[Congressional Bills 114th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 227 Referred in House (RFH)]
<DOC>
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 227
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 18, 2015
Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To strengthen the Federal education research system to make research
and evaluations more timely and relevant to State and local needs in
order to increase student achievement.
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 ``Strengthening Education through
Research Act''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. Nonduplication.
TITLE I--EDUCATION SCIENCES REFORM
Sec. 101. References.
Sec. 102. Definitions.
Part A--The Institute of Education Sciences
Sec. 111. Establishment.
Sec. 112. Functions.
Sec. 113. Delegation.
Sec. 114. Office of the Director.
Sec. 115. Priorities.
Sec. 116. National Board for Education Sciences.
Sec. 117. Commissioners of the National Education Centers.
Sec. 118. Transparency.
Sec. 119. Competitive awards.
Part B--National Center for Education Research
Sec. 131. Establishment.
Sec. 132. Duties.
Sec. 133. Standards for conduct and evaluation of research.
Part C--National Center for Education Statistics
Sec. 151. Establishment.
Sec. 152. Duties.
Sec. 153. Performance of duties.
Sec. 154. Reports.
Sec. 155. Dissemination.
Sec. 156. Cooperative education statistics partnerships.
Part D--National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional
Assistance
Sec. 171. Establishment.
Sec. 172. Commissioner for Education Evaluation and Regional
Assistance.
Sec. 173. Evaluations.
Sec. 174. Regional educational laboratories for research, development,
dissemination, and evaluation.
Part E--National Center for Special Education Research
Sec. 175. Establishment.
Sec. 176. Commissioner for Special Education Research.
Sec. 177. Duties.
Part F--General Provisions
Sec. 181. Prohibitions.
Sec. 182. Confidentiality.
Sec. 183. Availability of data.
Sec. 184. Performance management.
Sec. 185. Authority to publish.
Sec. 186. Repeals.
Sec. 187. Fellowships.
Sec. 188. Authorization of appropriations.
Part G--Technical and Conforming Amendments
Sec. 191. Technical and conforming amendments to other laws.
TITLE II--EDUCATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Sec. 201. References.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Comprehensive centers.
Sec. 204. Evaluations.
Sec. 205. Existing technical assistance providers.
Sec. 206. Regional advisory committees.
Sec. 207. Priorities.
Sec. 208. Grant program for statewide, longitudinal data systems.
Sec. 209. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE III--NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
Sec. 301. References.
Sec. 302. National Assessment Governing Board.
Sec. 303. National Assessment of Educational Progress.
Sec. 304. Definitions.
Sec. 305. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE IV--EVALUATION PLAN
Sec. 401. Research and evaluation.
SEC. 3. NONDUPLICATION.
(a) In General.--The Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279;
116 Stat. 1940), is amended by inserting after section 1 the following:
``SEC. 2. NONDUPLICATION.
``In collecting information and data under this Act, including
requiring the reporting of information and data, the Secretary of
Education shall, to the extent appropriate, not duplicate other
requirements and shall use information and data that are available from
existing Federal, State, and local sources, in order to reduce burden
and cost to the Department of Education, States, local educational
agencies (as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), and other entities.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1 of
the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116 Stat. 1940), is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1 the
following:
``Sec. 2. Nonduplication.''.
TITLE I--EDUCATION SCIENCES REFORM
SEC. 101. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of the Education Sciences
Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9501 et seq.).
SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.
Section 102 (20 U.S.C. 9501) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraphs (13) and (18);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (11), (12),
(14), (15), (16), (17), and (19) through (23), as paragraphs
(3) through (12), (14), (15), (16), (18), (20), and (22)
through (26), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Adult education; adult education and literacy
activities.--The terms `adult education' and `adult education
and literacy activities' have the meanings given the terms in
section 203 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act.'';
(4) in paragraph (6), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by
striking ``Affairs'' and inserting ``Education'';
(5) in paragraph (11), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``or other information, in a
timely manner and'' after ``evaluations,''; and
(B) by inserting ``school leaders,'' after
``teachers,'';
(6) by inserting after paragraph (12), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), the following:
``(13) English learner.--The term `English learner' means
an individual who is limited English proficient, as defined in
section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801) or section 637 of the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. 9832).'';
(7) in paragraph (14), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by
inserting ``, school leaders,'' after ``teachers'';
(8) by inserting after paragraph (16), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), the following:
``(17) Minority-serving institution.--The term `minority-
serving institution' means an institution of higher education
described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).'';
(9) in paragraph (18), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by
striking ``section 133(c)'' and inserting ``section 133(d)'';
(10) by inserting after paragraph (18), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), the following:
``(19) Principles of scientific research.--The term
`principles of scientific research' means principles of
research that--
``(A) apply rigorous, systematic, and objective
methodology to obtain reliable and valid knowledge
relevant to education activities and programs;
``(B) present findings and make claims that are
appropriate to, and supported by, the methods that have
been employed; and
``(C) include, appropriate to the research being
conducted--
``(i) use of systematic, empirical methods
that draw on observation or experiment;
``(ii) use of data analyses that are
adequate to support the general findings;
``(iii) reliance on measurements or
observational methods that provide reliable and
generalizable findings;
``(iv) strong claims of causal
relationships, only with research designs that
eliminate plausible competing explanations for
observed results, such as, but not limited to,
random-assignment experiments;
``(v) presentation of studies and methods
in sufficient detail and clarity to allow for
replication or, at a minimum, to offer the
opportunity to build systematically on the
findings of the research;
``(vi) acceptance by a peer-reviewed
journal or critique by a panel of independent
experts through a comparably rigorous,
objective, and scientific review; and
``(vii) consistency of findings across
multiple studies or sites to support the
generality of results and conclusions.'';
(11) by inserting after paragraph (20), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), the following:
``(21) School leader.--The term `school leader' means a
principal, assistant principal, or other individual who is--
``(A) an employee or officer of--
``(i) an elementary school or secondary
school;
``(ii) a local educational agency serving
an elementary school or secondary school; or
``(iii) another entity operating the
elementary school or secondary school; and
``(B) responsible for the daily instructional
leadership and managerial operations of the elementary
school or secondary school.''; and
(12) in paragraph (23), as redesignated by paragraph (2),
by striking ``scientifically based research standards'' and
inserting ``the principles of scientific research''.
PART A--THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
SEC. 111. ESTABLISHMENT.
Section 111(b) (20 U.S.C. 9511(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``including adult education,'' after
``postsecondary study,''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``and wide dissemination
activities'' and inserting ``and, consistent
with section 114(j), wide dissemination and
utilization activities''; and
(ii) by striking ``(including in technology
areas)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
``disability,'' after ``gender,''.
SEC. 112. FUNCTIONS.
Section 112 (20 U.S.C. 9512) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by inserting ``(including evaluations of impact
and implementation)'' after ``education evaluation'';
and
(B) by inserting ``and utilization'' before the
semicolon; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``, consistent with section
114(j),'' after ``disseminate''; and
(B) by inserting ``and scientifically valid
education evaluations carried out under this title''
before the semicolon.
SEC. 113. DELEGATION.
Section 113 (20 U.S.C. 9513) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as
paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively;
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``Secretary may assign
the Institute responsibility for administering'' and inserting
``Director may accept requests from the Secretary for the
Institute to administer''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Contract Acquisition.--With respect to any contract entered
into under this title, the Director shall be consulted--
``(1) during the procurement process; and
``(2) in the management of such contract's performance,
which shall be consistent with the requirements of the
performance management system described in section 185.''.
SEC. 114. OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR.
Section 114 (20 U.S.C. 9514) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Except as provided in
subsection (b)(2), the'' and inserting ``The'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the
period the following: ``, except that if a successor to
the Director has not been appointed as of the date of
expiration of the Director's term, the Director may
serve for an additional 1-year period, beginning on the
day after the date of expiration of the Director's
term, or until a successor has been appointed under
subsection (a), whichever occurs first'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Reappointment.--A Director may be reappointed under
subsection (a) for one additional term.''; and
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in the heading, by striking
``Subsequent directors'' and inserting
``Recommendations''; and
(ii) by striking ``, other than a Director
appointed under paragraph (2)'';
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by inserting before the
period the following: ``, and, as appropriate, with
such research and activities carried out by public and
private entities, to avoid duplicative or overlapping
efforts'';
(B) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, and the use
of evidence'' after ``statistics activities'';
(C) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by inserting ``and maintain'' after
``establish''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and subsection (h)''
after ``section 116(b)(3)'';
(D) in paragraph (7), by inserting ``disability,''
after ``gender,'';
(E) in paragraph (8), by striking ``historically
Black colleges or universities'' and inserting
``minority-serving institutions'';
(F) by striking paragraph (9) and inserting the
following:
``(9) To coordinate with the Secretary to ensure that the
results of the Institute's work are coordinated with, and
utilized by, the Department's technical assistance providers
and dissemination networks.'';
(G) by striking paragraphs (10) and (11); and
(H) by redesignating paragraph (12) as paragraph
(10);
(4) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);
(5) by inserting after subsection (g), the following:
``(h) Peer-review System.--The Director shall establish and
maintain a peer-review system involving highly qualified individuals,
including practitioners, as appropriate, with an in-depth knowledge of
the subject to be investigated, including, in the case of special
education research, an understanding of special education, for--
``(1) reviewing and evaluating each application for a grant
or cooperative agreement under this title that exceeds
$100,000; and
``(2) evaluating and assessing all reports and other
products that exceed $100,000 to be published and publicly
released by the Institute.'';
(6) in subsection (i), as redesignated by paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``the products and''; and
(B) by striking ``certify that evidence-based
claims about those products and'' and inserting
``determine whether evidence-based claims in those'';
and
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Relevance, Dissemination, and Utilization.--To ensure all
activities authorized under this title are rigorous, relevant, and
useful for researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and the public,
the Director shall--
``(1) ensure such activities address significant challenges
faced by practitioners, and increase knowledge in the field of
education;
``(2) ensure that the information, products, and
publications of the Institute are--
``(A) prepared and widely disseminated--
``(i) in a timely fashion; and
``(ii) in forms that are understandable,
easily accessible, and usable, or adaptable for
use in, the improvement of educational
practice; and
``(B) widely disseminated through electronic
transfer, and other means, such as posting to the
Institute's website or other relevant place;
``(3) promote the utilization of the information, products,
and publications of the Institute, including through the use of
dissemination networks and technical assistance providers,
within the Institute and the Department; and
``(4) monitor and manage the performance of all activities
authorized under this title in accordance with section 185.''.
SEC. 115. PRIORITIES.
