[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 6]
[House]
[Pages 7652-7666]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              STRENGTHENING EDUCATION THROUGH RESEARCH ACT

  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 4366) to strengthen the Federal education research system to 
make research and evaluations more timely and relevant to State and 
local needs in order to increase student achievement, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 4366

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Education 
     through Research Act''.

     SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.

                   TITLE I--EDUCATION SCIENCES REFORM

Sec. 101. References.
Sec. 102. Definitions.

              Part A--The Institute of Education Sciences

Sec. 111. Establishment.
Sec. 112. Functions.
Sec. 113. Delegation.
Sec. 114. Office of the Director.
Sec. 115. Priorities.
Sec. 116. National Board for Education Sciences.
Sec. 117. Commissioners of the National Education Centers.
Sec. 118. Transparency.
Sec. 119. Competitive awards.

             Part B--National Center for Education Research

Sec. 131. Establishment.
Sec. 132. Duties.
Sec. 133. Standards for conduct and evaluation of research.

            Part C--National Center for Education Statistics

Sec. 151. Establishment.
Sec. 152. Duties.
Sec. 153. Performance of duties.
Sec. 154. Reports.
Sec. 155. Dissemination.
Sec. 156. Cooperative education statistics systems.

     Part D--National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional 
                               Assistance

Sec. 171. Establishment.
Sec. 172. Commissioner for Education Evaluation and Regional 
              Assistance.
Sec. 173. Evaluations.
Sec. 174. Regional educational laboratories for research, development, 
              dissemination, and evaluation.

[[Page 7653]]

         Part E--National Center for Special Education Research

Sec. 175. Establishment.
Sec. 176. Commissioner for Special Education Research.
Sec. 177. Duties.

                       Part F--General Provisions

Sec. 182. Prohibitions.
Sec. 183. Confidentiality.
Sec. 184. Availability of data.
Sec. 185. Performance management.
Sec. 186. Authority to publish.
Sec. 187. Repeals.
Sec. 188. Fellowships.
Sec. 189. Authorization of appropriations.

               TITLE II--EDUCATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Sec. 201. References.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Comprehensive centers.
Sec. 204. Evaluations.
Sec. 205. Existing technical assistance providers.
Sec. 206. Regional advisory committees.
Sec. 207. Priorities.
Sec. 208. Grant program for statewide longitudinal data systems.
Sec. 209. Authorization of appropriations.

         TITLE III--NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS

Sec. 301. References.
Sec. 302. National assessment governing board.
Sec. 303. National assessment of educational progress.
Sec. 304. Definitions.
Sec. 305. Authorization of appropriations.

                       TITLE IV--EVALUATION PLAN

Sec. 401. Research and evaluation.

                   TITLE I--EDUCATION SCIENCES REFORM

     SEC. 101. REFERENCES.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this 
     title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the 
     reference shall be considered to be made to a section or 
     other provision of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 
     (20 U.S.C. 9501 et seq.).

     SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 102 (20 U.S.C. 9501) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``Affairs'' and inserting 
     ``Education'';
       (2) in paragraph (10)--
       (A) by inserting ``or other information, in a timely manner 
     and'' after ``evaluations,'' and
       (B) by inserting ``school leaders,'' after ``teachers,'';
       (3) in paragraph (12), by inserting ``, school leaders,'' 
     after ``teachers'';
       (4) by striking paragraph (13);
       (5) by redesignating paragraphs (14) and (15) as paragraphs 
     (13) and (14), respectively;
       (6) by inserting after paragraph (14), as so redesignated, 
     the following:
       ``(15) Minority-serving institution.--The term `minority-
     serving institution' means an institution of higher education 
     described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).'';
       (7) by amending paragraph (18) to read as follows:
       ``(18) Principles of scientific research.--The term 
     `principles of scientific research' means principles of 
     research that--
       ``(A) apply rigorous, systematic, and objective methodology 
     to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to education 
     activities and programs;
       ``(B) present findings and make claims that are appropriate 
     to, and supported by, the methods that have been employed; 
     and
       ``(C) include, appropriate to the research being 
     conducted--
       ``(i) use of systematic, empirical methods that draw on 
     observation or experiment;
       ``(ii) use of data analyses that are adequate to support 
     the general findings;
       ``(iii) reliance on measurements or observational methods 
     that provide reliable and generalizable findings;
       ``(iv) strong claims of causal relationships, only with 
     research designs that eliminate plausible competing 
     explanations for observed results, such as, but not limited 
     to, random-assignment experiments;
       ``(v) presentation of studies and methods in sufficient 
     detail and clarity to allow for replication or, at a minimum, 
     to offer the opportunity to build systematically on the 
     findings of the research;
       ``(vi) acceptance by a peer-reviewed journal or critique by 
     a panel of independent experts through a comparably rigorous, 
     objective, and scientific review; and
       ``(vii) consistency of findings across multiple studies or 
     sites to support the generality of results and 
     conclusions.'';
       (8) in paragraph (20), by striking ``scientifically based 
     research standards'' and inserting ``the principles of 
     scientific research''; and
       (9) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(24) School leader.--The term `school leader' means a 
     principal, assistant principal, or other individual who is--
       ``(A) an employee or officer of--
       ``(i) an elementary school or secondary school;
       ``(ii) a local educational agency serving an elementary 
     school or secondary school; or
       ``(iii) another entity operating the elementary school or 
     secondary school; and
       ``(B) responsible for the daily instructional leadership 
     and managerial operations of the elementary school or 
     secondary school.''.

              PART A--THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

     SEC. 111. ESTABLISHMENT.

       Section 111 (20 U.S.C. 9511) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``and wide dissemination activities'' and 
     inserting ``and, consistent with section 114(j), wide 
     dissemination and utilization activities'' and
       (ii) by striking ``(including in technology areas)''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``disability,'' after 
     ``gender,''.

     SEC. 112. FUNCTIONS.

       Section 112 (20 U.S.C. 9512) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by inserting ``(including evaluations of impact and 
     implementation)'' after ``education evaluation''; and
       (B) by inserting before the semicolon the following ``and 
     utilization''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by inserting ``, consistent with section 114(j),'' 
     after ``disseminate''; and
       (B) by adding before the semicolon the following: ``and 
     scientifically valid education evaluations carried out under 
     this title''.

     SEC. 113. DELEGATION.

       Section 113 (20 U.S.C. 9513) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (1);
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as 
     paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively; and
       (C) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking ``of 
     the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization 
     Act'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``Secretary may assign 
     the Institute responsibility for administering'' and 
     inserting ``Director may accept requests from the Secretary 
     for the Institute to administer''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Contract Acquisition.--With respect to any contract 
     entered into under this title, the Director shall be 
     consulted--
       ``(1) during the procurement process; and
       ``(2) in the management of such contract's performance, 
     which shall be consistent with the requirements of the 
     performance management system described in section 185.''.

     SEC. 114. OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR.

       Section 114 (20 U.S.C. 9514) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Except as provided in 
     subsection (b)(2), the'' and inserting ``The'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period the 
     following: ``, except that if a successor to the Director has 
     not been appointed as of the date of expiration of the 
     Director's term, the Director may serve for an additional 1-
     year period, beginning on the day after the date of 
     expiration of the Director's term, or until a successor has 
     been appointed under subsection (a), whichever occurs 
     first'';
       (B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) Reappointment.--A Director may be reappointed under 
     subsection (a) for one additional term.''; and
       (C) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) in the heading, by striking ``Subsequent directors'' 
     and inserting ``Recommendations''; and
       (ii) by striking ``, other than a Director appointed under 
     paragraph (2)'';
       (3) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in paragraph (3), by inserting before the period the 
     following: ``, and, as appropriate, with such research and 
     activities carried out by public and private entities, to 
     avoid duplicative or overlapping efforts'';
       (B) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, and the use of 
     evidence'' after ``statistics activities'';
       (C) in paragraph (5)--
       (i) by inserting ``and maintain'' after ``establish''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``and subsection (h)'' after ``section 
     116(b)(3)'';
       (D) in paragraph (7), by inserting ``disability,'' after 
     ``gender,'';
       (E) in paragraph (8), by striking ``historically Black 
     colleges or universities'' and inserting ``minority-serving 
     institutions'';
       (F) by amending paragraph (9) to read as follows:
       ``(9) To coordinate with the Secretary to ensure that the 
     results of the Institute's work are coordinated with, and 
     utilized by, the Department's technical assistance providers 
     and dissemination networks.'';
       (G) by striking paragraphs (10) and (11);
       (H) by redesignating paragraph (12) as paragraph (10);
       (4) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);
       (5) by inserting after subsection (g), the following:
       ``(h) Peer-review System.--The Director shall establish and 
     maintain a peer-review system involving highly-qualified 
     individuals, including practitioners, as appropriate, with an 
     in-depth knowledge of the subject to be investigated, for--
       ``(1) reviewing and evaluating each application for a grant 
     or cooperative agreement under this title that exceeds 
     $100,000; and
       ``(2) evaluating and assessing all reports and other 
     products that exceed $100,000 to be

[[Page 7654]]

     published and publicly released by the Institute.'';
       (6) in subsection (i), as so redesignated--
       (A) by striking ``the products and''; and
       (B) by striking ``certify that evidence-based claims about 
     those products and'' and inserting ``determine whether 
     evidence-based claims in those''; and
       (7) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) Relevance, Dissemination, and Utilization.--To ensure 
     all activities authorized under this title are rigorous, 
     relevant, and useful for researchers, policymakers, 
     practitioners, and the public, the Director shall--
       ``(1) ensure such activities address significant challenges 
     faced by practitioners, and increase knowledge in the field 
     of education;
       ``(2) ensure that the information, products, and 
     publications of the Institute are--
       ``(A) prepared and widely disseminated--
       ``(i) in a timely fashion; and
       ``(ii) in forms that are understandable, easily accessible, 
     and usable, or adaptable for use in, the improvement of 
     educational practice; and
       ``(B) widely disseminated through electronic transfer, and 
     other means, such as posting to the Institute's website or 
     other relevant place;
       ``(3) promote the utilization of the information, products, 
     and publications of the Institute, including through the use 
     of dissemination networks and technical assistance providers, 
     within the Institute and the Department; and
       ``(4) monitor and manage the performance of all activities 
     authorized under this title in accordance with section 
     185.''.

     SEC. 115. PRIORITIES.

       Section 115 (20 U.S.C. 9515) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``(taking into consideration long-term 
     research and development on core issues conducted through the 
     national research and development centers)'' and inserting 
     ``at least once every 6 years''; and
       (ii) by striking ``such as'' and inserting ``including'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``ensuring that all children have the 
     ability to obtain a high-quality education, particularly'' 
     before ``closing'';
       (ii) by striking ``especially achievement gaps between'';
       (iii) by striking ``nonminority children'' and inserting 
     ``nonminority children, disabled and nondisabled children,'';
       (iv) by striking ``and between disadvantaged'' and 
     inserting ``and disadvantaged'';
       (v) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) improving the quality of early childhood education;
       ``(3) improving education in elementary and secondary 
     schools, particularly among low-performing students and 
     schools; and
       ``(4) improving access to, opportunities for, and 
     completion of postsecondary education.''; and
       (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``by means of the 
     Internet'' and inserting ``by electronic means such as 
     posting in an easily accessible manner on the Institute's 
     website''.

     SEC. 116. NATIONAL BOARD FOR EDUCATION SCIENCES.

