[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 184 (Thursday, December 17, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8816-S8828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 2933. Mr. McCONNELL (for Mr. Alexander) proposed an amendment to
the bill S. 227, 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 follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Education
through Research Act''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. Nonduplication.
TITLE I--EDUCATION SCIENCES REFORM
Sec. 101. References.
Sec. 102. Definitions.
Part A--The Institute of Education Sciences
Sec. 111. Establishment.
Sec. 112. Functions.
Sec. 113. Delegation.
Sec. 114. Office of the Director.
Sec. 115. Priorities.
Sec. 116. National Board for Education Sciences.
Sec. 117. Commissioners of the National Education Centers.
Sec. 118. Transparency.
Sec. 119. Competitive awards.
Part B--National Center for Education Research
Sec. 131. Establishment.
Sec. 132. Duties.
Sec. 133. Standards for conduct and evaluation of research.
Part C--National Center for Education Statistics
Sec. 151. Establishment.
Sec. 152. Duties.
Sec. 153. Performance of duties.
Sec. 154. Reports.
Sec. 155. Dissemination.
Sec. 156. Cooperative education statistics partnerships.
Part D--National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional
Assistance
Sec. 171. Establishment.
Sec. 172. Commissioner for Education Evaluation and Regional
Assistance.
Sec. 173. Evaluations.
Sec. 174. Regional educational laboratories for research, development,
dissemination, and evaluation.
Part E--National Center for Special Education Research
Sec. 175. Establishment.
Sec. 176. Commissioner for Special Education Research.
Sec. 177. Duties.
Part F--General Provisions
Sec. 181. Prohibitions.
Sec. 182. Confidentiality.
Sec. 183. Availability of data.
Sec. 184. Performance management.
Sec. 185. Authority to publish.
Sec. 186. Repeals.
Sec. 187. Fellowships.
Sec. 188. Authorization of appropriations.
Part G--Technical and Conforming Amendments
Sec. 191. Technical and conforming amendments to other laws.
TITLE II--EDUCATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Sec. 201. References.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Comprehensive centers.
Sec. 204. Evaluations.
Sec. 205. Existing technical assistance providers.
Sec. 206. Regional advisory committees.
Sec. 207. Priorities.
Sec. 208. Grant program for statewide, longitudinal data systems.
Sec. 209. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE III--NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
Sec. 301. References.
Sec. 302. National Assessment Governing Board.
Sec. 303. National Assessment of Educational Progress.
Sec. 304. Definitions.
Sec. 305. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE IV--EVALUATION PLAN
Sec. 401. Research and evaluation.
SEC. 3. NONDUPLICATION.
(a) In General.--The Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law
107-279; 116 Stat. 1940), is amended by inserting after
section 1 the following:
``SEC. 2. NONDUPLICATION.
``In collecting information and data under this Act,
including requiring the reporting of information and data,
the Secretary of Education shall, to the extent appropriate,
not duplicate other requirements and shall use information
and data that are available from existing Federal, State, and
local sources, in order to reduce burden and cost to the
Department of Education, States, local educational agencies
(as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), and other
entities.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116
Stat. 1940), is amended by inserting after the item relating
to section 1 the following:
``Sec. 2. Nonduplication.''.
[[Page S8817]]
TITLE I--EDUCATION SCIENCES REFORM
SEC. 101. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this
title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the
reference shall be considered to be made to a section or
other provision of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002
(20 U.S.C. 9501 et seq.).
SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.
Section 102 (20 U.S.C. 9501) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraphs (13) and (18);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (11), (12),
(14), (15), (16), (17), and (19) through (23), as paragraphs
(3) through (12), (14), (15), (16), (18), (20), and (22)
through (26), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Adult education; adult education and literacy
activities.--The terms `adult education' and `adult education
and literacy activities' have the meanings given the terms in
section 203 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy
Act.'';
(4) in paragraph (6), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by
striking ``Affairs'' and inserting ``Education'';
(5) in paragraph (11), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``or other information, in a timely manner
and'' after ``evaluations,''; and
(B) by inserting ``school leaders,'' after ``teachers,'';
(6) by inserting after paragraph (12), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), the following:
``(13) English learner.--The term `English learner' means
an individual who is limited English proficient, as defined
in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801) or section 637 of the Head Start Act
(42 U.S.C. 9832).'';
(7) in paragraph (14), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by
inserting ``, school leaders,'' after ``teachers'';
(8) by inserting after paragraph (16), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), the following:
``(17) Minority-serving institution.--The term `minority-
serving institution' means an institution of higher education
described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).'';
(9) in paragraph (18), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by
striking ``section 133(c)'' and inserting ``section 133(d)'';
(10) by inserting after paragraph (18), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), the following:
``(19) Principles of scientific research.--The term
`principles of scientific research' means principles of
research that--
``(A) apply rigorous, systematic, and objective methodology
to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to education
activities and programs;
``(B) present findings and make claims that are appropriate
to, and supported by, the methods that have been employed;
and
``(C) include, appropriate to the research being
conducted--
``(i) use of systematic, empirical methods that draw on
observation or experiment;
``(ii) use of data analyses that are adequate to support
the general findings;
``(iii) reliance on measurements or observational methods
that provide reliable and generalizable findings;
``(iv) strong claims of causal relationships, only with
research designs that eliminate plausible competing
explanations for observed results, such as, but not limited
to, random-assignment experiments;
``(v) presentation of studies and methods in sufficient
detail and clarity to allow for replication or, at a minimum,
to offer the opportunity to build systematically on the
findings of the research;
``(vi) acceptance by a peer-reviewed journal or critique by
a panel of independent experts through a comparably rigorous,
objective, and scientific review; and
``(vii) consistency of findings across multiple studies or
sites to support the generality of results and
conclusions.'';
(11) by inserting after paragraph (20), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), the following:
``(21) School leader.--The term `school leader' means a
principal, assistant principal, or other individual who is--
``(A) an employee or officer of--
``(i) an elementary school or secondary school;
``(ii) a local educational agency serving an elementary
school or secondary school; or
``(iii) another entity operating the elementary school or
secondary school; and
``(B) responsible for the daily instructional leadership
and managerial operations of the elementary school or
secondary school.''; and
(12) in paragraph (23), as redesignated by paragraph (2),
by striking ``scientifically based research standards'' and
inserting ``the principles of scientific research''.
PART A--THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES
SEC. 111. ESTABLISHMENT.
Section 111(b) (20 U.S.C. 9511(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ``including adult education,'' after
``postsecondary study,''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``and wide dissemination activities'' and
inserting ``and, consistent with section 114(j), wide
dissemination and utilization activities''; and
(ii) by striking ``(including in technology areas)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``disability,'' after
``gender,''.
SEC. 112. FUNCTIONS.
Section 112 (20 U.S.C. 9512) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by inserting ``(including evaluations of impact and
implementation)'' after ``education evaluation''; and
(B) by inserting ``and utilization'' before the semicolon;
and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``, consistent with section 114(j),''
after ``disseminate''; and
(B) by inserting ``and scientifically valid education
evaluations carried out under this title'' before the
semicolon.
SEC. 113. DELEGATION.
Section 113 (20 U.S.C. 9513) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as
paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively;
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``Secretary may assign
the Institute responsibility for administering'' and
inserting ``Director may accept requests from the Secretary
for the Institute to administer''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Contract Acquisition.--With respect to any contract
entered into under this title, the Director shall be
consulted--
``(1) during the procurement process; and
``(2) in the management of such contract's performance,
which shall be consistent with the requirements of the
performance management system described in section 185.''.
SEC. 114. OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR.
Section 114 (20 U.S.C. 9514) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Except as provided in
subsection (b)(2), the'' and inserting ``The'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period the
following: ``, except that if a successor to the Director has
not been appointed as of the date of expiration of the
Director's term, the Director may serve for an additional 1-
year period, beginning on the day after the date of
expiration of the Director's term, or until a successor has
been appointed under subsection (a), whichever occurs
first'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Reappointment.--A Director may be reappointed under
subsection (a) for one additional term.''; and
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``Subsequent directors''
and inserting ``Recommendations''; and
(ii) by striking ``, other than a Director appointed under
paragraph (2)'';
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by inserting before the period the
following: ``, and, as appropriate, with such research and
activities carried out by public and private entities, to
avoid duplicative or overlapping efforts'';
(B) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, and the use of
evidence'' after ``statistics activities'';
(C) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by inserting ``and maintain'' after ``establish''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and subsection (h)'' after ``section
116(b)(3)'';
(D) in paragraph (7), by inserting ``disability,'' after
``gender,'';
(E) in paragraph (8), by striking ``historically Black
colleges or universities'' and inserting ``minority-serving
institutions'';
(F) by striking paragraph (9) and inserting the following:
``(9) To coordinate with the Secretary to ensure that the
results of the Institute's work are coordinated with, and
utilized by, the Department's technical assistance providers
and dissemination networks.'';
(G) by striking paragraphs (10) and (11); and
(H) by redesignating paragraph (12) as paragraph (10);
(4) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);
(5) by inserting after subsection (g), the following:
``(h) Peer-review System.--The Director shall establish and
maintain a peer-review system involving highly qualified
individuals, including practitioners, as appropriate, with an
in-depth knowledge of the subject to be investigated,
including, in the case of special education research, an
understanding of special education, for--
``(1) reviewing and evaluating each application for a grant
or cooperative agreement under this title that exceeds
$100,000; and
``(2) evaluating and assessing all reports and other
products that exceed $100,000 to be published and publicly
released by the Institute.'';
(6) in subsection (i), as redesignated by paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``the products and''; and
(B) by striking ``certify that evidence-based claims about
those products and'' and inserting ``determine whether
evidence-based claims in those''; and
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Relevance, Dissemination, and Utilization.--To ensure
all activities authorized under this title are rigorous,
relevant, and useful for researchers, policymakers,
practitioners, and the public, the Director shall--
``(1) ensure such activities address significant challenges
faced by practitioners, and increase knowledge in the field
of education;
``(2) ensure that the information, products, and
publications of the Institute are--
[[Page S8818]]
``(A) prepared and widely disseminated--
``(i) in a timely fashion; and
``(ii) in forms that are understandable, easily accessible,
and usable, or adaptable for use in, the improvement of
educational practice; and
``(B) widely disseminated through electronic transfer, and
other means, such as posting to the Institute's website or
other relevant place;
``(3) promote the utilization of the information, products,
and publications of the Institute, including through the use
of dissemination networks and technical assistance providers,
within the Institute and the Department; and
``(4) monitor and manage the performance of all activities
authorized under this title in accordance with section
185.''.