Section 115 (20 U.S.C. 9515) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``(taking into
consideration long-term research and
development on core issues conducted through
the national research and development
centers)'' and inserting ``at least once every
6 years''; and
(ii) by striking ``such as'' and inserting
``including'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``ensuring that all
students have the ability to obtain a high-
quality education, particularly by'' before
``closing'';
(ii) by striking ``low-performing
children'' and inserting ``low-performing
students'';
(iii) by striking ``especially achievement
gaps between'';
(iv) by striking ``nonminority children''
and inserting ``nonminority students, students
with disabilities and students without
disabilities,'';
(v) by striking ``and between disadvantaged
children and such children's'' and inserting
``and disadvantaged students and such
students'''; and
(vi) by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(C) by striking paragraph (2); and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) improving access to and the quality of early
childhood education;
``(3) improving education in elementary schools and
secondary schools, particularly among low-performing students
and schools; and
``(4) improving access to, opportunities for, and
completion of postsecondary education and adult education.'';
and
(2) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``by means of the
Internet'' and inserting ``by electronic means such as posting
in an easily accessible manner on the Institute's website''.
SEC. 116. NATIONAL BOARD FOR EDUCATION SCIENCES.
Section 116 (20 U.S.C. 9516) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``to guide the
work of the Institute'' and inserting ``, and to
advise, and provide input to, the Director on the
activities of the Institute on an ongoing basis'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``under section
114(h)'' after ``procedures'';
(C) in paragraph (8), by inserting ``disability,''
after ``gender,'';
(D) in paragraph (9)--
(i) by striking ``To solicit'' and
inserting ``To ensure all activities of the
Institute are relevant to education policy and
practice by soliciting, on an ongoing basis,'';
and
(ii) by striking ``consistent with'' and
inserting ``consistent with section 114(j)
and'';
(E) in paragraph (11)--
(i) by inserting ``the Institute's'' after
``enhance''; and
(ii) by striking ``among other Federal and
State research agencies'' and inserting ``with
public and private entities to improve the work
of the Institute''; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(13) To conduct the evaluations required under subsection
(d).'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``Board,'' before
``National Academy''; and
(ii) by striking ``and the National Science
Advisor'' and inserting ``the National Science
Advisor, and other entities and organizations
that have knowledge of individuals who are
highly qualified to appraise education
research, statistics, evaluations, or
development'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking ``,
which may include those researchers
recommended by the National Academy of
Sciences'';
(II) by redesignating clause (ii)
as clause (iii);
(III) by inserting after clause
(i), the following:
``(ii) Not fewer than 2 practitioners who
are knowledgeable about the education needs of
the United States, who may include school-based
professional educators, teachers, school
leaders, local educational agency
superintendents, and members of local boards of
education or Bureau-funded school boards.'';
and
(IV) in clause (iii), as
redesignated by subclause (II)--
(aa) by striking ``school-
based professional
educators,'';
(bb) by inserting ``State
leaders in adult education,''
after ``executives,'';
(cc) by striking ``local
educational agency
superintendents,'';
(dd) by striking
``principals,'';
(ee) by striking ``or
local''; and
(ff) by striking ``or
Bureau-funded school boards'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) in the matter preceding clause
(i), by inserting ``beginning on the
date of appointment of the member,''
after ``4 years,'';
(II) by striking clause (i);
(III) by redesignating clause (ii)
as clause (i);
(IV) in clause (i), as redesignated
by subclause (III), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(V) by adding at the end the
following:
``(ii) in a case in which a successor to a
member has not been appointed as of the date of
expiration of the member's term, the member may
serve for an additional 1-year period,
beginning on the day after the date of
expiration of the member's term, or until a
successor has been appointed under paragraph
(1), whichever occurs first.'';
(iii) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(iv) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (C); and
(C) in paragraph (8)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A)
through (E) as subparagraphs (B) through (F),
respectively;
(ii) by inserting before subparagraph (B),
as redesignated by clause (i), the following:
``(A) In general.--In the exercise of its duties
under subsection (b) and in accordance with the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Board shall
be independent of the Director and the other offices
and officers of the Institute.'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B), as redesignated
by clause (i), by inserting before the period
at the end the following: ``for a term of not
more than 6 years, and who may be reappointed
by the Board for 1 additional term of not more
than 6 years''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) Subcommittees.--The Board may establish
standing or temporary subcommittees to make
recommendations to the Board for carrying out
activities authorized under this title.'';
(3) by striking subsection (d);
(4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d);
(5) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (4)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking
``Annual'' and inserting ``Evaluation'';
(B) by striking ``The Board'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--The Board'';
(C) by striking ``not later than July 1 of each
year, a report'' and inserting ``and make widely
available to the public (including by electronic means
such as posting in an easily accessible manner on the
Institute's website), a report once every 5 years'';
and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Requirements.--An evaluation report described in
paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) subject to paragraph (3), an evaluation of
the activities authorized for each of the National
Education Centers, which--
``(i) uses the performance management
system described in section 185; and
``(ii) is conducted by an independent
entity;
``(B) a review of the Institute to ensure its work,
consistent with the requirements of section 114(j), is
timely, rigorous, and relevant;
``(C) any recommendations regarding actions that
may be taken to enhance the ability of the Institute
and the National Education Centers to carry out their
priorities and missions;
``(D) a summary of the major research findings of
the Institute and the activities carried out under
section 113(b) during the 3 preceding fiscal years; and
``(E) interim findings made widely available to the
public (including by electronic means such as posting
in an easily accessible manner on the Institute's
website) 3 years after the independent entity has begun
reviewing the work of the Institute.
``(3) National center for education evaluation and regional
assistance.--With respect to the National Center for Education
Evaluation and Regional Assistance, an evaluation report
described in paragraph (1) shall contain--
``(A) an evaluation described in paragraph (2)(A)
of the activities authorized for such Center, except
for the regional educational laboratories established
under section 174; and
``(B) a summative or interim evaluation, whichever
is most recent, for each such laboratory conducted
under section 174(i) on or after the date of enactment
of the Strengthening Education through Research Act or,
in a case in which such an evaluation is not available
for a laboratory, the most recent evaluation for the
laboratory conducted prior to the date of enactment of
such Act.''; and
(6) by striking subsection (f).
SEC. 117. COMMISSIONERS OF THE NATIONAL EDUCATION CENTERS.
Section 117 (20 U.S.C. 9517) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Except as
provided in subsection (b), each'' and inserting
``Each'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``Except as provided in
subsection (b), each'' and inserting ``Each'';
and
(ii) by inserting ``, statistics,'' after
``research''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Except as
provided in subsection (b), each'' and inserting
``Each'';
(2) by striking subsection (b);
(3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(b) and (c), respectively; and
(4) in subsection (c), as redesignated by paragraph (3), by
striking ``, except the Commissioner for Education
Statistics,''.
SEC. 118. TRANSPARENCY.
(a) In General.--Section 119 (20 U.S.C. 9519) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 119. TRANSPARENCY.
``Not later than 120 days after awarding a grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement under this title in excess of $100,000, the
Director shall make publicly available (including through electronic
means such as posting in an easily accessible manner on the Institute's
website) a description of the grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement, including, at a minimum, the amount, duration, recipient,
and the purpose of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1 of
the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116 Stat. 1940), is
amended by striking the item relating to section 119 and inserting the
following:
``Sec. 119. Transparency.''.
SEC. 119. COMPETITIVE AWARDS.
Section 120 (20 U.S.C. 9520) is amended by striking ``when
practicable'' and inserting ``consistent with section 114(h)''.
PART B--NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION RESEARCH
SEC. 131. ESTABLISHMENT.
Section 131(b) (20 U.S.C. 9531(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) to sponsor sustained research that will lead to the
accumulation of knowledge and understanding of education,
consistent with the priorities described in section 115;'';
(2) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3);
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) consistent with section 114(j), to widely disseminate
and promote utilization of the work of the Research Center.''.
SEC. 132. DUTIES.
Section 133 (20 U.S.C. 9533) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``peer-review
standards and'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2);
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(2);
(D) by striking paragraph (4);
(E) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (9) as
paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively;
(F) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), by inserting ``in the implementation
of programs carried out by the Department and other
agencies'' before ``within the Federal Government'';
(G) in paragraph (5), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), by striking ``disseminate, through
the National Center for Education Evaluation and
Regional Assistance,'' and inserting ``widely
disseminate, consistent with section 114(j),'';
(H) in paragraph (6), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E)--
(i) by striking ``Director'' and inserting
``Board''; and
(ii) by striking ``of a biennial report, as
described in section 119'' and inserting ``and
dissemination of each evaluation report under
section 116(d)'';
(I) in paragraph (7), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), by inserting ``and which may include
research on social and emotional learning, and the
acquisition of competencies and skills, including the
ability to think critically, solve complex problems,
evaluate evidence, and communicate effectively,'' after
``gap,'';
(J) by inserting after paragraph (7), as
redesignated by subparagraph (E), the following:
``(8) to the extent time and resources allow, when findings
from previous research under this part provoke relevant follow
up questions, carry out research initiatives on such follow up
questions;'';
(K) by redesignating paragraphs (10) and (11) as
paragraphs (9) and (10), respectively;
(L) by striking paragraph (9), as redesignated by
subparagraph (K), and inserting the following:
``(9) carry out research initiatives, including rigorous,
peer-reviewed, large-scale, long-term, and broadly applicable
empirical research, regarding the impact of technology on
education, including online education and hybrid learning;'';
(M) in paragraph (10), as redesignated by
subparagraph (K), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(N) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) to the extent feasible, carry out research on the
quality of implementation of practices and strategies
determined to be effective through scientifically valid
research.'';
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Plan.--The Research Commissioner shall propose to the
Director and, subject to the approval of the Director, implement a
research plan for the activities of the Research Center that--
``(1) is consistent with the priorities and mission of the
Institute and the mission of the Research Center described in
section 131(b), and includes the activities described in
subsection (a);
``(2) is carried out and, as appropriate, updated and
modified, including through the use of the results of the
Research Center's most recent evaluation report under section
116(d);
``(3) describes how the Research Center will use the
performance management system described in section 185 to
assess and improve the activities of the Center;
``(4) meets the procedures for peer review established and
maintained by the Director under section 114(f)(5) and the
standards of research described in section 134; and
``(5) includes both basic research and applied research,
which shall include research conducted through field-initiated
research and ongoing research initiatives.'';
(3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);
(4) by inserting after subsection (b), the following:
``(c) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) In general.--The Research Commissioner may award
grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements
with, eligible applicants to carry out research under
subsection (a).
