[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>