       Section 116 (20 U.S.C. 9516) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``to guide the work of 
     the Institute'' and inserting ``, and to advise, and provide 
     input to, the Director on the activities of the Institute on 
     an ongoing basis'';
       (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``under section 114(h)'' 
     after ``procedures'';
       (C) in paragraph (8), by inserting ``disability,'' after 
     ``gender,''
       (D) in paragraph (9)--
       (i) by striking ``To solicit'' and inserting ``To ensure 
     all activities of the Institute are relevant to education 
     policy and practice by soliciting, on an ongoing basis,''; 
     and
       (ii) by striking ``consistent with'' and inserting 
     ``consistent with section 114(j) and'';
       (E) in paragraph (11)--
       (i) by inserting ``the Institute's'' after ``enhance''; and
       (ii) by striking ``among other Federal and State research 
     agencies'' and inserting ``with public and private entities 
     to improve the work of the Institute''; and
       (F) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(13) To conduct the evaluations required under subsection 
     (d).'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by inserting ``Board,'' before ``National Academy'';
       (ii) by striking ``and the National Science Advisor'' and 
     inserting ``the National Science Advisor, and other entities 
     and organizations that have knowledge of individuals who are 
     highly-qualified to appraise education research, statistics, 
     evaluations, or development'';
       (B) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) in clause (i), by striking ``, which may include those 
     researchers recommended by the National Academy of 
     Sciences'';
       (II) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
       (III) by inserting after clause (i), the following:

       ``(ii) Not fewer than 2 practitioners who are knowledgeable 
     about the education needs of the United States, who may 
     include school based professional educators, teachers, school 
     leaders, local educational agency superintendents, and 
     members of local boards of education or Bureau-funded school 
     boards.''; and

       (IV) in clause (iii), as so redesignated--

       (aa) by striking ``school-based professional educators,'';
       (bb) by striking ``local educational agency 
     superintendents,'';
       (cc) by striking ``principals,'';
       (dd) by striking ``or local''; and
       (ee) by striking ``or Bureau-funded school boards''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting 
     ``beginning on the date of appointment of the member,'' after 
     ``4 years,'';
       (II) by striking clause (i);
       (III) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (i);
       (IV) in clause (i), as so redesignated, by striking the 
     period and inserting ``; and''; and
       (V) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(ii) in a case in which a successor to a member has not 
     been appointed as of the date of expiration of the member's 
     term, the member may serve for an additional 1-year period, 
     beginning on the day after the date of expiration of the 
     member's term, or until a successor has been appointed under 
     paragraph (1), whichever occurs first.'';
       (iii) by striking subparagraph (C); and
       (iv) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C);
       (C) in paragraph (8)--
       (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (E) as 
     subparagraphs (B) through (F), respectively;
       (ii) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so 
     redesignated, the following:
       ``(A) In general.--In the exercise of its duties under 
     section 116(b) and in accordance with the Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), the Board shall be independent 
     of the Director and the other offices and officers of the 
     Institute.'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     before the period at the end the following: ``for a term of 
     not more than 6 years, and who may be reappointed by the 
     Board for 1 additional term of not more than 6 years''; and
       (iv) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) Subcommittees.--The Board may establish standing or 
     temporary subcommittees to make recommendations to the Board 
     for carrying out activities authorized under this title.'';
       (3) by striking subsection (d);
       (4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d);
       (5) in subsection (d), as so redesignated--
       (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Annual'' and 
     inserting ``Evaluation'';
       (B) by striking ``The Board'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Board'';
       (C) by striking ``not later than July 1 of each year, a'' 
     and inserting ``and make widely available to the public 
     (including by electronic means such as posting in an easily 
     accessible manner on the Institute's website), a triennial''; 
     and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Requirements.--An evaluation report described in 
     paragraph (1) shall include--
       ``(A) subject to paragraph (3), an evaluation of the 
     activities authorized for each of the National Education 
     Centers, which--
       ``(i) uses the performance management system described in 
     section 185; and
       ``(ii) is conducted by an independent entity;
       ``(B) a review of the Institute to ensure its work, 
     consistent with the requirements of section 114(j), is 
     timely, rigorous, and relevant;
       ``(C) any recommendations regarding actions that may be 
     taken to enhance the ability of the Institute and the 
     National Education Centers to carry out their priorities and 
     missions; and
       ``(D) a summary of the major research findings of the 
     Institute and the activities carried out under section 113(b) 
     during the 3 preceding fiscal years.
       ``(3) National center for education evaluation and regional 
     assistance.--With respect to the National Center for 
     Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, an evaluation 
     report described in paragraph (1) shall contain--
       ``(A) an evaluation described in paragraph (2)(A) of the 
     activities authorized for such Center, except for the 
     regional educational laboratories established under section 
     174; and
       ``(B) a summative or interim evaluation, whichever is most 
     recent, for each such laboratory conducted under section 
     174(i) on or after the date of enactment of the Strengthening 
     Education through Research Act or, in a case in which such an 
     evaluation is not available for a laboratory, the most recent 
     evaluation for the laboratory conducted prior to the date of 
     enactment of the Strengthening Education through Research 
     Act.''; and
       (6) by striking subsection (f).

     SEC. 117. COMMISSIONERS OF THE NATIONAL EDUCATION CENTERS.

       Section 117 (20 U.S.C. 9517) is amended--

[[Page 7655]]

       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Except as provided in 
     subsection (b), each'' and inserting ``Each'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``Except as provided in subsection (b), 
     each'' and inserting ``Each''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``, statistics,'' after ``research'';
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Except as provided in 
     subsection (b), each'' and inserting ``Each'';
       (2) by striking subsection (b);
       (3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
     (b) and (c), respectively; and
       (4) in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by striking ``, 
     except the Commissioner for Education Statistics,''.

     SEC. 118. TRANSPARENCY.

       (a) In General.--Section 119 (20 U.S.C. 9519) is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``SEC. 119. TRANSPARENCY.

       ``Not later than 120 days after awarding a grant, contract, 
     or cooperative agreement under this title in excess of 
     $100,000, the Director shall make publicly available 
     (including through electronic means such as posting in an 
     easily accessible manner on the Institute's website) a 
     description of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, 
     including, at a minimum, the amount, duration, recipient, and 
     the purpose of the grant, contract, or cooperative 
     agreement.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116 
     Stat. 1940) is amended by striking the item relating to 
     section 119 and inserting the following:

``Sec. 119. Transparency.''.

     SEC. 119. COMPETITIVE AWARDS.

       Section 120 (20 U.S.C. 9520) is amended by striking ``when 
     practicable'' and inserting ``consistent with section 
     114(h)''.

             PART B--NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION RESEARCH

     SEC. 131. ESTABLISHMENT.

       Section 131(b) (20 U.S.C. 9531(b)) is amended--
       (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) to sponsor sustained research that will lead to the 
     accumulation of knowledge and understanding of education, 
     consistent with the priorities described in section 115;'';
       (2) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3);
       (3) in paragraph (4), by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) consistent with section 114(j), to widely disseminate 
     and promote utilization of the work of the Research 
     Center.''.

     SEC. 132. DUTIES.

       Section 133 (20 U.S.C. 9533) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``peer-review standards 
     and'';
       (B) by striking paragraph (2);
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2);
       (D) by striking paragraph (4);
       (E) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (9) as 
     paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively;
       (F) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by inserting ``in 
     the implementation of programs carried out by the Department 
     and other agencies'' before ``within the Federal 
     Government'';
       (G) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``disseminate, through the National Center for Education 
     Evaluation and Regional Assistance,'' and inserting ``widely 
     disseminate, consistent with section 114(j),'';
       (H) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated--
       (i) by striking ``Director'' and inserting ``Board''; and
       (ii) by striking ``of a biennial report, as described in 
     section 119'' and inserting ``and dissemination of each 
     evaluation report under section 116(d)'';
       (I) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     ``and which may include research on social and emotional 
     learning,'' after ``gap,'';
       (J) by inserting after paragraph (7), as so redesignated, 
     the following:
       ``(8) to the extent time and resources allow, when findings 
     from previous research under this part provoke relevant 
     follow up questions, carry out research initiatives on such 
     follow up questions;'';
       (K) by redesignating paragraphs (10) and (11) as paragraphs 
     (9) and (10), respectively;
       (L) by amending paragraph (9), as so redesignated, to read 
     as follows:
       ``(9) carry out research initiatives, including rigorous, 
     peer-reviewed, large-scale, long-term, and broadly applicable 
     empirical research, regarding the impact of technology on 
     education, including online education and hybrid learning;'';
       (M) in paragraph (10), as so redesignated, by striking the 
     period and inserting ``; and''; and
       (N) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(11) to the extent feasible, carry out research on the 
     quality of implementation of practices and strategies 
     determined to be effective through scientifically valid 
     research.'';
       (2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
       ``(b) Plan.--The Research Commissioner shall propose to the 
     Director and, subject to the approval of the Director, 
     implement a research plan for the activities of the Research 
     Center that--
       ``(1) is consistent with the priorities and mission of the 
     Institute and the mission of the Research Center described in 
     section 131(b), and includes the activities described in 
     subsection (a);
       ``(2) is carried out and, as appropriate, updated and 
     modified, including through the use of the results of the 
     Research Center's most recent evaluation report under section 
     116(d);
       ``(3) describes how the Research Center will use the 
     performance management system described in section 185 to 
     assess and improve the activities of the Center;
       ``(4) meets the procedures for peer review established and 
     maintained by the Director under section 114(f)(5) and the 
     standards of research described in section 134; and
       ``(5) includes both basic research and applied research, 
     which shall include research conducted through field-
     initiated research and ongoing research initiatives.'';
       (3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);
       (4) by inserting after subsection (b), as so amended, the 
     following:
       ``(c) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Research Commissioner may award 
     grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements, 
     with eligible applicants to carry out research under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(2) Eligibility.--For purposes of this subsection, the 
     term `eligible applicant' means an applicant that has the 
     ability and capacity to conduct scientifically valid 
     research.
       ``(3) Applications.--
       ``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that wishes to 
     receive a grant, or enter into a contract or cooperative 
     agreement, under this section shall submit an application to 
     the Research Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and 
     containing such information as the Research Commissioner may 
     require.
       ``(B) Content.--An application submitted under subparagraph 
     (A) shall describe how the eligible applicant will address 
     and demonstrate progress on the requirements of the 
     performance management system described in section 185, with 
     respect to the activities that will be carried out under the 
     grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''; and
       (5) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (3)--
       (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) Support.--In carrying out activities under subsection 
     (a)(2), the Research Commissioner shall support national 
     research and development centers that address topics of 
     importance and relevance in the field of education across the 
     country and are consistent with the Institute's priorities 
     under section 115.'';
       (B) by striking paragraphs (2), (3), and (5);
       (C) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (6), and (7) as 
     paragraph (2), (3), and (4), respectively;
       (D) by amending paragraph (2), as so redesignated--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``5 additional'' and inserting ``2 additional'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) demonstrates progress on the requirements of the 
     performance management system described in section 185.'';
       (E) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``paragraphs (4) and (5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)''; 
     and
       (F) by amending paragraph (4), as so redesignated, to read 
     as follows:
       ``(4) Disaggregation.--To the extent feasible and when 
     relevant to the research being conducted, research conducted 
     under this subsection shall be disaggregated and cross-
     tabulated by age, race, gender, disability status, English 
     learner status, and socioeconomic background.''.

     SEC. 133. STANDARDS FOR CONDUCT AND EVALUATION OF RESEARCH.

       Section 134 (20 U.S.C. 9534) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``based'' and inserting 
     ``valid''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and wide dissemination 
     activities'' and inserting ``and, consistent with section 
     114(j), wide dissemination and utilization activities'';
       (2) by striking subsection (b); and
       (3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).

            PART C--NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS

     SEC. 151. ESTABLISHMENT.

       Section 151(b) (20 U.S.C. 9541(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and consistent with 
     the privacy protections under section 183'' after ``manner''; 
     and
       (2) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``disability,'' after 
     ``cultural,''; and
       (B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
       ``(B) consistent with section 114(j), is relevant, timely, 
     and widely disseminated.''.

     SEC. 152. DUTIES.

