[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 69 (Thursday, May 8, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H3988-H4001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STRENGTHENING EDUCATION THROUGH RESEARCH ACT
Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 4366) 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, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 4366
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.
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
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 systems.
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. 182. Prohibitions.
Sec. 183. Confidentiality.
Sec. 184. Availability of data.
Sec. 185. Performance management.
Sec. 186. Authority to publish.
Sec. 187. Repeals.
Sec. 188. Fellowships.
Sec. 189. Authorization of appropriations.
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.
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) in paragraph (5), by striking ``Affairs'' and inserting
``Education'';
(2) in paragraph (10)--
(A) by inserting ``or other information, in a timely manner
and'' after ``evaluations,'' and
(B) by inserting ``school leaders,'' after ``teachers,'';
(3) in paragraph (12), by inserting ``, school leaders,''
after ``teachers'';
(4) by striking paragraph (13);
(5) by redesignating paragraphs (14) and (15) as paragraphs
(13) and (14), respectively;
(6) by inserting after paragraph (14), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(15) 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)).'';
(7) by amending paragraph (18) to read as follows:
``(18) 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.'';
(8) in paragraph (20), by striking ``scientifically based
research standards'' and inserting ``the principles of
scientific research''; and
(9) by adding at the end the following:
``(24) 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.''.
PART A--THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
SEC. 111. ESTABLISHMENT.
Section 111 (20 U.S.C. 9511) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``and wide dissemination activities'' and
inserting ``and, consistent with
[[Page H3989]]
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 before the semicolon the following ``and
utilization''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``, consistent with section 114(j),''
after ``disseminate''; and
(B) by adding before the semicolon the following: ``and
scientifically valid education evaluations carried out under
this title''.
SEC. 113. DELEGATION.
Section 113 (20 U.S.C. 9513) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1);
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as
paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively; and
(C) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking ``of
the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization
Act'';
(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 amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(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 amending paragraph (9) to read as follows:
``(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);
(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, 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 so redesignated--
(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 children have the
ability to obtain a high-quality education, particularly''
before ``closing'';
(ii) by striking ``especially achievement gaps between'';
(iii) by striking ``nonminority children'' and inserting
``nonminority children, disabled and nondisabled children,'';
(iv) by striking ``and between disadvantaged'' and
inserting ``and disadvantaged'';
(v) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) by striking paragraph (2); and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) improving the quality of early childhood education;
``(3) improving education in elementary and secondary
schools, particularly among low-performing students and
schools; and
``(4) improving access to, opportunities for, and
completion of postsecondary education.''; and
(2) in subsection (d), 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'';
(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 so redesignated--
(aa) by striking ``school-based professional educators,'';
(bb) by striking ``local educational agency
superintendents,'';
(cc) by striking ``principals,'';
(dd) by striking ``or local''; and
(ee) by striking ``or Bureau-funded school boards''; and
(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);
[[Page H3990]]
(III) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (i);
(IV) in clause (i), as so redesignated, 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);
(C) in paragraph (8)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (E) as
subparagraphs (B) through (F), respectively;
(ii) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so
redesignated, the following:
``(A) In general.--In the exercise of its duties under
section 116(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 so redesignated, 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 so redesignated--
(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''
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 triennial'';
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; and
``(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.
``(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 the Strengthening Education through Research
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'';
(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 so redesignated, 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 amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(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 so redesignated, 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 so redesignated, 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 so redesignated--
(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 so redesignated, by inserting
``and which may include research on social and emotional
learning,'' after ``gap,'';
(J) by inserting after paragraph (7), as so redesignated,
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 amending paragraph (9), as so redesignated, to read
as follows:
``(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 so redesignated, by striking the
period 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 amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(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), as so amended, the
following:
``(c) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) In general.--The Research Commissioner may award
grants to, or enter into
[[Page H3991]]
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 amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(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
paragraph (2), (3), and (4), respectively;
(D) by amending paragraph (2), as so redesignated--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``5 additional'' and inserting ``2 additional'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) 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 so redesignated, by striking
``paragraphs (4) and (5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)'';
and
(F) by amending paragraph (4), as so redesignated, to read
as follows:
``(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, and socioeconomic background.''.
