[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 659 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                 S. 659

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


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 19, 2009

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

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


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

    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 ``Improving the Teaching and Learning 
of American History and Civics Act of 2009''.

SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
 TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT OF 
                                  1965

Sec. 101. American history and civics education.
Sec. 102. Standards and assessments in United States history.
Sec. 103. Repeals.
Sec. 104. Table of contents.
           TITLE II--AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS ACHIEVEMENT

Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Findings.
Sec. 203. Amendment to the National Assessment of Educational Progress 
                            Authorization Act.
Sec. 204. National Assessment Governing Board.
Sec. 205. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 206. Conforming amendment.

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

SEC. 101. AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS EDUCATION.

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

            ``PART E--AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS EDUCATION

           ``Subpart 1--Teaching Traditional American History

``SEC. 2511. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may establish and implement a 
program to be known as the `Teaching Traditional American History Grant 
Program', under which the Secretary shall award grants on a competitive 
basis to local educational agencies--
            ``(1) to carry out activities to promote the teaching of 
        traditional American history in elementary schools and 
        secondary schools as a separate academic subject (not as a 
        component of social studies); and
            ``(2) for the development, implementation, and 
        strengthening of programs to teach traditional American history 
        as a separate academic subject (not as a component of social 
        studies) within elementary school and secondary school 
        curricula, including the implementation of activities--
                    ``(A) to improve the quality of instruction; and
                    ``(B) to provide professional development and 
                teacher education activities with respect to 
                traditional American history.
    ``(b) Required Partnership.--A local educational agency that 
receives a grant under subsection (a) shall carry out activities under 
the grant in partnership with 1 or more of the following:
            ``(1) An institution of higher education.
            ``(2) A nonprofit history or humanities organization.
            ``(3) A library or museum.
    ``(c) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
section, a local educational agency shall submit an application to the 
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information 
as the Secretary may require.

``SEC. 2512. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

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

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

``SEC. 2521. DEFINITIONS.

    ``In this subpart:
            ``(1) American history and civics.--The term `American 
        history and civics' means the events, persons, ideas, and 
        documents that shaped the institutions and democratic heritage 
        of the United States of America.
            ``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'--
                    ``(A) means--
                            ``(i) an institution of higher education;
                            ``(ii) an educational institution created 
                        by a legislative act of a State for the express 
                        purpose of teaching American history and civics 
                        to elementary school and secondary school 
                        students; or
                            ``(iii) a nonprofit educational 
                        institution, museum, library, or research 
                        center; and
                    ``(B) includes a consortium of entities described 
                in subparagraph (A).
            ``(3) State.--The term `State' means each of the 50 States 
        and the District of Columbia.
            ``(4) Teachers of american history and civics.--The term 
        `teachers of American history and civics' means kindergarten 
        through grade 12 teachers who teach American history, 
        government, or civics, or who incorporate such subjects into 
        their teaching.