       Section 153 (20 U.S.C. 9543) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--

[[Page 7656]]

       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``, 
     consistent with the privacy protections under section 183,'' 
     after ``Center shall'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
       ``(D) secondary school graduation and completion rates, 
     including the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (as 
     defined in section 200.19(b)(1)(i)(A) of title 34, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, as such section was in effect on 
     November 28, 2008) and the extended-year adjusted cohort 
     graduation rate (as defined in section 200.19(b)(1)(v)(A) of 
     title 34, Code of Federal Regulations, as such section was in 
     effect on November 28, 2008), and school dropout rates, and 
     adult literacy;'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and opportunity 
     for,'' and inserting ``opportunity for, and completion of'';
       (iii) by amending subparagraph (F) to read as follows:
       ``(F) teaching, including information on pre-service 
     preparation, professional development, teacher distribution, 
     and teacher and school leader evaluation;'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (G), by inserting ``and school 
     leaders'' before the semicolon;
       (v) in subparagraph (H), by inserting ``, climate, and in- 
     and out-of-school suspensions and expulsions'' before ``, 
     including information regarding'';
       (vi) by amending subparagraph (K) to read as follows:
       ``(K) the access to, and use of, technology to improve 
     elementary schools and secondary schools;'';
       (vii) in subparagraph (L), by striking ``and opportunity 
     for,'' and inserting ``opportunity for, and quality of'';
       (viii) in subparagraph (M), by striking ``such programs 
     during school recesses'' and inserting ``summer school''; and
       (ix) in subparagraph (N), by striking ``vocational'' and 
     inserting ``career'';
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``when such disaggregated 
     information will facilitate educational and policy 
     decisionmaking'' and inserting ``so long as any reported 
     information does not reveal individually identifiable 
     information'';
       (D) in paragraph (4), by inserting before the semicolon the 
     following: ``, and the implementation (with the assistance of 
     the Department and other Federal officials who have statutory 
     authority to provide assistance on applicable privacy laws, 
     regulations, and policies) of appropriate privacy 
     protections'';
       (E) in paragraph (5), by striking ``promote linkages across 
     States,'';
       (F) in paragraph (6)--
       (i) by striking ``Third'' and inserting ``Trends in''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``and the Program for International 
     Student Assessment'' after ``Science Study'';
       (G) in paragraph (7), by inserting before the semicolon the 
     following: ``, ensuring such collections protect student 
     privacy consistent with section 183'';
       (H) by amending paragraph (8) to read as follows:
       ``(8) assisting the Board in the preparation and 
     dissemination of each evaluation report under section 116(d); 
     and''; and
       (I) by striking paragraph (9);
       (2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Plan.--The Statistics Commissioner shall propose to 
     the Director and, subject to the approval of the Director, 
     implement a plan for activities of the Statistics Center 
     that--
       ``(1) is consistent with the priorities and mission of the 
     Institute and the mission of the Statistics Center described 
     in section 151(b);
       ``(2) is carried out and, as appropriate, updated and 
     modified, including through the use of the results of the 
     Statistic Center's most recent evaluation report under 
     section 116(d); and
       ``(3) describes how the Statistics Center will use the 
     performance management system described in section 185 to 
     assess and improve the activities of the Center.''.

     SEC. 153. PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES.

       Section 154 (20 U.S.C. 9544) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``In carrying'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Eligibility.--For purposes of this section, the term 
     `eligible applicant' means an applicant that has the ability 
     and capacity to carry out activities under this part.
       ``(3) Applications.--
       ``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that wishes to 
     receive a grant, or enter into a contract or cooperative 
     agreement, under this section shall submit an application to 
     the Statistics Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and 
     containing such information as the Statistics Commissioner 
     may require.
       ``(B) Contents.--An application submitted under 
     subparagraph (A) shall describe how the eligible applicant 
     will address and demonstrate progress on the requirements of 
     the performance management system described in section 185, 
     with respect to the activities that will be carried out under 
     the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)(A), by striking ``vocational and'' 
     and inserting ``career and technical education programs,''; 
     and
       (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``5 years'' the second 
     place it appears and inserting ``2 years if the recipient 
     demonstrates progress on the requirements of the performance 
     management system described in section 185, with respect to 
     the activities carried out under the grant, contract, or 
     cooperative agreement received under this section''.

     SEC. 154. REPORTS.

       Section 155 (20 U.S.C. 9545) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``(consistent with 
     section 114(h))'' after ``review''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``2003'' and inserting 
     ``2015''.

     SEC. 155. DISSEMINATION.

       Section 156 (20 U.S.C. 9546) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following: 
     ``Such projects shall adhere to student privacy requirements 
     under section 183.''; and
       (2) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following: 
     ``Before receiving access to educational data under this 
     paragraph, a Federal agency shall describe to the Statistics 
     Center the specific research intent for use of the data, how 
     access to the data may meet such research intent, and how the 
     Federal agency will protect the confidentiality of the data 
     consistent with the requirements of section 183.'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by inserting ``and consistent with section 183'' after 
     ``may prescribe''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``Before receiving 
     access to data under this paragraph, an interested party 
     shall describe to the Statistics Center the specific research 
     intent for use of the data, how access to the data may meet 
     such research intent, and how the party will protect the 
     confidentiality of the data consistent with the requirements 
     of section 183.''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Denial authority.--The Statistics Center shall have 
     the authority to deny any requests for access to data under 
     paragraph (1) or (2) for any scientific deficiencies in the 
     proposed research design or research intent for use of the 
     data, or if the request would introduce risk of a privacy 
     violation or misuse of data.''.

     SEC. 156. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION STATISTICS SYSTEMS.

       (a) In General.--Section 157 (20 U.S.C. 9547) is amended--
       (1) in the heading, by striking ``systems'' and inserting 
     ``partnerships'';
       (2) by striking ``national cooperative education statistics 
     systems'' and inserting ``cooperative education statistics 
     partnerships'';
       (3) by striking ``producing and maintaining, with the 
     cooperation'' and inserting ``reviewing and improving, with 
     the voluntary participation'';
       (4) by striking ``comparable and uniform'' and inserting 
     ``data quality standards, which may include establishing 
     voluntary guidelines to standardize'';
       (5) by striking ``adult education, and libraries,'' and 
     inserting ``and adult education''; and
       (6) by adding at the end the following: ``No student data 
     shall be collected by the partnerships established under this 
     section, nor shall such partnerships establish a national 
     student data system.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116 
     Stat. 1940) is amended by striking the item relating to 
     section 157 and inserting the following:

``Sec. 157. Cooperative education statistics partnerships.''.

     PART D--NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION EVALUATION AND REGIONAL 
                               ASSISTANCE

     SEC. 171. ESTABLISHMENT.

       Section 171 (20 U.S.C. 9561) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (1);
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as 
     paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively;
       (C) in paragraph (1), as so redesignated, by striking ``of 
     such programs'' and all that follows through ``science)'' and 
     inserting ``and to evaluate the implementation of such 
     programs'';
       (D) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking ``and 
     wide dissemination of results of'' and inserting ``and, 
     consistent with section 114(j), the wide dissemination and 
     utilization of results of all''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (c).

     SEC. 172. COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION EVALUATION AND REGIONAL 
                   ASSISTANCE.

       Section 172 (20 U.S.C. 9562) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) widely disseminate, consistent with section 114(j), 
     all information on scientifically valid research and 
     statistics supported by the Institute and all scientifically 
     valid education evaluations supported by the Institute, 
     particularly to State educational agencies and local 
     educational agencies, to

[[Page 7657]]

     institutions of higher education, to the public, the media, 
     voluntary organizations, professional associations, and other 
     constituencies, especially with respect to the priorities 
     described in section 115;'';
       (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, consistent with 
     section 114(j)'' after ``timely, and efficient manner'';
       (C) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) by striking ``development and dissemination'' and 
     inserting ``development, dissemination, and utilization''; 
     and
       (ii) by striking ``the provision of technical 
     assistance,'';
       (D) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (E) in paragraph (6)--
       (i) by striking ``Director'' and inserting ``Board'';
       (ii) by striking ``preparation of a biennial report'' and 
     inserting ``preparation and dissemination of each evaluation 
     report''; and
       (iii) by striking ``119; and'' and inserting ``116(d).'';
       (F) by striking paragraph (7);
       (2) in subsection (b)(1)--
       (A) by inserting ``all'' before ``information 
     disseminated''; and
       (B) by striking ``, which may include'' and all that 
     follows through ``of this Act)'';
       (3) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating subsection 
     (d) as subsection (e); and
       (4) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Plan.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance 
     Commissioner shall propose to the Director and, subject to 
     the approval of the Director, implement a plan for the 
     activities of the National Center for Education Evaluation 
     and Regional Assistance that--
       ``(1) is consistent with the priorities and mission of the 
     Institute and the mission of the Center described in section 
     171(b);
       ``(2) is carried out and, as appropriate, updated and 
     modified, including through the use of the results of the 
     Center's most recent evaluation report under section 116(d); 
     and
       ``(3) describes how the Center will use the performance 
     management system described in section 185 to assess and 
     improve the activities of the Center.
       ``(d) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the duties under this 
     part, the Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner 
     may--
       ``(A) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to 
     eligible applicants to carry out the activities under this 
     part; and
       ``(B) provide technical assistance.
       ``(2) Eligibility.--For purposes of this section, the term 
     `eligible applicant' means an applicant that has the ability 
     and capacity to carry out activities under this part.
       ``(3) Entities to conduct evaluations.--In awarding grants, 
     contracts, or cooperative agreements under paragraph (1) to 
     carry out activities under section 173, the Evaluation and 
     Regional Assistance Commissioner shall make such awards to 
     eligible applicants with the ability and capacity to conduct 
     scientifically valid education evaluations.
       ``(4) Applications.--
       ``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that wishes to 
     receive a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under 
     paragraph (1) shall submit an application to the Evaluation 
     and Regional Assistance Commissioner at such time, in such 
     manner, and containing such information as the Commissioner 
     may require.
       ``(B) Contents.--An application submitted under 
     subparagraph (A) shall describe how the eligible applicant 
     will address and demonstrate progress on the requirements of 
     the performance management system described in section 185, 
     with respect to the activities carried out under such grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement.
       ``(5) Duration.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements under 
     paragraph (1) may be awarded, on a competitive basis, for a 
     period of not more than 5 years, and may be renewed at the 
     discretion of the Evaluation and Regional Assistance 
     Commissioner for an additional period of not more than 2 
     years if the recipient demonstrates progress on the 
     requirements of the performance management system described 
     in section 185, with respect to the activities carried out 
     under the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.'';
       (5) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``There is established'' 
     and all that follows through ``Regional Assistance'' and 
     inserting ``The Evaluation and Regional Assistance 
     Commissioner may establish'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``all'' before 
     ``products''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2)(B)(ii), by striking ``2002'' and all 
     that follows through the period and inserting ``2002.''.

     SEC. 173. EVALUATIONS.

       Section 173 (20 U.S.C. 9563) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``may'' and inserting ``shall'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``evaluations'' and 
     inserting ``high-quality evaluations, including impact 
     evaluations that use rigorous methodologies that permit the 
     strongest possible causal inferences,'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting before the 
     semicolon at the end the following: ``, including programs 
     under part A of such title (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.)'';
       (iv) by striking subparagraph (C) and redesignating 
     subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C);
       (v) by striking subparagraphs (E) and (G), and 
     redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (D);
       (vi) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``and'' at the end; and
       (vii) by inserting after subparagraph (D), as so 
     redesignated, the following:
       ``(E) provide evaluation findings in an understandable, 
     easily accessible, and usable format to support program 
     improvement;
       ``(F) support the evaluation activities described in 
     section 401 of the Strengthening Education through Research 
     Act that are carried about by the Director; and
       ``(G) to the extent feasible--
       ``(i) examine evaluations conducted or supported by others 
     to determine the quality and relevance of the evidence of 
     effectiveness generated by those evaluations, with the 
     approval of the Director;
       ``(ii) review and supplement Federal education program 
     evaluations, particularly such evaluations by the Department, 
     to determine or enhance the quality and relevance of the 
     evidence generated by those evaluations;
       ``(iii) conduct implementation evaluations that promote 
     continuous improvement and inform policymaking;
       ``(iv) evaluate the short- and long-term effects and cost 
     efficiencies across programs assisted or authorized under 
     Federal law and administrated by the Department; and
       ``(v) synthesize the results of evaluation studies for and 
     across Federal education programs, policies, and 
     practices.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``under section 114(h); and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) be widely disseminated, consistent with section 
     114(j).''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``contracts'' and 
     inserting ``grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements''.

     SEC. 174. REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORIES FOR RESEARCH, 
                   DEVELOPMENT, DISSEMINATION, AND EVALUATION.

