing the program, the mathematics or science teacher will 
        be provided sufficient non-classroom time at the sponsoring 
        school to enable the mathematics or science teacher to serve as 
        a master teacher. The mathematics or science teacher shall 
        submit a copy of this assurance to the institution of higher 
        education or consortium as part of the application process for 
        participation in the master teacher program.
            (2) Limitation.--Funds authorized by this section may not 
        be used to train any teacher who has failed to meet the 
        requirements of paragraph (1).
    (e) Accountability and Dissemination.--
            (1) Assessment required.--The Director shall evaluate the 
        activities carried out under this section. At a minimum such 
        evaluations shall use a common set of benchmarks and assessment 
        tools to identify best practices and materials developed and 
        demonstrated with funds provided under this section.
            (2) Dissemination of results.--The Director shall make 
        available the results of the evaluation required under 
        paragraph (1)--
                    (A) to the public, including through the National 
                Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology 
                Education Digital Library; and
                    (B) to the Committee on Science and the Committee 
                on Education and the Workforce of the House of 
                Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
                Labor and Pensions and the Committee on Commerce, 
                Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
            (3) Materials.--The Secretary shall make available through 
        the National Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology 
        Education Digital Library materials that are demonstrated to be 
        effective and are developed by institutions of higher education 
        or consortia under subsection (b)(4).
    (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out this 
section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004.

SEC. 714. DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ON REQUIRED COURSE OF STUDY FOR 
              CAREERS IN SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING, AND 
              TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION.

    (a) In General.--From amounts made available under subsection (b), 
the Director of the National Science Foundation, jointly with the 
Secretary of Education, shall compile and disseminate information 
(including through outreach, school counselor education, and visiting 
speakers) regarding--
            (1) standard prerequisites for middle school and secondary 
        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 school or secondary school; and
            (2) the licensing requirements in each State for science, 
        mathematics, engineering, or technology elementary school or 
        secondary school teachers.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out this 
section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004.

SEC. 715. REQUIREMENT TO CONDUCT STUDY EVALUATION.

    (a) Study Required.--
            (1) In general.--The Director of the National Science 
        Foundation shall enter into an agreement with the President of 
        the National Academy of Sciences and the President of the 
        National Academy of Engineering under which the academies 
        shall--
                    (A) 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
                    (B) explore the feasibility of 1 or more 
                methodological frameworks being used to evaluate 
                technologies that--
                            (i) have different purposes; and
                            (ii) are used by schools and school systems 
                        with diverse educational goals.
            (2) Contents.--The study evaluation shall include, to the 
        extent available, information on--
                    (A) the type of technology used in classrooms;
                    (B) the reason that such technology works; and
                    (C) the teacher training that is conducted in 
                conjunction with the technology.
    (b) Date.--The study evaluation required by subsection (a) shall be 
completed not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
title.
    (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.--
            (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
        the National Science Foundation to carry out this section, 
        $600,000 for fiscal year 2002.
            (2) Availability.--Any amounts appropriated under the 
        authority of paragraph (1) shall remain available until 
        expended.

SEC. 716. SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS 
              EDUCATION CONFERENCE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this title, the Director of the National Science 
Foundation (hereafter in this section referred to as the ``Director'') 
shall convene the first of an annual 3- to 5-day conference for 
kindergarten through 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 will 
        provide useful participation in the conference.
    (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the conference convened under 
subsection (a) are 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 shall--
            (1) transmit to the Committee on Science and the Committee 
        on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives 
        and to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
        and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions 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 to the National Science Foundation to carry out this 
section--
            (1) $300,000 for fiscal year 2002; and
            (2) $200,000 for each of fiscal years 2003 and 2004.

SEC. 717. DISTANCE LEARNING GRANTS.