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

    ``(a) Establishment.--From amounts appropriated under section 2524, 
the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible 
entities to establish Presidential Academies for Teaching of American 
History and Civics (in this section referred to as the `Academies') 
that offer seminars or institutes for teachers of American history and 
civics--
            ``(1) to strengthen such teachers' knowledge of the 
        subjects of American history and civics; and
            ``(2) to learn how better to teach such subjects.
    ``(b) Application.--
            ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity that desires to 
        receive a grant under this section shall submit an application 
        to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing 
        such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
            ``(2) Contents.--An application submitted under paragraph 
        (1) shall--
                    ``(A) include the criteria that will be used to 
                determine which teachers will be selected to attend a 
                seminar or institute offered by the Academy;
                    ``(B) identify the individual the eligible entity 
                intends to appoint to be the primary scholar at the 
                Academy;
                    ``(C) include a description of the curriculum to be 
                used at a seminar or institute offered by the Academy; 
                and
                    ``(D) provide an assurance that the recruitment 
                plan for which teachers will be selected to attend a 
                seminar or institute offered by the Academy will 
                include teachers from high-need schools.
    ``(c) Priority.--In awarding grants under this subpart, the 
Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that coordinate or 
align their activities with the National Park Service National 
Centennial Parks initiative to develop innovative and comprehensive 
programs using the resources of the National Parks.
    ``(d) Grant Terms.--Grants awarded under this section shall be for 
a term of not more than 5 years.
    ``(e) Use of Funds.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each eligible entity that receives a 
        grant under this section shall use the grant funds--
                    ``(A) to establish an Academy and a seminar or 
                institute in accordance with paragraph (2);
                    ``(B) for Academy staff in accordance with 
                paragraph (3);
                    ``(C) for the selection of teachers in accordance 
                with paragraph (4); and
                    ``(D) to pay teacher stipends in accordance with 
                paragraph (5).
            ``(2) Seminars and institutes.--An eligible entity that 
        receives a grant under this section shall establish an Academy 
        that shall offer a seminar or institute for teachers of 
        American history and civics that--
                    ``(A) provides intensive professional development 
                opportunities for teachers of American history and 
                civics to strengthen such teachers' knowledge of the 
                subjects of American history and civics;
                    ``(B) is led by a team of primary scholars and core 
                teachers;
                    ``(C) is conducted during the summer or another 
                appropriate time; and
                    ``(D) is of not less than 2 weeks and not more than 
                6 weeks in duration.
            ``(3) Academy staff.--
                    ``(A) Primary scholar.--Each Academy shall be 
                headed by a primary scholar identified in the 
                application submitted under subsection (b) who shall--
                            ``(i) be accomplished in the field of 
                        traditional American history and civics; and
                            ``(ii) design the curriculum for and lead 
                        the seminar or institute.
                    ``(B) Core teachers.--Each primary scholar shall 
                appoint an appropriate number of core teachers. At the 
                direction of the primary scholar, the core teachers 
                shall teach and train the seminar or institute 
                attendees.
            ``(4) Selection of teachers.--
                    ``(A) In general.--
                            ``(i) Number of teachers.--Each year, each 
                        Academy shall select teachers of American 
                        history and civics to attend the seminar or 
                        institute offered by the Academy.
                            ``(ii) Flexibility in number of teachers.--
                        Each Academy shall select not more than 300 and 
                        not less than 50 teachers under clause (i).
                    ``(B) Teachers from public and private schools.--An 
                Academy may select teachers from public schools and 
                private schools to attend the seminar or institute 
                offered by the Academy.
            ``(5) Teacher stipends.--Each teacher selected to 
        participate in a seminar or institute funded under this section 
        shall be awarded a fixed stipend based on the length of the 
        seminar or institute to help cover travel costs, books and 
        other study expenses, and meals and living expenses appropriate 
        to the length of the seminar or institute to ensure that such 
        teacher does not incur personal costs associated with the 
        teacher's participation in the seminar or institute.
    ``(f) Evaluation.--
            ``(1) In general.--At the completion of all of the seminars 
        and institutes assisted in the third year grants are awarded 
        under this section, the Secretary shall conduct an evaluation 
        and submit a report on its findings to the Committee on Health, 
        Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee 
        on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives.
            ``(2) Content of evaluation.--The evaluation conducted 
        pursuant to paragraph (1) shall--
                    ``(A) determine the overall success of the grant 
                program authorized under this section; and
                    ``(B) highlight the best grantees' practices in 
                order to become models for future grantees.
    ``(g) Match.--
            ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity receiving Federal 
        assistance under this section shall provide, toward the cost of 
        the activities assisted under the grant, from non-Federal 
        sources, an amount equal to 100 percent of the amount of the 
        grant.
            ``(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive all or part of the 
        matching requirement described in paragraph (1) for any fiscal 
        year for an eligible entity if the Secretary determines that 
        applying the matching requirement would result in serious 
        hardship or an inability to carry out the activities described 
        in subsection (e).