``(2) Eligibility.--For purposes of this subsection, the
term `eligible applicant' means an applicant that has the
ability and capacity to conduct scientifically valid research.
``(3) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that
wishes to receive a grant, or enter into a contract or
cooperative agreement, under this section shall submit
an application to the Research Commissioner at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Research Commissioner may require.
``(B) Content.--An application submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall describe how the eligible
applicant will address and demonstrate progress on the
requirements of the performance management system
described in section 185, with respect to the
activities that will be carried out under the grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement.''; and
(5) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) Support.--In carrying out activities under subsection
(a)(2), the Research Commissioner shall support national
research and development centers that address topics of
importance and relevance in the field of education across the
country and are consistent with the Institute's priorities
under section 115.'';
(B) by striking paragraphs (2), (3), and (5);
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (6), and (7)
as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively;
(D) in paragraph (2), as redesignated by
subparagraph (C)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A)--
(I) by striking ``5 additional''
and inserting ``2 additional''; and
(II) by striking ``notwithstanding
section 134(b),'' and inserting
``notwithstanding section 114(h),'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) demonstrates progress on the requirements of
the performance management system described in section
185.'';
(E) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by
subparagraph (C), by striking ``paragraphs (4) and
(5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)''; and
(F) by striking paragraph (4), as redesignated by
subparagraph (C), and inserting the following:
``(4) Disaggregation.--To the extent feasible and when
relevant to the research being conducted, research conducted
under this subsection shall be disaggregated and cross-
tabulated by age, race, gender, disability status, English
learner status, socioeconomic background, and other population
characteristics as determined by the Research Commissioner, so
long as any reported information does not reveal individually
identifiable information.''.
SEC. 133. STANDARDS FOR CONDUCT AND EVALUATION OF RESEARCH.
Section 134 (20 U.S.C. 9534) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``based'' and
inserting ``valid''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and wide
dissemination activities'' and inserting ``and,
consistent with section 114(j), wide dissemination and
utilization activities'';
(2) by striking subsection (b); and
(3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
PART C--NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
SEC. 151. ESTABLISHMENT.
Section 151(b) (20 U.S.C. 9541(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and consistent with
the privacy protections under section 183'' after ``manner'';
and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting
``disability,'' after ``cultural,''; and
(B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) is consistent with section 114(j), is
relevant, timely, and widely disseminated.''.
SEC. 152. DUTIES.
Section 153 (20 U.S.C. 9543) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
inserting ``, consistent with the privacy protections
under section 183,'' after ``Center shall'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (D) and
inserting the following:
``(D) secondary school graduation and completion
rates, including the four-year adjusted cohort
graduation rate (as defined in section
200.19(b)(1)(i)(A) of title 34, Code of Federal
Regulations, as such section was in effect on November
28, 2008) and the extended-year adjusted cohort
graduation rate (as defined in section
200.19(b)(1)(v)(A) of title 34, Code of Federal
Regulations, as such section was in effect on November
28, 2008), and school dropout rates, and adult
literacy;'';
(ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and
opportunity for,'' and inserting ``opportunity
for, and completion of'';
(iii) by striking subparagraph (F) and
inserting the following:
``(F) teaching and school leadership, including
information on teacher and school leader pre-service
preparation, professional development, teacher
distribution, and teacher and school leader
evaluation;'';
(iv) in subparagraph (G), by inserting
``and school leaders'' before the semicolon;
(v) in subparagraph (H), by inserting ``,
climate, and in- and out-of-school suspensions
and expulsions'' before ``, including
information regarding'';
(vi) by striking subparagraph (K) and
inserting the following:
``(K) the access to, and use of, technology to
improve elementary schools and secondary schools;'';
(vii) in subparagraph (L), by striking
``and opportunity for,'' and inserting
``opportunity for, and quality of'';
(viii) in subparagraph (M), by striking
``such programs during school recesses'' and
inserting ``summer school'';
(ix) in subparagraph (N)--
(I) by striking ``vocational'' and
inserting ``career''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(x) in subparagraph (O), by inserting
``and'' after the semicolon; and
(xi) by adding at the end the following:
``(P) access to, and opportunity for, adult
education and literacy activities;'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``when such disaggregated
information will facilitate educational and
policy decisionmaking'' and inserting ``so long
as any reported information does not reveal
individually identifiable information''; and
(ii) by striking ``limited English
proficiency'' and inserting ``English learner
status'';
(D) in paragraph (4), by inserting before the
semicolon the following: ``, and the implementation
(with the assistance of the Department and other
Federal officials who have statutory authority to
provide assistance on applicable privacy laws,
regulations, and policies) of appropriate privacy
protections'';
(E) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``determining voluntary
standards and guidelines to assist'' and
inserting ``providing technical assistance
to''; and
(ii) by striking ``promote linkages across
States,'';
(F) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by striking ``Third'' and inserting
``Trends in''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and the Program for
International Student Assessment'' after
``Science Study'';
(G) in paragraph (7), by striking the semicolon and
inserting the following: ``and ensuring such
collections protect student privacy consistent with
section 183; and'';
(H) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the
following:
``(8) assisting the Board in the preparation and
dissemination of each evaluation report under section
116(d).''; and
(I) by striking paragraph (9);
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Plan.--The Statistics Commissioner shall develop a plan in
consultation with the Director and implement a plan for activities of
the Statistics Center that--
``(1) is consistent with the priorities and mission of the
Institute and the mission of the Statistics Center described in
section 151(b);
``(2) is carried out and, as appropriate, updated and
modified, including through the use of the results of the
Statistic Center's most recent evaluation report under section
116(d); and
``(3) describes how the Statistics Center will use the
performance management system described in section 185 to
assess and improve the activities of the Center.''.
SEC. 153. PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES.
Section 154 (20 U.S.C. 9544) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``In carrying'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--In carrying'';
(B) by inserting ``to eligible applicants'' after
``technical assistance''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Eligibility.--For purposes of this section, the term
`eligible applicant' means an applicant that has the ability
and capacity to carry out activities under this part.
``(3) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that
wishes to receive a grant, or enter into a contract or
cooperative agreement, under this section shall submit
an application to the Statistics Commissioner at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Statistics Commissioner may require.
``(B) Contents.--An application submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall describe how the eligible
applicant will address and demonstrate progress on the
requirements of the performance management system
described in section 185, with respect to the
activities that will be carried out under the grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(A), by striking ``vocational and''
and inserting ``career and technical education programs,''; and
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``5 years'' the second
place it appears and inserting ``2 years if the recipient
demonstrates progress on the requirements of the performance
management system described in section 185, with respect to the
activities carried out under the grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement received under this section''.
SEC. 154. REPORTS.
Section 155 (20 U.S.C. 9545) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``(consistent with
section 114(h))'' after ``review''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``2003'' and inserting
``2016''.
SEC. 155. DISSEMINATION.
Section 156 (20 U.S.C. 9546) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``Such projects shall adhere to student privacy requirements
under section 183.''; and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the
following: ``Before receiving access to educational
data under this paragraph, a Federal agency shall
describe to the Statistics Center the specific research
intent for use of the data, how access to the data may
meet such research intent, and how the Federal agency
will protect the confidentiality of the data consistent
with the requirements of section 183.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``and consistent with
section 183'' after ``may prescribe''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``Before receiving access to data under this
paragraph, an interested party shall describe
to the Statistics Center the specific research
intent for use of the data, how access to the
data may meet such research intent, and how the
party will protect the confidentiality of the
data consistent with the requirements of
section 183.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Denial authority.--The Statistics Center shall have
the authority to deny any requests for access to data under
paragraph (1) or (2) if the data requested would be unnecessary
for or unrelated to the proposed research design or research
intent, or if the request would introduce risk of a privacy
violation or misuse of data.
``(4) Applicability of requirements.--The requirements
described under the second sentence of paragraph (1) and the
second sentence of paragraph (2) and the authority under
paragraph (3) shall not apply to public use data sets.''.
SEC. 156. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION STATISTICS PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) In General.--Section 157 (20 U.S.C. 9547) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``systems'' and
inserting ``partnerships'';
(2) by striking ``national cooperative education statistics
systems'' and inserting ``cooperative education statistics
partnerships'';
(3) by striking ``producing and maintaining, with the
cooperation'' and inserting ``reviewing and improving, with the
voluntary participation'';
(4) by striking ``comparable and uniform'' and inserting
``data quality standards, which may include establishing
voluntary guidelines to standardize'';
(5) by striking ``adult education, and libraries,'' and
inserting ``and adult education''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following: ``No student data
shall be collected by the partnerships established under this
section, nor shall such partnerships establish a national
student data system.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1 of
the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116 Stat. 1940), is
amended by striking the item relating to section 157 and inserting the
following:
``Sec. 157. Cooperative education statistics partnerships.''.
PART D--NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION EVALUATION AND REGIONAL
ASSISTANCE
SEC. 171. ESTABLISHMENT.
Section 171 (20 U.S.C. 9561) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1);
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)
as paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively;
(C) in paragraph (1), as redesignated by
subparagraph (B), by striking ``of such programs'' and
all that follows through ``science)'' and inserting
``and to evaluate the implementation of such
programs''; and
(D) in paragraph (2), as redesignated by
subparagraph (B), by striking ``and wide dissemination
of results of'' and inserting ``and, consistent with
section 114(j), the wide dissemination and utilization
of results of all''; and
(2) by striking subsection (c).
SEC. 172. COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION EVALUATION AND REGIONAL
ASSISTANCE.
Section 172 (20 U.S.C. 9562) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) widely disseminate, consistent with section 114(j),
all information on scientifically valid research and statistics
supported by the Institute and all scientifically valid
education evaluations supported by the Institute, particularly
to State educational agencies and local educational agencies,
to institutions of higher education, and to the public, the
media, voluntary organizations, professional associations, and
other constituencies, especially with respect to the priorities
described in section 115;'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by inserting ``, consistent with
section 114(j)'' after ``timely, and efficient
manner''; and
(ii) by striking ``that shall include all
topics covered in paragraph (2)(E)'';
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking ``development and
dissemination'' and inserting ``development,
dissemination, and utilization''; and
(ii) by striking ``the provision of
technical assistance,'';
(D) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``subsection (d)'' and
inserting ``subsection (e)''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(E) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by striking ``Director'' and inserting
``Board'';
(ii) by striking ``preparation of a
biennial report,'' and inserting ``preparation
and dissemination of each evaluation report'';
and
(iii) by striking ``119; and'' and
inserting ``116(d).''; and
(F) by striking paragraph (7);
(2) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) by inserting ``all'' before ``information
disseminated''; and
(B) by striking ``, which may include'' and all
that follows through ``of this Act)'';
(3) by striking subsection (c);
(4) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
(5) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Plan.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner
shall propose to the Director and, subject to the approval of the
Director, implement a plan for the activities of the National Center
for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance that--
``(1) is consistent with the priorities and mission of the
Institute and the mission of the Center described in section
171(b);
``(2) is carried out and, as appropriate, updated and
modified, including through the use of the results of the
Center's most recent evaluation report under section 116(d);
and
``(3) describes how the Center will use the performance
management system described in section 185 to assess and
improve the activities of the Center.