SEC. 115. PRIORITIES.
Section 115 (20 U.S.C. 9515) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``(taking into consideration long-term
research and development on core issues conducted through the
national research and development centers)'' and inserting
``at least once every 6 years''; and
(ii) by striking ``such as'' and inserting ``including'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``ensuring that all students have the
ability to obtain a high-quality education, particularly by''
before ``closing'';
(ii) by striking ``low-performing children'' and inserting
``low-performing students'';
(iii) by striking ``especially achievement gaps between'';
(iv) by striking ``nonminority children'' and inserting
``nonminority students, students with disabilities and
students without disabilities,'';
(v) by striking ``and between disadvantaged children and
such children's'' and inserting ``and disadvantaged students
and such students' ''; and
(vi) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(C) by striking paragraph (2); and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) improving access to and the quality of early
childhood education;
``(3) improving education in elementary schools and
secondary schools, particularly among low-performing students
and schools; and
``(4) improving access to, opportunities for, and
completion of postsecondary education and adult education.'';
and
(2) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``by means of the
Internet'' and inserting ``by electronic means such as
posting in an easily accessible manner on the Institute's
website''.
SEC. 116. NATIONAL BOARD FOR EDUCATION SCIENCES.
Section 116 (20 U.S.C. 9516) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``to guide the work of
the Institute'' and inserting ``, and to advise, and provide
input to, the Director on the activities of the Institute on
an ongoing basis'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``under section 114(h)''
after ``procedures'';
(C) in paragraph (8), by inserting ``disability,'' after
``gender,'';
(D) in paragraph (9)--
(i) by striking ``To solicit'' and inserting ``To ensure
all activities of the Institute are relevant to education
policy and practice by soliciting, on an ongoing basis,'';
and
(ii) by striking ``consistent with'' and inserting
``consistent with section 114(j) and'';
(E) in paragraph (11)--
(i) by inserting ``the Institute's'' after ``enhance''; and
(ii) by striking ``among other Federal and State research
agencies'' and inserting ``with public and private entities
to improve the work of the Institute''; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(13) To conduct the evaluations required under subsection
(d).'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``Board,'' before ``National Academy'';
and
(ii) by striking ``and the National Science Advisor'' and
inserting ``the National Science Advisor, and other entities
and organizations that have knowledge of individuals who are
highly qualified to appraise education research, statistics,
evaluations, or development'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking ``, which may include those
researchers recommended by the National Academy of
Sciences'';
(II) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
(III) by inserting after clause (i), the following:
``(ii) Not fewer than 2 practitioners who are knowledgeable
about the education needs of the United States, who may
include school-based professional educators, teachers, school
leaders, local educational agency superintendents, and
members of local boards of education or Bureau-funded school
boards.''; and
(IV) in clause (iii), as redesignated by subclause (II)--
(aa) by striking ``school-based professional educators,'';
(bb) by inserting ``State leaders in adult education,''
after ``executives,'';
(cc) by striking ``local educational agency
superintendents,'';
(dd) by striking ``principals,'';
(ee) by striking ``or local''; and
(ff) by striking ``or Bureau-funded school boards'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting
``beginning on the date of appointment of the member,'' after
``4 years,'';
(II) by striking clause (i);
(III) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (i);
(IV) in clause (i), as redesignated by subclause (III), by
striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and
(V) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) in a case in which a successor to a member has not
been appointed as of the date of expiration of the member's
term, the member may serve for an additional 1-year period,
beginning on the day after the date of expiration of the
member's term, or until a successor has been appointed under
paragraph (1), whichever occurs first.'';
(iii) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(iv) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C);
and
(C) in paragraph (8)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (E) as
subparagraphs (B) through (F), respectively;
(ii) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as redesignated
by clause (i), the following:
``(A) In general.--In the exercise of its duties under
subsection (b) and in accordance with the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Board shall be independent
of the Director and the other offices and officers of the
Institute.'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B), as redesignated by clause (i),
by inserting before the period at the end the following:
``for a term of not more than 6 years, and who may be
reappointed by the Board for 1 additional term of not more
than 6 years''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) Subcommittees.--The Board may establish standing or
temporary subcommittees to make recommendations to the Board
for carrying out activities authorized under this title.'';
(3) by striking subsection (d);
(4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d);
(5) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (4)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Annual'' and
inserting ``Evaluation'';
(B) by striking ``The Board'' and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The Board'';
(C) by striking ``not later than July 1 of each year, a
report'' and inserting ``and make widely available to the
public (including by electronic means such as posting in an
easily accessible manner on the Institute's website), a
report once every 5 years''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Requirements.--An evaluation report described in
paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) subject to paragraph (3), an evaluation of the
activities authorized for each of the National Education
Centers, which--
``(i) uses the performance management system described in
section 185; and
``(ii) is conducted by an independent entity;
``(B) a review of the Institute to ensure its work,
consistent with the requirements of section 114(j), is
timely, rigorous, and relevant;
``(C) any recommendations regarding actions that may be
taken to enhance the ability of the Institute and the
National Education Centers to carry out their priorities and
missions;
``(D) a summary of the major research findings of the
Institute and the activities carried out under section 113(b)
during the 3 preceding fiscal years; and
``(E) interim findings made widely available to the public
(including by electronic means such as posting in an easily
accessible manner on the Institute's website) 3 years after
the independent entity has begun reviewing the work of the
Institute.
``(3) National center for education evaluation and regional
assistance.--With respect to the National Center for
Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, an evaluation
report described in paragraph (1) shall contain--
``(A) an evaluation described in paragraph (2)(A) of the
activities authorized for such Center, except for the
regional educational laboratories established under section
174; and
``(B) a summative or interim evaluation, whichever is most
recent, for each such laboratory conducted under section
174(i) on or after the date of enactment of the Strengthening
Education through Research Act or, in a case in which such an
evaluation is not available for a laboratory, the most recent
evaluation for the laboratory conducted prior to the date of
enactment of such Act.''; and
(6) by striking subsection (f).
SEC. 117. COMMISSIONERS OF THE NATIONAL EDUCATION CENTERS.
Section 117 (20 U.S.C. 9517) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Except as provided in
subsection (b), each'' and inserting ``Each'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``Except as provided in subsection (b),
each'' and inserting ``Each''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, statistics,'' after ``research''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Except as provided in
subsection (b), each'' and inserting ``Each'';
(2) by striking subsection (b);
[[Page S8819]]
(3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(b) and (c), respectively; and
(4) in subsection (c), as redesignated by paragraph (3), by
striking ``, except the Commissioner for Education
Statistics,''.
SEC. 118. TRANSPARENCY.
(a) In General.--Section 119 (20 U.S.C. 9519) is amended to
read as follows:
``SEC. 119. TRANSPARENCY.
``Not later than 120 days after awarding a grant, contract,
or cooperative agreement under this title in excess of
$100,000, the Director shall make publicly available
(including through electronic means such as posting in an
easily accessible manner on the Institute's website) a
description of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement,
including, at a minimum, the amount, duration, recipient, and
the purpose of the grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116
Stat. 1940), is amended by striking the item relating to
section 119 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 119. Transparency.''.
SEC. 119. COMPETITIVE AWARDS.
Section 120 (20 U.S.C. 9520) is amended by striking ``when
practicable'' and inserting ``consistent with section
114(h)''.
PART B--NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION RESEARCH
SEC. 131. ESTABLISHMENT.
Section 131(b) (20 U.S.C. 9531(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) to sponsor sustained research that will lead to the
accumulation of knowledge and understanding of education,
consistent with the priorities described in section 115;'';
(2) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3);
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) consistent with section 114(j), to widely disseminate
and promote utilization of the work of the Research
Center.''.
SEC. 132. DUTIES.
Section 133 (20 U.S.C. 9533) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``peer-review standards
and'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2);
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2);
(D) by striking paragraph (4);
(E) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (9) as
paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively;
(F) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by subparagraph (E),
by inserting ``in the implementation of programs carried out
by the Department and other agencies'' before ``within the
Federal Government'';
(G) in paragraph (5), as redesignated by subparagraph (E),
by striking ``disseminate, through the National Center for
Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance,'' and inserting
``widely disseminate, consistent with section 114(j),'';
(H) in paragraph (6), as redesignated by subparagraph (E)--
(i) by striking ``Director'' and inserting ``Board''; and
(ii) by striking ``of a biennial report, as described in
section 119'' and inserting ``and dissemination of each
evaluation report under section 116(d)'';
(I) in paragraph (7), as redesignated by subparagraph (E),
by inserting ``and which may include research on social and
emotional learning, and the acquisition of competencies and
skills, including the ability to think critically, solve
complex problems, evaluate evidence, and communicate
effectively,'' after ``gap,'';
(J) by inserting after paragraph (7), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), the following:
``(8) to the extent time and resources allow, when findings
from previous research under this part provoke relevant
follow up questions, carry out research initiatives on such
follow up questions;'';
(K) by redesignating paragraphs (10) and (11) as paragraphs
(9) and (10), respectively;
(L) by striking paragraph (9), as redesignated by
subparagraph (K), and inserting the following:
``(9) carry out research initiatives, including rigorous,
peer-reviewed, large-scale, long-term, and broadly applicable
empirical research, regarding the impact of technology on
education, including online education and hybrid learning;'';
(M) in paragraph (10), as redesignated by subparagraph (K),
by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
and
(N) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) to the extent feasible, carry out research on the
quality of implementation of practices and strategies
determined to be effective through scientifically valid
research.'';
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Plan.--The Research Commissioner shall propose to the
Director and, subject to the approval of the Director,
implement a research plan for the activities of the Research
Center that--
``(1) is consistent with the priorities and mission of the
Institute and the mission of the Research Center described in
section 131(b), and includes the activities described in
subsection (a);
``(2) is carried out and, as appropriate, updated and
modified, including through the use of the results of the
Research Center's most recent evaluation report under section
116(d);
``(3) describes how the Research Center will use the
performance management system described in section 185 to
assess and improve the activities of the Center;
``(4) meets the procedures for peer review established and
maintained by the Director under section 114(f)(5) and the
standards of research described in section 134; and
``(5) includes both basic research and applied research,
which shall include research conducted through field-
initiated research and ongoing research initiatives.'';
(3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);
(4) by inserting after subsection (b), the following:
``(c) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) In general.--The Research Commissioner may award
grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements
with, eligible applicants to carry out research under
subsection (a).