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

    ``(a) Establishment.--From amounts appropriated under section 2524, 
the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible 
entities to establish Congressional Academies for Students of American 
History and Civics (in this section referred to as the `Academies') 
that shall offer seminars or institutes for outstanding students of 
American history and civics to broaden and deepen such students' 
understanding of American history and civics.
    ``(b) Application.--
            ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity that desires to 
        receive a grant under this section shall submit an application 
        to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing 
        such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
            ``(2) Contents.--An application submitted under paragraph 
        (1) shall--
                    ``(A) include the criteria that will be used to 
                determine which students will be selected to attend a 
                seminar or institute offered by the Academy;
                    ``(B) identify the individual the eligible entity 
                intends to appoint to be the primary scholar at the 
                Academy;
                    ``(C) include a description of the curriculum to be 
                used at a seminar or institute offered by the Academy; 
                and
                    ``(D) include a description of how the eligible 
                entity will--
                            ``(i) inform students served by local 
                        educational agencies receiving assistance under 
                        part A of title I, particularly students 
                        enrolled in schools with high percentages of 
                        students described as children to be counted 
                        under section 1124(c), of the Academy; and
                            ``(ii) provide such students with 
                        information on how to apply to attend a seminar 
                        or institute offered by the Academy so that 
                        such students may attend the seminar or 
                        institute.
    ``(c) Grant Terms.--Grants awarded under this section shall be for 
a term of not more than 5 years.
    ``(d) Use of Funds.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each eligible entity that receives a 
        grant under this section shall use the grant funds--
                    ``(A) to establish an Academy and a seminar or 
                institute in accordance with paragraph (2);
                    ``(B) for Academy staff in accordance with 
                paragraph (3);
                    ``(C) for the selection of students in accordance 
                with paragraph (4); and
                    ``(D) to pay student stipends in accordance with 
                paragraph (5).
            ``(2) Seminars and institutes.--An eligible entity that 
        receives a grant under this section shall establish an Academy 
        that shall offer a seminar or institute during the summer for 
        outstanding students of American history and civics that--
                    ``(A) broadens and deepens such students' 
                understanding of American history and civics;
                    ``(B) is led by a team of primary scholars and core 
                teachers; and
                    ``(C) is of not less than 2 weeks and not more than 
                6 weeks in duration.
            ``(3) Academy staff.--
                    ``(A) Primary scholar.--Each Academy shall be 
                headed by a primary scholar identified in the 
                application submitted under subsection (b) who shall--
                            ``(i) be accomplished in the field of 
                        American history and civics; and
                            ``(ii) design the curriculum for and lead 
                        the seminar or institute.
                    ``(B) Core teachers.--Each primary scholar shall 
                appoint an appropriate number of core teachers. At the 
                direction of the primary scholar, the core teachers 
                shall teach the seminar or institute attendees.
            ``(4) Selection of students.--
                    ``(A) Number of students.--Each year, each Academy 
                shall select between 100 and 300 eligible students to 
                attend the seminar or institute offered by the Academy.
                    ``(B) Eligible students.--A student shall be 
                eligible to attend a seminar or institute offered by an 
                Academy if the student--
                            ``(i) is recommended by the student's 
                        secondary school principal (or other head of 
                        such student's academic program) to attend the 
                        seminar or institute; and
                            ``(ii) will be a junior or senior in the 
                        academic year following attendance at the 
                        seminar or institute.
            ``(5) Student stipends.--Each student selected to 
        participate in a seminar or institute funded under this section 
        shall be awarded a fixed stipend based on the length of the 
        seminar or institute to help cover travel costs, books and 
        other study expenses, and meals and living expenses appropriate 
        to the length of the seminar or institute to ensure that such 
        student does not incur personal costs associated with the 
        student's participation in the seminar or institute.
    ``(e) Evaluation.--
            ``(1) In general.--At the completion of all of the seminars 
        and institutes assisted in the third year grants are awarded 
        under this section, the Secretary shall conduct an evaluation 
        and submit a report on its findings to the Committee on Health, 
        Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee 
        on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives.
            ``(2) Content of evaluation.--The evaluation conducted 
        pursuant to paragraph (1) shall--
                    ``(A) determine the overall success of the grant 
                program authorized under this section; and
                    ``(B) highlight the best grantees' practices in 
                order to become models for future grantees.
    ``(f) Match.--
            ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity receiving Federal 
        assistance under this section shall provide, toward the cost of 
        the activities assisted under the grant, from non-Federal 
        sources, an amount equal to 100 percent of the amount of the 
        grant.
            ``(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive all or part of the 
        matching requirement described in paragraph (1) for any fiscal 
        year for an eligible entity if the Secretary determines that 
        applying the matching requirement would result in serious 
        hardship or an inability to carry out the activities described 
        in subsection (d).

``SEC. 2524. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

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

                      ``Subpart 3--Civic Education

``SEC. 2531. SHORT TITLE.

    ``This subpart may be cited as the `Education for Democracy Act'.

``SEC. 2532. PURPOSE.

    ``It is the purpose of this subpart--
            ``(1) to improve the quality of civics and government 
        education by educating students about the history and 
        principles of the Constitution of the United States, including 
        the Bill of Rights;
            ``(2) to foster civic competence and responsibility; and
            ``(3) to improve the quality of civic education and 
        economic education through cooperative civic education and 
        economic education exchange programs with emerging democracies.

``SEC. 2533. GENERAL AUTHORITY.

    ``(a) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants to, 
or enter into contracts with--
            ``(1) the Center for Civic Education, to carry out civic 
        education activities under sections 2534 and 2535;
            ``(2) the National Council on Economic Education, to carry 
        out economic education activities under section 2535; and
            ``(3) organizations experienced in the development of 
        curricula and programs in civics and government education or 
        economic education for students in elementary schools and 
        secondary schools in countries other than the United States, to 
        carry out civic education or economic education activities 
        under section 2535.
    ``(b) Distribution for Cooperative Civic Education and Economic 
Education Exchange Programs.--
            ``(1) Limitation.--Not more than 40 percent of the amount 
        appropriated under section 2536 for a fiscal year shall be used 
        to carry out section 2555.
            ``(2) Distribution.--Of the amount used to carry out 
        section 2535 for a fiscal year (consistent with paragraph (1)), 
        the Secretary shall use--
                    ``(A) 37.5 percent for a grant or contract for the 
                Center for Civic Education;
                    ``(B) 37.5 percent for a grant or contract for the 
                National Council on Economic Education; and
                    ``(C) 25 percent for not less than 1, but not more 
                than 3, grants or contracts for organizations described 
                in subsection (a)(3).