``(d) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out the duties under this
part, the Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner may--
``(A) award grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements to eligible applicants to carry out the
activities under this part; and
``(B) provide technical assistance.
``(2) Eligibility.--For purposes of this section, the term
`eligible applicant' means an applicant that has the ability
and capacity to carry out activities under this part.
``(3) Entities to conduct evaluations.--In awarding grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under paragraph (1) to
carry out activities under section 173, the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner shall make such awards to
eligible applicants with the ability and capacity to conduct
scientifically valid education evaluations.
``(4) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that
wishes to receive a grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement under paragraph (1) shall submit an
application to the Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Commissioner may
require.
``(B) Contents.--An application submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall describe how the eligible
applicant will address and demonstrate progress on the
requirements of the performance management system
described in section 185, with respect to the
activities carried out under such grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement.
``(5) Duration.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements under
paragraph (1) may be awarded, on a competitive basis, for a
period of not more than 5 years, and may be renewed at the
discretion of the Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner for an additional period of not more than 2 years
if the recipient demonstrates progress on the requirements of
the performance management system described in section 185,
with respect to the activities carried out under the grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement.''; and
(6) in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (4)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``There is
established'' and all that follows through ``Regional
Assistance'' and inserting ``The Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner may establish'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``all''
before ``products''; and
(C) in paragraph (2)(B)(ii), by striking ``2002''
and all that follows through the period and inserting
``2002).''.
SEC. 173. EVALUATIONS.
Section 173 (20 U.S.C. 9563) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``may'' and inserting
``shall'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``evaluations'' and inserting ``high-quality
evaluations, including impact evaluations that
use rigorous methodologies that permit the
strongest possible causal inferences,'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
before the semicolon at the end the following:
``, including programs under part A of such
title (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.)'';
(iv) by striking subparagraph (C);
(v) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (C);
(vi) by striking subparagraphs (E) and (G);
(vii) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as
subparagraph (D);
(viii) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated
by clause (vii), by striking ``and'' at the
end; and
(ix) by inserting after subparagraph (D),
as redesignated by clause (vii), the following:
``(E) provide evaluation findings in an
understandable, easily accessible, and usable format to
support program improvement;
``(F) support the evaluation activities described
in section 401 of the Strengthening Education through
Research Act that are carried out by the Director; and
``(G) to the extent feasible--
``(i) examine evaluations conducted or
supported by others to determine the quality
and relevance of the evidence of effectiveness
generated by those evaluations, with the
approval of the Director;
``(ii) review and supplement Federal
education program evaluations, particularly
such evaluations by the Department, to
determine or enhance the quality and relevance
of the evidence generated by those evaluations;
``(iii) conduct implementation evaluations
that promote continuous improvement and inform
policymaking;
``(iv) evaluate the short- and long-term
effects and cost efficiencies across programs
assisted or authorized under Federal law and
administrated by the Department; and
``(v) synthesize the results of evaluation
studies for and across Federal education
programs, policies, and practices.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period and inserting ``under section 114(h);
and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) be widely disseminated, consistent with
section 114(j).''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``contracts'' and
inserting ``grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements''.
SEC. 174. REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORIES FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT,
DISSEMINATION, AND EVALUATION.
(a) In General.--Section 174 (20 U.S.C. 9564) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``technical
assistance'' and inserting ``evaluation'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``The Director'' and inserting
``Except as provided in subsection (e)(8), the
Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner''; and
(B) by striking ``contracts'' and inserting
``grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``The Director'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner'';
(B) by striking ``contracts under this section with
research organizations, institutions, agencies,
institutions of higher education,'' and inserting
``grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under
this section with public or private, nonprofit or for-
profit research organizations, other organizations, or
institutions of higher education,'';
(C) by striking ``or individuals,'';
(D) by striking ``, including regional entities''
and all that follows through ``107-110))''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term
`eligible applicant' means an entity described in paragraph
(1).'';
(4) by striking subsections (d) through (j) and inserting
the following:
``(d) Applications.--
``(1) Submission.--
``(A) In general.--Each eligible applicant desiring
a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this
section shall submit an application at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the
Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner may
reasonably require.
``(B) Input.--To ensure that applications submitted
under this paragraph are reflective of the needs of the
regions to be served, each eligible applicant
submitting such an application shall seek input from
State educational agencies and local educational
agencies in the region that the award will serve, and
other individuals with knowledge of the region's needs.
``(2) Plan.--
``(A) In general.--Each application submitted under
paragraph (1) shall contain a plan for the activities
of the regional educational laboratory to be
established under this section, which shall be updated,
modified, and improved, as appropriate, on an ongoing
basis, including by using the results of the
laboratory's interim evaluation under subsection
(i)(3).
``(B) Contents.--A plan described in subparagraph
(A) shall address--
``(i) the priorities for applied research,
development, evaluations, and wide
dissemination established under section 207;
``(ii) the needs of State educational
agencies and local educational agencies, on an
ongoing basis, using available State and local
data; and
``(iii) if available, demonstrated support
from State educational agencies and local
educational agencies in the region, such as
letters of support or signed memoranda of
understanding.
``(3) Non-federal support.--In conducting a competition for
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under subsection
(a), the Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall
give priority to eligible applicants that will provide a
portion of non-Federal funds to maximize support for activities
of the regional educational laboratories to be established
under this section.
``(e) Awarding Grants, Contracts, or Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) Assurances.--In awarding grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements under this section, the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
``(A) make such an award for not more than a 5-year
period;
``(B) ensure that regional educational laboratories
established under this section have strong and
effective governance, organization, management, and
administration, and employ qualified staff; and
``(C) ensure that each such laboratory has the
flexibility to respond in a timely fashion to the needs
of the laboratory's region, including--
``(i) through using the results of the
laboratory's interim evaluation under
subsection (i)(3) to improve and modify the
activities of the laboratory before the end of
the award period; and
``(ii) through sharing preliminary results
of the laboratory's research, as appropriate,
to increase the relevance and usefulness of the
research.
``(2) Coordination.--To ensure coordination and prevent
unnecessary duplication of activities among the regions, the
Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
``(A) share information about the activities of
each regional educational laboratory with each other
regional educational laboratory, the Department, the
Director, and the National Board for Education
Sciences;
``(B) ensure, where appropriate, that the
activities of each regional educational laboratory
established under this section also serve national
interests;
``(C) ensure each such regional educational
laboratory establishes strong partnerships among
practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and others,
so that such partnerships are continued in the absence
of Federal support; and
``(D) enable, where appropriate, for such a
laboratory to work in a region being served by another
laboratory or to carry out a project that extends
beyond the region served by the laboratory.
``(3) Collaboration with technical assistance providers.--
Each regional educational laboratory established under this
section shall, on an ongoing basis, coordinate its activities,
collaborate, and regularly exchange information with the
comprehensive centers (established in section 203) in the
region in which the laboratory is located, and with
comprehensive centers located outside of its region, as
appropriate.
``(4) Outreach.--In conducting competitions for grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this section, the
Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
``(A) by making information and technical
assistance relating to the competition widely
available, actively encourage eligible applicants to
compete for such an award; and
``(B) seek input from the chief executive officers
of States, chief State school officers, educators,
parents, superintendents, and other individuals with
knowledge of the needs of the regions to be served by
the awards, regarding--
``(i) the needs in the regions for applied
research, evaluation, development, and wide-
dissemination activities authorized by this
title; and
``(ii) how such needs may be addressed most
effectively.
``(5) Performance management.--Before the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner awards a grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement under this section, the Director shall
establish measurable performance indicators for assessing the
ongoing progress and performance of the regional educational
laboratories established with such awards that address the
requirements of the performance management system described in
section 185.
``(6) Standards.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner shall adhere to the Institute's system for
technical and peer review under section 114(h) in reviewing the
applied research activities and research-based reports of the
regional educational laboratories.
``(7) Required consideration.--In determining whether to
award a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this
section--
``(A) to an eligible applicant that previously
established a regional educational laboratory under
this section, the Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner shall--
``(i) consider the results of such
laboratory's summative evaluation under
subsection (i)(2), or, if not available, any
interim evaluation findings under subsection
(i)(3); and
``(ii) ensure that only such laboratories
determined effective in their relevant interim
or summative evaluations, as described in
subsection (i), are eligible to receive a new
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and
``(B) to any eligible applicant, the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner shall ensure that such
applicant has--
``(i) a history of effectiveness in
conducting high-quality applied research; and
``(ii) the capacity to meet the measurable
performance indicators established under
paragraph (5).
``(8) Flexibility in laboratory number.--
``(A) Determination.--The Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner, in consultation with the
regional educational laboratory advisory boards
described in subsection (h), may determine that
establishing 10 regional educational laboratories is
unnecessary, as required in subsection (a), and grant
an alternative number of awards or reorganize such
laboratories, which may include not basing the awards
on the regions described in subsection (b), if--
``(i) an insufficient number of regional
educational laboratories are meeting the needs
of the regions described in subsection (b), as
determined by the Commissioner;
``(ii) an insufficient number of
laboratories are meeting the measurable
performance indicators established under
paragraph (5), as determined by the
Commissioner and the most recent interim or
summative evaluation under subsection (i); or
``(iii) an insufficient number of eligible
applicants have the capacity to meet the
measurable performance indicators established
under paragraph (5), as determined by the
Commissioner.
``(B) Limitation.--If the Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner uses the determination
authority described in subparagraph (A), there shall be
no more than 10 regional educational laboratories
established.
``(f) Mission.--Each regional educational laboratory established
under this section shall--
``(1) conduct applied research, development, data analysis,
and evaluation activities with State educational agencies,
local educational agencies, and, as appropriate, schools funded
by the Bureau;
``(2) widely disseminate such work, consistent with section
114(j); and
``(3) develop the capacity of State educational agencies,
local educational agencies, and, as appropriate, schools funded
by the Bureau to carry out the activities described in
paragraphs (1) and (2).