``(2) Eligibility.--For purposes of this subsection, the
term `eligible applicant' means an applicant that has the
ability and capacity to conduct scientifically valid
research.
``(3) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that wishes to
receive a grant, or enter into a contract or cooperative
agreement, under this section shall submit an application to
the Research Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Research Commissioner may
require.
``(B) Content.--An application submitted under subparagraph
(A) shall describe how the eligible applicant will address
and demonstrate progress on the requirements of the
performance management system described in section 185, with
respect to the activities that will be carried out under the
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''; and
(5) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) Support.--In carrying out activities under subsection
(a)(2), the Research Commissioner shall support national
research and development centers that address topics of
importance and relevance in the field of education across the
country and are consistent with the Institute's priorities
under section 115.'';
(B) by striking paragraphs (2), (3), and (5);
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (6), and (7) as
paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively;
(D) in paragraph (2), as redesignated by subparagraph (C)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``5 additional'' and inserting ``2
additional''; and
(II) by striking ``notwithstanding section 134(b),'' and
inserting ``notwithstanding section 114(h),'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) demonstrates progress on the requirements of the
performance management system described in section 185.'';
(E) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by subparagraph (C),
by striking ``paragraphs (4) and (5)'' and inserting
``paragraph (2)''; and
(F) by striking paragraph (4), as redesignated by
subparagraph (C), and inserting the following:
``(4) Disaggregation.--To the extent feasible and when
relevant to the research being conducted, research conducted
under this subsection shall be disaggregated and cross-
tabulated by age, race, gender, disability status, English
learner status, socioeconomic background, and other
population characteristics as determined by the Research
Commissioner, so long as any reported information does not
reveal individually identifiable information.''.
SEC. 133. STANDARDS FOR CONDUCT AND EVALUATION OF RESEARCH.
Section 134 (20 U.S.C. 9534) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``based'' and inserting
``valid''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and wide dissemination
activities'' and inserting ``and, consistent with section
114(j), wide dissemination and utilization activities'';
(2) by striking subsection (b); and
(3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
PART C--NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
SEC. 151. ESTABLISHMENT.
Section 151(b) (20 U.S.C. 9541(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and consistent with
the privacy protections under section 183'' after ``manner'';
and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``disability,'' after
``cultural,''; and
(B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) is consistent with section 114(j), is relevant,
timely, and widely disseminated.''.
SEC. 152. DUTIES.
Section 153 (20 U.S.C. 9543) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``,
consistent with the privacy
[[Page S8820]]
protections under section 183,'' after ``Center shall'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the
following:
``(D) secondary school graduation and completion rates,
including the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (as
defined in section 200.19(b)(1)(i)(A) of title 34, Code of
Federal Regulations, as such section was in effect on
November 28, 2008) and the extended-year adjusted cohort
graduation rate (as defined in section 200.19(b)(1)(v)(A) of
title 34, Code of Federal Regulations, as such section was in
effect on November 28, 2008), and school dropout rates, and
adult literacy;'';
(ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and opportunity
for,'' and inserting ``opportunity for, and completion of'';
(iii) by striking subparagraph (F) and inserting the
following:
``(F) teaching and school leadership, including information
on teacher and school leader pre-service preparation,
professional development, teacher distribution, and teacher
and school leader evaluation;'';
(iv) in subparagraph (G), by inserting ``and school
leaders'' before the semicolon;
(v) in subparagraph (H), by inserting ``, climate, and in-
and out-of-school suspensions and expulsions'' before ``,
including information regarding'';
(vi) by striking subparagraph (K) and inserting the
following:
``(K) the access to, and use of, technology to improve
elementary schools and secondary schools;'';
(vii) in subparagraph (L), by striking ``and opportunity
for,'' and inserting ``opportunity for, and quality of'';
(viii) in subparagraph (M), by striking ``such programs
during school recesses'' and inserting ``summer school'';
(ix) in subparagraph (N)--
(I) by striking ``vocational'' and inserting ``career'';
and
(II) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(x) in subparagraph (O), by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(xi) by adding at the end the following:
``(P) access to, and opportunity for, adult education and
literacy activities;'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``when such disaggregated information will
facilitate educational and policy decisionmaking'' and
inserting ``so long as any reported information does not
reveal individually identifiable information''; and
(ii) by striking ``limited English proficiency'' and
inserting ``English learner status'';
(D) in paragraph (4), by inserting before the semicolon the
following: ``, and the implementation (with the assistance of
the Department and other Federal officials who have statutory
authority to provide assistance on applicable privacy laws,
regulations, and policies) of appropriate privacy
protections'';
(E) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``determining voluntary standards and
guidelines to assist'' and inserting ``providing technical
assistance to''; and
(ii) by striking ``promote linkages across States,'';
(F) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by striking ``Third'' and inserting ``Trends in''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and the Program for International
Student Assessment'' after ``Science Study'';
(G) in paragraph (7), by striking the semicolon and
inserting the following: ``and ensuring such collections
protect student privacy consistent with section 183; and'';
(H) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following:
``(8) assisting the Board in the preparation and
dissemination of each evaluation report under section
116(d).''; and
(I) by striking paragraph (9);
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Plan.--The Statistics Commissioner shall develop a
plan in consultation with the Director and implement a plan
for activities of the Statistics Center that--
``(1) is consistent with the priorities and mission of the
Institute and the mission of the Statistics Center described
in section 151(b);
``(2) is carried out and, as appropriate, updated and
modified, including through the use of the results of the
Statistic Center's most recent evaluation report under
section 116(d); and
``(3) describes how the Statistics Center will use the
performance management system described in section 185 to
assess and improve the activities of the Center.''.
SEC. 153. PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES.
Section 154 (20 U.S.C. 9544) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``In carrying'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--In carrying'';
(B) by inserting ``to eligible applicants'' after
``technical assistance''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Eligibility.--For purposes of this section, the term
`eligible applicant' means an applicant that has the ability
and capacity to carry out activities under this part.
``(3) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that wishes to
receive a grant, or enter into a contract or cooperative
agreement, under this section shall submit an application to
the Statistics Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Statistics Commissioner
may require.
``(B) Contents.--An application submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall describe how the eligible applicant
will address and demonstrate progress on the requirements of
the performance management system described in section 185,
with respect to the activities that will be carried out under
the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(A), by striking ``vocational and''
and inserting ``career and technical education programs,'';
and
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``5 years'' the second
place it appears and inserting ``2 years if the recipient
demonstrates progress on the requirements of the performance
management system described in section 185, with respect to
the activities carried out under the grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement received under this section''.
SEC. 154. REPORTS.
Section 155 (20 U.S.C. 9545) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``(consistent with
section 114(h))'' after ``review''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``2003'' and inserting
``2016''.
SEC. 155. DISSEMINATION.
Section 156 (20 U.S.C. 9546) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``Such projects shall adhere to student privacy requirements
under section 183.''; and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
``Before receiving access to educational data under this
paragraph, a Federal agency shall describe to the Statistics
Center the specific research intent for use of the data, how
access to the data may meet such research intent, and how the
Federal agency will protect the confidentiality of the data
consistent with the requirements of section 183.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``and consistent with section 183'' after
``may prescribe''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following: ``Before receiving
access to data under this paragraph, an interested party
shall describe to the Statistics Center the specific research
intent for use of the data, how access to the data may meet
such research intent, and how the party will protect the
confidentiality of the data consistent with the requirements
of section 183.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Denial authority.--The Statistics Center shall have
the authority to deny any requests for access to data under
paragraph (1) or (2) if the data requested would be
unnecessary for or unrelated to the proposed research design
or research intent, or if the request would introduce risk of
a privacy violation or misuse of data.
``(4) Applicability of requirements.--The requirements
described under the second sentence of paragraph (1) and the
second sentence of paragraph (2) and the authority under
paragraph (3) shall not apply to public use data sets.''.
SEC. 156. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION STATISTICS PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) In General.--Section 157 (20 U.S.C. 9547) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``systems'' and
inserting ``partnerships'';
(2) by striking ``national cooperative education statistics
systems'' and inserting ``cooperative education statistics
partnerships'';
(3) by striking ``producing and maintaining, with the
cooperation'' and inserting ``reviewing and improving, with
the voluntary participation'';
(4) by striking ``comparable and uniform'' and inserting
``data quality standards, which may include establishing
voluntary guidelines to standardize'';
(5) by striking ``adult education, and libraries,'' and
inserting ``and adult education''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following: ``No student data
shall be collected by the partnerships established under this
section, nor shall such partnerships establish a national
student data system.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116
Stat. 1940), is amended by striking the item relating to
section 157 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 157. Cooperative education statistics partnerships.''.
PART D--NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION EVALUATION AND REGIONAL
ASSISTANCE
SEC. 171. ESTABLISHMENT.
Section 171 (20 U.S.C. 9561) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1);
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively;
(C) in paragraph (1), as redesignated by subparagraph (B),
by striking ``of such programs'' and all that follows through
``science)'' and inserting ``and to evaluate the
implementation of such programs''; and
(D) in paragraph (2), as redesignated by subparagraph (B),
by striking ``and wide dissemination of results of'' and
inserting ``and, consistent with section 114(j), the wide
dissemination and utilization of results of all''; and
(2) by striking subsection (c).
[[Page S8821]]
SEC. 172. COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION EVALUATION AND REGIONAL
ASSISTANCE.
Section 172 (20 U.S.C. 9562) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) widely disseminate, consistent with section 114(j),
all information on scientifically valid research and
statistics supported by the Institute and all scientifically
valid education evaluations supported by the Institute,
particularly to State educational agencies and local
educational agencies, to institutions of higher education,
and to the public, the media, voluntary organizations,
professional associations, and other constituencies,
especially with respect to the priorities described in
section 115;'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by inserting ``, consistent with section 114(j)'' after
``timely, and efficient manner''; and
(ii) by striking ``that shall include all topics covered in
paragraph (2)(E)'';
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking ``development and dissemination'' and
inserting ``development, dissemination, and utilization'';
and
(ii) by striking ``the provision of technical
assistance,'';
(D) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``subsection (d)'' and inserting
``subsection (e)''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon;
(E) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by striking ``Director'' and inserting ``Board'';
(ii) by striking ``preparation of a biennial report,'' and
inserting ``preparation and dissemination of each evaluation
report''; and
(iii) by striking ``119; and'' and inserting ``116(d).'';
and
(F) by striking paragraph (7);
(2) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) by inserting ``all'' before ``information
disseminated''; and
(B) by striking ``, which may include'' and all that
follows through ``of this Act)'';
(3) by striking subsection (c);
(4) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
(5) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Plan.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner shall propose to the Director and, subject to
the approval of the Director, implement a plan for the
activities of the National Center for Education Evaluation
and Regional Assistance that--
``(1) is consistent with the priorities and mission of the
Institute and the mission of the Center described in section
171(b);
``(2) is carried out and, as appropriate, updated and
modified, including through the use of the results of the
Center's most recent evaluation report under section 116(d);
and
``(3) describes how the Center will use the performance
management system described in section 185 to assess and
improve the activities of the Center.