``SEC. 2534. WE THE PEOPLE PROGRAM.

    ``(a) The Citizen and the Constitution.--
            ``(1) Educational activities.--The Center for Civic 
        Education--
                    ``(A) shall use funds made available under grants 
                or contracts under section 2533(a)(1)--
                            ``(i) to continue and expand the 
                        educational activities of the program entitled 
                        the We the People . . . The Citizen and the 
                        Constitution program administered by such 
                        center;
                            ``(ii) to carry out activities to enhance 
                        student attainment of challenging academic 
                        content standards in civics and government;
                            ``(iii) to provide a course of instruction 
                        on the basic principles of the Nation's 
                        constitutional democracy and the history of the 
                        Constitution of the United States, including 
                        the Bill of Rights;
                            ``(iv) to provide, at the request of a 
                        participating school, school and community 
                        simulated congressional hearings following the 
                        course of instruction described in clause 
                        (iii); and
                            ``(v) to provide an annual national 
                        competition of simulated congressional hearings 
                        for secondary school students who wish to 
                        participate in such a program; and
                    ``(B) may use funds made available under grants or 
                contracts under section 2533(a)(1)--
                            ``(i) to provide advanced, sustained, and 
                        ongoing training of teachers about the 
                        Constitution of the United States and the 
                        political system of the United States;
                            ``(ii) to implement a comprehensive program 
                        to improve public knowledge, understanding, and 
                        support of American democratic institutions; 
                        and
                            ``(iii) to provide materials and methods of 
                        instruction, including teacher training, that 
                        utilize the latest advancements in educational 
                        technology.
            ``(2) Availability of program.--The education program 
        authorized under this subsection shall be made available to 
        public and private elementary schools and secondary schools, 
        including Bureau-funded schools, in the 435 congressional 
        districts, and in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
        Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American 
        Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    ``(b) Project Citizen.--
            ``(1) Educational activities.--The Center for Civic 
        Education--
                    ``(A) shall use funds made available under grants 
                or contracts under section 2533(a)(1)--
                            ``(i) to continue and expand the 
                        educational activities of the program entitled 
                        the We the People . . . Project Citizen program 
                        administered by the Center;
                            ``(ii) to carry out activities to enhance 
                        student attainment of challenging academic 
                        content standards in civics and government;
                            ``(iii) to provide a course of instruction 
                        at the middle and high school levels on the 
                        roles of State and local governments in the 
                        Federal system established by the Constitution 
                        of the United States;
                            ``(iv) to provide an annual national 
                        showcase or competition; and
                            ``(v) to provide civic education materials 
                        and services to address the needs of 
                        immigrants, new citizens, and other 
                        postsecondary and adult populations; and
                    ``(B) may use funds made available under grants or 
                contracts under section 2533(a)(1)--
                            ``(i) to provide optional school and 
                        community simulated State legislative hearings;
                            ``(ii) to provide advanced, sustained, and 
                        ongoing training of teachers on the roles of 
                        State and local governments in the Federal 
                        system established by the Constitution of the 
                        United States; and
                            ``(iii) to provide materials and methods of 
                        instruction, including teacher training, that 
                        utilize the latest advancements in educational 
                        technology.
            ``(2) Availability of program.--The education program 
        authorized under this subsection shall be made available to 
        public and private middle schools, including Bureau-funded 
        schools, in the 50 States of the United States, the District of 
        Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States 
        Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of 
        the Northern Mariana Islands.
    ``(c) Bureau-Funded School Defined.--In this section, the term 
`Bureau-funded school' has the meaning given such term in section 1141 
of the Education Amendments of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 2021).