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 amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) 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 amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
``(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 amending subparagraph (F) to read as follows:
``(F) teaching, including information on 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 amending subparagraph (K) to read as follows:
``(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''; and
(ix) in subparagraph (N), by striking ``vocational'' and
inserting ``career'';
(C) in paragraph (3), 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'';
(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), 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 inserting before the semicolon the
following: ``, ensuring such collections protect student
privacy consistent with section 183'';
(H) by amending paragraph (8) to read as follows:
``(8) assisting the Board in the preparation and
dissemination of each evaluation report under section 116(d);
and''; 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 propose to
the Director and, subject to the approval of the Director,
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''; and
(B) 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
``2015''.
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
[[Page H3992]]
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) for any scientific deficiencies in the
proposed research design or research intent for use of the
data, or if the request would introduce risk of a privacy
violation or misuse of data.''.
SEC. 156. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION STATISTICS SYSTEMS.
(a) In General.--Section 157 (20 U.S.C. 9547) is amended--
(1) in the 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 so redesignated, by striking ``of
such programs'' and all that follows through ``science)'' and
inserting ``and to evaluate the implementation of such
programs'';
(D) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, 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 amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(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, 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), by inserting ``, consistent with
section 114(j)'' after ``timely, and efficient manner'';
(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), 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).'';
(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) and redesignating subsection
(d) as subsection (e); and
(4) 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.'';
(5) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
(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) and redesignating
subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C);
(v) by striking subparagraphs (E) and (G), and
redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (D);
(vi) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by striking
``and'' at the end; and
(vii) by inserting after subparagraph (D), as so
redesignated, 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 about 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''.
[[Page H3993]]
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 ``Director'' and inserting ``Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner'';
(B) by striking ``contracts'' and inserting ``grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements''; and
(C) by inserting ``not more than'' before ``10 regional'';
(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
contract 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. Such individuals may include members of the
regional advisory committee for the region under section
206(a).
``(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, including the relevant results of the
region's assessment under section 206(e); 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 center is located, and with
comprehensive centers located outside of its region, as
appropriate.
``(4) Outreach.--
``(A) In general.--In conducting competitions for grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this section, the
Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
``(i) by making information and technical assistance
relating to the competition widely available, actively
encourage eligible applicants to compete for such an award;
and
``(ii) 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.
``(B) Regional advisory committees.--The individuals
described in subparagraph (A)(ii) may include members of the
regional advisory committees established under section
206(a).
``(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--
``(A) the requirements of the performance management system
described in section 185; and
``(B) the relevant results of the regional assessments
under section 206(e).
``(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 to an eligible applicant that previously established
a regional educational laboratory under this section, the
Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall
consider the results of such laboratory's summative
evaluation under subsection (i)(2).
``(f) Mission.--Each regional educational laboratory
established under this section shall--
``(1) conduct applied research, development, 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, 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. Such
representatives and other individuals may include members of
the regional advisory committee for the region established
under section 206(a).
``(3) Ensure research and related products are relevant and
responsive to the needs of the region, including by using the
relevant results of the region's assessment under section
206(e).
``(h) Governing Board.--
``(1) In general.--Each regional educational laboratory
established under this section may establish a governing
board to improve the management of activities that the
laboratory carries out under this section.
[[Page H3994]]
``(2) Board duties.--A Board established under paragraph
(1) shall coordinate and align its work with the work of the
regional advisory committee for the region established under
section 206.