``(d) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out the duties under this
part, the Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner
may--
``(A) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to
eligible applicants to carry out the activities under this
part; and
``(B) provide technical assistance.
``(2) Eligibility.--For purposes of this section, the term
`eligible applicant' means an applicant that has the ability
and capacity to carry out activities under this part.
``(3) Entities to conduct evaluations.--In awarding grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under paragraph (1) to
carry out activities under section 173, the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner shall make such awards to
eligible applicants with the ability and capacity to conduct
scientifically valid education evaluations.
``(4) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that wishes to
receive a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under
paragraph (1) shall submit an application to the Evaluation
and Regional Assistance Commissioner at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information as the Commissioner
may require.
``(B) Contents.--An application submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall describe how the eligible applicant
will address and demonstrate progress on the requirements of
the performance management system described in section 185,
with respect to the activities carried out under such grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement.
``(5) Duration.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements under
paragraph (1) may be awarded, on a competitive basis, for a
period of not more than 5 years, and may be renewed at the
discretion of the Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner for an additional period of not more than 2
years if the recipient demonstrates progress on the
requirements of the performance management system described
in section 185, with respect to the activities carried out
under the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''; and
(6) in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (4)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``There is established''
and all that follows through ``Regional Assistance'' and
inserting ``The Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner may establish'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``all'' before
``products''; and
(C) in paragraph (2)(B)(ii), by striking ``2002'' and all
that follows through the period and inserting ``2002).''.
SEC. 173. EVALUATIONS.
Section 173 (20 U.S.C. 9563) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``may'' and inserting ``shall'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``evaluations'' and
inserting ``high-quality evaluations, including impact
evaluations that use rigorous methodologies that permit the
strongest possible causal inferences,'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting before the
semicolon at the end the following: ``, including programs
under part A of such title (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.)'';
(iv) by striking subparagraph (C);
(v) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C);
(vi) by striking subparagraphs (E) and (G);
(vii) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph
(D);
(viii) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated by clause
(vii), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(ix) by inserting after subparagraph (D), as redesignated
by clause (vii), the following:
``(E) provide evaluation findings in an understandable,
easily accessible, and usable format to support program
improvement;
``(F) support the evaluation activities described in
section 401 of the Strengthening Education through Research
Act that are carried out by the Director; and
``(G) to the extent feasible--
``(i) examine evaluations conducted or supported by others
to determine the quality and relevance of the evidence of
effectiveness generated by those evaluations, with the
approval of the Director;
``(ii) review and supplement Federal education program
evaluations, particularly such evaluations by the Department,
to determine or enhance the quality and relevance of the
evidence generated by those evaluations;
``(iii) conduct implementation evaluations that promote
continuous improvement and inform policymaking;
``(iv) evaluate the short- and long-term effects and cost
efficiencies across programs assisted or authorized under
Federal law and administrated by the Department; and
``(v) synthesize the results of evaluation studies for and
across Federal education programs, policies, and
practices.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and
inserting ``under section 114(h); and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) be widely disseminated, consistent with section
114(j).''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``contracts'' and
inserting ``grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements''.
SEC. 174. REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORIES FOR RESEARCH,
DEVELOPMENT, DISSEMINATION, AND EVALUATION.
(a) In General.--Section 174 (20 U.S.C. 9564) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``technical
assistance'' and inserting ``evaluation'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``The Director'' and inserting ``Except as
provided in subsection (e)(8), the Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner''; and
(B) by striking ``contracts'' and inserting ``grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``The Director'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner'';
(B) by striking ``contracts under this section with
research organizations, institutions, agencies, institutions
of higher education,'' and inserting ``grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements under this section with public or
private, nonprofit or for-profit research organizations,
other organizations, or institutions of higher education,'';
(C) by striking ``or individuals,'';
(D) by striking ``, including regional entities'' and all
that follows through ``107-110))''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term
`eligible applicant' means an entity described in paragraph
(1).'';
(4) by striking subsections (d) through (j) and inserting
the following:
``(d) Applications.--
``(1) Submission.--
``(A) In general.--Each eligible applicant desiring a
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this section
shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner may reasonably require.
``(B) Input.--To ensure that applications submitted under
this paragraph are reflective of the needs of the regions to
be served, each eligible applicant submitting such an
application shall seek input from State educational agencies
and local educational agencies in the region that the award
will serve, and other individuals with knowledge of the
region's needs.
``(2) Plan.--
[[Page S8822]]
``(A) In general.--Each application submitted under
paragraph (1) shall contain a plan for the activities of the
regional educational laboratory to be established under this
section, which shall be updated, modified, and improved, as
appropriate, on an ongoing basis, including by using the
results of the laboratory's interim evaluation under
subsection (i)(3).
``(B) Contents.--A plan described in subparagraph (A) shall
address--
``(i) the priorities for applied research, development,
evaluations, and wide dissemination established under section
207;
``(ii) the needs of State educational agencies and local
educational agencies, on an ongoing basis, using available
State and local data; and
``(iii) if available, demonstrated support from State
educational agencies and local educational agencies in the
region, such as letters of support or signed memoranda of
understanding.
``(3) Non-federal support.--In conducting a competition for
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under subsection
(a), the Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner
shall give priority to eligible applicants that will provide
a portion of non-Federal funds to maximize support for
activities of the regional educational laboratories to be
established under this section.
``(e) Awarding Grants, Contracts, or Cooperative
Agreements.--
``(1) Assurances.--In awarding grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements under this section, the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
``(A) make such an award for not more than a 5-year period;
``(B) ensure that regional educational laboratories
established under this section have strong and effective
governance, organization, management, and administration, and
employ qualified staff; and
``(C) ensure that each such laboratory has the flexibility
to respond in a timely fashion to the needs of the
laboratory's region, including--
``(i) through using the results of the laboratory's interim
evaluation under subsection (i)(3) to improve and modify the
activities of the laboratory before the end of the award
period; and
``(ii) through sharing preliminary results of the
laboratory's research, as appropriate, to increase the
relevance and usefulness of the research.
``(2) Coordination.--To ensure coordination and prevent
unnecessary duplication of activities among the regions, the
Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
``(A) share information about the activities of each
regional educational laboratory with each other regional
educational laboratory, the Department, the Director, and the
National Board for Education Sciences;
``(B) ensure, where appropriate, that the activities of
each regional educational laboratory established under this
section also serve national interests;
``(C) ensure each such regional educational laboratory
establishes strong partnerships among practitioners,
policymakers, researchers, and others, so that such
partnerships are continued in the absence of Federal support;
and
``(D) enable, where appropriate, for such a laboratory to
work in a region being served by another laboratory or to
carry out a project that extends beyond the region served by
the laboratory.
``(3) Collaboration with technical assistance providers.--
Each regional educational laboratory established under this
section shall, on an ongoing basis, coordinate its
activities, collaborate, and regularly exchange information
with the comprehensive centers (established in section 203)
in the region in which the laboratory is located, and with
comprehensive centers located outside of its region, as
appropriate.
``(4) Outreach.--In conducting competitions for grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this section, the
Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
``(A) by making information and technical assistance
relating to the competition widely available, actively
encourage eligible applicants to compete for such an award;
and
``(B) seek input from the chief executive officers of
States, chief State school officers, educators, parents,
superintendents, and other individuals with knowledge of the
needs of the regions to be served by the awards, regarding--
``(i) the needs in the regions for applied research,
evaluation, development, and wide-dissemination activities
authorized by this title; and
``(ii) how such needs may be addressed most effectively.
``(5) Performance management.--Before the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner awards a grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement under this section, the Director shall
establish measurable performance indicators for assessing the
ongoing progress and performance of the regional educational
laboratories established with such awards that address the
requirements of the performance management system described
in section 185.
``(6) Standards.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner shall adhere to the Institute's system for
technical and peer review under section 114(h) in reviewing
the applied research activities and research-based reports of
the regional educational laboratories.
``(7) Required consideration.--In determining whether to
award a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this
section--
``(A) to an eligible applicant that previously established
a regional educational laboratory under this section, the
Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
``(i) consider the results of such laboratory's summative
evaluation under subsection (i)(2), or, if not available, any
interim evaluation findings under subsection (i)(3); and
``(ii) ensure that only such laboratories determined
effective in their relevant interim or summative evaluations,
as described in subsection (i), are eligible to receive a new
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and
``(B) to any eligible applicant, the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner shall ensure that such
applicant has--
``(i) a history of effectiveness in conducting high-quality
applied research; and
``(ii) the capacity to meet the measurable performance
indicators established under paragraph (5).
``(8) Flexibility in laboratory number.--
``(A) Determination.--The Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner, in consultation with the regional
educational laboratory advisory boards described in
subsection (h), may determine that establishing 10 regional
educational laboratories is unnecessary, as required in
subsection (a), and grant an alternative number of awards or
reorganize such laboratories, which may include not basing
the awards on the regions described in subsection (b), if--
``(i) an insufficient number of regional educational
laboratories are meeting the needs of the regions described
in subsection (b), as determined by the Commissioner;
``(ii) an insufficient number of laboratories are meeting
the measurable performance indicators established under
paragraph (5), as determined by the Commissioner and the most
recent interim or summative evaluation under subsection (i);
or
``(iii) an insufficient number of eligible applicants have
the capacity to meet the measurable performance indicators
established under paragraph (5), as determined by the
Commissioner.
``(B) Limitation.--If the Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner uses the determination authority
described in subparagraph (A), there shall be no more than 10
regional educational laboratories established.
``(f) Mission.--Each regional educational laboratory
established under this section shall--
``(1) conduct applied research, development, data analysis,
and evaluation activities with State educational agencies,
local educational agencies, and, as appropriate, schools
funded by the Bureau;
``(2) widely disseminate such work, consistent with section
114(j); and
``(3) develop the capacity of State educational agencies,
local educational agencies, and, as appropriate, schools
funded by the Bureau to carry out the activities described in
paragraphs (1) and (2).