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

    ``(a) Cooperative Education Exchange Programs.--The Center for 
Civic Education, the National Council on Economic Education, and 
organizations described in section 2533(a)(3) shall use funds made 
available under grants or contracts under section 2533 to carry out 
cooperative education exchange programs in accordance with this 
section.
    ``(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the cooperative education exchange 
programs carried out under this section shall be--
            ``(1) to make available to educators from eligible 
        countries exemplary curriculum and teacher training programs in 
        civics and government education, and economics education, 
        developed in the United States;
            ``(2) to assist eligible countries in the adaptation, 
        implementation, and institutionalization of such programs;
            ``(3) to create and implement civics and government 
        education, and economic education, programs for students that 
        draw upon the experiences of the participating eligible 
        countries;
            ``(4) to provide a means for the exchange of ideas and 
        experiences in civics and government education, and economic 
        education, among political, educational, governmental, and 
        private sector leaders of participating eligible countries; and
            ``(5) to provide support for--
                    ``(A) independent research and evaluation to 
                determine the effects of educational programs on 
                students' development of the knowledge, skills, and 
                traits of character essential for the preservation and 
                improvement of constitutional democracy; and
                    ``(B) effective participation in, and the 
                preservation and improvement of, an efficient market 
                economy.
    ``(c) Activities.--In carrying out the cooperative education 
exchange programs assisted under this section, the Center for Civic 
Education, the National Council on Economic Education, and 
organizations described in section 2533(a)(3) shall--
            ``(1) provide to the participants from eligible countries--
                    ``(A) seminars on the basic principles of United 
                States constitutional democracy and economic system, 
                including seminars on the major governmental and 
                economic institutions and systems in the United States, 
                and visits to such institutions;
                    ``(B) visits to school systems, institutions of 
                higher education, and nonprofit organizations 
                conducting exemplary programs in civics and government 
                education, and economic education, in the United 
                States;
                    ``(C) translations and adaptations with respect to 
                United States civics and government education, and 
                economic education, curricular programs for students 
                and teachers, and in the case of training programs for 
                teachers, translations and adaptations into forms 
                useful in schools in eligible countries, and joint 
                research projects in such areas; and
                    ``(D) independent research and evaluation 
                assistance--
                            ``(i) to determine the effects of the 
                        cooperative education exchange programs on 
                        students' development of the knowledge, skills, 
                        and traits of character essential for the 
                        preservation and improvement of constitutional 
                        democracy; and
                            ``(ii) to identify effective participation 
                        in, and the preservation and improvement of, an 
                        efficient market economy;
            ``(2) provide to the participants from the United States--
                    ``(A) seminars on the histories, economies, and 
                systems of government of eligible countries;
                    ``(B) visits to school systems, institutions of 
                higher education, and organizations conducting 
                exemplary programs in civics and government education, 
                and economic education, located in eligible countries;
                    ``(C) assistance from educators and scholars in 
                eligible countries in the development of curricular 
                materials on the history, government, and economy of 
                such countries that are useful in United States 
                classrooms;
                    ``(D) opportunities to provide onsite 
                demonstrations of United States curricula and pedagogy 
                for educational leaders in eligible countries; and
                    ``(E) independent research and evaluation 
                assistance to determine--
                            ``(i) the effects of the cooperative 
                        education exchange programs assisted under this 
                        section on students' development of the 
                        knowledge, skills, and traits of character 
                        essential for the preservation and improvement 
                        of constitutional democracy; and
                            ``(ii) effective participation in, and 
                        improvement of, an efficient market economy; 
                        and
            ``(3) assist participants from eligible countries and the 
        United States to participate in international conferences on 
        civics and government education, and economic education, for 
        educational leaders, teacher trainers, scholars in related 
        disciplines, and educational policymakers.
    ``(d) Participants.--The primary participants in the cooperative 
education exchange programs assisted under this section shall be 
educational leaders in the areas of civics and government education, 
and economic education, including teachers, curriculum and teacher 
training specialists, scholars in relevant disciplines, and educational 
policymakers, and government and private sector leaders from the United 
States and eligible countries.
    ``(e) Consultation.--The Secretary may award a grant to, or enter 
into a contract with, the entities described in section 2533 to carry 
out programs assisted under this section only if the Secretary of State 
concurs with the Secretary that such grant, or contract, respectively, 
is consistent with the foreign policy of the United States.
    ``(f) Avoidance of Duplication.--With the concurrence of the 
Secretary of State, the Secretary shall ensure that--
            ``(1) the activities carried out under the programs 
        assisted under this section are not duplicative of other 
        activities conducted in eligible countries; and
            ``(2) any institutions in eligible countries, with which 
        the Center for Civic Education, the National Council on 
        Economic Education, or organizations described in section 
        2533(a)(3) may work in conducting such activities, are 
        credible.
    ``(g) Eligible Country Defined.--In this section, the term 
`eligible country' means a Central European country, an Eastern 
European country, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the independent states of 
the former Soviet Union as defined in section 3 of the FREEDOM Support 
Act (22 U.S.C. 5801), the Republic of Ireland, the province of Northern 
Ireland in the United Kingdom, and any developing country (as such term 
is defined in section 209(d) of the Education for the Deaf Act) if the 
Secretary, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, determines 
that such developing country has a democratic form of government.