       (a) In General.--Section 174 (20 U.S.C. 9564) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading by striking ``technical 
     assistance'' and inserting ``evaluation'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Director'' and inserting ``Evaluation and 
     Regional Assistance Commissioner'';
       (B) by striking ``contracts'' and inserting ``grants, 
     contracts, or cooperative agreements''; and
       (C) by inserting ``not more than'' before ``10 regional'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking ``The Director'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance 
     Commissioner'';
       (B) by striking ``contracts under this section with 
     research organizations, institutions, agencies, institutions 
     of higher education,'' and inserting ``grants, contracts, or 
     cooperative agreements under this section with public or 
     private, nonprofit or for-profit research organizations, 
     other organizations, or institutions of higher education,'';
       (C) by striking ``or individuals,'';
       (D) by striking ``, including regional entities'' and all 
     that follows through ``107-110))''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term 
     `eligible applicant' means an entity described in paragraph 
     (1).'';
       (4) by striking subsections (d) through (j) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(d) Applications.--
       ``(1) Submission.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each eligible applicant desiring a 
     contract grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this 
     section shall submit an application at such time, in such 
     manner, and containing such information as the Evaluation and 
     Regional Assistance Commissioner may reasonably require.
       ``(B) Input.--To ensure that applications submitted under 
     this paragraph are reflective of the needs of the regions to 
     be served, each eligible applicant submitting such an 
     application shall seek input from State educational agencies 
     and local educational agencies in the region that the award 
     will serve, and other individuals with knowledge of the 
     region's needs. Such individuals may include members of the 
     regional advisory committee for the region under section 
     206(a).
       ``(2) Plan.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each application submitted under 
     paragraph (1) shall contain a plan for the activities of the 
     regional educational laboratory to be established under this 
     section, which shall be updated, modified, and improved, as 
     appropriate, on an ongoing basis, including by using the 
     results of

[[Page 7658]]

     the laboratory's interim evaluation under subsection (i)(3).
       ``(B) Contents.--A plan described in subparagraph (A) shall 
     address--
       ``(i) the priorities for applied research, development, 
     evaluations, and wide dissemination established under section 
     207;
       ``(ii) the needs of State educational agencies and local 
     educational agencies, on an ongoing basis, using available 
     State and local data, including the relevant results of the 
     region's assessment under section 206(e); and
       ``(iii) if available, demonstrated support from State 
     educational agencies and local educational agencies in the 
     region, such as letters of support or signed memoranda of 
     understanding.
       ``(3) Non-federal support.--In conducting a competition for 
     grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under subsection 
     (a), the Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner 
     shall give priority to eligible applicants that will provide 
     a portion of non-Federal funds to maximize support for 
     activities of the regional educational laboratories to be 
     established under this section.
       ``(e) Awarding Grants, Contracts, or Cooperative 
     Agreements.--
       ``(1) Assurances.--In awarding grants, contracts, or 
     cooperative agreements under this section, the Evaluation and 
     Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
       ``(A) make such an award for not more than a 5-year period;
       ``(B) ensure that regional educational laboratories 
     established under this section have strong and effective 
     governance, organization, management, and administration, and 
     employ qualified staff; and
       ``(C) ensure that each such laboratory has the flexibility 
     to respond in a timely fashion to the needs of the 
     laboratory's region, including--
       ``(i) through using the results of the laboratory's interim 
     evaluation under subsection (i)(3) to improve and modify the 
     activities of the laboratory before the end of the award 
     period; and
       ``(ii) through sharing preliminary results of the 
     laboratory's research, as appropriate, to increase the 
     relevance and usefulness of the research.
       ``(2) Coordination.--To ensure coordination and prevent 
     unnecessary duplication of activities among the regions, the 
     Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
       ``(A) share information about the activities of each 
     regional educational laboratory with each other regional 
     educational laboratory, the Department, the Director, and the 
     National Board for Education Sciences;
       ``(B) ensure, where appropriate, that the activities of 
     each regional educational laboratory established under this 
     section also serve national interests;
       ``(C) ensure each such regional educational laboratory 
     establishes strong partnerships among practitioners, 
     policymakers, researchers, and others, so that such 
     partnerships are continued in the absence of Federal support; 
     and
       ``(D) enable, where appropriate, for such a laboratory to 
     work in a region being served by another laboratory or to 
     carry out a project that extends beyond the region served by 
     the laboratory.
       ``(3) Collaboration with technical assistance providers.--
     Each regional educational laboratory established under this 
     section shall, on an ongoing basis, coordinate its 
     activities, collaborate, and regularly exchange information 
     with the comprehensive centers (established in section 203) 
     in the region in which the center is located, and with 
     comprehensive centers located outside of its region, as 
     appropriate.
       ``(4) Outreach.--
       ``(A) In general.--In conducting competitions for grants, 
     contracts, or cooperative agreements under this section, the 
     Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
       ``(i) by making information and technical assistance 
     relating to the competition widely available, actively 
     encourage eligible applicants to compete for such an award; 
     and
       ``(ii) seek input from the chief executive officers of 
     States, chief State school officers, educators, parents, 
     superintendents, and other individuals with knowledge of the 
     needs of the regions to be served by the awards, regarding--

       ``(I) the needs in the regions for applied research, 
     evaluation, development, and wide-dissemination activities 
     authorized by this title; and
       ``(II) how such needs may be addressed most effectively.

       ``(B) Regional advisory committees.--The individuals 
     described in subparagraph (A)(ii) may include members of the 
     regional advisory committees established under section 
     206(a).
       ``(5) Performance management.--Before the Evaluation and 
     Regional Assistance Commissioner awards a grant, contract, or 
     cooperative agreement under this section, the Director shall 
     establish measurable performance indicators for assessing the 
     ongoing progress and performance of the regional educational 
     laboratories established with such awards that address--
       ``(A) the requirements of the performance management system 
     described in section 185; and
       ``(B) the relevant results of the regional assessments 
     under section 206(e).
       ``(6) Standards.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance 
     Commissioner shall adhere to the Institute's system for 
     technical and peer review under section 114(h) in reviewing 
     the applied research activities and research-based reports of 
     the regional educational laboratories.
       ``(7) Required consideration.--In determining whether to 
     award a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this 
     section to an eligible applicant that previously established 
     a regional educational laboratory under this section, the 
     Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall 
     consider the results of such laboratory's summative 
     evaluation under subsection (i)(2).
       ``(f) Mission.--Each regional educational laboratory 
     established under this section shall--
       ``(1) conduct applied research, development, and evaluation 
     activities with State educational agencies, local educational 
     agencies, and, as appropriate, schools funded by the Bureau;
       ``(2) widely disseminate such work, consistent with section 
     114(j); and
       ``(3) develop the capacity of State educational agencies, 
     local educational agencies, and, as appropriate, schools 
     funded by the Bureau to carry out the activities described in 
     paragraphs (1) and (2).
       ``(g) Activities.--To carry out the mission described in 
     subsection (f), each regional educational laboratory 
     established under this section shall carry out the following 
     activities:
       ``(1) Conduct, widely disseminate, and promote utilization 
     of applied research, development activities, evaluations, and 
     other scientifically valid research.
       ``(2) Develop and improve the plan for the laboratory under 
     subsection (d)(2) for serving the region of the laboratory, 
     and as appropriate, national needs, on an ongoing basis, 
     which shall include seeking input and incorporating feedback 
     from the representatives of State educational agencies and 
     local educational agencies in the region, and other 
     individuals with knowledge of the region's needs. Such 
     representatives and other individuals may include members of 
     the regional advisory committee for the region established 
     under section 206(a).
       ``(3) Ensure research and related products are relevant and 
     responsive to the needs of the region, including by using the 
     relevant results of the region's assessment under section 
     206(e).
       ``(h) Governing Board.--
       ``(1) In general.--Each regional educational laboratory 
     established under this section may establish a governing 
     board to improve the management of activities that the 
     laboratory carries out under this section.
       ``(2) Board duties.--A Board established under paragraph 
     (1) shall coordinate and align its work with the work of the 
     regional advisory committee for the region established under 
     section 206.
       ``(i) Evaluations.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Evaluation and Regional Assistance 
     Commissioner shall--
       ``(A) provide for ongoing summative and interim evaluations 
     described in paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively, of each of 
     the regional educational laboratories established under this 
     section in carrying out the full range of duties described in 
     this section; and
       ``(B) transmit the results of such evaluations, through 
     appropriate means, to the appropriate congressional 
     committees, the Director, and the public.
       ``(2) Summative evaluations.--The Evaluation and Regional 
     Assistance Commissioner shall ensure each regional 
     educational laboratory established under this section is 
     evaluated by an independent entity at the end of the period 
     of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement that 
     established such laboratory, which shall--
       ``(A) be completed in a timely fashion;
       ``(B) assess how well the laboratory is meeting the 
     measurable performance indicators established under 
     subsection (e)(5); and
       ``(C) consider the extent to which the laboratory ensures 
     that the activities of such laboratory are relevant and 
     useful to the work of State and local practitioners and 
     policymakers.
       ``(3) Interim evaluations.--The Evaluation and Regional 
     Assistance Commissioner shall ensure each regional 
     educational laboratory established under this section is 
     evaluated at the midpoint of the period of the grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement that established such 
     laboratory, which shall--
       ``(A) assess how well such laboratory is meeting the 
     performance indicators described in subsection (e)(5); and
       ``(B) be used to improve the effectiveness of such 
     laboratory in carrying out its plan under subsection (d)(2).
       ``(j) Continuation of Awards; Recompetition.--
       ``(1) Continuation of awards.--The Evaluation and Regional 
     Assistance Commissioner shall continue awards made to each 
     eligible applicant for the support of regional educational 
     laboratories established under this section prior to the date 
     of enactment of the Strengthening Education through Research 
     Act, as such awards were in effect on

[[Page 7659]]

     the day before the date of enactment of the Strengthening 
     Education through Research Act, for the duration of those 
     awards, in accordance with the terms and agreements of such 
     awards.
       ``(2) Recompetition.--Not later than the end of the period 
     of the awards described in paragraph (1), the Evaluation and 
     Regional Assistance Commissioner shall--
       ``(A) hold a competition to make grants, contracts, or 
     cooperative agreements under this section to eligible 
     applicants, which may include eligible applicants that held 
     awards described in paragraph (1); and
       ``(B) in determining whether to select an eligible 
     applicant that held an award described in paragraph (1) for 
     an award under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, consider 
     the results of the summative evaluation under subsection 
     (i)(2) of the laboratory established with the eligible 
     applicant's award described in paragraph (1).'';
       (5) by striking subsection (l);
       (6) by redesignating subsections (m), (n), and (o) as 
     subsections (l), (m), and (n), respectively;
       (7) in subsection (l), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     ``and local'' after ``achieve State'';
       (8) by amending subsection (m), as so redesignated, to read 
     as follows:
       ``(m) Annual Report.--Each regional educational laboratory 
     established under this section shall submit to the Evaluation 
     and Regional Assistance Commissioner an annual report 
     containing such information as the Commissioner may require, 
     but which shall include, at a minimum, the following:
       ``(1) A summary of the laboratory's activities and products 
     developed during the previous year.
       ``(2) A listing of the State educational agencies, local 
     educational agencies, and schools the laboratory assisted 
     during the previous year.
       ``(3) Using the measurable performance indicators 
     established under subsection (e)(5), a description of how 
     well the laboratory is meeting educational needs of the 
     region served by the laboratory.
       ``(4) Any changes to the laboratory's plan under subsection 
     (d)(2) to improve its activities in the remaining years of 
     the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''; and
       (9) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(o) Appropriations Reservation.--Of the amounts 
     appropriated under section 194(a), the Evaluation and 
     Regional Assistance Commissioner shall reserve 16.13 percent 
     of such funds to carry out this section, of which the 
     Commissioner shall use not less than 25 percent to serve 
     rural areas (including schools funded by the Bureau which are 
     located in rural areas).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116 
     Stat. 1940) is amended by striking the item relating to 
     section 174 and inserting the following:

``Sec. 174. Regional educational laboratories for research, 
              development, dissemination, and evaluation.''.

         PART E--NATIONAL CENTER FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RESEARCH

     SEC. 175. ESTABLISHMENT.

       Section 175(b) (20 U.S.C. 9567(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and children'' and 
     inserting ``children, and youth'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (3) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) to promote quality and integrity through the use of 
     accepted practices of scientific inquiry to obtain knowledge 
     and understanding of the validity of education theories, 
     practices, or conditions with respect to special education 
     research and evaluation described in paragraphs (1) through 
     (3); and
       ``(5) to promote scientifically valid research findings in 
     special education that may provide the basis for improving 
     academic instruction and lifelong learning.''.

     SEC. 176. COMMISSIONER FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RESEARCH.

       Section 176 (20 U.S.C. 9567a) is amended by inserting ``and 
     youth'' after ``children''.

     SEC. 177. DUTIES.