``(g) Activities.--To carry out the mission described in
subsection (f), each regional educational laboratory
established under this section shall carry out the following
activities:
``(1) Conduct, widely disseminate, and promote utilization
of applied research, development activities, evaluations,
data analysis, and other scientifically valid research.
``(2) Develop and improve the plan for the laboratory under
subsection (d)(2) for serving the region of the laboratory,
and as appropriate, national needs, on an ongoing basis,
which shall include seeking input and incorporating feedback
from the representatives of State educational agencies and
local educational agencies in the region, and other
individuals with knowledge of the region's needs.
``(3) Ensure research and related products are relevant and
responsive to the needs of the region.
``(h) Regional Educational Laboratory Advisory Board.--
``(1) Establishment.--Each regional educational laboratory
established under this section may establish an advisory
board that shall support the priorities of such laboratory.
``(2) Duties.--Each advisory board established under
paragraph (1) shall advise the regional educational
laboratory--
``(A) concerning the activities described in subsection
(g);
``(B) on strategies for monitoring and addressing the
educational needs of the region, on an ongoing basis, and as
appropriate, national needs;
``(C) on maintaining a high standard of quality in the
performance of the laboratory's activities, especially in
meeting the measurable performance indicators established
under subsection (e)(5);
``(D) on carrying out the laboratory's duties in a manner
that promotes progress toward improving student academic
achievement;
``(E) on the activities undertaken by the comprehensive
center in the region, other centers, as appropriate, and
other laboratories to align the work of such entities, reduce
redundancy, and increase collaboration and resource-sharing
in such activities; and
``(F) on joint activities with other comprehensive centers
or laboratories that would meet the needs of multiple
regions.
[[Page S8823]]
``(3) Composition.--
``(A) In general.--Each advisory board shall--
``(i) not exceed 25 members;
``(ii) include the chief State school officer, or such
officer's designee, or other State official, of States within
the region of the laboratory who have primary responsibility
under State law for elementary and secondary education in the
State;
``(iii) include representatives of local educational
agencies, including rural and urban local educational
agencies, that represent the geographic diversity of the
region;
``(iv) include researchers; and
``(v) include not less than 1 representative from an
advisory board of a comprehensive center serving the region,
if applicable.
``(B) Eligibility.--The membership of each regional
educational laboratory advisory board may include the
following:
``(i) Representatives of institutions of higher education.
``(ii) Parents.
``(iii) Practicing educators, including classroom teachers,
school leaders, administrators, school board members, and
other local school officials.
``(iv) Representatives of business.
``(v) Policymakers.
``(4) Recommendations.--In choosing individuals for
membership on a regional educational laboratory advisory
board, the regional educational laboratory shall consult
with, and solicit recommendations from, the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner, the chief executive
officers of States, chief State school officers, local
educational agencies, and other education stakeholders within
the applicable region.
``(5) Special rule.--The total number of members on each
regional educational laboratory advisory board who are
selected under clauses (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (3)(A), in
the aggregate, shall exceed the total number of members who
are selected under paragraph (3)(B), collectively.
``(i) Evaluations.--
``(1) In general.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance
Commissioner shall--
``(A) provide for ongoing summative and interim evaluations
described in paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively, of each of
the regional educational laboratories established under this
section in carrying out the full range of duties described in
this section; and
``(B) transmit the results of such evaluations, through
appropriate means, to the appropriate congressional
committees, the Director, and the public.
``(2) Summative evaluations.--The Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner shall ensure each regional
educational laboratory established under this section is
evaluated by an independent entity at the end of the period
of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement that
established such laboratory, and such evaluation shall--
``(A) be completed in a timely fashion;
``(B) assess how well the laboratory is meeting the
measurable performance indicators established under
subsection (e)(5); and
``(C) consider the extent to which the laboratory ensures
that the activities of such laboratory are relevant and
useful to the work of State and local practitioners and
policymakers.
``(3) Interim evaluations.--The Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner shall ensure each regional
educational laboratory established under this section is
evaluated at the midpoint of the period of the grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement that established such
laboratory, and such evaluation shall--
``(A) assess how well such laboratory is meeting the
performance indicators described in subsection (e)(5); and
``(B) be used to improve the effectiveness of such
laboratory in carrying out its plan under subsection (d)(2).
``(j) Continuation of Awards; Recompetition.--
``(1) Continuation of awards.--The Evaluation and Regional
Assistance Commissioner shall continue awards made to each
eligible applicant for the support of regional educational
laboratories established under this section prior to the date
of enactment of the Strengthening Education through Research
Act, as such awards were in effect on the day before the date
of enactment of such Act, for the duration of those awards,
in accordance with the terms and agreements of such awards.
``(2) Recompetition.--Not later than the end of the period
of the awards described in paragraph (1), the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
``(A) hold a competition to make grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements under this section to eligible
applicants, which may include eligible applicants that held
awards described in paragraph (1); and
``(B) in determining whether to select an eligible
applicant that held an award described in paragraph (1) for
an award under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, consider
the results of the summative evaluation under subsection
(i)(2) of the laboratory established with the eligible
applicant's award described in paragraph (1).'';
(5) by striking subsection (l);
(6) by redesignating subsections (m), (n), and (o) as
subsections (l), (m), and (n), respectively;
(7) in subsection (l), as redesignated by paragraph (6), by
inserting ``and local'' after ``achieve State'';
(8) by striking subsection (m), as redesignated by
paragraph (6), and inserting the following:
``(m) Annual Report.--Each regional educational laboratory
established under this section shall submit to the Evaluation
and Regional Assistance Commissioner an annual report
containing such information as the Commissioner may require,
but which shall include, at a minimum, the following:
``(1) A summary of the laboratory's activities and products
developed during the previous year.
``(2) A listing of the State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and schools the laboratory assisted
during the previous year.
``(3) Using the measurable performance indicators
established under subsection (e)(5), a description of how
well the laboratory is meeting educational needs of the
region served by the laboratory.
``(4) Any changes to the laboratory's plan under subsection
(d)(2) to improve its activities in the remaining years of
the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''; and
(9) by adding at the end the following:
``(o) Appropriations Reservation.--Of the amounts
appropriated under section 194(a), the Evaluation and
Regional Assistance Commissioner shall reserve 16.13 percent
of such funds to carry out this section, of which the
Commissioner shall use not less than 25 percent to serve
rural areas (including schools funded by the Bureau which are
located in rural areas).''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116
Stat. 1940), is amended by striking the item relating to
section 174 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 174. Regional educational laboratories for research,
development, dissemination, and evaluation.''.
PART E--NATIONAL CENTER FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RESEARCH
SEC. 175. ESTABLISHMENT.
Section 175(b) (20 U.S.C. 9567(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and children'' and
inserting ``children, and youth'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) to promote quality and integrity through the use of
accepted practices of scientific inquiry to obtain knowledge
and understanding of the validity of education theories,
practices, or conditions with respect to special education
research and evaluation described in paragraphs (1) through
(3); and
``(5) to promote scientifically valid research findings in
special education that may provide the basis for improving
academic instruction and lifelong learning.''.
SEC. 176. COMMISSIONER FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RESEARCH.
Section 176 (20 U.S.C. 9567a) is amended by inserting ``and
youth'' after ``children''.
SEC. 177. DUTIES.
Section 177 (20 U.S.C. 9567b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``and youth'' after
``children'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``scientifically based
educational practices'' and inserting ``educational
practices, including the use of technology based on
scientifically valid research,'';
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking ``scientifically based''; and
(ii) by inserting ``are based on scientifically valid
research and'' after ``interventions that'';
(D) in paragraph (10), by inserting before the semicolon
the following: ``, including how secondary school credentials
are related to postsecondary and employment outcomes'';
(E) by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (15) and
paragraphs (16) and (17) as paragraphs (12) through (16),
respectively, and paragraphs (18) and (19), respectively;
(F) by inserting after paragraph (10), the following:
``(11) examine the participation and outcomes of students
with disabilities in secondary and postsecondary career and
technical education programs;'';
(G) in paragraph (14), as redesignated by subparagraph (E),
by inserting ``and professional development'' after
``preparation'';
(H) in paragraph (16), as redesignated by subparagraph (E),
by striking ``help parents'' and inserting ``examine the
methods by which parents may'';
(I) by inserting after paragraph (16), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), the following:
``(17) assist the Board in the preparation and
dissemination of each evaluation report under section
116(d);'';
(J) in paragraph (18), as redesignated by subparagraph (E),
by striking ``and'' at the end;
(K) by striking paragraph (19), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), and inserting the following:
``(19) examine the needs of children with disabilities who
are English learners, are gifted and talented, or have other
unique learning needs; and''; and
(L) by adding at the end the following:
``(20) examine innovations in the field of special
education, such as multi-tiered systems of support.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
[[Page S8824]]
(i) by inserting ``for the activities of the Special
Education Research Center'' after ``a research plan''; and
(ii) by striking ``Services, that--'' and inserting
``Services, and, subject to the approval of the Director,
implement the research plan. The research plan shall be a
plan that--'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``described in section
175(b)'' after ``Center'';
(C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) is carried out, and, as appropriate, updated and
modified, including by using the results of the Special
Education Research Center's most recent evaluation report
under section 116(d);'';
(D) by striking paragraph (5);
(E) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (6) as
paragraphs (4), (5), and (7), respectively;
(F) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) provides for research that addresses significant
questions of practice where such research is lacking;'';
(G) in paragraph (5), as redesignated by subparagraph (E),
by striking ``and types of children with'' and inserting ``,
student subgroups, and types of''; and
(H) by inserting after paragraph (5), as redesignated by
subparagraph (E), the following:
``(6) describes how the Special Education Research Center
will use the performance management system described in
section 185 to assess and improve the activities of the
Center; and'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Director'' and
inserting ``Special Education Research Commissioner'';
(B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that wishes to
receive a grant, or enter into a contract or cooperative
agreement, under this section shall submit an application to
the Special Education Research Commissioner at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Special
Education Research Commissioner may require.