``(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, which 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, which 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 the Strengthening Education through Research
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 so redesignated, by inserting
``and local'' after ``achieve State'';
(8) by amending subsection (m), as so redesignated, to read
as follows:
``(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 new subsection:
``(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), by striking ``based'' and inserting
``valid'';
(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 so redesignated, by inserting
``and professional development'' after ``preparation'';
(H) in paragraph (16), as so redesignated, by striking
``help parents'' and inserting ``examine the methods by which
parents may'';
(I) by inserting after paragraph (16), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(17) assist the Board in the preparation and
dissemination of each evaluation report under section
116(d);'';
(J) in paragraph (18), as so redesignated, by striking
``and'' at the end;
(K) by amending paragraph (19), as so redesignated, to read
as follows:
``(19) examine the needs of children with disabilities who
are English learners, gifted and talented, or who 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 ``research plan''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and, subject to the approval of the
Director, implement such plan'' after ``Services'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``described in section
175(b)'' after ``Center'';
(C) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(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), as so amended, the
following:
``(3) provides for research that addresses significant
questions of practice where such research is lacking;'';
(G) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking ``and
types of children with'' and inserting ``, student subgroups,
and types of''; and
(H) by inserting after paragraph (5), as so redesignated
and amended, 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 amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(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
[[Page H3995]]
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, 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 under this
section.'';
(4) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
``(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 ``part--
``(1) for fiscal year 2015, $54,000,000;
``(2) for fiscal year 2016, $54,108,000;
``(3) for fiscal year 2017, $55,298,376;
``(4) for fiscal year 2018, $56,625,537;
``(5) for fiscal year 2019, $58,154,426; and
``(6) for fiscal year 2020, $65,645,169.''.
PART F--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 182. PROHIBITIONS.
Section 182 (20 U.S.C. 9572) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``or control'' and inserting ``control, or
coerce''; and
(B) by inserting ``specific academic standards or
assessments,'' after ``the curriculum,''
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by inserting ``coerce,'' after ``approve,'' and
(B) 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. 183. 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. 184. 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 to the Institute's website in an easily accessible
manner''.
SEC. 185. 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. 186. AUTHORITY TO PUBLISH.
Section 186(b) (20 U.S.C. 9576) is amended by striking
``any information to be published under this section before
publication'' and inserting ``publications under this section
before the public release of such publications''.
SEC. 187. 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. 188. 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. 189. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 194 (20 U.S.C. 9584) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to administer and carry out this title (except part E)--
``(1) for fiscal year 2015, $337,343,000;
``(2) for fiscal year 2016, $338,017,686;
``(3) for fiscal year 2017, $345,454,075;
``(4) for fiscal year 2018, $353,744,974;
``(5) for fiscal year 2019, $363,296,087; and
``(6) for fiscal year 2020, $368,745,528.''.
(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
2014 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 funds
or $2,000,000 shall be made available to carry out section
116 (relating to the National Board for Education
Sciences).''.
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)--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Authorization.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary
is authorized to award not more than 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 (as such provision existed on the day
before the date of enactment of this Act); and
``(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 with
the advice of the regional advisory committees established
under section 206(a).
``(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
[[Page H3996]]
(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.--
``(A) In general.--In conducting competitions for grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this section, the
Secretary shall--
``(i) by making widely available information and technical
assistance relating to the competition, actively encourage
eligible applicants to compete for such awards; and
``(ii) 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.
``(B) Regional advisory committees.--The individuals
described in subparagraph (A)(ii) may include members of the
regional advisory committees established under section
206(a).
``(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--
``(A) paragraphs (1) through (3) of the performance
management system described in section 185; and
``(B) the relevant results of the regional assessments
under section 206(e).
``(4) Required consideration.--In determining whether to
award a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this
section to an eligible applicant that previously established
a comprehensive center under this section, the Secretary
shall consider the results of such center's summative
evaluation under section 204(b).
``(5) 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 the Strengthening Education through
Research 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).
``(6) Eligible applicant defined.--For purposes of this
section, the term `eligible applicant' means an entity
described in paragraph (1).'';
(3) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(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 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. Such individuals may include members of the
regional advisory committee for the region under section
206(a).