``SEC. 2536. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

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

                   ``Subpart 4--National History Day

``SEC. 2541. NATIONAL HISTORY DAY PROGRAMS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to award a grant to, 
or enter into a contract with the National History Day, Inc. to carry 
out activities under subsection (b) to promote the study of history and 
improve instruction in history.
    ``(b) Activities.--In carrying out the activities assisted under 
this section, the National History Day, Inc. shall--
            ``(1) develop a framework for hands-on, student-centered 
        learning that guides classroom teaching as well as continuous 
        professional development;
            ``(2) enable students to conduct extensive primary and 
        secondary research through libraries, archives, museums, oral 
        history interviews, and historic sites;
            ``(3) provide students an opportunity to present their work 
        in original papers, exhibits, performances, and documentaries;
            ``(4) enable students, through educational opportunities, 
        training, and mentoring, to develop--
                    ``(A) critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
                    ``(B) research and reading skills;
                    ``(C) oral and written communication and 
                presentation skills; and
                    ``(D) a sense of responsibility for and involvement 
                in the democratic process;
            ``(5) provide students with the opportunity to work with 
        and analyze historical documents and other primary source 
        material;
            ``(6) conduct competitions at local, State, and national 
        levels where entries are evaluated by professional historians 
        and educators; and
            ``(7) assist teachers and schools in meeting State 
        educational standards.

``SEC. 2542. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

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

                ``Subpart 5--Close Up Fellowship Program

``SEC. 2551. CLOSE UP FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Program for Middle School and Secondary School Students.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--
                    ``(A) General authority.--In accordance with this 
                subsection, the Secretary may make grants to the Close 
                Up Foundation of Washington, District of Columbia, a 
                nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation, for the purpose of 
                assisting the Close Up Foundation in carrying out its 
                programs of increasing civic responsibility and 
                understanding of the Federal Government among middle 
                school and secondary school students.
                    ``(B) Use of funds.--Grants under this subsection 
                shall be used only to provide financial assistance to 
                economically disadvantaged students who participate in 
                the programs described in subparagraph (A).
                    ``(C) Name of fellowships.--Financial assistance 
                received by students pursuant to this subsection shall 
                be known as Close Up fellowships.
            ``(2) Applications.--
                    ``(A) Application required.--No grant under this 
                subsection may be made except upon an application at 
                such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such 
                information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
                    ``(B) Contents of application.--Each application 
                submitted under this paragraph shall contain assurances 
                that--
                            ``(i) Close Up fellowships provided under 
                        this subsection shall be made to economically 
                        disadvantaged middle school and secondary 
                        school students;
                            ``(ii) every effort shall be made to ensure 
                        the participation of students from rural, small 
                        town, and urban areas;
                            ``(iii) in awarding the fellowships to 
                        economically disadvantaged students, special 
                        consideration shall be given to the 
                        participation of those students with special 
                        educational needs, including students with 
                        disabilities, ethnic minority students, and 
                        students with migrant parents; and
                            ``(iv) the funds received under this 
                        subsection shall be properly disbursed.
    ``(b) Program for Middle School and Secondary School Teachers.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--
                    ``(A) General authority.--In accordance with this 
                subsection, the Secretary may make grants to the Close 
                Up Foundation of Washington, District of Columbia, a 
                nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation, for the purpose of 
                assisting the Close Up Foundation in carrying out its 
                programs of professional development for middle school 
                and secondary school teachers and its programs to 
                increase civic responsibility and understanding of the 
                Federal Government among the teachers' students.
                    ``(B) Use of funds.--Grants under this subsection 
                shall be used only to provide financial assistance to 
                teachers who participate in the programs described in 
                subparagraph (A).
                    ``(C) Name of fellowships.--Financial assistance 
                received by teachers pursuant to this subsection shall 
                be known as Close Up fellowships.
            ``(2) Applications.--
                    ``(A) Application required.--No grant under this 
                subsection may be made except upon an application at 
                such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such 
                information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
                    ``(B) Contents of application.--Each application 
                submitted under this paragraph shall contain assurances 
                that--
                            ``(i) Close Up fellowships provided under 
                        this subsection shall be made only to a teacher 
                        who has worked with at least 1 student from 
                        such teacher's school who participates in a 
                        program described in subsection (a)(1)(A);
                            ``(ii) no teacher shall receive more than 1 
                        such fellowship in any fiscal year; and
                            ``(iii) the funds received under this 
                        subsection shall be properly disbursed.
    ``(c) Programs for New Americans.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--
                    ``(A) General authority.--In accordance with this 
                subsection, the Secretary may make grants to the Close 
                Up Foundation of Washington, District of Columbia, a 
                nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation, for the purpose of 
                assisting the Close Up Foundation in carrying out its 
                programs of increasing civic responsibility and 
                understanding of the Federal Government among 
                economically disadvantaged middle school and secondary 
                school recent immigrant students.
                    ``(B) Definition.--In this subsection, the term 
                `recent immigrant student' means a student who is a 
                member of a family that immigrated to the United States 
                within 5 years of the student's participation in such a 
                program.
                    ``(C) Use of funds.--Grants under this subsection 
                shall be used only to provide financial assistance to 
                economically disadvantaged recent immigrant students 
                and their teachers who participate in the programs 
                described in subparagraph (A).
                    ``(D) Name of fellowships.--Financial assistance 
                received by students and teachers pursuant to this 
                subsection shall be known as Close Up Fellowships for 
                New Americans.
            ``(2) Applications.--
                    ``(A) Application required.--No grant under this 
                subsection may be made except upon an application at 
                such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such 
                information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
                    ``(B) Contents of application.--Each application 
                submitted under this paragraph shall contain assurances 
                that--
                            ``(i) Close Up Fellowships for New 
                        Americans shall be made to economically 
                        disadvantaged middle school and secondary 
                        school recent immigrant students;
                            ``(ii) every effort shall be made to ensure 
                        the participation of recent immigrant students 
                        from rural, small town, and urban areas;
                            ``(iii) in awarding the fellowships to 
                        economically disadvantaged recent immigrant 
                        students, special consideration shall be given 
                        to the participation of those students with 
                        special educational needs, including students 
                        with disabilities, students with migrant 
                        parents, and ethnic minority students;
                            ``(iv) fully describe the activities to be 
                        carried out with the proceeds of the grant made 
                        under paragraph (1); and
                            ``(v) the funds received under this 
                        subsection shall be properly disbursed.
    ``(d) Administrative Provisions.--
            ``(1) Accountability.--In consultation with the Secretary, 
        the Close Up Foundation shall devise and implement procedures 
        to measure the efficacy of the programs authorized in 
        subsections (a), (b), and (c) in attaining objectives that 
        include the following:
                    ``(A) Providing young people with an increased 
                understanding of the Federal Government.
                    ``(B) Heightening a sense of civic responsibility 
                among young people.
                    ``(C) Enhancing the skills of educators in teaching 
                young people about civic responsibility, the Federal 
                Government, and attaining citizenship competencies.
            ``(2) General rule.--Payments under this section may be 
        made in installments, in advance, or by way of reimbursement, 
        with necessary adjustments on account of underpayments or 
        overpayments.
            ``(3) Audit rule.--The Comptroller General of the United 
        States or any of the Comptroller General's duly authorized 
        representatives shall have access for the purpose of audit and 
        examination to any books, documents, papers, and records that 
        are pertinent to any grant under this section.
    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary 
for fiscal year 2010 and for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''.

