SUBCHAPTER XIII—SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE EDUCATION

Subchapter Referred to in Other Sections

This subchapter is referred to in section 6212 of this title.

§8601. Findings

The Congress finds that—

(1) high-quality technical assistance can enhance the improvements in teaching and learning achieved through the implementation of programs under this chapter;

(2) comprehensive technical assistance and effective program dissemination are essential ingredients of the overall strategy of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 to improve programs and provide all children opportunities to meet challenging State content standards and challenging State student performance standards;

(3) States, local educational agencies, tribes, and schools serving students with special needs, such as students with limited-English proficiency and students with disabilities, have great need for comprehensive technical assistance in order to use funds under this chapter to provide such students with opportunities to learn to ¹ challenging State content standards and challenging State student performance standards;

(4) current technical assistance and dissemination efforts are fragmented and categorical in nature, and thus fail to address adequately the needs of States, local educational agencies and tribes for help in integrating into a coherent strategy for improving teaching and learning the various programs under this chapter with State and local programs and other education reform efforts;

(5) too little creative use is made of technology as a means of providing information and assistance in a cost-effective way;

(6) comprehensive technical assistance can help schools and school systems focus on improving opportunities for all children to meet challenging State content standards and challenging State student performance standards, as such schools and systems implement programs under this chapter;

(7) comprehensive technical assistance will provide coordinated assistance to help States, local educational agencies, tribes, participating colleges and universities, and schools integrate Federal, State, and local education programs in ways that contribute to improving schools and entire school systems;

(8) technical assistance in support of programs under this chapter should be coordinated with the Department's regional offices, the regional educational laboratories, State Literacy Resource Centers, vocational resource centers, and other technical assistance efforts supported by the Department; and

(9) technical assistance providers should prioritize assistance for local educational agencies and schools.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13001, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3876.)

References in Text

The Improving America's Schools Act of 1994, referred to in par. (2), is Pub. L. 103–382, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3518. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1994 Amendment note set out under section 6301 of this title and Tables.

¹ So in original. The word "to" probably should not appear.

§8602. Purpose

The purpose of this subchapter is to create a national technical assistance and dissemination system to make available to States, local educational agencies, tribes, schools, and other recipients of funds under this chapter technical assistance in—

(1) administering and implementing programs under this chapter;

(2) implementing school reform programs in a manner that improves teaching and learning for all students;

(3) coordinating such programs with other Federal, State, and local education plans and activities, so that all students, particularly students at risk of educational failure, are provided opportunities to meet challenging State content standards and challenging State student performance standards; and

(4) adopting, adapting, and implementing promising and proven practices for improving teaching and learning.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13002, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3876.)

Part A—Comprehensive Regional Assistance Centers

Part Referred to in Other Sections

This part is referred to in sections 6317, 6318, 7453, 7455, 8651 of this title.

§8621. Program authorized

(a) Comprehensive regional assistance centers

(1) In general

The Secretary is authorized to award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, public or private nonprofit entities or consortia of such entities in order to establish a networked system of 15 comprehensive regional assistance centers to provide comprehensive training and technical assistance, related to administration and implementation of programs under this chapter, to States, local educational agencies, schools, tribes, community-based organizations, and other recipients of funds under this chapter.

(2) Consideration

In establishing comprehensive regional assistance centers and allocating resources among the centers, the Secretary shall consider—

(A) the geographic distribution of students assisted under subchapter I of this chapter;

(B) the geographic and linguistic distribution of students of limited-English proficiency;

(C) the geographic distribution of Indian students;

(D) the special needs of students living in urban and rural areas; and

(E) the special needs of States and outlying areas in geographic isolation.

(3) Special rule

The Secretary shall establish 1 comprehensive regional assistance center under this section in Hawaii.

(b) Service to Indians and Alaska Natives

The Secretary shall ensure that each comprehensive regional assistance center that serves a region with a significant population of Indian or Alaska Native students shall—

(1) be awarded to a consortium which includes a tribally controlled community college or other Indian organization; and

(2) assist in the development and implementation of instructional strategies, methods and materials which address the specific cultural and other needs of Indian or Alaska Native students.