``(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 the relevant results of the
regional assessments under section 206(e); 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 subsection (e) and redesignating
subsections (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (e), (f), and
(g), respectively;
(6) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) 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), by inserting ``and other
Federal education laws'' before the semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
(I) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking
``and assessment tools'' and inserting ``, assessment tools,
and other educational strategies'';
(II) in subclause (I), by striking ``mathematics,
science,'' and inserting ``mathematics and science, which may
include computer science or engineering,''; and
(III) in subclause (III), by inserting ``, including
innovative tools and methods'' before the semicolon;
(iv) by striking subparagraph (A)(iii) and inserting the
following:
``(iii) the replication and adaptation of exemplary
practices and innovative methods that have an evidence base
of effectiveness; and'';
(v) 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
(vi) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) ensuring activities carried out under this section
are relevant and responsive to the needs of the region being
served, including by using the relevant results of the
regional assessments under section 206(e).''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``, on an ongoing basis,'' after ``this
section shall''; and
(ii) by inserting ``or other regional educational
laboratories or comprehensive centers, as appropriate,''
after ``center is located,''; and
(7) by amending subsections (f) and (g), as each so
redesignated, to read as follows:
``(f) Comprehensive Center Advisory Board.--A comprehensive
center established under this section may establish an
advisory board to support and monitor the priorities and
activities of such center. An advisory board established
under this subsection shall coordinate and align its work
with the work of the regional advisory committee of the
region served by such center established under section 206.
``(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--
[[Page H3997]]
``(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.
Section 206 (20 U.S.C. 9605) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Beginning in 2004, the'' and inserting
``The''; and
(B) by striking ``of the Education Sciences Reform Act of
2002'';
(2) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating
subsections (b) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e),
respectively;
(3) by inserting the following after subsection (a):
``(b) Mission.--The mission of each regional advisory
committee established under subsection (a) shall be to--
``(1) support, strengthen, and, as appropriate, align the
work of the regional educational laboratories established
under section 174 and the comprehensive centers established
under this title; and
``(2) ensure that the regional educational laboratories and
comprehensive centers are meeting the needs of their regions.
``(c) Duties.--Each advisory committee established under
subsection (a) shall--
``(1) conduct, on at least a biennial basis, a needs
assessments of the region served by the committee, as
described in subsection (e);
``(2) to ensure the activities of the regional educational
laboratory and comprehensive centers serving the region of
the committee are responsive to the needs of such region,
provide ongoing input to the laboratory and centers on
planning and carrying out their activities under section 174
and this title, respectively;
``(3) maintain a high standard of quality in the
performance of the activities of the laboratory and centers,
respectively; and
``(4) support the continuous improvement of the laboratory
and centers in the region served by the committee, especially
in meeting the measurable performance indicators established
under sections 174(e)(4) and 203(b)(3), respectively.'';
(4) by amending subsection (d), as so redesignated, to read
as follows:
``(d) Membership.--
``(1) Composition.--The membership of each regional
advisory committee shall--
``(A) not exceed 25 members;
``(B) include the chief State school officer, or such
officer's designee, or other State official, of States within
the region of the committee who have primary responsibility
under State law for elementary and secondary education in the
State;
``(C) include representatives of local educational
agencies, including rural and urban local educational
agencies, that represent the geographic diversity of the
region; and
``(D) include researchers.
``(2) Eligibility.--The membership of each regional
advisory committee may include the following:
``(A) Representatives of institutions of higher education.
``(B) Parents.
``(C) Practicing educators, including classroom teachers,
school leaders, administrators, school board members, and
other local school officials.
``(D) Representatives of business.
``(E) Policymakers.
``(F) Representatives from the regional educational
laboratory and comprehensive centers in the region.
``(3) Recommendations.--In choosing individuals for
membership on a regional advisory committee, the Secretary
shall consult with, and solicit recommendations from, the
chief executive officers of States, chief State school
officers, local educational agencies, and other education
stakeholders within the applicable region.