    (a) In General.--From amounts made available under subsection (d), 
the Director of the National Science Foundation (hereafter in this 
section referred to as the ``Director'') shall establish a program to 
award grants, on a competitive basis, to institutions of higher 
education to enable such institutions to provide distance learning 
opportunities in mathematics or science to elementary school or 
secondary school students.
    (b) Use of Funds.--Institutions of higher education shall use 
grants awarded under this section to establish programs under which 
elementary school or secondary school students can participate in 
research activities in mathematics or science occurring at such 
institutions via the Internet.
    (c) Selection Process.--
            (1) Application.--An institution of higher education 
        desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application 
        to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing 
        such information as the Director may require. The application 
        shall include, at a minimum--
                    (A) a description of the research opportunities 
                that will be offered by the institution;
                    (B) a description of how the institution will 
                publicize these research opportunities for schools and 
                teachers;
                    (C) a description of how the institution will 
                involve teachers of participating students in the 
                program;
                    (D) a description of how students will be selected 
                to participate in the program;
                    (E) a description of how the institution will 
                ensure that the research carried out under this section 
                will enhance the education of the participating 
                students and will make it more likely that such 
                students will continue to study mathematics or science; 
                and
                    (F) a description of how the grant funds will be 
                spent.
            (2) Review of applications.--In evaluating the applications 
        submitted under this subsection, the Director shall consider, 
        at a minimum--
                    (A) the ability of the institution to effectively 
                carry out the proposed program;
                    (B) the extent to which the proposed program will 
                enhance the education of the participating students and 
                will encourage such students to continue the study of 
                mathematics or science; and
                    (C) the extent to which the proposed program will 
                provide opportunities that would not otherwise be 
                available to students.
            (3) Range.--The Director shall ensure, to the extent 
        practicable, that grants are awarded under this section in a 
        wide range of geographic areas and to assist students in rural, 
        suburban, and urban schools.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out this 
section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004.

                  TITLE VIII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 811. MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE PROFICIENCY PARTNERSHIPS.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Proficiency in mathematics, science, and information 
        technology is necessary to prepare all students in the United 
        States for participation in the 21st Century and to guarantee 
        that the United States economy remains vibrant and competitive.
            (2) In order to achieve such results, it is important that 
        the Federal Government shows interest in economically 
        disadvantaged students who have not been provided with 
        opportunities that will improve their knowledge of mathematics, 
        science, and technology.
            (3) Many economically disadvantaged students in urban and 
        rural America share a common need to receive a quality 
        education, but often the schools of such students lack the 
        needed resources to lift those students into the information 
        age.
            (4) The schools and businesses serving urban and rural 
        communities are strategically positioned to form a unique 
        partnership with students that will increase their mathematics, 
        science, and technology proficiency and encourage and support 
        their undergraduate study in those fields for the benefit of 
        the Nation.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Conditional agreement.--The term ``conditional 
        agreement'' means an arrangement between representatives of the 
        private sector and local educational agencies to provide 
        certain services and funds, such as the donation of computer 
        hardware and software, the establishment of internship and 
        mentoring opportunities for students who participate in 
        mathematics, science, or information technology programs, and 
        the donation of scholarship funds for use at institutions of 
        higher education by eligible students who have participated in 
        the mathematics, science, or information technology programs.
            (2) Eligible student.--The term ``eligible student'' means 
        a student enrolled in the 12th grade who--
                    (A) has participated in a mathematics, science, or 
                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 2.7 on 
                a 4.0 scale for the period from the beginning of the 
                10th grade through the time of application for a 
                scholarship.
    (c) Demonstration Project.--
            (1) In general.--From amounts made available under 
        subsection (d), the Director shall award grants, under a 
        demonstration project, to eligible local educational agencies 
        to allow such agencies to carry out the activities described in 
        paragraph (2).
            (2) Local use of funds.--
                    (A) In general.--An eligible 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, or information technology 
                curricula, to purchase equipment necessary to establish 
                such program, and to provide professional development 
                to enhance teacher quality in those fields.
                    (B) Requirements.--A program described in 
                subparagraph (A) shall--
                            (i) provide teachers with professional 
                        development specifically in information 
                        technology, mathematics, or science; and
                            (ii) provide students with a rich 
                        standards-based course of study in mathematics, 
                        science, or information technology.
            (3) Eligible local educational agencies.--A local 
        educational agency is eligible to receive a grant under this 
        section if the agency--
                    (A) provides assurances that the agency has 
                executed conditional agreements with representatives of 
                the private sector to provide  services and funds 
described in paragraph (4); and
                    (B) agrees to enter into an agreement with the 
                Director to comply with the requirements of this 
                section.
            (4) Private sector participation.--The conditional 
        agreements referred to in paragraph (3)(A) shall describe 
        participation by the private sector, including--
                    (A) the donation of computer hardware, software, 
                and other technology tools;
                    (B) the establishment of internship and mentoring 
                opportunities for students who participate in the 
                mathematics, science, or information technology 
                program; and
                    (C) the donation of higher education scholarship 
                funds for eligible students to continue their study of 
                mathematics, science, or information technology.
            (5) Application.--
                    (A) In general.-- Each eligible local educational 
                agency desiring to receive a grant under this section 
                shall submit an application to the Director in 
                accordance with guidelines established by the Director 
                pursuant to subparagraph (B).
                    (B) Guidelines.--
                            (i) In general.--The guidelines referred to 
                        in subparagraph (A) 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 
                                paragraphs (2), (3), and (4);
                                    (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.
                            (ii) Publication.--The Director shall issue 
                        and publish such guidelines not later than 6 
                        months after the date of enactment of this 
                        title.
            (6) Selection.--
                    (A) In general.--The Director shall award grants to 
                eligible local educational agencies on the basis of 
                merit to be determined after conducting a comprehensive 
                review of applications submitted under paragraph (5).
                    (B) Priority.--The Director shall give special 
                priority in awarding grants under this section to 
                eligible local educational agencies that--
                            (i) demonstrate the greatest ability to 
                        obtain commitments from representatives of the 
                        private sector to provide services and funds 
                        described under paragraph (4); and
                            (ii) demonstrate the greatest economic need 
                        for assistance under this section.
            (7) Maximum grant amount.--Any grant made to an eligible 
        local educational agency under this section may not exceed 
        $300,000.
            (8) Assessment.--The Director shall assess the 
        effectiveness of activities carried out under this section.
            (9) Study and report.--
                    (A) Study.--The Director shall initiate an 
                evaluative study of the effectiveness of the activities 
                carried out under this section in improving student 
                performance in mathematics, science, and information 
                technology at the precollege level and in stimulating 
                student interest in pursuing undergraduate studies in 
                those fields.
                    (B) Report.--
                            (i) In general.--The Director shall report 
                        the findings of the study to Congress not later 
                        than 4 years after the award of the first 
                        scholarship under this section.
                            (ii) Contents.--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.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out this 
section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004.