(c) Accountability

To ensure the quality and effectiveness of the networked system of comprehensive regional assistance centers supported under this part, the Secretary shall—

(1) develop, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, the Director of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages Affairs, and the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement, a set of performance indicators that assesses whether the work of the centers assists in improving teaching and learning under this chapter for all children, particularly children at risk of educational failure;

(2) conduct surveys every two years of populations to be served under this chapter to determine if such populations are satisfied with the access to and quality of such services;

(3) collect, as part of the Department's reviews of programs under this chapter, information about the availability and quality of services provided by the centers, and share that information with the centers; and

(4) take whatever steps are reasonable and necessary to ensure that each center performs its responsibilities in a satisfactory manner, which may include—

(A) termination of an award under this part (if the Secretary concludes that performance has been unsatisfactory) and the selection of a new center; and

(B) whatever interim arrangements the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure the satisfactory delivery of services under this part to an affected region.

(d) Duration

Grants, contracts or cooperative agreements under this section shall be awarded for a period of 5 years.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13101, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3877.)

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 8622 of this title.

§8622. Requirements of comprehensive regional assistance centers

(a) In general

Each comprehensive regional assistance center established under section 8621(a) of this title shall—

(1) maintain appropriate staff expertise and provide support, training, and assistance to State educational agencies, tribal divisions of education, local educational agencies, schools, and other grant recipients under this chapter, in—

(A) improving the quality of instruction, curricula, assessments, and other aspects of school reform, supported with funds under subchapter I of this chapter;

(B) implementing effective schoolwide programs under section 6314 of this title;

(C) meeting the needs of children served under this chapter, including children in high-poverty areas, migratory children, immigrant children, children with limited-English proficiency, neglected or delinquent children, homeless children and youth, Indian children, children with disabilities, and, where applicable, Alaska Native children and Native Hawaiian children;

(D) implementing high-quality professional development activities for teachers, and where appropriate, administrators, pupil services personnel and other staff;

(E) improving the quality of bilingual education, including programs that emphasize English and native language proficiency and promote multicultural understanding;

(F) creating safe and drug-free environments, especially in areas experiencing high levels of drug use and violence in the community and school;

(G) implementing educational applications of technology;

(H) coordinating services and programs to meet the needs of students so that students can fully participate in the educational program of the school;

(I) expanding the involvement and participation of parents in the education of their children;

(J) reforming schools, school systems, and the governance and management of schools;

(K) evaluating programs; and

(L) meeting the special needs of students living in urban and rural areas and the special needs of local educational agencies serving urban and rural areas;

(2) ensure that technical assistance staff have sufficient training, knowledge, and expertise in how to integrate and coordinate programs under this chapter with each other, as well as with other Federal, State, and local programs and reforms;

(3) provide technical assistance using the highest quality and most cost-effective strategies possible;

(4) coordinate services, work cooperatively, and regularly share information with, the regional educational laboratories, the Eisenhower regional consortia under part C of this subchapter, research and development centers, State literacy centers authorized under the National Literacy Act of 1991, and other entities engaged in research, development, dissemination, and technical assistance activities which are supported by the Department as part of a Federal technical assistance system, to provide a broad range of support services to schools in the region while minimizing the duplication of such services;

(5) work collaboratively with the Department's regional offices;

(6) consult with representatives of State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and populations served under this chapter;

(7) provide services to States, local educational agencies, tribes, and schools, in coordination with the National Diffusion Network State Facilitators activities under section 8651 of this title, in order to better implement the purposes of this part and provide the support and assistance diffusion agents need to carry out such agents' mission effectively; and

(8) provide professional development services to State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and the National Diffusion Network State Facilitators to increase the capacity of such entities to provide high-quality technical assistance in support of programs under this chapter.

(b) Priority

Each comprehensive regional assistance center assisted under this part shall give priority to servicing—

(1) schoolwide programs under section 6314 of this title; and

(2) local educational agencies and Bureau-funded schools with the highest percentages or numbers of children in poverty.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13102, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3878.)

References in Text

The National Literacy Act of 1991, referred to in subsec. (a)(4), was Pub. L. 102–73, July 25, 1991, 105 Stat. 333, as amended, which was repealed by Pub. L. 105–220, title II, §251(a)(2), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1079. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 8623 of this title.