       Section 177 (20 U.S.C. 9567b) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``and youth'' after 
     ``children'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``scientifically based 
     educational practices'' and inserting ``educational 
     practices, including the use of technology based on 
     scientifically valid research,'';
       (C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``based'' and inserting 
     ``valid'';
       (D) in paragraph (10), by inserting before the semicolon 
     the following: ``, including how secondary school credentials 
     are related to postsecondary and employment outcomes'';
       (E) by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (15) and 
     paragraphs (16) and (17) as paragraphs (12) through (16), 
     respectively, and paragraphs (18) and (19), respectively;
       (F) by inserting after paragraph (10), the following:
       ``(11) examine the participation and outcomes of students 
     with disabilities in secondary and postsecondary career and 
     technical education programs;'';
       (G) in paragraph (14), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     ``and professional development'' after ``preparation'';
       (H) in paragraph (16), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``help parents'' and inserting ``examine the methods by which 
     parents may'';
       (I) by inserting after paragraph (16), as so redesignated, 
     the following:
       ``(17) assist the Board in the preparation and 
     dissemination of each evaluation report under section 
     116(d);'';
       (J) in paragraph (18), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``and'' at the end;
       (K) by amending paragraph (19), as so redesignated, to read 
     as follows:
       ``(19) examine the needs of children with disabilities who 
     are English learners, gifted and talented, or who have other 
     unique learning needs; and''; and
       (L) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(20) examine innovations in the field of special 
     education, such as multi-tiered systems of support.'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``for the activities of the Special 
     Education Research Center'' after ``research plan''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``and, subject to the approval of the 
     Director, implement such plan'' after ``Services'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``described in section 
     175(b)'' after ``Center'';
       (C) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) is carried out, and, as appropriate, updated and 
     modified, including by using the results of the Special 
     Education Research Center's most recent evaluation report 
     under section 116(d);'';
       (D) by striking paragraph (5);
       (E) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (6) as 
     paragraphs (4), (5), and (7), respectively;
       (F) by inserting after paragraph (2), as so amended, the 
     following:
       ``(3) provides for research that addresses significant 
     questions of practice where such research is lacking;'';
       (G) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking ``and 
     types of children with'' and inserting ``, student subgroups, 
     and types of''; and
       (H) by inserting after paragraph (5), as so redesignated 
     and amended, the following:
       ``(6) describes how the Special Education Research Center 
     will use the performance management system described in 
     section 185 to assess and improve the activities of the 
     Center; and'';
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Director'' and 
     inserting ``Special Education Research Commissioner'';
       (B) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
       ``(3) Applications.--
       ``(A) In general.--An eligible applicant that wishes to 
     receive a grant, or enter into a contract or cooperative 
     agreement, under this section shall submit an application to 
     the Special Education Research Commissioner at such time, in 
     such manner, and containing such information as the Special 
     Education Research Commissioner may require.
       ``(B) Contents.--An application submitted under 
     subparagraph (A) shall describe how the eligible applicant 
     will address and demonstrate progress on the requirements of 
     the performance management system described in section 185, 
     with respect to the activities that will be carried out under 
     such grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Duration.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements under 
     this section may be awarded, on a competitive basis, for a 
     period of not more than 5 years, and may be renewed at the 
     discretion of the Special Education Research Commissioner for 
     an additional period of not more than 2 years if the 
     recipient demonstrates progress on the requirements of the 
     performance management system described in section 185, with 
     respect to the activities carried out under the grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement received under this 
     section.'';
       (4) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
       ``(e) Dissemination.--The Special Education Research Center 
     shall synthesize and, consistent with section 114(j), widely 
     disseminate and promote utilization of the findings and 
     results of special education research conducted or supported 
     by the Special Education Research Center.''; and
       (5) in subsection (f), by striking ``part such sums as may 
     be necessary for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2010.'' 
     and inserting ``part--
       ``(1) for fiscal year 2015, $54,000,000;
       ``(2) for fiscal year 2016, $54,108,000;
       ``(3) for fiscal year 2017, $55,298,376;
       ``(4) for fiscal year 2018, $56,625,537;
       ``(5) for fiscal year 2019, $58,154,426; and
       ``(6) for fiscal year 2020, $65,645,169.''.

                       PART F--GENERAL PROVISIONS

     SEC. 182. PROHIBITIONS.

       Section 182 (20 U.S.C. 9572) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``or control'' and inserting ``control, or 
     coerce''; and

[[Page 7660]]

       (B) by inserting ``specific academic standards or 
     assessments,'' after ``the curriculum,''
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by inserting ``coerce,'' after ``approve,'' and
       (B) by striking ``an elementary school or secondary 
     school'' and inserting ``early education, or in an elementary 
     school, secondary school, or institution of higher 
     education''.

     SEC. 183. CONFIDENTIALITY.

       Section 183 (20 U.S.C. 9573) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``their families, and information with 
     respect to individual schools,'' and inserting ``and their 
     families''; and
       (B) by inserting before the period at the end the 
     following: ``, and that any disclosed information with 
     respect to individual schools not reveal such individually 
     identifiable information'';
       (2) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting ``, including 
     voluntary and uncompensated services under section 190'' 
     after ``providing services''; and
       (3) in subsection (e)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and Director'' after 
     ``Secretary''.

     SEC. 184. AVAILABILITY OF DATA.

       Section 184 (20 U.S.C. 9574) is amended by striking ``use 
     of the Internet'' and inserting ``electronic means, such as 
     posting to the Institute's website in an easily accessible 
     manner''.

     SEC. 185. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT.

       Section 185 (20 U.S.C. 9575) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 185. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT.

       ``The Director shall establish a system for managing the 
     performance of all activities authorized under this title to 
     promote continuous improvement of the activities and to 
     ensure the effective use of Federal funds by--
       ``(1) developing and using measurable performance 
     indicators, including timelines, to evaluate and improve the 
     effectiveness of the activities;
       ``(2) using the performance indicators described in 
     paragraph (1) to inform funding decisions, including the 
     awarding and continuation of all grants, contracts, and 
     cooperative agreements under this title;
       ``(3) establishing and improving formal feedback mechanisms 
     to--
       ``(A) anticipate and meet stakeholder needs; and
       ``(B) incorporate, on an ongoing basis, the feedback of 
     such stakeholders into the activities authorized under this 
     title; and
       ``(4) promoting the wide dissemination and utilization, 
     consistent with section 114(j), of all information, products, 
     and publications of the Institute.''.

     SEC. 186. AUTHORITY TO PUBLISH.

       Section 186(b) (20 U.S.C. 9576) is amended by striking 
     ``any information to be published under this section before 
     publication'' and inserting ``publications under this section 
     before the public release of such publications''.

     SEC. 187. REPEALS.

       (a) Repeals.--Sections 187 (20 U.S.C. 9577) and 193 (20 
     U.S.C. 9583) are repealed.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--The table of contents in 
     section 1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 
     116 Stat. 1940) is amended by striking the items relating to 
     sections 187 and 193.

     SEC. 188. FELLOWSHIPS.

       Section 189 (20 U.S.C. 9579) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``and the mission of each National 
     Education Center authorized under this title'' after 
     ``related to education''; and
       (2) by striking ``historically Black colleges and 
     universities'' and inserting ``minority-serving 
     institutions''.

     SEC. 189. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 194 (20 U.S.C. 9584) is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
       ``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to administer and carry out this title (except part E)--
       ``(1) for fiscal year 2015, $337,343,000;
       ``(2) for fiscal year 2016, $338,017,686;
       ``(3) for fiscal year 2017, $345,454,075;
       ``(4) for fiscal year 2018, $353,744,974;
       ``(5) for fiscal year 2019, $363,296,087; and
       ``(6) for fiscal year 2020, $368,745,528.''.
       (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Reservations.--Of the amounts appropriated under 
     subsection (a) for each fiscal year--
       ``(1) not less than the amount provided to the National 
     Center for Education Statistics (as such Center was in 
     existence on the day before the date of enactment of the 
     Strengthening Education through Research Act) for fiscal year 
     2014 shall be provided to the National Center for Education 
     Statistics, as authorized under part C; and
       ``(2) not more than the lesser of 2 percent of such funds 
     or $2,000,000 shall be made available to carry out section 
     116 (relating to the National Board for Education 
     Sciences).''.

               TITLE II--EDUCATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

     SEC. 201. REFERENCES.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this 
     title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the 
     reference shall be considered to be made to a section or 
     other provision of the Educational Technical Assistance Act 
     of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.).

     SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 202 (20 U.S.C. 9601) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (1), the following:
       ``(2) School leader.--The term `school leader' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 102.''.

     SEC. 203. COMPREHENSIVE CENTERS.

       Section 203 (20 U.S.C. 9602)--
       (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
       ``(a) Authorization.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary 
     is authorized to award not more than 17 grants, contracts, or 
     cooperative agreements to eligible applicants to establish 
     comprehensive centers.
       ``(2) Mission.--The mission of the comprehensive centers is 
     to provide State educational agencies and local educational 
     agencies technical assistance, analysis, and training to 
     build their capacity in implementing the requirements of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6301 et seq.) and other Federal education laws, and research-
     based practices.
       ``(3) Regions.--In awarding grants, contracts, or 
     cooperative agreements under paragraph (1), the Secretary--
       ``(A) shall establish at least one comprehensive center for 
     each of the 10 geographic regions served by the regional 
     educational laboratories established under section 941(h) of 
     the Educational Research, Development, Dissemination, and 
     Improvement Act of 1994 (as such provision existed on the day 
     before the date of enactment of this Act); and
       ``(B) may establish additional comprehensive centers--
       ``(i) for one or more of the regions described in 
     subparagraph (A); or
       ``(ii) to serve the Nation as a whole by providing 
     technical assistance on a particular content area of 
     importance to the Nation, as determined by the Secretary with 
     the advice of the regional advisory committees established 
     under section 206(a).
       ``(4) Nation.--In the case of a comprehensive center 
     established to serve the Nation as described in paragraph 
     (3)(B)(ii), the Nation shall be considered to be a region 
     served by such Center.
       ``(5) Award period.--A grant, contract, or cooperative 
     agreement under this section may be awarded, on a competitive 
     basis, for a period of not more than 5 years.
       ``(6) Responsiveness.--The Secretary shall ensure that each 
     comprehensive center established under this section has the 
     ability to respond in a timely fashion to the needs of State 
     educational agencies and local educational agencies, 
     including through using the results of the center's interim 
     evaluation under section 204(c), to improve and modify the 
     activities of the center before the end of the award 
     period.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``, contracts, or cooperative agreements'' 
     after ``Grants'';
       (ii) by striking ``research organizations, institutions, 
     agencies, institutions of higher education,'' and inserting 
     ``public or private, nonprofit or for-profit research 
     organizations, other organizations, or institutions of higher 
     education,'';
       (iii) by striking ``, or individuals,'';
       (iv) by striking ``subsection (f)'' and inserting 
     ``subsection (e)''; and
       (v) by striking ``, including regional'' and all that 
     follows through ``107-110))''; and
       (B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) Outreach.--
       ``(A) In general.--In conducting competitions for grants, 
     contracts, or cooperative agreements under this section, the 
     Secretary shall--
       ``(i) by making widely available information and technical 
     assistance relating to the competition, actively encourage 
     eligible applicants to compete for such awards; and
       ``(ii) seek input from chief executive officers of States, 
     chief State school officers, educators, parents, 
     superintendents, and other individuals with knowledge of the 
     needs of the regions to be served by the awards, regarding--

       ``(I) the needs in the regions for technical assistance 
     authorized under this title; and
       ``(II) how such needs may be addressed most effectively.

       ``(B) Regional advisory committees.--The individuals 
     described in subparagraph (A)(ii) may include members of the 
     regional advisory committees established under section 
     206(a).
       ``(3) Performance management.--Before awarding a grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement under this section, the 
     Secretary shall establish measurable performance indicators 
     to be used to assess the ongoing progress and performance of 
     the comprehensive centers to be established under this title 
     that address--
       ``(A) paragraphs (1) through (3) of the performance 
     management system described in section 185; and
       ``(B) the relevant results of the regional assessments 
     under section 206(e).