``(4) Special rule.--The total number of members on each
committee who are selected under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of
paragraph (1), in the aggregate, shall exceed the total
number of members who are selected under paragraph (2),
collectively.'';
(5) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``, at least on a biennial basis,'' after
``assess''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, strengths, and weaknesses'' after
``educational needs'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``State school officers,'' and all that
follows through ``within the region)'' and inserting ``State
school officers, local educational agencies, representatives
of public charter schools, educators, parents, and others
within the region'';
(ii) by striking ``of the Education Sciences Reform Act of
2002 and section 203 of this title'' and inserting ``and
section 203''; and
(iii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraph:
``(3) use available State and local data, consistent with
privacy protections under section 183, to determine regional
educational needs; and''.
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'' 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 so redesignated--
(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
``, other reporting requirements, close achievement gaps, and
improve teaching;'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and close
achievement gaps'' and by inserting ``, close achievement
gaps, and improve teaching''; 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 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 longitudinal data systems to improve
student achievement and growth, including such State
educational agencies that--
``(A) meet the voluntary standards and guidelines 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 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 so redesignated,
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 amending subsection (g), as so redesignated, to read
as follows:
``(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
[[Page H3998]]
``(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 2015, $82,984,000;
``(2) for fiscal year 2016, $83,149,968;
``(3) for fiscal year 2017, $84,979,268;
``(4) for fiscal year 2018, $87,018,769;
``(5) for fiscal year 2019, $89,368,277; and
``(6) for fiscal year 2020, $90,708,801.''.
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 so redesignated--
(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 so amended
and redesignated, 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)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``and consistent with
section 302(e)(1)(A)'' after ``resources allow'';
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (G);
(C) by striking the period and inserting ``; and'' at the
end of subparagraph (H); and
(D) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(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.'';
(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 so redesignated), 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 after ``approach'' the following: ``,
providing for the active participation of teachers, school
leaders, curriculum specialists, local school administrators,
parents, and concerned members of the general public''; 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--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(1)'' and inserting
``(1) Director.--'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(2)'' and inserting
``(2) State.--''; and
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) (as so amended)
as paragraphs (2) and (5), respectively;
(4) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)
the following new paragraph:
``(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).''; and
(5) by inserting after paragraph (2) (as so redesignated),
the following new paragraphs:
``(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.''.
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 2015--
``(A) $8,235,000 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $132,000,000 to carry out section 303 (relating to
the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
``(2) for fiscal year 2016--
``(A) $8,251,470 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $132,264,000 to carry out section 303 (relating to
the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
``(3) for fiscal year 2017--
``(A) $8,433,002 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $135,173,808 to carry out section 303 (relating to
the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
``(4) for fiscal year 2018--
``(A) $8,635,395 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $138,417,979 to carry out section 303 (relating to
the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
``(5) for fiscal year 2019--
``(A) $8,868,550 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $142,155,266 to carry out section 303 (relating to
the National Assessment of Educational Progress); and
``(6) for fiscal year 2020--
``(A) $9,001,578 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $144,287,595 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
[[Page H3999]]
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. et seq. 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 up to 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); 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.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Rokita) and the gentleman from California (Mr. George
Miller) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana.
General Leave
Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on
H.R. 4366.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Indiana?
There was no objection.
Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today in support of the Strengthening Education Through
Research Act, legislation to improve the quality and usefulness of
education research.
Mr. Speaker, more than a decade ago, Congress approved the Education
Sciences Reform Act, legislation that established the Institute of
Education Sciences to gather information on education progress, conduct
research on education practices in schools, and evaluate the
effectiveness of Federal education programs and initiatives.