§8623. Maintenance of service and application requirements

(a) Maintenance of service

The Secretary shall ensure that the comprehensive regional assistance centers funded under this part provide technical assistance services that address the needs of educationally disadvantaged students, including students in urban and rural areas, and bilingual, migrant, immigrant, and Indian students, that are at least comparable to the level of such technical assistance services provided under programs administered by the Secretary on the day preceding October 20, 1994.

(b) Application requirements

Each entity or consortium desiring assistance under this part shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner and accompanied by such information, as the Secretary may require. Each such application shall—

(1) demonstrate how the comprehensive regional assistance center will provide expertise and services in the areas described in section 8622 of this title;

(2) demonstrate how such centers will work with the National Diffusion Network under section 8651 of this title to conduct outreach to local educational agencies receiving priority under section 8701 of this title;

(3) demonstrate support from States, local educational agencies and tribes in the area to be served;

(4) demonstrate how such centers will ensure a fair distribution of services to urban and rural areas; and

(5) provide such other information as the Secretary may require.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13103, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3879.)

§8624. Transition

(a) In general

The Secretary shall use funds appropriated to carry out this part for fiscal years 1995 and 1996 in order to ensure an orderly transition and phase in of the comprehensive regional assistance centers assisted under this part.

(b) Extension of previous centers

(1) In general

The Secretary shall, notwithstanding any other provision of law, use funds appropriated under section 8625 of this title to extend or continue contracts and grants for existing categorical technical assistance centers assisted under this Act (as such Act was in effect on the day preceding October 20, 1994) through fiscal year 1996, and take other necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition of services provided under this part and that such services will not be interrupted, curtailed, or substantially diminished.

(2) Staff expertise

In planning for the competition for the new comprehensive regional assistance centers under this part, the Secretary may draw on the expertise of staff from existing categorical assistance centers assisted under this Act prior to October 20, 1994.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13104, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3880.)

References in Text

This Act, as such Act was in effect on the day preceding October 20, 1994, and this Act prior to October 20, 1994, referred to in subsec. (b), are Pub. L. 89–10, as added by Pub. L. 100–297, title I, §1001, Apr. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 140, as amended known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, which was classified generally to chapter 47 (§2701 et seq.) of this title prior to the general amendment of that Act by Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3519.

§8625. Authorization of appropriations

For the purpose of carrying out this part, there are authorized to be appropriated $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1995 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the four succeeding fiscal years.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13105, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3880.)

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 8624 of this title.

Part B—National Diffusion Network

§8651. Program authorized

(a) Authority

(1) In general

In order to implement the purposes of this subchapter, the Secretary is authorized to establish the National Diffusion Network (hereafter referred to in this chapter as "NDN") to carry out a State-based outreach, consultation, training, and dissemination program.

(2) Program requirements

In carrying out the program under this part, the Secretary shall award grants and contracts to National Diffusion Network State Facilitators in each State and outlying area, and to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, in order to assist State and local educational agencies, schools, and other appropriate educational entities—

(A) to identify and secure appropriate, high-quality technical assistance from the comprehensive regional assistance centers under part A of this subchapter and other sources; and

(B) to identify and implement exemplary or promising educational programs and practices.

(b) Eligible entities

The Secretary shall award grants and contracts under this section to public or private nonprofit organizations or institutions with demonstrated expertise in the areas of applied education research and program dissemination.

(c) Administration

The program under this part shall be administered through the Office of Reform Assistance and Dissemination established under section 6041(b) of this title.

(d) Coordination

The National Diffusion Network State Facilitators shall work in close cooperation, and coordinate their activities, with the comprehensive regional assistance centers established under part A of this subchapter.

(e) State facilitator activities

The National Diffusion Network State Facilitators shall provide professional development and technical assistance services to assist State educational agencies, local educational agencies, tribal divisions of education, schools, family and adult literacy programs, and other entities assisted under this chapter, in—

(1) defining such entities' technical assistance needs and aligning such needs with school reform under subchapter I of this chapter, professional development, and technology plans;

(2) securing the technical assistance and professional development services that can best fulfill such needs by utilizing the services of the comprehensive regional assistance centers, the regional education laboratories, the Eisenhower regional consortia, State Literacy Resource Centers authorized under the National Literacy Act of 1991 and other technical assistance providers, including local providers of professional development services;

(3) identifying educational technology needs and securing the necessary technical assistance to address such needs in coordination with the Eisenhower regional consortia under part C of this subchapter and the regional technical assistance and professional development consortia under subpart 3 ¹ of subchapter III of this chapter; and

(4) utilizing technology, including regional and national electronic networks, to increase such entities' access to technical assistance, professional development services, and dissemination of effective programs and promising practices.

