§9001. Findings; purpose; definitions
(a) Findings
The Congress finds that-
(1) a Department of Education was established in 1867 "for the purpose of collecting such statistics and facts as shall show the condition and progress of education in the several States and territories, and of diffusing such information respecting the organization and management of schools and school systems and methods of teaching as shall aid the people of the United States in the establishment and maintenance of efficient school systems, and otherwise promote the cause of education throughout the United States";
(2) today, while the role of the current Department of Education is much broader, the National Center for Education Statistics within the Office of Educational Research and Improvement continues to perform those crucial original purposes; and
(3) looking to the 21st century, the National Center for Education Statistics must be able to design and undertake, effectively and efficiently, statistical activities that will aid in the reform of the Nation's educational systems.
(b) Purpose
It is the purpose of this chapter to ensure the continuation of an effective mechanism for collecting and reporting statistics and information showing the condition and progress of education in the United States and other nations in order to promote and accelerate the improvement of American education.
(c) Definitions
For the purpose of this chapter and unless otherwise specified-
(1) the term "Assistant Secretary" means the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement established under section 3412(b)(1)(E) 1 of this title;
(2) the term "Department" means the Department of Education;
(3) the term "institution of higher education" has the same meaning given such term in section 1001 of this title;
(4) the term "local educational agency" has the same meaning given such term in section 8801 of this title;
(5) the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Education;
(6) the term "State educational agency" has the same meaning given such term in section 8801 of this title; and
(7) the terms "State" and "United States"-
(A) other than for the purpose of section 9010 of this title, mean each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
(B) for the purpose of section 9010 of this title, have the same meaning given such terms in subparagraph (A), except that such terms include Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau.
(
References in Text
The reference to section 3412(b)(1)(E) of this title in subsec. (c)(1) probably should be a reference to section 3412(b)(3) of this title.
Amendments
1998-Subsec. (c)(3).
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Amendment by
Short Title
Section 401 of