Like many of my colleagues, I believe the Federal Government's role
in education needs to be significantly reduced. And that is why we
passed the Student Success Act last summer, comprehensive education
reform legislation that will actually shrink the Federal footprint in
the classroom and return control to the parents, the teachers, and
community leaders who, in fact, know our children best. In fact, I
would challenge anyone here on the floor to say that any person or
bureaucrat in the Department of Education knows our kids better than
their own teachers, parents, and the local taxpayer.
So while we continue to await Senate action on the Student Success
Act, we have additional opportunities now to act on commonsense
proposals that will make the Federal role in education more effective
and efficient. The research produced by the Institute sheds critical
light on how taxpayer dollars are being used in our education system
and can provide important information on what is and is not working in
our schools.
Mr. Speaker, the Strengthening Education Through Research Act will
improve education research, protect taxpayers by enhancing program
accountability, and help ensure more schools and students can benefit
from effective education practices.
This law provides information that helps States and school districts
identify successful education practices and allows taxpayers and
congressional leaders to monitor the Federal investment in education.
However, the Education Sciences Reform Act is overdue for reform, with
several weaknesses in the law that must be addressed now.
For example, according to a report by the Government Accountability
Office, the Institute does not always properly evaluate the
effectiveness of its programs and research arms. So we run into an
issue where we could be throwing good money after bad, and that needs
to stop. It could lead to unnecessary costs and redundancies, something
we must be particularly wary of in these times of fiscal restraint.
Additionally, although the Institute has dramatically improved the
quality of education research in recent years, there is often a
significant delay in disseminating key data and findings to education
leaders nationwide. What good does it do for us to pay to conduct this
research, to collect the data, but fail to disseminate it so it can be
used?
The Supporting Education Through Research Act will address these
weaknesses and help school leaders access more timely, more relevant,
and useful information on the most effective educational practices. It
is called transparency, Mr. Speaker, and that is good for the students,
it is good for the teachers, it is good for the parents, and it is good
for the taxpayers. It is good for all of us.
First, H.R. 4366 will enhance the relevancy of education research,
ensuring teachers, students, parents, and policymakers can access and
actually use more useful information about what is successful, what is
working and what isn't.
Second, the legislation will take steps to streamline the education
research system and reduce overlap and duplicative research efforts.
Now, this bill will also require the Institute to regularly evaluate
its research and review the efficacy of Federal education programs,
ensuring taxpayer resources are being put to good use.
[[Page H4000]]
Finally, H.R. 4366 will ensure that the Institute and the National
Assessment Governing Board, which administers the Nation's Report Card,
remain autonomous entities that are free from political influence and
bias. Unfortunately, that political influence and bias exists in our
education system and could exist in our research arms if we don't, as
Congress, make clear what is expected of them.
Not only does this legislation help teachers, school leaders, and
State and local governments, it also helps families. Families,
particularly military families, can change school districts several
times during their child's education. Our experience with the free
market tells us that informed consumers are, in fact, the best
consumers and the best-protected consumers.
{time} 1900
As consumers of education, families deserve the best information
possible in making decisions regarding their child's education.
So, Mr. Speaker, the Strengthening Education Through Research Act
will improve education research, protect taxpayers by enhancing program
accountability, and help ensure more schools and students can benefit
from effective education practices.
I urge my colleagues to support the Strengthening Education Through
Research Act.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to
the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy), who is the lead author
on the Democratic side on this legislation.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Ranking
Member Miller for allowing me to speak in support of this important
bipartisan legislation.
First, I want to take a moment and also thank my good friend, Mr.
Rokita, for his great work and leadership on behalf of our students and
the educational system. It has been a pleasure working with you, sir.
I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4366, the Strengthening
Education Through Research Act. Now, I firmly believe that, in order to
successfully prepare our students for the workforce, our Nation's
educators must be able to identify and have access to successful and
proven techniques.
In 2002, I proudly supported the passage of the Education Sciences
Reform Act which, among other things, ensured that education research
be conducted free of political bias and focus on improving student
achievement.
Last year, the Government Accountability Office released a report
highlighting the successes of the law, but also detailed several areas
that could be improved to better impact outcomes for our students.