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

    (a) Challenging Academic Standards.--Section 1111(b)(1)(C) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
6311(b)(1)(C)) is amended by striking ``and (beginning in the 2005-2006 
school year) science,'' and inserting ``(beginning in the 2005-2006 
school year) science, and (beginning in the 2011-2012 school year) 
United States history,''.
    (b) Academic Assessments.--Section 1111(b)(3)(A) of the Elementary 
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(3)(A)) is 
amended--
            (1) by striking ``and science'' and inserting ``science, 
        and United States history''; and
            (2) by inserting before the period at the end the 
        following: ``and no State shall be required to meet the 
        requirements of this part relating to United States history 
        assessments until the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year''.
    (c) Assessment Requirements.--Section 1111(b)(3)(C)(v) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
6311(b)(3)(C)(v)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
                                    ``(III) beginning not later than 
                                school year 2012-2013, measure the 
                                proficiency of all students in United 
                                States history and be administered not 
                                less than 1 time during--
                                            ``(aa) grades 3 through 5;
                                            ``(bb) grades 6 through 9; 
                                        and
                                            ``(cc) grades 10 through 
                                        12;''.

SEC. 103. REPEALS.

    The following provisions of law are repealed:
            (1) Section 1504 of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
        Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6494).
            (2) Subpart 3 of part C of title II of the Elementary and 
        Secondary Education of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6711 et seq.).
            (3) Subpart 4 of part C of title II of the Elementary and 
        Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6721 et seq.).
            (4) The American History and Civics Education Act of 2004 
        (20 U.S.C. 6713 note).

SEC. 104. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 note) is amended--
            (1) by striking the item related to section 1504;
            (2) by striking the items relating to subparts 3 and 4 of 
        part C of title II; and
            (3) by inserting after the items relating to part D of 
        title II the following:

                 ``PART E--American History and Civics

           ``subpart 1--teaching traditional american history

``Sec. 2511. Establishment of program.
``Sec. 2512. Authorization of appropriations.
    ``subpart 2--presidential and congressional history and civics 
                               academies

``Sec. 2521. Definitions.
``Sec. 2522. Presidential Academies for Teaching of American History 
                            and Civics.
``Sec. 2523. Congressional Academies for Students of American History 
                            and Civics.
``Sec. 2524. Authorization of appropriations.
                      ``subpart 3--civic education

``Sec. 2531. Short title.
``Sec. 2532. Purpose.
``Sec. 2533. General authority.
``Sec. 2534. We the People Program.
``Sec. 2535. Cooperative civic education and economic education 
                            exchange programs.
``Sec. 2536. Authorization of appropriations.
                   ``subpart 4--national history day

``Sec. 2541. National History Day programs.
``Sec. 2542. Authorization of appropriations.
                ``subpart 5--close up fellowship program

``Sec. 2551. Close Up fellowship program.''.