``(B) Contents.--An application submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall describe how the eligible applicant
will address and demonstrate progress on the requirements of
the performance management system described in section 185,
with respect to the activities that will be carried out under
such grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Duration.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements under
this section may be awarded or entered into, on a competitive
basis, for a period of not more than 5 years, and may be
renewed at the discretion of the Special Education Research
Commissioner for an additional period of not more than 2
years if the recipient demonstrates progress on the
requirements of the performance management system described
in section 185, with respect to the activities carried out
under the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement received
or entered into under this section.'';
(4) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``(e) Dissemination.--The Special Education Research Center
shall synthesize and, consistent with section 114(j), widely
disseminate and promote utilization of the findings and
results of special education research conducted or supported
by the Special Education Research Center.''; and
(5) in subsection (f), by striking ``part such sums as may
be necessary for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2010.''
and inserting the following: ``part--
``(1) for fiscal year 2016, $54,000,000;
``(2) for fiscal year 2017, $55,242,000;
``(3) for fiscal year 2018, $56,512,566;
``(4) for fiscal year 2019, $57,812,355;
``(5) for fiscal year 2020, $59,142,039; and
``(6) for fiscal year 2021, $66,922,118.''.
PART F--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 181. PROHIBITIONS.
Section 182 (20 U.S.C. 9572) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``specific academic
achievement or content standards or assessments,'' after
``the curriculum,''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``an elementary school
or secondary school'' and inserting ``early education, or in
an elementary school, secondary school, or institution of
higher education''.
SEC. 182. CONFIDENTIALITY.
Section 183 (20 U.S.C. 9573) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``their families, and information with
respect to individual schools,'' and inserting ``and their
families''; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, and that any disclosed information with
respect to individual schools not reveal such individually
identifiable information'';
(2) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting ``, including
voluntary and uncompensated services under section 190''
after ``providing services''; and
(3) in subsection (e)(1), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and Director'' after
``Secretary''.
SEC. 183. AVAILABILITY OF DATA.
Section 184 (20 U.S.C. 9574) is amended by striking ``use
of the Internet'' and inserting ``electronic means, such as
posting in an easily accessible manner on the Institute's
website''.
SEC. 184. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT.
Section 185 (20 U.S.C. 9575) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 185. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT.
``The Director shall establish a system for managing the
performance of all activities authorized under this title to
promote continuous improvement of the activities and to
ensure the effective use of Federal funds by--
``(1) developing and using measurable performance
indicators, including timelines, to evaluate and improve the
effectiveness of the activities;
``(2) using the performance indicators described in
paragraph (1) to inform funding decisions, including the
awarding and continuation of all grants, contracts, and
cooperative agreements under this title;
``(3) establishing and improving formal feedback mechanisms
to--
``(A) anticipate and meet stakeholder needs; and
``(B) incorporate, on an ongoing basis, the feedback of
such stakeholders into the activities authorized under this
title; and
``(4) promoting the wide dissemination and utilization,
consistent with section 114(j), of all information, products,
and publications of the Institute.''.
SEC. 185. AUTHORITY TO PUBLISH.
Section 186(b) (20 U.S.C. 9576(b)) is amended by striking
``any information to be published under this section before
publication'' and inserting ``any publication under this
section before the public release of such publication''.
SEC. 186. REPEALS.
(a) Repeals.--Sections 187 (20 U.S.C. 9577) and 193 (20
U.S.C. 9583) are repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--The table of contents in
section 1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279;
116 Stat. 1940), is amended by striking the items relating to
sections 187 and 193.
SEC. 187. FELLOWSHIPS.
Section 189 (20 U.S.C. 9579) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``and the mission of each National
Education Center authorized under this title'' after
``related to education''; and
(2) by striking ``historically Black colleges and
universities'' and inserting ``minority-serving
institutions''.
SEC. 188. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 194 (20 U.S.C. 9584) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to administer and carry out this title (except part E)--
``(1) for fiscal year 2016, $337,343,000;
``(2) for fiscal year 2017, $345,101,889;
``(3) for fiscal year 2018, $353,039,232;
``(4) for fiscal year 2019, $361,159,135;
``(5) for fiscal year 2020, $369,465,795; and
``(6) for fiscal year 2021, $376,225,846.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Reservations.--Of the amounts appropriated under
subsection (a) for each fiscal year--
``(1) not less than the amount provided to the National
Center for Education Statistics (as such Center was in
existence on the day before the date of enactment of the
Strengthening Education through Research Act) for fiscal year
2015 shall be provided to the National Center for Education
Statistics, as authorized under part C; and
``(2) not more than the lesser of 2 percent of such
appropriated amounts or $2,000,000 shall be made available to
carry out section 116 (relating to the National Board for
Education Sciences).''.
PART G--TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS
SEC. 191. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS.
(a) Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of
2006.--Section 3(25) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302(25)) is
amended by striking ``using scientifically based research
standards, as defined in section 102'' and inserting ``in
accordance with the principles of scientific research, as
defined in section 102''.
(b) Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.--
Section 9529(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7909(b)) is amended by striking ``section
153(a)(5)'' and inserting ``section 153(a)(6)''.
(c) Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.--Section
681(a)(1) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(20 U.S.C. 1481(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``section
178(c)'' and inserting ``section 177(c)''.
TITLE II--EDUCATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
SEC. 201. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this
title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the
reference shall be considered to be made to a section or
other provision of the Educational Technical Assistance Act
of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.).
SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.
Section 202 (20 U.S.C. 9601) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) School leader.--The term `school leader' has the
meaning given the term in section 102.''.
[[Page S8825]]
SEC. 203. COMPREHENSIVE CENTERS.
Section 203 (20 U.S.C. 9602) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) Authorization.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3) and except as
provided in subsection (b)(5), the Secretary shall award 17
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible
applicants to establish comprehensive centers.
``(2) Mission.--The mission of the comprehensive centers is
to provide State educational agencies and local educational
agencies technical assistance, analysis, and training to
build their capacity in implementing the requirements of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6301 et seq.) and other Federal education laws, and research-
based practices.
``(3) Regions.--In awarding grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements under paragraph (1), the Secretary--
``(A) shall establish at least one comprehensive center for
each of the 10 geographic regions served by the regional
educational laboratories established under section 941(h) of
the Educational Research, Development, Dissemination, and
Improvement Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. 6041(h)) (as such
provision existed on the day before the date of enactment of
this Act);
``(B) may establish additional comprehensive centers--
``(i) for one or more of the regions described in
subparagraph (A); or
``(ii) to serve the Nation as a whole by providing
technical assistance on a particular content area of
importance to the Nation, as determined by the Secretary; and
``(C) may make such arrangements as the Secretary
determines necessary to ensure that the Bureau of Indian
Education and States or local educational agencies serving
significant numbers of American Indian, Alaska Native, or
Native Hawaiian students have access to services provided
under this section.
``(4) Nation.--In the case of a comprehensive center
established to serve the Nation as described in paragraph
(3)(B)(ii), the Nation shall be considered to be a region
served by such Center.
``(5) Award period.--A grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement under this section may be awarded, on a competitive
basis, for a period of not more than 5 years.
``(6) Responsiveness.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
comprehensive center established under this section has the
ability to respond in a timely fashion to the needs of State
educational agencies and local educational agencies,
including through using the results of the center's interim
evaluation under section 204(c), to improve and modify the
activities of the center before the end of the award
period.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``, contracts, or cooperative agreements''
after ``Grants'';
(ii) by striking ``research organizations, institutions,
agencies, institutions of higher education,'' and inserting
``public or private, nonprofit or for-profit research
organizations, other organizations, or institutions of higher
education,'';
(iii) by striking ``, or individuals,'';
(iv) by striking ``subsection (f)'' and inserting
``subsection (e)''; and
(v) by striking ``, including regional'' and all that
follows through ``107-110))''; and
(B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Outreach.--In conducting competitions for grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements under this section, the
Secretary shall--
``(A) by making widely available information and technical
assistance relating to the competition, actively encourage
eligible applicants to compete for such awards; and
``(B) seek input from chief executive officers of States,
chief State school officers, educators, parents,
superintendents, and other individuals with knowledge of the
needs of the regions to be served by the awards, regarding--
``(i) the needs in the regions for technical assistance
authorized under this title; and
``(ii) how such needs may be addressed most effectively.
``(3) Performance management.--Before awarding a grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement under this section, the
Secretary shall establish measurable performance indicators
to be used to assess the ongoing progress and performance of
the comprehensive centers to be established under this title
that address paragraphs (1) through (3) of the performance
management system described in section 185.
``(4) Required consideration.--In determining whether to
award or enter into a grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement under this section--
``(A) to an eligible applicant that previously established
a comprehensive center under this section, the Secretary
shall--
``(i) consider the results of such center's summative
evaluation under section 204(b) or, if not available, any
interim evaluation results under section 204(c); and
``(ii) ensure that only centers determined effective in the
centers' relevant interim or summative evaluations, as
described in section 204, are eligible to receive a new
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and
``(B) to any eligible applicant, the Secretary shall ensure
that such applicant has--
``(i) a history of effectiveness in providing high-quality
technical assistance; and
``(ii) the capacity to meet the measurable performance
indicators established under paragraph (3).
``(5) Flexibility in comprehensive center number.--
``(A) Determination.--The Secretary, in consultation with
the comprehensive center advisory boards described in
subsection (f), may determine that establishing 17
comprehensive centers under this section is unnecessary, as
required in subsection (a)(1), and grant an alternative
number of awards or reorganize such centers, which may
include organizing the centers around content area instead of
by the regions described in subsection (a)(3), if--
``(i) an insufficient number of such comprehensive centers
are meeting the needs of the regions described in paragraphs
(3) and (4) of subsection (a), as determined by the
Secretary;
``(ii) an insufficient number of such comprehensive centers
are meeting the measurable performance indicators established
under paragraph (3), as determined by the Secretary and the
most recent interim or summative evaluation under section
204; or
``(iii) an insufficient number of eligible applicants have
the capacity to meet the measurable performance indicators
established under paragraph (3), as determined by the
Secretary.
``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not use the
determination authority described in subparagraph (A) to
establish more than 17 comprehensive centers under this
section.
``(6) Continuation of awards.--
``(A) Continuation of awards.--The Secretary shall continue
awards made to each eligible applicant for the support of
comprehensive centers established under this section prior to
the date of enactment of the Strengthening Education through
Research Act, as such awards were in effect on the day before
the date of enactment of such Act, for the duration of those
awards, in accordance with the terms and agreements of such
awards.
``(B) Recompetition.--Not later than the end of the period
of the awards described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary
shall--
``(i) hold a competition to make grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements under this section to eligible
applicants, which may include eligible applicants that held
awards described in subparagraph (A); and
``(ii) in determining whether to select an eligible
applicant that held an award described in subparagraph (A)
for an award under clause (i) of this subparagraph, consider
the results of the summative evaluation under section 204(b)
of the center established with the eligible applicant's award
described in subparagraph (A).