``(g) Activities.--To carry out the mission described in subsection
(f), each regional educational laboratory established under this
section shall carry out the following activities:
``(1) Conduct, widely disseminate, and promote utilization
of applied research, development activities, evaluations, data
analysis, and other scientifically valid research.
``(2) Develop and improve the plan for the laboratory under
subsection (d)(2) for serving the region of the laboratory, and
as appropriate, national needs, on an ongoing basis, which
shall include seeking input and incorporating feedback from the
representatives of State educational agencies and local
educational agencies in the region, and other individuals with
knowledge of the region's needs.
``(3) Ensure research and related products are relevant and
responsive to the needs of the region.
``(h) Regional Educational Laboratory Advisory Board.--
``(1) Establishment.--Each regional educational laboratory
established under this section may establish an advisory board
that shall support the priorities of such laboratory.
``(2) Duties.--Each advisory board established under
paragraph (1) shall advise the regional educational
laboratory--
``(A) concerning the activities described in
subsection (g);
``(B) on strategies for monitoring and addressing
the educational needs of the region, on an ongoing
basis, and as appropriate, national needs;
``(C) on maintaining a high standard of quality in
the performance of the laboratory's activities,
especially in meeting the measurable performance
indicators established under subsection (e)(5);
``(D) on carrying out the laboratory's duties in a
manner that promotes progress toward improving student
academic achievement;
``(E) on the activities undertaken by the
comprehensive center in the region, other centers, as
appropriate, and other laboratories to align the work
of such entities, reduce redundancy, and increase
collaboration and resource-sharing in such activities;
and
``(F) on joint activities with other comprehensive
centers or laboratories that would meet the needs of
multiple regions.
``(3) Composition.--
``(A) In general.--Each advisory board shall--
``(i) not exceed 25 members;
``(ii) include the chief State school
officer, or such officer's designee, or other
State official, of States within the region of
the laboratory who have primary responsibility
under State law for elementary and secondary
education in the State;
``(iii) include representatives of local
educational agencies, including rural and urban
local educational agencies, that represent the
geographic diversity of the region;
``(iv) include researchers; and
``(v) include not less than 1
representative from an advisory board of a
comprehensive center serving the region, if
applicable.
``(B) Eligibility.--The membership of each regional
educational laboratory advisory board may include the
following:
``(i) Representatives of institutions of
higher education.
``(ii) Parents.
``(iii) Practicing educators, including
classroom teachers, school leaders,
administrators, school board members, and other
local school officials.
``(iv) Representatives of business.
``(v) Policymakers.
``(4) Recommendations.--In choosing individuals for
membership on a regional educational laboratory advisory board,
the regional educational laboratory shall consult with, and
solicit recommendations from, the Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner, the chief executive officers of
States, chief State school officers, local educational
agencies, and other education stakeholders within the
applicable region.
``(5) Special rule.--The total number of members on each
regional educational laboratory advisory board who are selected
under clauses (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (3)(A), in the
aggregate, shall exceed the total number of members who are
selected under paragraph (3)(B), collectively.
``(i) Evaluations.--
``(1) In general.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner shall--
``(A) provide for ongoing summative and interim
evaluations described in paragraphs (2) and (3),
respectively, of each of the regional educational
laboratories established under this section in carrying
out the full range of duties described in this section;
and
``(B) transmit the results of such evaluations,
through appropriate means, to the appropriate
congressional committees, the Director, and the public.
``(2) Summative evaluations.--The Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner shall ensure each regional educational
laboratory established under this section is evaluated by an
independent entity at the end of the period of the grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement that established such
laboratory, and such evaluation shall--
``(A) be completed in a timely fashion;
``(B) assess how well the laboratory is meeting the
measurable performance indicators established under
subsection (e)(5); and
``(C) consider the extent to which the laboratory
ensures that the activities of such laboratory are
relevant and useful to the work of State and local
practitioners and policymakers.
``(3) Interim evaluations.--The Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner shall ensure each regional educational
laboratory established under this section is evaluated at the
midpoint of the period of the grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement that established such laboratory, and such evaluation
shall--
``(A) assess how well such laboratory is meeting
the performance indicators described in subsection
(e)(5); and
``(B) be used to improve the effectiveness of such
laboratory in carrying out its plan under subsection
(d)(2).
``(j) Continuation of Awards; Recompetition.--
``(1) Continuation of awards.--The Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner shall continue awards made to each
eligible applicant for the support of regional educational
laboratories established under this section prior to the date
of enactment of the Strengthening Education through Research
Act, as such awards were in effect on the day before the date
of enactment of such Act, for the duration of those awards, in
accordance with the terms and agreements of such awards.
``(2) Recompetition.--Not later than the end of the period
of the awards described in paragraph (1), the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
``(A) hold a competition to make grants, contracts,
or cooperative agreements under this section to
eligible applicants, which may include eligible
applicants that held awards described in paragraph (1);
and
``(B) in determining whether to select an eligible
applicant that held an award described in paragraph (1)
for an award under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph,
consider the results of the summative evaluation under
subsection (i)(2) of the laboratory established with
the eligible applicant's award described in paragraph
(1).'';
(5) by striking subsection (l);
(6) by redesignating subsections (m), (n), and (o) as
subsections (l), (m), and (n), respectively;
(7) in subsection (l), as redesignated by paragraph (6), by
inserting ``and local'' after ``achieve State'';
(8) by striking subsection (m), as redesignated by
paragraph (6), and inserting the following:
``(m) Annual Report.--Each regional educational laboratory
established under this section shall submit to the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner an annual report containing such
information as the Commissioner may require, but which shall include,
at a minimum, the following:
``(1) A summary of the laboratory's activities and products
developed during the previous year.
``(2) A listing of the State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and schools the laboratory assisted
during the previous year.
``(3) Using the measurable performance indicators
established under subsection (e)(5), a description of how well
the laboratory is meeting educational needs of the region
served by the laboratory.
``(4) Any changes to the laboratory's plan under subsection
(d)(2) to improve its activities in the remaining years of the
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''; and
(9) by adding at the end the following:
``(o) Appropriations Reservation.--Of the amounts appropriated
under section 194(a), the Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner shall reserve 16.13 percent of such funds to carry out
this section, of which the Commissioner shall use not less than 25
percent to serve rural areas (including schools funded by the Bureau
which are located in rural areas).''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1 of
the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116 Stat. 1940), is
amended by striking the item relating to section 174 and inserting the
following:
``Sec. 174. Regional educational laboratories for research,
development, dissemination, and
evaluation.''.
PART E--NATIONAL CENTER FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RESEARCH
SEC. 175. ESTABLISHMENT.
Section 175(b) (20 U.S.C. 9567(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and children'' and
inserting ``children, and youth'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) to promote quality and integrity through the use of
accepted practices of scientific inquiry to obtain knowledge
and understanding of the validity of education theories,
practices, or conditions with respect to special education
research and evaluation described in paragraphs (1) through
(3); and
``(5) to promote scientifically valid research findings in
special education that may provide the basis for improving
academic instruction and lifelong learning.''.
SEC. 176. COMMISSIONER FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RESEARCH.
Section 176 (20 U.S.C. 9567a) is amended by inserting ``and youth''
after ``children''.
SEC. 177. DUTIES.
Section 177 (20 U.S.C. 9567b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``and youth''
after ``children'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``scientifically
based educational practices'' and inserting
``educational practices, including the use of
technology based on scientifically valid research,'';
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking ``scientifically based'';
and
(ii) by inserting ``are based on
scientifically valid research and'' after
``interventions that'';
(D) in paragraph (10), by inserting before the
semicolon the following: ``, including how secondary
school credentials are related to postsecondary and
employment outcomes'';
(E) by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (15)
and paragraphs (16) and (17) as paragraphs (12) through
(16), respectively, and paragraphs (18) and (19),
respectively;
(F) by inserting after paragraph (10), the
following:
``(11) examine the participation and outcomes of students
with disabilities in secondary and postsecondary career and
technical education programs;'';
(G) in paragraph (14), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), by inserting ``and professional
development'' after ``preparation'';
(H) in paragraph (16), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), by striking ``help parents'' and
inserting ``examine the methods by which parents may'';
(I) by inserting after paragraph (16), as
redesignated by subparagraph (E), the following:
``(17) assist the Board in the preparation and
dissemination of each evaluation report under section
116(d);'';
(J) in paragraph (18), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(K) by striking paragraph (19), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), and inserting the following:
``(19) examine the needs of children with disabilities who
are English learners, are gifted and talented, or have other
unique learning needs; and''; and
(L) by adding at the end the following:
``(20) examine innovations in the field of special
education, such as multi-tiered systems of support.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``for the activities of
the Special Education Research Center'' after
``a research plan''; and
(ii) by striking ``Services, that--'' and
inserting ``Services, and, subject to the
approval of the Director, implement the
research plan. The research plan shall be a
plan that--'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``described in
section 175(b)'' after ``Center'';
(C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) is carried out, and, as appropriate, updated and
modified, including by using the results of the Special
Education Research Center's most recent evaluation report under
section 116(d);'';
(D) by striking paragraph (5);
(E) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (6)
as paragraphs (4), (5), and (7), respectively;
(F) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) provides for research that addresses significant
questions of practice where such research is lacking;'';
(G) in paragraph (5), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), by striking ``and types of children
with'' and inserting ``, student subgroups, and types
of''; and
(H) by inserting after paragraph (5), as
redesignated by subparagraph (E), the following:
``(6) describes how the Special Education Research Center
will use the performance management system described in section
185 to assess and improve the activities of the Center; and'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Director'' and
inserting ``Special Education Research Commissioner'';
(B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the
following:
``(3) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that
wishes to receive a grant, or enter into a contract or
cooperative agreement, under this section shall submit
an application to the Special Education Research
Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Special Education
Research Commissioner may require.
``(B) Contents.--An application submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall describe how the eligible
applicant will address and demonstrate progress on the
requirements of the performance management system
described in section 185, with respect to the
activities that will be carried out under such grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Duration.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements under
this section may be awarded or entered into, on a competitive
basis, for a period of not more than 5 years, and may be
renewed at the discretion of the Special Education Research
Commissioner for an additional period of not more than 2 years
if the recipient demonstrates progress on the requirements of
the performance management system described in section 185,
with respect to the activities carried out under the grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement received or entered into
under this section.'';
(4) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``(e) Dissemination.--The Special Education Research Center shall
synthesize and, consistent with section 114(j), widely disseminate and
promote utilization of the findings and results of special education
research conducted or supported by the Special Education Research
Center.''; and
(5) in subsection (f), by striking ``part such sums as may
be necessary for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2010.'' and
inserting the following: ``part--
``(1) for fiscal year 2016, $54,000,000;
``(2) for fiscal year 2017, $55,242,000;
``(3) for fiscal year 2018, $56,512,566;
``(4) for fiscal year 2019, $57,812,355;
``(5) for fiscal year 2020, $59,142,039; and
``(6) for fiscal year 2021, $66,922,118.''.