           TITLE II--AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVICS ACHIEVEMENT

SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Improving the Teaching and 
Learning of American History and Civics Act of 2009''.

SEC. 202. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) the 2006 National Assessment of Educational Progress 
        assessments in United States history and civics demonstrated 
        high percentages of students scoring below basic even though 
        there were increases in scores, particularly for lower-
        performing students, compared to previous such assessments;
            (2) in the 2006 National Assessment of Educational Progress 
        assessment in United States history--
                    (A) 30 percent of students in grade 4 scored below 
                basic, 35 percent of students in grade 8 scored below 
                basic, and 53 percent of students in grade 12 scored 
                below basic;
                    (B) a 31 point achievement gap exists for students 
                in grade 4 who are from low-income families, as 
                compared to students in grade 4 who are from high-
                income families, a 32 point achievement gap exists 
                between Black and White students in grade 4, and a 30 
                point achievement gap exists between White and Hispanic 
                students in grade 4;
                    (C) 86 percent of students in grade 12 could not 
                explain a reason for United States involvement in the 
                Korean War;
                    (D) 99 percent of students in grade 8 could not 
                explain how the fall of the Berlin Wall affected United 
                States foreign policy; and
                    (E) 76 percent of students in grade 4 could not 
                explain why early American pioneers settled on the 
                western frontier;
            (3) in the 2006 National Assessment of Educational Progress 
        assessment in the United States civics--
                    (A) 27 percent of students in grade 4 scored below 
                basic, 30 percent of students in grade 8 scored below 
                basic, and 34 percent of students in grade 12 scored 
                below basic;
                    (B) a 29 point achievement gap exists for students 
                in grade 4 who are from low-income families, as 
                compared to students in grade 4 who are from high-
                income families, a 25 point achievement gap exists 
                between Black and White students in grade 4, and a 26 
                point achievement gap exists between White and Hispanic 
                students in grade 4;
                    (C) 72 percent of students in grade 8 could not 
                explain the historical purpose of the Declaration of 
                Independence; and
                    (D) 57 percent of students in grade 12 were unable 
                to describe the meaning of federalism in the United 
                States;
            (4) America's past encompasses great leaders and great 
        ideas that contribute to our shared heritage and to the 
        principles of freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity for 
        all;
            (5) an appreciation for the defining events in our Nation's 
        history can be a catalyst for civic involvement; and
            (6) the strength of American democracy and our standing in 
        the world depend on ensuring that our children have a strong 
        understanding of our Nation's past.

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

    Section 303(b) of the National Assessment of Educational Progress 
Authorization Act (20 U.S.C. 9622(b)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2)(D), by inserting ``(with a priority in 
        conducting assessments in history not less frequently than once 
        every 4 years)'' after ``subject matter''; and
            (2) in paragraph (3)(A)--
                    (A) in clause (iii)--
                            (i) by inserting ``except as provided in 
                        clause (iv),'' before ``may conduct''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``and'' after the 
                        semicolon;
                    (B) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v); and
                    (C) by inserting after clause (iii) the following:
                            ``(iv) shall conduct trial State academic 
                        assessments of student achievement in United 
                        States history in grades 8 and 12 in not less 
                        than 10 States representing geographically 
                        diverse regions of the United States and in 
                        civics in grades 8 and 12 in not less than 10 
                        States representing geographically diverse 
                        regions of the United States (with a priority 
                        given to conducting assessments in United 
                        States history); and''.

SEC. 204. NATIONAL ASSESSMENT GOVERNING BOARD.

    Section 302(e)(1) of the National Assessment of Educational 
Progress Authorization Act (20 U.S.C. 9621(e)(1)) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (I), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (2) by redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (K);
            (3) in the flush matter at the end, by striking 
        ``subparagraph (J)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (K)''; and
            (4) by inserting after subparagraph (I) the following:
                    ``(J) in consultation with the Commissioner for 
                Education Statistics, identify and select the States 
                that will participate in the trial State academic 
                assessments described in section 303(b)(3)(A)(iv); 
                and''.

SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 305 of the National Assessment of Educational Progress 
Authorization Act (20 U.S.C. 9624) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
    ``(b) History and Civics Assessments.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated--
            ``(1) $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011 to 
        carry out sections 303(b)(3)(A)(iv) and 302(e)(1), of which not 
        more than $500,000 for each fiscal year shall be available to 
        carry out section 302(e)(1); and
            ``(2) such sums as may be necessary to carry out such 
        sections for each succeeding fiscal year.''.

SEC. 206. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.

    Section 113(a)(1) of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20 
U.S.C. 9513(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``section 302(e)(1)(J)'' and 
inserting ``section 302(e)(1)(K)''.
                                 <all>