Today, along with Mr. Rokita, we have built upon the success of that
bill through H.R. 4366. The Strengthening Education Through Research
Act is a perfect example of what bipartisanship and a commitment to
good government can yield, and I am proud to support this legislation
today.
The bill improves, among other things, the quality of education
research by enhancing the timeless and relevancy of research, limiting
duplication and overlap, improving accountability, and refocusing our
commitment to equity in education for our most vulnerable student
populations.
The bill also provides critical funding to strengthen special
education research, which has been unfairly cut in recent years.
Moreover, the bill meets one of my top priorities by reaffirming a
Federal commitment to States and localities to provide teachers,
principals, and educational leaders with the latest research products
to improve educational equity and effectiveness for students without
bias.
Especially under difficult budgetary circumstances, this Congress has
an obligation to explore opportunities that will most effectively
deliver results for our students and our taxpayers, and this bill does
just that.
I strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4366, as it represents
another strong step toward improving our Nation's educational landscape
and preparing our students with the necessary skills to compete in the
global economy.
Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my
colleague from Indiana for his leadership on this bill. I also want to
thank my colleague from New York, Representative McCarthy, for her
leadership on this bill.
One of the most important assets that we have in education is our
teachers, but our teachers need proven tools. That is why we are here
today. This bill is about making sure that we are providing best
practices, data-based tools, in terms of teaching methods.
The Strengthening Education Through Research Act seeks to bolster one
of our most fundamental education priorities--improving outcomes and
raising student achievement.
In 2002, Congress passed the Education Sciences Reform Act,
establishing the Institute of Education Sciences, which is responsible
for gathering data on educational best practices in the Nation's
schools. The intent of the law was to enable States and school
districts to identify and improve upon successful education practices.
Although IES has meaningfully improved the quality of education
research over the last decade, it also faces shortcomings, one being
the significant delay in disseminating key data and findings to local
education stakeholders, especially in more rural areas of the country.
Despite the law's successes, improvements can and must be made, and
that is the business we are about here this evening. The Strengthening
Education Through Research Act reforms our Federal research structure
so that States, local school districts, parents, and policymakers have
greater access to data--data that is better organized, more reliable,
and more useful for our local schools and communities.
As a member of the House Education Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
Elementary, and Secondary Education, I am proud to be a cosponsor of
this bipartisan reauthorization.
I urge my colleagues to support passage of this bill, so that we can
fulfill the Federal Government's commitment to provide States and
localities with the latest and best available evidence-based research
in a timely fashion.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such
time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the subcommittee chairman, Mr. Rokita,
for bringing this bill to the floor, and to Congresswoman McCarthy, the
ranking member on the subcommittee, for all of their effort to make
sure that this legislation was considered in this session of Congress.
The Strengthening Education Through Research Act, SETRA, bolsters
education research in a way that benefits both students and teachers.
Congress passed the Education Sciences Reform Act, commonly known as
ESRA, in 2002 to strengthen the quality and rigor of education
research.
Twelve years later, we have a wealth of information that can be used
to determine what is working for students, make corrections, and drive
long-lasting improvements; but research is not effective if it stays
locked in computer files or is only published in abstract trade
journals. Research must be relevant, timely, and useful. It must be
used to solve real problems faced by students and teachers.
I am pleased that this legislation will address this challenge,
making education research more valuable. At the same time, it will
ensure that research remains accurate, rigorous, and scientific.
I am also pleased SETRA increases the Federal investment in education
research. In particular, our teachers need better actionable research
on educating students with disabilities.
To address that need, SETRA includes a large increase in the funding
of special education research, helping to make up for the devastating
cuts in 2011.
The historic Federal role in education is protecting and promoting
equity. SETRA maintains that commitment in three key ways. This bill
keeps a laserlike focus on closing the achievement gap and ensuring
that all students obtain a high-quality education.