``(7) Eligible applicant defined.--For purposes of this
section, the term `eligible applicant' means an entity
described in paragraph (1).'';
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Applications.--
``(1) Submission.--
``(A) In general.--Each eligible applicant seeking a grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement under this section shall
submit an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such additional information as the Secretary may
reasonably require.
``(B) Input.--To ensure that applications submitted under
this paragraph are reflective of the needs of the regions to
be served, each eligible applicant submitting such an
application shall seek input from--
``(i) State educational agencies and local educational
agencies in the region that the award will serve; and
``(ii) other individuals with knowledge of the region's
needs.
``(2) Plan.--
``(A) In general.--Each application submitted under
paragraph (1) shall contain a plan for the comprehensive
center to be established under this section, which shall be
updated, modified, and improved, as appropriate, on an
ongoing basis, including by using the results of the center's
interim evaluation under section 204(c).
``(B) Contents.--A plan described in subparagraph (A) shall
address--
``(i) the priorities for technical assistance established
under section 207;
``(ii) the needs of State educational agencies and local
educational agencies, on an ongoing basis, using available
State and local data, including how the needs of schools
identified for improvement and schools and local educational
agencies with a high percentage or number of low-income
students will be prioritized and served; and
``(iii) if available, demonstrated support from State
educational agencies and local educational agencies, such as
letters of support or signed memoranda of understanding.
``(3) Non-federal support.--In conducting a competition for
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall give priority to eligible applicants
that will provide a portion of non-Federal funds to maximize
support for activities of the comprehensive centers to be
established under this section.'';
(4) in subsection (d), by inserting ``the number of low-
performing schools in the region,'' after ``economically
disadvantaged students,'';
(5) by striking subsections (e), (g), and (h);
(6) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e);
(7) in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (6)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
[[Page S8826]]
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``support dissemination and technical assistance activities
by'' and inserting ``support State educational agencies and
local educational agencies, including by'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (i), by inserting ``and other Federal
education laws'' before the semicolon;
(II) in clause (ii)--
(aa) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking
``and assessment tools'' and inserting ``, assessment tools,
and other educational strategies'';
(bb) in subclause (I), by striking ``mathematics,
science,'' and inserting ``mathematics and science, which may
include computer science or engineering,''; and
(cc) in subclause (III), by inserting ``, including
innovative tools and methods'' before the semicolon; and
(III) by striking clause (iii) and inserting the following:
``(iii) the replication and adaptation of exemplary
practices and innovative methods that have an evidence base
of effectiveness; and'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by inserting ``, consistent with section 114(j),''
after ``disseminating''; and
(II) by striking ``(as described'' and all that follows
through ``is located''; and
(iv) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the
following:
``(C) ensuring activities carried out under this section
are relevant and responsive to the needs of the region being
served.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``, on an ongoing basis,'' after ``this
section shall''; and
(ii) by striking ``in which the center is located'' and
inserting ``served by the center or other regional
educational laboratories or comprehensive centers, as
appropriate''; and
(8) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Comprehensive Center Advisory Board.--
``(1) Establishment.--Each comprehensive center established
under this section may establish an advisory board that shall
support the priorities of such center.
``(2) Duties.--Each advisory board established under
paragraph (1) shall advise the comprehensive center--
``(A) concerning the activities described in subsection
(e);
``(B) on strategies for monitoring and addressing the
educational needs of the region being served on an ongoing
basis and, as appropriate, national needs;
``(C) on maintaining a high standard of quality in the
performance of the center's activities, especially in meeting
the measurable performance indicators established under
subsection (b)(3);
``(D) on carrying out the center's duties in a manner that
promotes progress toward improving student academic
achievement;
``(E) on the activities undertaken by regional educational
laboratories of the region being served, other regional
educational laboratories, as appropriate, and other
comprehensive centers to align the work of the laboratories
and centers, reduce redundancy, and increase collaboration
and resource-sharing in such activities; and
``(F) on joint activities, with other comprehensive centers
or regional educational laboratories from other regions, that
would meet the needs of multiple regions.
``(3) Composition.--
``(A) In general.--Each advisory board shall--
``(i) not exceed 25 members;
``(ii) include the chief State school officer, or such
officer's designee, or other State official, of States within
the region served by the comprehensive center who have
primary responsibility under State law for elementary and
secondary education in the State;
``(iii) include representatives of local educational
agencies, including rural and urban local educational
agencies, that represent the geographic diversity of the
region;
``(iv) include researchers; and
``(v) include not less than 1 representative from the
advisory board of a regional educational laboratory in the
region being served by the comprehensive center.
``(B) Eligibility.--The membership of each comprehensive
center advisory board may include the following:
``(i) Representatives of institutions of higher education.
``(ii) Parents.
``(iii) Practicing educators, including classroom teachers,
school leaders, administrators, school board members, and
other local school officials.
``(iv) Representatives of business.
``(v) Policymakers.
``(4) Recommendations.--In choosing individuals for
membership on a comprehensive center advisory board, the
comprehensive center shall consult with, and solicit
recommendations from, the Secretary, chief executive officers
of States, chief State school officers, local educational
agencies, and other education stakeholders within the
applicable region.
``(5) Special rule.--The total number of members on each
board who are selected under clauses (ii) and (iii) of
paragraph (3)(A), in the aggregate, shall exceed the total
number of members who are selected under paragraph (3)(B),
collectively.
``(g) Report to the Secretary.--Each comprehensive center
established under this section shall submit to the Secretary
an annual report, at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require,
which shall include the following:
``(1) A summary of the center's activities and products
developed during the previous year.
``(2) A listing of the State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and schools the center assisted during
the previous year.
``(3) Using the measurable performance indicators
established under subsection (b)(3), a description of how
well the center is meeting educational needs of the region
served by the center.
``(4) Any changes to the center's plan under subsection
(c)(2) to improve its activities in the remaining years of
the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''.
SEC. 204. EVALUATIONS.
Section 204 (20 U.S.C. 9603) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 204. EVALUATIONS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) provide for ongoing summative and interim evaluations
described in subsections (b) and (c), respectively, of each
of the comprehensive centers established under this title in
carrying out the full range of duties of the center under
this title; and
``(2) transmit the results of such evaluations, through
appropriate means, to the appropriate congressional
committees, the Director of the Institute of Education
Sciences, and the public.
``(b) Summative Evaluation.--The Secretary shall ensure
each comprehensive center established under this title is
evaluated by an independent entity at the end of the period
of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement that
established such center, which shall--
``(1) be completed in a timely fashion;
``(2) assess how well the center is meeting the measurable
performance indicators established under section 203(b)(3);
and
``(3) consider the extent to which the center ensures that
the technical assistance of such center is relevant and
useful to the work of State and local practitioners and
policymakers.
``(c) Interim Evaluation.--The Secretary shall ensure that
each comprehensive center established under this title is
evaluated at the midpoint of the period of the grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement that established such
center, which shall--
``(1) assess how well such center is meeting the measurable
performance indicators established under section 203(b)(3);
and
``(2) be used to improve the effectiveness of such center
in carrying out its plan under section 203(c)(2).''.
SEC. 205. EXISTING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDERS.
(a) Repeal.--Section 205 (20 U.S.C. 9604) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116
Stat. 1940), is amended by striking the item relating to
section 205.
SEC. 206. REGIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
(a) Repeal.--Section 206 (20 U.S.C. 9605) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section
1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116
Stat. 1940), is amended by striking the item relating to
section 206.
SEC. 207. PRIORITIES.
Section 207 (20 U.S.C. 9606) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``Director and'' before ``Secretary shall
establish'';
(2) by striking ``of the Education Sciences Reform Act of
2002'';
(3) by striking ``of this title'';
(4) by striking ``to address, taking onto account the
regional assessments conducted under section 206 and other''
and inserting ``, respectively, using the results of''; and
(5) by striking ``relevant regional'' and all that follows
through ``Secretary deems appropriate'' and inserting
``relevant regional and national surveys of educational
needs''.
SEC. 208. GRANT PROGRAM FOR STATEWIDE, LONGITUDINAL DATA
SYSTEMS.
Section 208 (20 U.S.C. 9607) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001 et seq.), and the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following: ``State educational
agencies receiving a grant under this section may provide
subgrants to local educational agencies to improve the
capacity of local educational agencies to carry out the
activities authorized under this section.'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as
subsections (d), (e), and (g), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (b), the following:
``(c) Performance Management.--Before awarding a grant
under this section, the Secretary shall establish measurable
performance indicators--
``(1) to be used to assess the ongoing progress and
performance of State educational agencies receiving a grant
under this section; and
``(2) that address paragraphs (1) through (3) of the
performance management system described in section 185.'';
(4) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, promotes linkages
across States,'';
[[Page S8827]]
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``supports school improvement and'' after ``data that'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and other reporting
requirements and close achievement gaps; and'' and inserting
``and other reporting requirements, close achievement gaps,
and improve teaching and school leadership;'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and close
achievement gaps; and'' and by inserting ``, close
achievement gaps, and improve teaching and school leadership;
and''; and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C) to align statewide, longitudinal data systems from
early education through postsecondary education (including
pre-service preparation programs), and the workforce,
consistent with privacy protections under section 183;''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) ensures the protection of student privacy, and
includes a review of how State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and others that will have access to the
statewide, longitudinal data systems under this section will
adhere to Federal privacy laws and protections, consistent
with section 183, in the building, maintenance, and use of
such data systems;
``(4) ensures State educational agencies receiving a grant
under this section support professional development that
builds the capacity of teachers and school leaders to use
data effectively; and
``(5) gives priority to State educational agencies that
leverage the use of statewide, longitudinal data systems to
improve student achievement and growth, including such State
educational agencies that--
``(A) are carrying out the activities described in section
153(a)(5);
``(B) define the roles of State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and others in providing timely access
to data under the statewide, longitudinal data systems,
consistent with privacy protections in section 183; and
``(C) demonstrate the capacity to share teacher and school
leader performance data, including student achievement and
growth data, with local educational agencies and teacher and
school leader preparation programs.'';
(5) by inserting after subsection (e), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), the following:
``(f) Renewal of Awards.--The Secretary may renew a grant
awarded to a State educational agency under this section for
a period not to exceed 3 years, if the State educational
agency has demonstrated progress on the measurable
performance indicators established under subsection (c).'';
and
(6) by striking subsection (g), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), and inserting the following:
``(g) Reports.--
``(1) First report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of the Strengthening Education through Research
Act, the Secretary shall prepare and make publicly available
a report on the implementation and effectiveness of the
activities carried out by State educational agencies
receiving a grant under this section, including--
``(A) information on progress in the development and use of
statewide, longitudinal data systems described in this
section;
``(B) information on best practices and areas for
improvement in such development and use; and
``(C) how the State educational agencies are adhering to
Federal privacy laws and protections in the building,
maintenance, and use of such data systems.