PART F--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 181. PROHIBITIONS.
Section 182 (20 U.S.C. 9572) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``specific academic
achievement or content standards or assessments,'' after ``the
curriculum,''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``an elementary school
or secondary school'' and inserting ``early education, or in an
elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher
education''.
SEC. 182. CONFIDENTIALITY.
Section 183 (20 U.S.C. 9573) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``their families, and information
with respect to individual schools,'' and inserting
``and their families''; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, and that any disclosed information with
respect to individual schools not reveal such
individually identifiable information'';
(2) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting ``, including
voluntary and uncompensated services under section 190'' after
``providing services''; and
(3) in subsection (e)(1), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and Director'' after
``Secretary''.
SEC. 183. AVAILABILITY OF DATA.
Section 184 (20 U.S.C. 9574) is amended by striking ``use of the
Internet'' and inserting ``electronic means, such as posting in an
easily accessible manner on the Institute's website''.
SEC. 184. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT.
Section 185 (20 U.S.C. 9575) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 185. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT.
``The Director shall establish a system for managing the
performance of all activities authorized under this title to promote
continuous improvement of the activities and to ensure the effective
use of Federal funds by--
``(1) developing and using measurable performance
indicators, including timelines, to evaluate and improve the
effectiveness of the activities;
``(2) using the performance indicators described in
paragraph (1) to inform funding decisions, including the
awarding and continuation of all grants, contracts, and
cooperative agreements under this title;
``(3) establishing and improving formal feedback mechanisms
to--
``(A) anticipate and meet stakeholder needs; and
``(B) incorporate, on an ongoing basis, the
feedback of such stakeholders into the activities
authorized under this title; and
``(4) promoting the wide dissemination and utilization,
consistent with section 114(j), of all information, products,
and publications of the Institute.''.
SEC. 185. AUTHORITY TO PUBLISH.
Section 186(b) (20 U.S.C. 9576(b)) is amended by striking ``any
information to be published under this section before publication'' and
inserting ``any publication under this section before the public
release of such publication''.
SEC. 186. REPEALS.
(a) Repeals.--Sections 187 (20 U.S.C. 9577) and 193 (20 U.S.C.
9583) are repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--The table of contents in section 1 of
the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116 Stat. 1940), is
amended by striking the items relating to sections 187 and 193.
SEC. 187. FELLOWSHIPS.
Section 189 (20 U.S.C. 9579) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``and the mission of each National
Education Center authorized under this title'' after ``related
to education''; and
(2) by striking ``historically Black colleges and
universities'' and inserting ``minority-serving institutions''.
SEC. 188. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 194 (20 U.S.C. 9584) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
administer and carry out this title (except part E)--
``(1) for fiscal year 2016, $337,343,000;
``(2) for fiscal year 2017, $345,101,889;
``(3) for fiscal year 2018, $353,039,232;
``(4) for fiscal year 2019, $361,159,135;
``(5) for fiscal year 2020, $369,465,795; and
``(6) for fiscal year 2021, $376,225,846.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Reservations.--Of the amounts appropriated under subsection
(a) for each fiscal year--
``(1) not less than the amount provided to the National
Center for Education Statistics (as such Center was in
existence on the day before the date of enactment of the
Strengthening Education through Research Act) for fiscal year
2015 shall be provided to the National Center for Education
Statistics, as authorized under part C; and
``(2) not more than the lesser of 2 percent of such
appropriated amounts or $2,000,000 shall be made available to
carry out section 116 (relating to the National Board for
Education Sciences).''.
PART G--TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS
SEC. 191. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS.
(a) Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.--
Section 3(25) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act
of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302(25)) is amended by striking ``using
scientifically based research standards, as defined in section 102''
and inserting ``in accordance with the principles of scientific
research, as defined in section 102''.
(b) Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.--Section
9529(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7909(b)) is amended by striking ``section 153(a)(5)'' and
inserting ``section 153(a)(6)''.
(c) Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.--Section 681(a)(1)
of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C.
1481(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``section 178(c)'' and inserting
``section 177(c)''.
TITLE II--EDUCATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
SEC. 201. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of the Educational Technical
Assistance Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.).
SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.
Section 202 (20 U.S.C. 9601) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) School leader.--The term `school leader' has the
meaning given the term in section 102.''.
SEC. 203. COMPREHENSIVE CENTERS.
Section 203 (20 U.S.C. 9602) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) Authorization.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3) and except as
provided in subsection (b)(5), the Secretary shall award 17
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible
applicants to establish comprehensive centers.
``(2) Mission.--The mission of the comprehensive centers is
to provide State educational agencies and local educational
agencies technical assistance, analysis, and training to build
their capacity in implementing the requirements of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301
et seq.) and other Federal education laws, and research-based
practices.
``(3) Regions.--In awarding grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements under paragraph (1), the Secretary--
``(A) shall establish at least one comprehensive
center for each of the 10 geographic regions served by
the regional educational laboratories established under
section 941(h) of the Educational Research,
Development, Dissemination, and Improvement Act of 1994
(20 U.S.C. 6041(h)) (as such provision existed on the
day before the date of enactment of this Act);
``(B) may establish additional comprehensive
centers--
``(i) for one or more of the regions
described in subparagraph (A); or
``(ii) to serve the Nation as a whole by
providing technical assistance on a particular
content area of importance to the Nation, as
determined by the Secretary; and
``(C) may make such arrangements as the Secretary
determines necessary to ensure that the Bureau of
Indian Education and States or local educational
agencies serving significant numbers of American
Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian students have
access to services provided under this section.
``(4) Nation.--In the case of a comprehensive center
established to serve the Nation as described in paragraph
(3)(B)(ii), the Nation shall be considered to be a region
served by such Center.
``(5) Award period.--A grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement under this section may be awarded, on a competitive
basis, for a period of not more than 5 years.
``(6) Responsiveness.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
comprehensive center established under this section has the
ability to respond in a timely fashion to the needs of State
educational agencies and local educational agencies, including
through using the results of the center's interim evaluation
under section 204(c), to improve and modify the activities of
the center before the end of the award period.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``, contracts, or
cooperative agreements'' after ``Grants'';
(ii) by striking ``research organizations,
institutions, agencies, institutions of higher
education,'' and inserting ``public or private,
nonprofit or for-profit research organizations,
other organizations, or institutions of higher
education,'';
(iii) by striking ``, or individuals,'';
(iv) by striking ``subsection (f)'' and
inserting ``subsection (e)''; and
(v) by striking ``, including regional''
and all that follows through ``107-110))''; and
(B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Outreach.--In conducting competitions for grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this section, the
Secretary shall--
``(A) by making widely available information and
technical assistance relating to the competition,
actively encourage eligible applicants to compete for
such awards; and
``(B) seek input from chief executive officers of
States, chief State school officers, educators,
parents, superintendents, and other individuals with
knowledge of the needs of the regions to be served by
the awards, regarding--
``(i) the needs in the regions for
technical assistance authorized under this
title; and
``(ii) how such needs may be addressed most
effectively.
``(3) Performance management.--Before awarding a grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement under this section, the
Secretary shall establish measurable performance indicators to
be used to assess the ongoing progress and performance of the
comprehensive centers to be established under this title that
address paragraphs (1) through (3) of the performance
management system described in section 185.
``(4) Required consideration.--In determining whether to
award or enter into a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement
under this section--
``(A) to an eligible applicant that previously
established a comprehensive center under this section,
the Secretary shall--
``(i) consider the results of such center's
summative evaluation under section 204(b) or,
if not available, any interim evaluation
results under section 204(c); and
``(ii) ensure that only centers determined
effective in the centers' relevant interim or
summative evaluations, as described in section
204, are eligible to receive a new grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement; and
``(B) to any eligible applicant, the Secretary
shall ensure that such applicant has--
``(i) a history of effectiveness in
providing high-quality technical assistance;
and
``(ii) the capacity to meet the measurable
performance indicators established under
paragraph (3).
``(5) Flexibility in comprehensive center number.--
``(A) Determination.--The Secretary, in
consultation with the comprehensive center advisory
boards described in subsection (f), may determine that
establishing 17 comprehensive centers under this
section is unnecessary, as required in subsection
(a)(1), and grant an alternative number of awards or
reorganize such centers, which may include organizing
the centers around content area instead of by the
regions described in subsection (a)(3), if--
``(i) an insufficient number of such
comprehensive centers are meeting the needs of
the regions described in paragraphs (3) and (4)
of subsection (a), as determined by the
Secretary;
``(ii) an insufficient number of such
comprehensive centers are meeting the
measurable performance indicators established
under paragraph (3), as determined by the
Secretary and the most recent interim or
summative evaluation under section 204; or
``(iii) an insufficient number of eligible
applicants have the capacity to meet the
measurable performance indicators established
under paragraph (3), as determined by the
Secretary.
``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not use the
determination authority described in subparagraph (A)
to establish more than 17 comprehensive centers under
this section.
``(6) Continuation of awards.--
``(A) Continuation of awards.--The Secretary shall
continue awards made to each eligible applicant for the
support of comprehensive centers established under this
section prior to the date of enactment of the
Strengthening Education through Research Act, as such
awards were in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of such Act, for the duration of those
awards, in accordance with the terms and agreements of
such awards.
``(B) Recompetition.--Not later than the end of the
period of the awards described in subparagraph (A), the
Secretary shall--
``(i) hold a competition to make grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this
section to eligible applicants, which may
include eligible applicants that held awards
described in subparagraph (A); and
``(ii) in determining whether to select an
eligible applicant that held an award described
in subparagraph (A) for an award under clause
(i) of this subparagraph, consider the results
of the summative evaluation under section
204(b) of the center established with the
eligible applicant's award described in
subparagraph (A).
``(7) Eligible applicant defined.--For purposes of this
section, the term `eligible applicant' means an entity
described in paragraph (1).'';
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Applications.--
``(1) Submission.--
``(A) In general.--Each eligible applicant seeking
a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this
section shall submit an application at such time, in
such manner, and containing such additional information
as the Secretary may reasonably require.