[[Page 7661]]

       ``(4) Required consideration.--In determining whether to 
     award a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this 
     section to an eligible applicant that previously established 
     a comprehensive center under this section, the Secretary 
     shall consider the results of such center's summative 
     evaluation under section 204(b).
       ``(5) Continuation of awards.--
       ``(A) Continuation of awards.--The Secretary shall continue 
     awards made to each eligible applicant for the support of 
     comprehensive centers established under this section prior to 
     the date of enactment of the Strengthening Education through 
     Research Act, as such awards were in effect on the day before 
     the date of enactment of the Strengthening Education through 
     Research Act, for the duration of those awards, in accordance 
     with the terms and agreements of such awards.
       ``(B) Recompetition.--Not later than the end of the period 
     of the awards described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary 
     shall--
       ``(i) hold a competition to make grants, contracts, or 
     cooperative agreements under this section to eligible 
     applicants, which may include eligible applicants that held 
     awards described in subparagraph (A); and
       ``(ii) in determining whether to select an eligible 
     applicant that held an award described in subparagraph (A) 
     for an award under clause (i) of this subparagraph, consider 
     the results of the summative evaluation under section 204(b) 
     of the center established with the eligible applicant's award 
     described in subparagraph (A).
       ``(6) Eligible applicant defined.--For purposes of this 
     section, the term `eligible applicant' means an entity 
     described in paragraph (1).'';
       (3) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
       ``(c) Applications.--
       ``(1) Submission.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each eligible applicant seeking a grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement under this section shall 
     submit an application at such time, in such manner, and 
     containing such additional information as the Secretary may 
     reasonably require.
       ``(B) Input.--To ensure that applications submitted under 
     this paragraph are reflective of the needs of the regions to 
     be served, each eligible applicant submitting such an 
     application shall seek input from State educational agencies 
     and local educational agencies in the region that the award 
     will serve, and other individuals with knowledge of the 
     region's needs. Such individuals may include members of the 
     regional advisory committee for the region under section 
     206(a).
       ``(2) Plan.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each application submitted under 
     paragraph (1) shall contain a plan for the comprehensive 
     center to be established under this section, which shall be 
     updated, modified, and improved, as appropriate, on an 
     ongoing basis, including by using the results of the center's 
     interim evaluation under section 204(c).
       ``(B) Contents.--A plan described in subparagraph (A) shall 
     address--
       ``(i) the priorities for technical assistance established 
     under section 207;
       ``(ii) the needs of State educational agencies and local 
     educational agencies, on an ongoing basis, using available 
     State and local data, including the relevant results of the 
     regional assessments under section 206(e); and
       ``(iii) if available, demonstrated support from State 
     educational agencies and local educational agencies, such as 
     letters of support or signed memoranda of understanding.
       ``(3) Non-federal support.--In conducting a competition for 
     grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary shall give priority to eligible applicants 
     that will provide a portion of non-Federal funds to maximize 
     support for activities of the comprehensive centers to be 
     established under this section.'';
       (4) in subsection (d), by inserting ``the number of low-
     performing schools in the region,'' after ``economically 
     disadvantaged students,'';
       (5) by striking subsection (e) and redesignating 
     subsections (f), (g), and (h) as subsections (e), (f), and 
     (g), respectively;
       (6) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``support dissemination and technical 
     assistance activities by'' and inserting ``support State 
     educational agencies and local educational agencies, 
     including by'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting ``and other 
     Federal education laws'' before the semicolon;
       (iii) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--

       (I) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking 
     ``and assessment tools'' and inserting ``, assessment tools, 
     and other educational strategies'';
       (II) in subclause (I), by striking ``mathematics, 
     science,'' and inserting ``mathematics and science, which may 
     include computer science or engineering,''; and
       (III) in subclause (III), by inserting ``, including 
     innovative tools and methods'' before the semicolon;

       (iv) by striking subparagraph (A)(iii) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(iii) the replication and adaptation of exemplary 
     practices and innovative methods that have an evidence base 
     of effectiveness; and'';
       (v) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) by inserting ``, consistent with section 114(j),'' 
     after ``disseminating''; and
       (II) by striking ``(as described'' and all that follows 
     through ``is located''; and

       (vi) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
       ``(C) ensuring activities carried out under this section 
     are relevant and responsive to the needs of the region being 
     served, including by using the relevant results of the 
     regional assessments under section 206(e).''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by inserting ``, on an ongoing basis,'' after ``this 
     section shall''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``or other regional educational 
     laboratories or comprehensive centers, as appropriate,'' 
     after ``center is located,''; and
       (7) by amending subsections (f) and (g), as each so 
     redesignated, to read as follows:
       ``(f) Comprehensive Center Advisory Board.--A comprehensive 
     center established under this section may establish an 
     advisory board to support and monitor the priorities and 
     activities of such center. An advisory board established 
     under this subsection shall coordinate and align its work 
     with the work of the regional advisory committee of the 
     region served by such center established under section 206.
       ``(g) Report to the Secretary.--Each comprehensive center 
     established under this section shall submit to the Secretary 
     an annual report, at such time, in such manner, and 
     containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
     which shall include the following:
       ``(1) A summary of the center's activities and products 
     developed during the previous year.
       ``(2) A listing of the State educational agencies, local 
     educational agencies, and schools the center assisted during 
     the previous year.
       ``(3) Using the measurable performance indicators 
     established under subsection (b)(3), a description of how 
     well the center is meeting educational needs of the region 
     served by the center.
       ``(4) Any changes to the center's plan under subsection 
     (c)(2) to improve its activities in the remaining years of 
     the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.''.

     SEC. 204. EVALUATIONS.

       Section 204 (20 U.S.C. 9603) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 204. EVALUATIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(1) provide for ongoing summative and interim evaluations 
     described in subsections (b) and (c), respectively, of each 
     of the comprehensive centers established under this title in 
     carrying out the full range of duties of the center under 
     this title; and
       ``(2) transmit the results of such evaluations, through 
     appropriate means, to the appropriate congressional 
     committees, the Director of the Institute of Education 
     Sciences, and the public.
       ``(b) Summative Evaluation.--The Secretary shall ensure 
     each comprehensive center established under this title is 
     evaluated by an independent entity at the end of the period 
     of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement that 
     established such center, which shall--
       ``(1) be completed in a timely fashion;
       ``(2) assess how well the center is meeting the measurable 
     performance indicators established under section 203(b)(3); 
     and
       ``(3) consider the extent to which the center ensures that 
     the technical assistance of such center is relevant and 
     useful to the work of State and local practitioners and 
     policymakers.
       ``(c) Interim Evaluation.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
     each comprehensive center established under this title is 
     evaluated at the midpoint of the period of the grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement that established such 
     center, which shall--
       ``(1) assess how well such center is meeting the measurable 
     performance indicators established under section 203(b)(3); 
     and
       ``(2) be used to improve the effectiveness of such center 
     in carrying out its plan under section 203(c)(2).''.

     SEC. 205. EXISTING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDERS.

       (a) Repeal.--Section 205 (20 U.S.C. 9604) is repealed.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     1 of the Act of November 5, 2002 (Public Law 107-279; 116 
     Stat. 1940) is amended by striking the item relating to 
     section 205.

     SEC. 206. REGIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

       Section 206 (20 U.S.C. 9605) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Beginning in 2004, the'' and inserting 
     ``The''; and
       (B) by striking ``of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 
     2002'';
       (2) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating 
     subsections (b) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), 
     respectively;
       (3) by inserting the following after subsection (a):
       ``(b) Mission.--The mission of each regional advisory 
     committee established under subsection (a) shall be to--

[[Page 7662]]

       ``(1) support, strengthen, and, as appropriate, align the 
     work of the regional educational laboratories established 
     under section 174 and the comprehensive centers established 
     under this title; and
       ``(2) ensure that the regional educational laboratories and 
     comprehensive centers are meeting the needs of their regions.
       ``(c) Duties.--Each advisory committee established under 
     subsection (a) shall--
       ``(1) conduct, on at least a biennial basis, a needs 
     assessments of the region served by the committee, as 
     described in subsection (e);
       ``(2) to ensure the activities of the regional educational 
     laboratory and comprehensive centers serving the region of 
     the committee are responsive to the needs of such region, 
     provide ongoing input to the laboratory and centers on 
     planning and carrying out their activities under section 174 
     and this title, respectively;
       ``(3) maintain a high standard of quality in the 
     performance of the activities of the laboratory and centers, 
     respectively; and
       ``(4) support the continuous improvement of the laboratory 
     and centers in the region served by the committee, especially 
     in meeting the measurable performance indicators established 
     under sections 174(e)(4) and 203(b)(3), respectively.'';
       (4) by amending subsection (d), as so redesignated, to read 
     as follows:
       ``(d) Membership.--
       ``(1) Composition.--The membership of each regional 
     advisory committee shall--
       ``(A) not exceed 25 members;
       ``(B) include the chief State school officer, or such 
     officer's designee, or other State official, of States within 
     the region of the committee who have primary responsibility 
     under State law for elementary and secondary education in the 
     State;
       ``(C) include representatives of local educational 
     agencies, including rural and urban local educational 
     agencies, that represent the geographic diversity of the 
     region; and
       ``(D) include researchers.
       ``(2) Eligibility.--The membership of each regional 
     advisory committee may include the following:
       ``(A) Representatives of institutions of higher education.
       ``(B) Parents.
       ``(C) Practicing educators, including classroom teachers, 
     school leaders, administrators, school board members, and 
     other local school officials.
       ``(D) Representatives of business.
       ``(E) Policymakers.
       ``(F) Representatives from the regional educational 
     laboratory and comprehensive centers in the region.
       ``(3) Recommendations.--In choosing individuals for 
     membership on a regional advisory committee, the Secretary 
     shall consult with, and solicit recommendations from, the 
     chief executive officers of States, chief State school 
     officers, local educational agencies, and other education 
     stakeholders within the applicable region.
       ``(4) Special rule.--The total number of members on each 
     committee who are selected under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of 
     paragraph (1), in the aggregate, shall exceed the total 
     number of members who are selected under paragraph (2), 
     collectively.'';
       (5) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``, at least on a biennial basis,'' after 
     ``assess''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``, strengths, and weaknesses'' after 
     ``educational needs'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``State school officers,'' and all that 
     follows through ``within the region)'' and inserting ``State 
     school officers, local educational agencies, representatives 
     of public charter schools, educators, parents, and others 
     within the region'';
       (ii) by striking ``of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 
     2002 and section 203 of this title'' and inserting ``and 
     section 203''; and
       (iii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(3) use available State and local data, consistent with 
     privacy protections under section 183, to determine regional 
     educational needs; and''.

     SEC. 207. PRIORITIES.

       Section 207 (20 U.S.C. 9606) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``Director and'' before ``Secretary shall 
     establish'';
       (2) by striking ``of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 
     2002'';
       (3) by striking ``of this title'';
       (4) by striking ``to address, taking onto account'' and 
     inserting ``, respectively, using the results of''; and
       (5) by striking ``relevant regional'' and all that follows 
     through ``Secretary deems appropriate'' and inserting 
     ``relevant regional and national surveys of educational 
     needs''.

     SEC. 208. GRANT PROGRAM FOR STATEWIDE LONGITUDINAL DATA 
                   SYSTEMS.

       Section 208 (20 U.S.C. 9607) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting before the period at the end the 
     following: ``, the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001 et seq.), and the Individuals with Disabilities 
     Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.)''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following: ``State educational 
     agencies receiving a grant under this section may provide 
     subgrants to local educational agencies to improve the 
     capacity of local educational agencies to carry out the 
     activities authorized under this section.'';
       (2) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as 
     subsections (d), (e), and (g), respectively;
       (3) by inserting after subsection (b), the following:
       ``(c) Performance Management.--Before awarding a grant 
     under this section, the Secretary shall establish measurable 
     performance indicators--
       ``(1) to be used to assess the ongoing progress and 
     performance of State educational agencies receiving a grant 
     under this section; and
       ``(2) that address paragraphs (1) through (3) of the 
     performance management system described in section 185.'';
       (4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, promotes linkages 
     across States,'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting 
     ``supports school improvement and'' after ``data that'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and other reporting 
     requirements and close achievement gaps; and'' and inserting 
     ``, other reporting requirements, close achievement gaps, and 
     improve teaching;'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and close 
     achievement gaps'' and by inserting ``, close achievement 
     gaps, and improve teaching''; and
       (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) to align statewide longitudinal data systems from 
     early education through postsecondary education (including 
     pre-service preparation programs), and the workforce, 
     consistent with privacy protections under section 183;''; and
       (C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) ensures the protection of student privacy, and 
     includes a review of how State educational agencies, local 
     educational agencies, and others that will have access to the 
     statewide data systems under this section will adhere to 
     Federal privacy laws and protections, consistent with section 
     183, in the building, maintenance, and use of such data 
     systems;
       ``(4) ensures State educational agencies receiving a grant 
     under this section support professional development that 
     builds the capacity of teachers and school leaders to use 
     data effectively; and
       ``(5) gives priority to State educational agencies that 
     leverage the use of longitudinal data systems to improve 
     student achievement and growth, including such State 
     educational agencies that--
       ``(A) meet the voluntary standards and guidelines described 
     in section 153(a)(5);
       ``(B) define the roles of State educational agencies, local 
     educational agencies, and others in providing timely access 
     to data under the statewide data systems, consistent with 
     privacy protections in section 183; and
       ``(C) demonstrate the capacity to share teacher and school 
     leader performance data, including student achievement and 
     growth data, with local educational agencies and teacher and 
     school leader preparation programs.'';
       (5) by inserting after subsection (e), as so redesignated, 
     the following:
       ``(f) Renewal of Awards.--The Secretary may renew a grant 
     awarded to a State educational agency under this section for 
     a period not to exceed 3 years, if the State educational 
     agency has demonstrated progress on the measurable 
     performance indicators established under subsection (c).''; 
     and
       (6) by amending subsection (g), as so redesignated, to read 
     as follows:
       ``(g) Reports.--
       ``(1) First report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of the Strengthening Education through Research 
     Act, the Secretary shall prepare and make publicly available 
     a report on the implementation and effectiveness of the 
     activities carried out by State educational agencies 
     receiving a grant under this section, including--
       ``(A) information on progress in the development and use of 
     statewide longitudinal data systems described in this 
     section;
       ``(B) information on best practices and areas for 
     improvement in such development and use; and
       ``(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).''.