SEC. 812. ARTICULATION PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND 
              SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

    (a) Amendment.--Section 3(c)(2) of the Scientific and Advanced-
Technology Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 1862i(c)(2)) is amended by adding at 
the end the following: ``The Director shall give priority to proposals 
that involve secondary schools with a majority of students from groups 
that are underrepresented in the science, mathematics, or engineering 
workforce. Grants in such cases shall not be subject to the requirement 
under subsection (f)(3) for a matching contribution.''.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry out this 
section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004.

SEC. 813. ASSESSMENT OF IN-SERVICE TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 
              PROGRAMS.

    (a) Assessment.--The Director shall review all programs sponsored 
by the National Science Foundation that support in-service teacher 
professional development for science teachers to determine--
            (1) the level of resources and degree of emphasis placed on 
        training teachers in the effective use of information 
        technology in the classroom; and
            (2) the allocation of resources between summer activities 
        and follow-up reinforcement training and support for such 
        participants during the school year.
    (b) Report.--The Director shall submit to Congress, not later than 
1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, a report that--
            (1) describes the results of the review conducted under 
        subsection (a);
            (2) summarizes the major categories of in-service teacher 
        professional development activities supported at the time of 
        the review, and the funding levels for such activities; and
            (3) describes any proposed changes, including new funding 
        allocations, to strengthen the in-service teacher professional 
        development programs of the National Science Foundation that 
        support activities described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of 
        subsection (a).

SEC. 814. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS.

    The Director may award grants, on a competitive basis, for the 
development of educational materials on energy production and use, 
energy conservation, and renewable energy for use in elementary schools 
and secondary schools.

SEC. 815. STUDY OF BROADBAND NETWORK ACCESS FOR SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES.