``(B) Input.--To ensure that applications submitted
under this paragraph are reflective of the needs of the
regions to be served, each eligible applicant
submitting such an application shall seek input from--
``(i) State educational agencies and local
educational agencies in the region that the
award will serve; and
``(ii) other individuals with knowledge of
the region's needs.
``(2) Plan.--
``(A) In general.--Each application submitted under
paragraph (1) shall contain a plan for the
comprehensive center to be established under this
section, which shall be updated, modified, and
improved, as appropriate, on an ongoing basis,
including by using the results of the center's interim
evaluation under section 204(c).
``(B) Contents.--A plan described in subparagraph
(A) shall address--
``(i) the priorities for technical
assistance established under section 207;
``(ii) the needs of State educational
agencies and local educational agencies, on an
ongoing basis, using available State and local
data, including how the needs of schools
identified for improvement and schools and
local educational agencies with a high
percentage or number of low-income students
will be prioritized and served; and
``(iii) if available, demonstrated support
from State educational agencies and local
educational agencies, such as letters of
support or signed memoranda of understanding.
``(3) Non-federal support.--In conducting a competition for
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall give priority to eligible applicants
that will provide a portion of non-Federal funds to maximize
support for activities of the comprehensive centers to be
established under this section.'';
(4) in subsection (d), by inserting ``the number of low-
performing schools in the region,'' after ``economically
disadvantaged students,'';
(5) by striking subsections (e), (g), and (h);
(6) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e);
(7) in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (6)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``support dissemination and
technical assistance activities by'' and
inserting ``support State educational agencies
and local educational agencies, including by'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (i), by inserting
``and other Federal education laws''
before the semicolon;
(II) in clause (ii)--
(aa) in the matter
preceding subclause (I), by
striking ``and assessment
tools'' and inserting ``,
assessment tools, and other
educational strategies'';
(bb) in subclause (I), by
striking ``mathematics,
science,'' and inserting
``mathematics and science,
which may include computer
science or engineering,''; and
(cc) in subclause (III), by
inserting ``, including
innovative tools and methods''
before the semicolon; and
(III) by striking clause (iii) and
inserting the following:
``(iii) the replication and adaptation of
exemplary practices and innovative methods that
have an evidence base of effectiveness; and'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by inserting ``, consistent
with section 114(j),'' after
``disseminating''; and
(II) by striking ``(as described''
and all that follows through ``is
located''; and
(iv) by striking subparagraph (C) and
inserting the following:
``(C) ensuring activities carried out under this
section are relevant and responsive to the needs of the
region being served.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``, on an ongoing basis,''
after ``this section shall''; and
(ii) by striking ``in which the center is
located'' and inserting ``served by the center
or other regional educational laboratories or
comprehensive centers, as appropriate''; and
(8) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Comprehensive Center Advisory Board.--
``(1) Establishment.--Each comprehensive center established
under this section may establish an advisory board that shall
support the priorities of such center.
``(2) Duties.--Each advisory board established under
paragraph (1) shall advise the comprehensive center--
``(A) concerning the activities described in
subsection (e);
``(B) on strategies for monitoring and addressing
the educational needs of the region being served on an
ongoing basis and, as appropriate, national needs;
``(C) on maintaining a high standard of quality in
the performance of the center's activities, especially
in meeting the measurable performance indicators
established under subsection (b)(3);
``(D) on carrying out the center's duties in a
manner that promotes progress toward improving student
academic achievement;
``(E) on the activities undertaken by regional
educational laboratories of the region being served,
other regional educational laboratories, as
appropriate, and other comprehensive centers to align
the work of the laboratories and centers, reduce
redundancy, and increase collaboration and resource-
sharing in such activities; and
``(F) on joint activities, with other comprehensive
centers or regional educational laboratories from other
regions, that would meet the needs of multiple regions.
``(3) Composition.--
``(A) In general.--Each advisory board shall--
``(i) not exceed 25 members;
``(ii) include the chief State school
officer, or such officer's designee, or other
State official, of States within the region
served by the comprehensive center who have
primary responsibility under State law for
elementary and secondary education in the
State;
``(iii) include representatives of local
educational agencies, including rural and urban
local educational agencies, that represent the
geographic diversity of the region;
``(iv) include researchers; and
``(v) include not less than 1
representative from the advisory board of a
regional educational laboratory in the region
being served by the comprehensive center.
``(B) Eligibility.--The membership of each
comprehensive center advisory board may include the
following:
``(i) Representatives of institutions of
higher education.
``(ii) Parents.
``(iii) Practicing educators, including
classroom teachers, school leaders,
administrators, school board members, and other
local school officials.
``(iv) Representatives of business.
``(v) Policymakers.
``(4) Recommendations.--In choosing individuals for
membership on a comprehensive center advisory board, the
comprehensive center shall consult with, and solicit
recommendations from, the Secretary, chief executive officers
of States, chief State school officers, local educational
agencies, and other education stakeholders within the
applicable region.
``(5) Special rule.--The total number of members on each
board who are selected under clauses (ii) and (iii) of
paragraph (3)(A), in the aggregate, shall exceed the total
number of members who are selected under paragraph (3)(B),
collectively.
``(g) Report to the Secretary.--Each comprehensive center
established under this section shall submit to the Secretary an annual
report, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Secretary may require, which shall include the following:
``(1) A summary of the center's activities and products
developed during the previous year.
``(2) A listing of the State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and schools the center assisted during
the previous year.
``(3) Using the measurable performance indicators
established under subsection (b)(3), a description of how well
the center is meeting educational needs of the region served by
the center.
``(4) Any changes to the center's plan under subsection
(c)(2) to improve its activities in the remaining years of the
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''.
SEC. 204. EVALUATIONS.
Section 204 (20 U.S.C. 9603) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 204. EVALUATIONS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) provide for ongoing summative and interim evaluations
described in subsections (b) and (c), respectively, of each of
the comprehensive centers established under this title in
carrying out the full range of duties of the center under this
title; and
``(2) transmit the results of such evaluations, through
appropriate means, to the appropriate congressional committees,
the Director of the Institute of Education Sciences, and the
public.
``(b) Summative Evaluation.--The Secretary shall ensure each
comprehensive center established under this title is evaluated by an
independent entity at the end of the period of the grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement that established such center, which shall--
``(1) be completed in a timely fashion;
``(2) assess how well the center is meeting the measurable
performance indicators established under section 203(b)(3); and
``(3) consider the extent to which the center ensures that
the technical assistance of such center is relevant and useful
to the work of State and local practitioners and policymakers.
``(c) Interim Evaluation.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
comprehensive center established under this title is evaluated at the
midpoint of the period of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement
that established such center, which shall--
``(1) assess how well such center is meeting the measurable
performance indicators established under section 203(b)(3); and
``(2) be used to improve the effectiveness of such center
in carrying out its plan under section 203(c)(2).''.
SEC. 205. EXISTING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDERS.
(a) Repeal.--Section 205 (20 U.S.C. 9604) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1 of
the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116 Stat. 1940), is
amended by striking the item relating to section 205.
SEC. 206. REGIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
(a) Repeal.--Section 206 (20 U.S.C. 9605) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1 of
the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116 Stat. 1940), is
amended by striking the item relating to section 206.
SEC. 207. PRIORITIES.
Section 207 (20 U.S.C. 9606) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``Director and'' before ``Secretary shall
establish'';
(2) by striking ``of the Education Sciences Reform Act of
2002'';
(3) by striking ``of this title'';
(4) by striking ``to address, taking onto account the
regional assessments conducted under section 206 and other''
and inserting ``, respectively, using the results of''; and
(5) by striking ``relevant regional'' and all that follows
through ``Secretary deems appropriate'' and inserting
``relevant regional and national surveys of educational
needs''.
SEC. 208. GRANT PROGRAM FOR STATEWIDE, LONGITUDINAL DATA SYSTEMS.
Section 208 (20 U.S.C. 9607) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), and the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.)'';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following: ``State
educational agencies receiving a grant under this
section may provide subgrants to local educational
agencies to improve the capacity of local educational
agencies to carry out the activities authorized under
this section.'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as
subsections (d), (e), and (g), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (b), the following:
``(c) Performance Management.--Before awarding a grant under this
section, the Secretary shall establish measurable performance
indicators--
``(1) to be used to assess the ongoing progress and
performance of State educational agencies receiving a grant
under this section; and
``(2) that address paragraphs (1) through (3) of the
performance management system described in section 185.'';
(4) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, promotes
linkages across States,'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``supports school improvement
and'' after ``data that'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and
other reporting requirements and close
achievement gaps; and'' and inserting ``and
other reporting requirements, close achievement
gaps, and improve teaching and school
leadership;'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``and close achievement gaps; and'' and by
inserting ``, close achievement gaps, and
improve teaching and school leadership; and'';
and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (B)
the following:
``(C) to align statewide, longitudinal data systems
from early education through postsecondary education
(including pre-service preparation programs), and the
workforce, consistent with privacy protections under
section 183;''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the
following:
``(3) ensures the protection of student privacy, and
includes a review of how State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and others that will have access to the
statewide, longitudinal data systems under this section will
adhere to Federal privacy laws and protections, consistent with
section 183, in the building, maintenance, and use of such data
systems;
``(4) ensures State educational agencies receiving a grant
under this section support professional development that builds
the capacity of teachers and school leaders to use data
effectively; and
``(5) gives priority to State educational agencies that
leverage the use of statewide, longitudinal data systems to
improve student achievement and growth, including such State
educational agencies that--
``(A) are carrying out the activities described in
section 153(a)(5);
``(B) define the roles of State educational
agencies, local educational agencies, and others in
providing timely access to data under the statewide,
longitudinal data systems, consistent with privacy
protections in section 183; and
``(C) demonstrate the capacity to share teacher and
school leader performance data, including student
achievement and growth data, with local educational
agencies and teacher and school leader preparation
programs.'';
(5) by inserting after subsection (e), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), the following:
``(f) Renewal of Awards.--The Secretary may renew a grant awarded
to a State educational agency under this section for a period not to
exceed 3 years, if the State educational agency has demonstrated
progress on the measurable performance indicators established under
subsection (c).''; and
(6) by striking subsection (g), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), and inserting the following:
``(g) Reports.--
``(1) First report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of the Strengthening Education through Research
Act, the Secretary shall prepare and make publicly available a
report on the implementation and effectiveness of the
activities carried out by State educational agencies receiving
a grant under this section, including--
``(A) information on progress in the development
and use of statewide, longitudinal data systems
described in this section;
``(B) information on best practices and areas for
improvement in such development and use; and
``(C) how the State educational agencies are
adhering to Federal privacy laws and protections in the
building, maintenance, and use of such data systems.