[[Page 7663]]



     SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 209 (20 U.S.C. 9608) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     title--
       ``(1) for fiscal year 2015, $82,984,000;
       ``(2) for fiscal year 2016, $83,149,968;
       ``(3) for fiscal year 2017, $84,979,268;
       ``(4) for fiscal year 2018, $87,018,769;
       ``(5) for fiscal year 2019, $89,368,277; and
       ``(6) for fiscal year 2020, $90,708,801.''.

         TITLE III--NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS

     SEC. 301. REFERENCES.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this 
     title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the 
     reference shall be considered to be made to a section or 
     other provision of the National Assessment of Educational 
     Progress Authorization Act (20 U.S.C. 9621 et seq.).

     SEC. 302. NATIONAL ASSESSMENT GOVERNING BOARD.

       Section 302 (20 U.S.C. 9621) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``shall formulate policy 
     guidelines'' and inserting ``shall oversee and set policies, 
     in a manner consistent with subsection (e) and accepted 
     professional standards,'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(1)(L)--
       (A) by striking ``principals'' and inserting ``leaders''; 
     and
       (B) by striking ``principal'' both places it appears and 
     inserting ``leader'';
       (3) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (4);
       (4) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``the Assessment 
     Board after consultation with'' before ``organizations''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) by striking ``Each organization submitting nominations 
     to the Secretary with'' and inserting ``With''; and
       (II) by inserting ``, the Assessment Board'' after 
     ``particular vacancy''; and

       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``that each organization described in 
     paragraph (1)(A) submit additional nominations'' and 
     inserting ``additional nominations from the Assessment Board 
     or each organization described in paragraph (1)(A)''; and
       (ii) by striking ``such organization'' and inserting ``the 
     Assessment Board''; and
       (5) in subsection (e)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by inserting ``in consultation with the Commissioner 
     for Education Statistics,'' before ``select'';
       (ii) by inserting ``and grades or ages'' before ``to be''; 
     and
       (iii) by inserting ``, and determine the year in which such 
     assessments will be conducted'' after ``assessed'';
       (B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``school leaders,'' 
     after ``teachers,'';
       (C) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``design'' and 
     inserting ``provide input on'';
       (D) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (I);
       (E) by redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (K);
       (F) by inserting after subparagraph (I), the following:
       ``(J) provide input to the Director on annual budget 
     requests for the National Assessment of Educational Progress; 
     and'';
       (G) in subparagraph (K), as so redesignated--
       (i) by striking ``plan and execute the initial public 
     release of''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``release the initial'' before 
     ``National''; and
       (H) in the matter following subparagraph (K), as so amended 
     and redesignated, by striking ``subparagraph (J)'' and 
     inserting ``subparagraph (K)''.

     SEC. 303. NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS.

       Section 303 (20 U.S.C. 9622) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``with the advice of the 
     Assessment Board established under section 302'' and 
     inserting ``in a manner consistent with accepted professional 
     standards and the policies set forth by the Assessment Board 
     under section 302(a)'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``and consistent with 
     section 302(e)(1)(A)'' after ``resources allow'';
       (B) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (G);
       (C) by striking the period and inserting ``; and'' at the 
     end of subparagraph (H); and
       (D) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(I) determine, after taking into account section 
     302(e)(1)(I), the content of initial and subsequent reports 
     of all assessments authorized under this section and ensure 
     that such reports are valid and reliable.'';
       (3) in subsection (c)(2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``of Education'' after 
     ``Secretary''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (D)--
       (i) by striking ``Chairman of the House'' before 
     ``Committee on Education'';
       (ii) by inserting ``of the House of Representatives'' after 
     ``Workforce'';
       (iii) by striking ``Chairman of the Senate'' before 
     ``Committee on Health''; and
       (iv) by inserting ``of the Senate'' after ``Pensions'';
       (4) in subsection (d)(1), by inserting before the period, 
     the following: ``, except as required under section 
     1112(b)(1)(F) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
     of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6312(b)(1)(F))'';
       (5) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or age''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``shall'' and all that follows through 
     ``be'' and insert ``shall be'';
       (II) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses 
     (i) and (ii), respectively (and by moving the margins 2 ems 
     to the left); and
       (III) in clause (ii) (as so redesignated), by striking ``, 
     or the age of the students, as the case may be'';

       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) by striking ``After the determinations described in 
     subparagraph (A), devising'' and inserting ``The Assessment 
     Board shall, in making the determination described in 
     subparagraph (A), use''; and
       (II) by inserting after ``approach'' the following: ``, 
     providing for the active participation of teachers, school 
     leaders, curriculum specialists, local school administrators, 
     parents, and concerned members of the general public''; and

       (iii) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``Assessment'' 
     before ``Board''; and
       (6) in subsection (g)(2)--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``affairs'' and inserting 
     ``education''; and
       (B) by striking ``Affairs'' and inserting ``Education''.

     SEC. 304. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 304 (20 U.S.C. 9623) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(1)'' and inserting 
     ``(1) Director.--'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(2)'' and inserting 
     ``(2) State.--''; and
       (3) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) (as so amended) 
     as paragraphs (2) and (5), respectively;
       (4) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
     the following new paragraph:
       ``(1) In general.--The terms `elementary school', `local 
     educational agency', and `secondary school' have the meanings 
     given those terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).''; and
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), 
     the following new paragraphs:
       ``(3) School leader.--The term `school leader' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 102.
       ``(4) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of Education.''.

     SEC. 305. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 305(a) (20 U.S.C. 9624(a)) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated--
       ``(1) for fiscal year 2015--
       ``(A) $8,235,000 to carry out section 302 (relating to the 
     National Assessment Governing Board); and
       ``(B) $132,000,000 to carry out section 303 (relating to 
     the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
       ``(2) for fiscal year 2016--
       ``(A) $8,251,470 to carry out section 302 (relating to the 
     National Assessment Governing Board); and
       ``(B) $132,264,000 to carry out section 303 (relating to 
     the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
       ``(3) for fiscal year 2017--
       ``(A) $8,433,002 to carry out section 302 (relating to the 
     National Assessment Governing Board); and
       ``(B) $135,173,808 to carry out section 303 (relating to 
     the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
       ``(4) for fiscal year 2018--
       ``(A) $8,635,395 to carry out section 302 (relating to the 
     National Assessment Governing Board); and
       ``(B) $138,417,979 to carry out section 303 (relating to 
     the National Assessment of Educational Progress);
       ``(5) for fiscal year 2019--
       ``(A) $8,868,550 to carry out section 302 (relating to the 
     National Assessment Governing Board); and
       ``(B) $142,155,266 to carry out section 303 (relating to 
     the National Assessment of Educational Progress); and
       ``(6) for fiscal year 2020--
       ``(A) $9,001,578 to carry out section 302 (relating to the 
     National Assessment Governing Board); and
       ``(B) $144,287,595 to carry out section 303 (relating to 
     the National Assessment of Educational Progress).''.

                       TITLE IV--EVALUATION PLAN

     SEC. 401. RESEARCH AND EVALUATION.

       (a) In General.--The Institute of Education Sciences shall 
     be the primary entity for conducting research on and 
     evaluations of Federal education programs within the 
     Department of Education to ensure the rigor and independence 
     of such research and evaluation.
       (b) Flexible Authority.--
       (1) Reservation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. et seq. 6301 et seq.) related to evaluation, the 
     Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Director of 
     the Institute of Education Sciences--

[[Page 7664]]

       (A) may, for purposes of carrying out the activities 
     described in paragraph (2)(B)--
       (i) reserve not more than 0.5 percent of the total amount 
     of funds appropriated for each program authorized under the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6301 et seq.), other than part A of title I of such Act (20 
     U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) and section 1501 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 
     6491); and
       (ii) reserve, in the manner described in subparagraph (B), 
     an amount equal to not more than 0.1 percent of the total 
     amount of funds appropriated for--

       (I) part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.); and
       (II) section 1501 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 6491); and

       (B) in reserving the amount described in subparagraph 
     (A)(ii)--
       (i) shall reserve up to the total amount of funds 
     appropriated for section 1501 of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6491); and
       (ii) may, in a case in which the total amount of funds 
     appropriated for such section 1501 (20 U.S.C. 6491) is less 
     than the amount described in subparagraph (A)(ii), reserve 
     the amount of funds appropriated for part A of title I of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6311 et seq.) that is needed for the sum of the total amount 
     of funds appropriated for such section 1501 (20 U.S.C. 6491) 
     and such amount of funds appropriated for such part A of 
     title I (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) to equal the amount 
     described in subparagraph (A)(ii).
       (2) Authorized activities.--If funds are reserved under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) neither the Secretary of Education nor the Director of 
     the Institute of Education Sciences shall--
       (i) carry out evaluations under section 1501 of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6491); or
       (ii) reserve funds for evaluation activities under section 
     3111(c)(1)(C) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 6821); and
       (B) the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the 
     Director of the Institute of Education Sciences--
       (i) shall use the funds reserved under paragraph (1) to 
     carry out high-quality evaluations (consistent with the 
     requirements of section 173(a) of the Education Sciences 
     Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9563(a)), as amended by this 
     Act, and the evaluation plan described in subsection (c) of 
     this section) of programs authorized under the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.); and
       (ii) may use the funds reserved under paragraph (1) to--

       (I) increase the usefulness of the evaluations conducted 
     under clause (i) to promote continuous improvement of 
     programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.); or
       (II) assist grantees of such programs in collecting and 
     analyzing data and other activities related to conducting 
     high-quality evaluations under clause (i).

       (3) Dissemination.--The Secretary of Education or the 
     Director of the Institute of Education Sciences shall 
     disseminate evaluation findings, consistent with section 
     114(j) of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20 
     U.S.C. 9514(j)), as amended by this Act, of evaluations 
     carried out under paragraph (2)(B)(i).
       (4) Consolidation.--The Secretary of Education, in 
     consultation with the Director of the Institute of Education 
     Sciences--
       (A) may consolidate the funds reserved under paragraph (1) 
     for purposes of carrying out the activities under paragraph 
     (2)(B); and
       (B) shall not be required to evaluate under paragraph 
     (2)(B)(i) each program authorized under the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) each 
     year.
       (c) Evaluation Plan.--The Director of the Institute of 
     Education Sciences, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Education, shall, on a biennial basis, develop, submit to 
     Congress, and make publicly available an evaluation plan, 
     that--
       (1) describes the specific activities that will be carried 
     out under subsection (b)(2)(B) for the 2-year period 
     applicable to the plan, and the timelines of such activities;
       (2) contains the results of the activities carried out 
     under subsection (b)(2)(B) for the most recent 2-year period; 
     and
       (3) describes how programs authorized under the Elementary 
     and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) 
     will be regularly evaluated.
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to affect section 173(b) of the Education Sciences 
     Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9563(b)), as amended by this 
     Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Rokita) and the gentleman from California (Mr. George 
Miller) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana.