    (a) Study and Report.--
            (1) Study.--The Director shall conduct a study of the 
        issues described in subsection (c).
            (2) Report.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
                date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall 
                submit to Congress a report that includes 
                recommendations to address the issues studied under 
                paragraph (1).
                    (B) Updates.--The Director shall update the report 
                described in subparagraph (A) and shall submit to 
                Congress the updated report each year for the 6 years 
                after the year in which report is submitted under 
                subparagraph (A).
    (b) Consultation.--In preparing the reports under subsection (a), 
the Director shall consult with the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and 
such other Federal agencies and educational entities as the Director 
considers appropriate.
    (c) Issues To Be Addressed.--The reports shall--
            (1) identify the current status of high-speed, large 
        bandwidth capacity access to all public elementary schools and 
        secondary schools and libraries in the United States;
            (2) identify how the provision of high-speed, large 
        bandwidth capacity access to the Internet to such schools and 
        libraries can be effectively utilized within each school and 
        library;
            (3) consider the effect that specific or regional 
        circumstances may have on the ability of such schools and 
        libraries to acquire high-speed, large bandwidth capacity 
        access to achieve universal connectivity as an effective tool 
        in the education process; and
            (4) include options and recommendations to address the 
        challenges and issues identified in the reports.

SEC. 816. EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE; LEARNING COMMUNITY 
              CONSORTIUM.

    Section 3 of the Scientific and Advanced Technology Act of 1992 (42 
U.S.C. 1862i) is amended by redesignating subsections (d), (e), (f), 
and (g) as subsections (f), (g), (h), and (i), respectively, and by 
inserting after subsection (c) the following:
    ``(d) Educational Technology Assistance.--
            ``(1) Grants.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Director is authorized to 
                award grants on a competitive basis, using the criteria 
                described in paragraph (4), to eligible entities to 
                enable such eligible entities to establish centers to 
                assist elementary schools and secondary schools in the 
                use of information technology for mathematics, science, 
                or technology instruction.
                    ``(B) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive 
                a grant under subparagraph (A), an entity shall be an 
                associate-degree-granting college, a bachelor-degree-
                granting institution, or an education service agency 
                (including a consortia thereof).
            ``(2) Activities.--Activities carried out by centers funded 
        under this subsection may include--
                    ``(A) helping schools evaluate their need for 
                information technology;
                    ``(B) training teachers on how to best use 
                information technology in instruction; and
                    ``(C) providing other information and training to 
                help schools and teachers ensure that schools and 
                teachers have access to appropriate information 
                technologies and are using the technologies to maximum 
                advantage.
            ``(3) Application.--An eligible entity that desires to 
        receive a grant under this subsection shall submit an 
        application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and 
        containing such information as the Director may require 
        including, at a minimum--
                    ``(A) a description of the services that will be 
                provided to schools and teachers;
                    ``(B) a list of the schools expected to be served;
                    ``(C) a description of how the eligible entity will 
                draw on the expertise of the entity's faculty and 
                students to assist schools and teachers; and
                    ``(D) a description of how the eligible entity will 
                operate the program after funding made available by 
                this subsection has expired.
            ``(4) Selection.--In evaluating applications submitted 
        under paragraph (3), the Director shall consider, at a 
        minimum--
                    ``(A) the ability of the eligible entity to 
                effectively carry out the program;
                    ``(B) the number of schools and students that will 
                be served and their need for assistance;
                    ``(C) the extent to which the eligible entity has 
                worked with participating schools to ensure that 
                priority problems will be addressed by the assistance 
                provided under this subsection; and
                    ``(D) the ability of the eligible entity to 
                continue to provide assistance after funding under this 
                subsection has expired.
            ``(5) Awards.--(A) The Director shall ensure, to the extent 
        practicable, that the program established by this subsection 
        assists schools in rural, suburban, and urban areas.
            ``(B) No eligible entity shall receive grant funds under 
        this subsection for more than three years.
            ``(6) Report.--Not later than April 1, 2005, the Director 
        shall provide a report to Congress that assesses the success of 
        the program under this subsection and the need of schools for 
        continued assistance and that recommends, based on experience 
        with the program, ways that information technology assistance 
        can be made more broadly available to schools.
            ``(7) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
        to be appropriated to the National Science Foundation to carry 
        out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 
        through 2004.
    ``(e) Learning Community Consortium.--The Director is authorized to 
award a grant in the amount of $10,000,000 to a consortium composed of 
associate-degree granting colleges to enable such consortium to carry 
out a pilot project to encourage women, minorities, and individuals 
with disabilities to enter and complete programs in mathematics, 
science, engineering, and technology.''.
                                 <all>