``(2) Succeeding reports.--Every succeeding 3 years after
the report is made publicly available under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall prepare and make publicly available a report on
the implementation and effectiveness of the activities carried
out by State educational agencies receiving a grant under this
section, including--
``(A) information on the requirements of
subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (1); and
``(B) the progress, in the aggregate, State
educational agencies are making on the measurable
performance indicators established under subsection
(c).''.
SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 209 (20 U.S.C. 9608) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title--
``(1) for fiscal year 2016, $82,984,000;
``(2) for fiscal year 2017, $84,892,632;
``(3) for fiscal year 2018, $86,845,163;
``(4) for fiscal year 2019, $88,842,601;
``(5) for fiscal year 2020, $90,885,981; and
``(6) for fiscal year 2021, $92,548,906.''.
TITLE III--NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
SEC. 301. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of the National Assessment of
Educational Progress Authorization Act (20 U.S.C. 9621 et seq.).
SEC. 302. NATIONAL ASSESSMENT GOVERNING BOARD.
Section 302 (20 U.S.C. 9621) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``shall formulate policy
guidelines'' and inserting ``shall oversee and set policies, in
a manner consistent with subsection (e) and accepted
professional standards,'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(L)--
(A) by striking ``principals'' and inserting
``leaders''; and
(B) by striking ``principal'' both places it
appears and inserting ``leader'';
(3) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (4);
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``the
Assessment Board after consultation with''
before ``organizations''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``Each organization
submitting nominations to the Secretary
with'' and inserting ``With''; and
(II) by inserting ``, the
Assessment Board'' after ``particular
vacancy''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``that each organization
described in paragraph (1)(A) submit additional
nominations'' and inserting ``additional
nominations from the Assessment Board or each
organization described in paragraph (1)(A)'';
and
(ii) by striking ``such organization'' and
inserting ``the Assessment Board''; and
(5) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by inserting ``in consultation with the
Commissioner for Education Statistics,'' before
``select'';
(ii) by inserting ``and grades or ages''
before ``to be''; and
(iii) by inserting ``, and determine the
year in which such assessments will be
conducted'' after ``assessed'';
(B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``school
leaders,'' after ``teachers,'';
(C) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``design'' and
inserting ``provide input on'';
(D) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
(I);
(E) by redesignating subparagraph (J) as
subparagraph (K);
(F) by inserting after subparagraph (I), the
following:
``(J) provide input to the Director on annual
budget requests for the National Assessment of
Educational Progress; and'';
(G) in subparagraph (K), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E)--
(i) by striking ``plan and execute the
initial public release of''; and
(ii) by inserting ``release the initial''
before ``National''; and
(H) in the matter following subparagraph (K), as
redesignated by subparagraph (E), by striking
``subparagraph (J)'' and inserting ``subparagraph
(K)''.
SEC. 303. NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS.
Section 303 (20 U.S.C. 9622) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``with the advice of the
Assessment Board established under section 302'' and inserting
``in a manner consistent with accepted professional standards
and the policies set forth by the Assessment Board under
section 302(a)'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``and
consistent with section 302(e)(1)(A)'' after
``resources allow'';
(ii) in subparagraph (G)--
(I) by striking ``limited English
proficiency'' and inserting ``English
learner status''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the end
of subparagraph (G);
(iii) in subparagraph (H), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) determine, after taking into account section
302(e)(1)(I), the content of initial and subsequent
reports of all assessments authorized under this
section and ensure that such reports are valid and
reliable.''; and
(B) in paragraph (5)(C), by striking ``limited
English proficiency'' and inserting ``English learner
status'';
(3) in subsection (c)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``of
Education'' after ``Secretary''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) by striking ``Chairman of the House''
before ``Committee on Education'';
(ii) by inserting ``of the House of
Representatives'' after ``Workforce'';
(iii) by striking ``Chairman of the
Senate'' before ``Committee on Health''; and
(iv) by inserting ``of the Senate'' after
``Pensions'';
(4) in subsection (d)(1), by inserting before the period,
the following: ``, except as required under section
1112(b)(1)(F) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6312(b)(1)(F))'';
(5) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or age''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``shall'' and all
that follows through ``be'' and insert
``shall be'';
(II) by redesignating subclauses
(I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii),
respectively (and by moving the margins
2 ems to the left); and
(III) in clause (ii), as
redesignated by subclause (II), by
striking ``, or the age of the
students, as the case may be'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``After the
determinations described in
subparagraph (A), devising'' and
inserting ``The Assessment Board shall,
in making the determination described
in subparagraph (A), use''; and
(II) by inserting ``, providing for
the active participation of teachers,
school leaders, curriculum specialists,
local school administrators, parents,
and concerned members of the general
public'' after ``approach''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (D), by inserting
``Assessment'' before ``Board''; and
(6) in subsection (g)(2)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``affairs'' and
inserting ``education''; and
(B) by striking ``Affairs'' and inserting
``Education''.
SEC. 304. DEFINITIONS.
Section 304 (20 U.S.C. 9623) is amended by striking paragraphs (1)
and (2) and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The terms `elementary school', `local
educational agency', and `secondary school' have the meanings
given those terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
``(2) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of
the Institute of Education Sciences.
``(3) School leader.--The term `school leader' has the
meaning given the term in section 102.
``(4) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Education.
``(5) State.--The term `State' means each of the 50 States,
the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico.''.
SEC. 305. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 305(a) (20 U.S.C. 9624(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated--
``(1) for fiscal year 2016--
``(A) $8,235,000 to carry out section 302 (relating
to the National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $129,000,000 to carry out section 303
(relating to the National Assessment of Educational
Progress);
``(2) for fiscal year 2017--
``(A) $8,424,405 to carry out section 302 (relating
to the National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $131,967,000 to carry out section 303
(relating to the National Assessment of Educational
Progress);
``(3) for fiscal year 2018--
``(A) $8,618,166 to carry out section 302 (relating
to the National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $135,002,241 to carry out section 303
(relating to the National Assessment of Educational
Progress);
``(4) for fiscal year 2019--
``(A) $8,816,384 to carry out section 302 (relating
to the National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $138,107,293 to carry out section 303
(relating to the National Assessment of Educational
Progress);
``(5) for fiscal year 2020--
``(A) $9,019,161 to carry out section 302 (relating
to the National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $141,283,760 to carry out section 303
(relating to the National Assessment of Educational
Progress); and
``(6) for fiscal year 2021--
``(A) $9,184,183 to carry out section 302 (relating
to the National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $143,868,805 to carry out section 303
(relating to the National Assessment of Educational
Progress).''.
TITLE IV--EVALUATION PLAN
SEC. 401. RESEARCH AND EVALUATION.
(a) In General.--The Institute of Education Sciences shall be the
primary entity for conducting research on and evaluations of Federal
education programs within the Department of Education to ensure the
rigor and independence of such research and evaluation.
(b) Flexible Authority.--
(1) Reservation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) related to evaluation, the Secretary of
Education, in consultation with the Director of the Institute
of Education Sciences--
(A) may, for purposes of carrying out the
activities described in paragraph (2)(B)--
(i) reserve not more than 0.5 percent of
the total amount of funds appropriated for each
program authorized under the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301
et seq.), other than part A of title I of such
Act (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) and section 1501
of such Act (20 U.S.C. 6491); and
(ii) reserve, in the manner described in
subparagraph (B), an amount equal to not more
than 0.1 percent of the total amount of funds
appropriated for--
(I) part A of title I of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.); and
(II) section 1501 of such Act (20
U.S.C. 6491); and
(B) in reserving the amount described in
subparagraph (A)(ii)--
(i) shall reserve not more than the total
amount of funds appropriated for section 1501
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6491); and
(ii) may, in a case in which the total
amount of funds appropriated for such section
1501 (20 U.S.C. 6491) is less than the amount
described in subparagraph (A)(ii), reserve the
amount of funds appropriated for part A of
title I of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.)
that is needed for the sum of the total amount
of funds appropriated for such section 1501 (20
U.S.C. 6491) and such amount of funds
appropriated for such part A of title I (20
U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) to equal the amount
described in subparagraph (A)(ii).
(2) Authorized activities.--If funds are reserved under
paragraph (1)--
(A) neither the Secretary of Education nor the
Director of the Institute of Education Sciences shall--
(i) carry out evaluations under section
1501 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6491); or
(ii) reserve funds for evaluation
activities under section 3111(c)(1)(C) of such
Act (20 U.S.C. 6821(c)(1)(C)); and
(B) the Secretary of Education, in consultation
with the Director of the Institute of Education
Sciences--
(i) shall use the funds reserved under
paragraph (1) to carry out high-quality
evaluations (consistent with the requirements
of section 173(a) of the Education Sciences
Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9563(a)), as
amended by this Act, and the evaluation plan
described in subsection (c) of this section) of
programs authorized under the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301
et seq.); and
(ii) may use the funds reserved under
paragraph (1) to--
(I) increase the usefulness of the
evaluations conducted under clause (i)
to promote continuous improvement of
programs under the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6301 et seq.); or
(II) assist grantees of such
programs in collecting and analyzing
data and other activities related to
conducting high-quality evaluations
under clause (i).
(3) Dissemination.--The Secretary of Education or the
Director of the Institute of Education Sciences shall
disseminate evaluation findings, consistent with section 114(j)
of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C.
9514(j)), as amended by this Act, of evaluations carried out
under paragraph (2)(B)(i).
(4) Consolidation.--The Secretary of Education, in
consultation with the Director of the Institute of Education
Sciences--
(A) may consolidate the funds reserved under
paragraph (1) for purposes of carrying out the
activities under paragraph (2)(B); and
(B) shall not be required to evaluate under
paragraph (2)(B)(i) each program authorized under the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) each year.
(c) Evaluation Plan.--The Director of the Institute of Education
Sciences, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall, on a
biennial basis, develop, submit to Congress, and make publicly
available an evaluation plan, that--
(1) describes the specific activities that will be carried
out under subsection (b)(2)(B) for the 2-year period applicable
to the plan, and the timelines of such activities;
(2) contains the results of the activities carried out
under subsection (b)(2)(B) for the most recent 2-year period;
and
(3) describes how programs authorized under the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.)
will be regularly evaluated.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to affect section 173(b) of the Education Sciences Reform Act
of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9563(b)), as amended by this Act.
Passed the Senate December 17, 2015.
Attest:
JULIE E. ADAMS,
Secretary.