                             General Leave

  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on 
H.R. 4366.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Indiana?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of the Strengthening Education Through 
Research Act, legislation to improve the quality and usefulness of 
education research.
  Mr. Speaker, more than a decade ago, Congress approved the Education 
Sciences Reform Act, legislation that established the Institute of 
Education Sciences to gather information on education progress, conduct 
research on education practices in schools, and evaluate the 
effectiveness of Federal education programs and initiatives.
  Like many of my colleagues, I believe the Federal Government's role 
in education needs to be significantly reduced. And that is why we 
passed the Student Success Act last summer, comprehensive education 
reform legislation that will actually shrink the Federal footprint in 
the classroom and return control to the parents, the teachers, and 
community leaders who, in fact, know our children best. In fact, I 
would challenge anyone here on the floor to say that any person or 
bureaucrat in the Department of Education knows our kids better than 
their own teachers, parents, and the local taxpayer.
  So while we continue to await Senate action on the Student Success 
Act, we have additional opportunities now to act on commonsense 
proposals that will make the Federal role in education more effective 
and efficient. The research produced by the Institute sheds critical 
light on how taxpayer dollars are being used in our education system 
and can provide important information on what is and is not working in 
our schools.
  Mr. Speaker, the Strengthening Education Through Research Act will 
improve education research, protect taxpayers by enhancing program 
accountability, and help ensure more schools and students can benefit 
from effective education practices.
  This law provides information that helps States and school districts 
identify successful education practices and allows taxpayers and 
congressional leaders to monitor the Federal investment in education. 
However, the Education Sciences Reform Act is overdue for reform, with 
several weaknesses in the law that must be addressed now.
  For example, according to a report by the Government Accountability 
Office, the Institute does not always properly evaluate the 
effectiveness of its programs and research arms. So we run into an 
issue where we could be throwing good money after bad, and that needs 
to stop. It could lead to unnecessary costs and redundancies, something 
we must be particularly wary of in these times of fiscal restraint. 
Additionally, although the Institute has dramatically improved the 
quality of education research in recent years, there is often a 
significant delay in disseminating key data and findings to education 
leaders nationwide. What good does it do for us to pay to conduct this 
research, to collect the data, but fail to disseminate it so it can be 
used?
  The Supporting Education Through Research Act will address these 
weaknesses and help school leaders access more timely, more relevant, 
and useful information on the most effective educational practices. It 
is called transparency, Mr. Speaker, and that is good for the students, 
it is good for the teachers, it is good for the parents, and it is good 
for the taxpayers. It is good for all of us.
  First, H.R. 4366 will enhance the relevancy of education research, 
ensuring teachers, students, parents, and policymakers can access and 
actually use more useful information about what is successful, what is 
working and what isn't.
  Second, the legislation will take steps to streamline the education 
research system and reduce overlap and duplicative research efforts. 
Now, this bill will also require the Institute to regularly evaluate 
its research and review the efficacy of Federal education

[[Page 7665]]

programs, ensuring taxpayer resources are being put to good use.
  Finally, H.R. 4366 will ensure that the Institute and the National 
Assessment Governing Board, which administers the Nation's Report Card, 
remain autonomous entities that are free from political influence and 
bias. Unfortunately, that political influence and bias exists in our 
education system and could exist in our research arms if we don't, as 
Congress, make clear what is expected of them.
  Not only does this legislation help teachers, school leaders, and 
State and local governments, it also helps families. Families, 
particularly military families, can change school districts several 
times during their child's education. Our experience with the free 
market tells us that informed consumers are, in fact, the best 
consumers and the best-protected consumers.

                              {time}  1900

  As consumers of education, families deserve the best information 
possible in making decisions regarding their child's education.
  So, Mr. Speaker, the Strengthening Education Through Research Act 
will improve education research, protect taxpayers by enhancing program 
accountability, and help ensure more schools and students can benefit 
from effective education practices.
  I urge my colleagues to support the Strengthening Education Through 
Research Act.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to 
the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy), who is the lead author 
on the Democratic side on this legislation.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Ranking 
Member Miller for allowing me to speak in support of this important 
bipartisan legislation.
  First, I want to take a moment and also thank my good friend, Mr. 
Rokita, for his great work and leadership on behalf of our students and 
the educational system. It has been a pleasure working with you, sir.
  I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4366, the Strengthening 
Education Through Research Act. Now, I firmly believe that, in order to 
successfully prepare our students for the workforce, our Nation's 
educators must be able to identify and have access to successful and 
proven techniques.
  In 2002, I proudly supported the passage of the Education Sciences 
Reform Act which, among other things, ensured that education research 
be conducted free of political bias and focus on improving student 
achievement.
  Last year, the Government Accountability Office released a report 
highlighting the successes of the law, but also detailed several areas 
that could be improved to better impact outcomes for our students.
  Today, along with Mr. Rokita, we have built upon the success of that 
bill through H.R. 4366. The Strengthening Education Through Research 
Act is a perfect example of what bipartisanship and a commitment to 
good government can yield, and I am proud to support this legislation 
today.
  The bill improves, among other things, the quality of education 
research by enhancing the timeless and relevancy of research, limiting 
duplication and overlap, improving accountability, and refocusing our 
commitment to equity in education for our most vulnerable student 
populations.
  The bill also provides critical funding to strengthen special 
education research, which has been unfairly cut in recent years.
  Moreover, the bill meets one of my top priorities by reaffirming a 
Federal commitment to States and localities to provide teachers, 
principals, and educational leaders with the latest research products 
to improve educational equity and effectiveness for students without 
bias.
  Especially under difficult budgetary circumstances, this Congress has 
an obligation to explore opportunities that will most effectively 
deliver results for our students and our taxpayers, and this bill does 
just that.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4366, as it represents 
another strong step toward improving our Nation's educational landscape 
and preparing our students with the necessary skills to compete in the 
global economy.
  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my 
colleague from Indiana for his leadership on this bill. I also want to 
thank my colleague from New York, Representative McCarthy, for her 
leadership on this bill.
  One of the most important assets that we have in education is our 
teachers, but our teachers need proven tools. That is why we are here 
today. This bill is about making sure that we are providing best 
practices, data-based tools, in terms of teaching methods.
  The Strengthening Education Through Research Act seeks to bolster one 
of our most fundamental education priorities--improving outcomes and 
raising student achievement.
  In 2002, Congress passed the Education Sciences Reform Act, 
establishing the Institute of Education Sciences, which is responsible 
for gathering data on educational best practices in the Nation's 
schools. The intent of the law was to enable States and school 
districts to identify and improve upon successful education practices.
  Although IES has meaningfully improved the quality of education 
research over the last decade, it also faces shortcomings, one being 
the significant delay in disseminating key data and findings to local 
education stakeholders, especially in more rural areas of the country.
  Despite the law's successes, improvements can and must be made, and 
that is the business we are about here this evening. The Strengthening 
Education Through Research Act reforms our Federal research structure 
so that States, local school districts, parents, and policymakers have 
greater access to data--data that is better organized, more reliable, 
and more useful for our local schools and communities.
  As a member of the House Education Subcommittee on Early Childhood, 
Elementary, and Secondary Education, I am proud to be a cosponsor of 
this bipartisan reauthorization.
  I urge my colleagues to support passage of this bill, so that we can 
fulfill the Federal Government's commitment to provide States and 
localities with the latest and best available evidence-based research 
in a timely fashion.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the subcommittee chairman, Mr. Rokita, 
for bringing this bill to the floor, and to Congresswoman McCarthy, the 
ranking member on the subcommittee, for all of their effort to make 
sure that this legislation was considered in this session of Congress.
  The Strengthening Education Through Research Act, SETRA, bolsters 
education research in a way that benefits both students and teachers. 
Congress passed the Education Sciences Reform Act, commonly known as 
ESRA, in 2002 to strengthen the quality and rigor of education 
research.
  Twelve years later, we have a wealth of information that can be used 
to determine what is working for students, make corrections, and drive 
long-lasting improvements; but research is not effective if it stays 
locked in computer files or is only published in abstract trade 
journals. Research must be relevant, timely, and useful. It must be 
used to solve real problems faced by students and teachers.
  I am pleased that this legislation will address this challenge, 
making education research more valuable. At the same time, it will 
ensure that research remains accurate, rigorous, and scientific.
  I am also pleased SETRA increases the Federal investment in education 
research. In particular, our teachers need better actionable research 
on educating students with disabilities.
  To address that need, SETRA includes a large increase in the funding 
of special education research, helping to make up for the devastating 
cuts in 2011.

[[Page 7666]]

  The historic Federal role in education is protecting and promoting 
equity. SETRA maintains that commitment in three key ways. This bill 
keeps a laserlike focus on closing the achievement gap and ensuring 
that all students obtain a high-quality education.
  The bill ensures that we collect data such as graduation rates and 
student achievement, but also vital information on school climate, 
student safety and discipline, and student access to great teachers. 
This bill helps States and school districts use data systems to improve 
teaching and learning.
  Mr. Speaker, I have often said that we, in the Federal Government, 
must get back to partnering with schools to improve students' lives. I 
am proud to say that this legislation takes a solid step in that 
direction, providing research that helps teachers and schools improve 
the student learning environment.
  I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this 
legislation. Again, I want to thank Mr. Rokita for bringing this 
legislation to the floor.
  Before I yield the floor, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment 
of this debate time that has been allocated to pay tribute and say 
thank you to Jeremy Ayers of our staff, who will be leaving the 
committee at the end of this month.
  This is Jeremy sitting right here, in case anybody didn't know who he 
was. Bring the cameras in a little closer.
  Jeremy skillfully managed the negotiations on the bill before us 
today and led the committee work on education technology, 
accountability in elementary, and secondary education and oversight in 
the administration's waiver policy, among other issues.
  Jeremy is a strong advocate of what is best in the interest of 
students and has always maintained a focus on equity and civil rights. 
His humor and quick wit were always a welcomed addition to what 
sometimes can be hard and tedious policy work.
  Jeremy has been a valued policy adviser and member of our education 
team, and he will be missed by the committee members on both sides of 
the aisle and all of his colleagues.
  Thank you, Jeremy, for all of your service to our committee and to 
our education establishment in this country.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  I would also like to recognize Jeremy and thank him for his service 
and hope that I wasn't the subject of any of that quick wit during the 
time I was chairman.
  I also thank Congressman Miller for the work he has done on this bill 
and the bill yet to come tonight, as well as his general leadership on 
the committee. It is appreciated. From a newer guy on the other side of 
the aisle, he is someone who I respect and I am going to miss a lot.
  I also want to thank Mrs. McCarthy for her work and leadership on 
elementary and secondary education issues generally and for her service 
on the committee. I know she cares about these issues, particularly 
improving education options for women.
  She has been a joy to work with as ranking member on the subcommittee 
through the easy issues and, frankly, through some of the harder ones. 
As a newer member and, frankly, a green chairman, I would often rely on 
the honest comment and the kind smile of Carolyn McCarthy and would 
simply say that if more of us did that, perhaps, Mr. Speaker, more work 
like the bill we are discussing right now would get done in Congress.
  One of the top priorities of this Congress--certainly one of my top 
priorities is helping people to build better lives for themselves and 
their families, whether that is through more flexible work schedules, 
stronger job training programs, or smarter student loan terms, 
advancing commonsense policies that will make life work for more 
Americans is our primary goal.
  The Strengthening Education through Research Act is part of this 
effort. In classrooms nationwide, teachers and school leaders need 
quality research to identify the best ways to raise student achievement 
and progress.
  By passing the Strengthening Education through Research Act today, we 
can help these educators gain access to the timely and useful 
information necessary to raise student achievement levels across the 
board.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would simply say that I urge my colleagues 
to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4366.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, Education policy suffers because policy maker 
were all once students themselves. As a result, they think they know 
what works and how students learn. The best antidote for self-serving, 
self-centered policy makers is evidence. Evidence has a way of 
puncturing the statements and paradigms of misguided, but well-meaning 
policy makers. The Strengthening Education through Research Act (SETRA) 
would produce rigorous, relevant, and useful evidence. Rigorous in that 
it mandates education research uses good methodology and a peer review 
process. Relevant in that it speaks to today's education issues that 
teachers and students face in urban, suburban, and rural schools. 
Useful in that teachers, principals, schools, and states can use the 
research to improve instruction and student achievement.
  Additionally, SETRA increases the emphasis school districts and 
states should place on longitudinal data systems as a way to improve 
instruction. Efforts to create P-20 data systems that link early 
learning with professional outcomes will help gather the data necessary 
to help teachers improve student learning and help states prioritize 
investments in impactful initiatives.
  I strongly support SETRA and urge my colleagues to voice their 
support as well.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bishop of Utah). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Rokita) that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4366, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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