The bill ensures that we collect data such as graduation rates and
student achievement, but also vital information on school climate,
student safety
[[Page H4001]]
and discipline, and student access to great teachers. This bill helps
States and school districts use data systems to improve teaching and
learning.
Mr. Speaker, I have often said that we, in the Federal Government,
must get back to partnering with schools to improve students' lives. I
am proud to say that this legislation takes a solid step in that
direction, providing research that helps teachers and schools improve
the student learning environment.
I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this
legislation. Again, I want to thank Mr. Rokita for bringing this
legislation to the floor.
Before I yield the floor, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment
of this debate time that has been allocated to pay tribute and say
thank you to Jeremy Ayers of our staff, who will be leaving the
committee at the end of this month.
This is Jeremy sitting right here, in case anybody didn't know who he
was. Bring the cameras in a little closer.
Jeremy skillfully managed the negotiations on the bill before us
today and led the committee work on education technology,
accountability in elementary, and secondary education and oversight in
the administration's waiver policy, among other issues.
Jeremy is a strong advocate of what is best in the interest of
students and has always maintained a focus on equity and civil rights.
His humor and quick wit were always a welcomed addition to what
sometimes can be hard and tedious policy work.
Jeremy has been a valued policy adviser and member of our education
team, and he will be missed by the committee members on both sides of
the aisle and all of his colleagues.
Thank you, Jeremy, for all of your service to our committee and to
our education establishment in this country.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
I would also like to recognize Jeremy and thank him for his service
and hope that I wasn't the subject of any of that quick wit during the
time I was chairman.
I also thank Congressman Miller for the work he has done on this bill
and the bill yet to come tonight, as well as his general leadership on
the committee. It is appreciated. From a newer guy on the other side of
the aisle, he is someone who I respect and I am going to miss a lot.
I also want to thank Mrs. McCarthy for her work and leadership on
elementary and secondary education issues generally and for her service
on the committee. I know she cares about these issues, particularly
improving education options for women.
She has been a joy to work with as ranking member on the subcommittee
through the easy issues and, frankly, through some of the harder ones.
As a newer member and, frankly, a green chairman, I would often rely on
the honest comment and the kind smile of Carolyn McCarthy and would
simply say that if more of us did that, perhaps, Mr. Speaker, more work
like the bill we are discussing right now would get done in Congress.
One of the top priorities of this Congress--certainly one of my top
priorities is helping people to build better lives for themselves and
their families, whether that is through more flexible work schedules,
stronger job training programs, or smarter student loan terms,
advancing commonsense policies that will make life work for more
Americans is our primary goal.
The Strengthening Education through Research Act is part of this
effort. In classrooms nationwide, teachers and school leaders need
quality research to identify the best ways to raise student achievement
and progress.
By passing the Strengthening Education through Research Act today, we
can help these educators gain access to the timely and useful
information necessary to raise student achievement levels across the
board.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would simply say that I urge my colleagues
to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4366.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, Education policy suffers because policy maker
were all once students themselves. As a result, they think they know
what works and how students learn. The best antidote for self-serving,
self-centered policy makers is evidence. Evidence has a way of
puncturing the statements and paradigms of misguided, but well-meaning
policy makers. The Strengthening Education through Research Act (SETRA)
would produce rigorous, relevant, and useful evidence. Rigorous in that
it mandates education research uses good methodology and a peer review
process. Relevant in that it speaks to today's education issues that
teachers and students face in urban, suburban, and rural schools.
Useful in that teachers, principals, schools, and states can use the
research to improve instruction and student achievement.
Additionally, SETRA increases the emphasis school districts and
states should place on longitudinal data systems as a way to improve
instruction. Efforts to create P-20 data systems that link early
learning with professional outcomes will help gather the data necessary
to help teachers improve student learning and help states prioritize
investments in impactful initiatives.
I strongly support SETRA and urge my colleagues to voice their
support as well.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bishop of Utah). The question is on the
motion offered by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Rokita) that the
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4366, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________