``(2) Succeeding reports.--Every succeeding 3 years after
the report is made publicly available under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall prepare and make publicly available a
report on the implementation and effectiveness of the
activities carried out by State educational agencies
receiving a grant under this section, including--
``(A) information on the requirements of subparagraphs (A)
through (C) of paragraph (1); and
``(B) the progress, in the aggregate, State educational
agencies are making on the measurable performance indicators
established under subsection (c).''.
SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 209 (20 U.S.C. 9608) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
title--
``(1) for fiscal year 2016, $82,984,000;
``(2) for fiscal year 2017, $84,892,632;
``(3) for fiscal year 2018, $86,845,163;
``(4) for fiscal year 2019, $88,842,601;
``(5) for fiscal year 2020, $90,885,981; and
``(6) for fiscal year 2021, $92,548,906.''.
TITLE III--NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
SEC. 301. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this
title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the
reference shall be considered to be made to a section or
other provision of the National Assessment of Educational
Progress Authorization Act (20 U.S.C. 9621 et seq.).
SEC. 302. NATIONAL ASSESSMENT GOVERNING BOARD.
Section 302 (20 U.S.C. 9621) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``shall formulate policy
guidelines'' and inserting ``shall oversee and set policies,
in a manner consistent with subsection (e) and accepted
professional standards,'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(L)--
(A) by striking ``principals'' and inserting ``leaders'';
and
(B) by striking ``principal'' both places it appears and
inserting ``leader'';
(3) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (4);
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``the Assessment
Board after consultation with'' before ``organizations''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``Each organization submitting nominations
to the Secretary with'' and inserting ``With''; and
(II) by inserting ``, the Assessment Board'' after
``particular vacancy''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``that each organization described in
paragraph (1)(A) submit additional nominations'' and
inserting ``additional nominations from the Assessment Board
or each organization described in paragraph (1)(A)''; and
(ii) by striking ``such organization'' and inserting ``the
Assessment Board''; and
(5) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by inserting ``in consultation with the Commissioner
for Education Statistics,'' before ``select'';
(ii) by inserting ``and grades or ages'' before ``to be'';
and
(iii) by inserting ``, and determine the year in which such
assessments will be conducted'' after ``assessed'';
(B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``school leaders,''
after ``teachers,'';
(C) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``design'' and
inserting ``provide input on'';
(D) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (I);
(E) by redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (K);
(F) by inserting after subparagraph (I), the following:
``(J) provide input to the Director on annual budget
requests for the National Assessment of Educational Progress;
and'';
(G) in subparagraph (K), as redesignated by subparagraph
(E)--
(i) by striking ``plan and execute the initial public
release of''; and
(ii) by inserting ``release the initial'' before
``National''; and
(H) in the matter following subparagraph (K), as
redesignated by subparagraph (E), by striking ``subparagraph
(J)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (K)''.
SEC. 303. NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS.
Section 303 (20 U.S.C. 9622) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``with the advice of the
Assessment Board established under section 302'' and
inserting ``in a manner consistent with accepted professional
standards and the policies set forth by the Assessment Board
under section 302(a)'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``and consistent with
section 302(e)(1)(A)'' after ``resources allow'';
(ii) in subparagraph (G)--
(I) by striking ``limited English proficiency'' and
inserting ``English learner status''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (G);
(iii) in subparagraph (H), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) determine, after taking into account section
302(e)(1)(I), the content of initial and subsequent reports
of all assessments authorized under this section and ensure
that such reports are valid and reliable.''; and
(B) in paragraph (5)(C), by striking ``limited English
proficiency'' and inserting ``English learner status'';
(3) in subsection (c)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``of Education'' after
``Secretary''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) by striking ``Chairman of the House'' before
``Committee on Education'';
(ii) by inserting ``of the House of Representatives'' after
``Workforce'';
(iii) by striking ``Chairman of the Senate'' before
``Committee on Health''; and
(iv) by inserting ``of the Senate'' after ``Pensions'';
(4) in subsection (d)(1), by inserting before the period,
the following: ``, except as required under section
1112(b)(1)(F) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6312(b)(1)(F))'';
(5) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or age''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``shall'' and all that follows through
``be'' and insert ``shall be'';
(II) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses
(i) and (ii), respectively (and by moving the margins 2 ems
to the left); and
(III) in clause (ii), as redesignated by subclause (II), by
striking ``, or the age of the students, as the case may
be'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``After the determinations described in
subparagraph (A), devising'' and inserting ``The Assessment
Board shall, in making the determination described in
subparagraph (A), use''; and
(II) by inserting ``, providing for the active
participation of teachers, school leaders,
[[Page S8828]]
curriculum specialists, local school administrators, parents,
and concerned members of the general public'' after
``approach''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``Assessment''
before ``Board''; and
(6) in subsection (g)(2)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``affairs'' and inserting
``education''; and
(B) by striking ``Affairs'' and inserting ``Education''.
SEC. 304. DEFINITIONS.
Section 304 (20 U.S.C. 9623) is amended by striking
paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The terms `elementary school', `local
educational agency', and `secondary school' have the meanings
given those terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
``(2) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of
the Institute of Education Sciences.
``(3) School leader.--The term `school leader' has the
meaning given the term in section 102.
``(4) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Education.
``(5) State.--The term `State' means each of the 50 States,
the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico.''.
SEC. 305. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 305(a) (20 U.S.C. 9624(a)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be
appropriated--
``(1) for fiscal year 2016--
``(A) $8,235,000 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $129,000,000 to carry out section 303 (relating to
the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
``(2) for fiscal year 2017--
``(A) $8,424,405 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $131,967,000 to carry out section 303 (relating to
the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
``(3) for fiscal year 2018--
``(A) $8,618,166 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $135,002,241 to carry out section 303 (relating to
the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
``(4) for fiscal year 2019--
``(A) $8,816,384 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $138,107,293 to carry out section 303 (relating to
the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
``(5) for fiscal year 2020--
``(A) $9,019,161 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $141,283,760 to carry out section 303 (relating to
the National Assessment of Educational Progress); and
``(6) for fiscal year 2021--
``(A) $9,184,183 to carry out section 302 (relating to the
National Assessment Governing Board); and
``(B) $143,868,805 to carry out section 303 (relating to
the National Assessment of Educational Progress).''.
TITLE IV--EVALUATION PLAN
SEC. 401. RESEARCH AND EVALUATION.
(a) In General.--The Institute of Education Sciences shall
be the primary entity for conducting research on and
evaluations of Federal education programs within the
Department of Education to ensure the rigor and independence
of such research and evaluation.
(b) Flexible Authority.--
(1) Reservation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) related to evaluation, the Secretary of
Education, in consultation with the Director of the Institute
of Education Sciences--
(A) may, for purposes of carrying out the activities
described in paragraph (2)(B)--
(i) reserve not more than 0.5 percent of the total amount
of funds appropriated for each program authorized under the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6301 et seq.), other than part A of title I of such Act (20
U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) and section 1501 of such Act (20 U.S.C.
6491); and
(ii) reserve, in the manner described in subparagraph (B),
an amount equal to not more than 0.1 percent of the total
amount of funds appropriated for--
(I) part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.); and
(II) section 1501 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 6491); and
(B) in reserving the amount described in subparagraph
(A)(ii)--
(i) shall reserve not more than the total amount of funds
appropriated for section 1501 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6491); and
(ii) may, in a case in which the total amount of funds
appropriated for such section 1501 (20 U.S.C. 6491) is less
than the amount described in subparagraph (A)(ii), reserve
the amount of funds appropriated for part A of title I of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6311 et seq.) that is needed for the sum of the total amount
of funds appropriated for such section 1501 (20 U.S.C. 6491)
and such amount of funds appropriated for such part A of
title I (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) to equal the amount
described in subparagraph (A)(ii).
(2) Authorized activities.--If funds are reserved under
paragraph (1)--
(A) neither the Secretary of Education nor the Director of
the Institute of Education Sciences shall--
(i) carry out evaluations under section 1501 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6491); or
(ii) reserve funds for evaluation activities under section
3111(c)(1)(C) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 6821(c)(1)(C)); and
(B) the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the
Director of the Institute of Education Sciences--
(i) shall use the funds reserved under paragraph (1) to
carry out high-quality evaluations (consistent with the
requirements of section 173(a) of the Education Sciences
Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9563(a)), as amended by this
Act, and the evaluation plan described in subsection (c) of
this section) of programs authorized under the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.); and
(ii) may use the funds reserved under paragraph (1) to--
(I) increase the usefulness of the evaluations conducted
under clause (i) to promote continuous improvement of
programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.); or
(II) assist grantees of such programs in collecting and
analyzing data and other activities related to conducting
high-quality evaluations under clause (i).
(3) Dissemination.--The Secretary of Education or the
Director of the Institute of Education Sciences shall
disseminate evaluation findings, consistent with section
114(j) of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20
U.S.C. 9514(j)), as amended by this Act, of evaluations
carried out under paragraph (2)(B)(i).
(4) Consolidation.--The Secretary of Education, in
consultation with the Director of the Institute of Education
Sciences--
(A) may consolidate the funds reserved under paragraph (1)
for purposes of carrying out the activities under paragraph
(2)(B); and
(B) shall not be required to evaluate under paragraph
(2)(B)(i) each program authorized under the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) each
year.
(c) Evaluation Plan.--The Director of the Institute of
Education Sciences, in consultation with the Secretary of
Education, shall, on a biennial basis, develop, submit to
Congress, and make publicly available an evaluation plan,
that--
(1) describes the specific activities that will be carried
out under subsection (b)(2)(B) for the 2-year period
applicable to the plan, and the timelines of such activities;
(2) contains the results of the activities carried out
under subsection (b)(2)(B) for the most recent 2-year period;
and
(3) describes how programs authorized under the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.)
will be regularly evaluated.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to affect section 173(b) of the Education Sciences
Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9563(b)), as amended by this
Act.
______