(f) Additional duties

In addition, National Diffusion Network State Facilitators shall—

(1) disseminate information about school reform and effective and promising practices, and help local educational agencies and schools adapt such reform and practices to such agencies' needs;

(2) identify educational programs and practices for possible dissemination throughout the State and Nation;

(3) promote and facilitate teacher networks throughout the State;

(4) develop and implement an aggressive outreach plan for reaching the local educational agencies and schools receiving priority under section 8701 of this title; and

(5) provide such other outreach, coordination, and dissemination services as may be necessary to achieve the purposes of this subchapter.

(g) National Diffusion Network effective programs and promising practices system

(1) In general

The Secretary shall develop a system of validating effective programs and promising practices for dissemination through the National Diffusion Network. Such system may include exemplary programs funded through any office of the Department, the National Science Foundation, or other Federal agencies and shall be coordinated, aligned with, and administered by, the Office of Reform Assistance and Dissemination established under section 6041(b) of this title.

(2) Priority

The Secretary shall give priority to identifying, validating, and disseminating effective schoolwide projects, programs addressing the needs of high poverty schools, and programs with the capacity to offer high-quality, sustained technical assistance. The Office of Educational Research and Improvement Office of Reform Assistance and Dissemination shall also administer a grant program for the purpose of dissemination and the provision of technical assistance regarding such system.

(3) Priority of services

The National Diffusion Network State Facilitators shall give priority in providing the services described in this section to—

(A) schoolwide program under section 6314 of this title; and

(B) local educational agencies and Bureau-funded schools with the highest percentages or numbers of children in poverty.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13201, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3880.)

References in Text

The National Literacy Act of 1991, referred to in subsec. (e)(2), was Pub. L. 102–73, July 25, 1991, 105 Stat. 333, as amended, which was repealed by Pub. L. 105–220, title II, §251(a)(2), Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1079. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 8622, 8623 of this title.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "subpart 3 of part A".

§8652. Authorization of appropriations

For the purpose of carrying out this part, there are authorized to be appropriated $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1995 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the four succeeding fiscal years.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13202, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3882.)

Part C—Eisenhower Regional Mathematics and Science Education Consortia

Part Referred to in Other Sections

This part is referred to in sections 6622, 6861, 8622, 8651 of this title.

§8671. Program established

(a) In general

(1) Grants authorized

The Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the National Science Foundation, is authorized to award grants or contracts to eligible entities to enable such entities to establish and operate regional mathematics and science education consortia for the purpose of—

(A) disseminating exemplary mathematics and science education instructional materials; and

(B) providing technical assistance for the implementation of teaching methods and assessment tools for use by elementary and secondary school students, teachers and administrators.

(2) Number

The Secretary, in accordance with the provisions of this section, shall award at least one grant or contract to an eligible entity in each region.

(3) Special rule

In any fiscal year, if the amount made available pursuant to section 8678 of this title is less than $4,500,000, then the Secretary may waive the provisions of paragraph (2) and award grants or contracts of sufficient size, scope, and quality to carry out this section.

(4) Designation

Each regional consortium assisted under this section shall be known as an "Eisenhower regional consortium".

(b) Grant term and review

Grants or contracts under this part shall be awarded for a period of not more than five years and shall be reviewed before the end of the 30-month period beginning on the date the grant or contract is awarded. Grants or contracts under this part shall be awarded before the end of the 12-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of an Act making appropriations to carry out this part.

(c) Amount

In awarding grants or contracts under this part, the Secretary shall ensure that there is a relatively equal distribution of the funds made available among the regions, except that the Secretary may award additional funds to a regional consortium on the basis of population and geographical conditions of the region being served.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13301, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3882.)

Clubs for Boys and Girls Interested in Science; Authorization of Appropriations; Purposes; Personnel and Facilities

Pub. L. 85–875, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1700, provided: "That in order to strengthen future scientific accomplishment in our Nation by assisting in the development of a body of boys and girls with a special interest in science, there is hereby authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1959, and for each fiscal year thereafter, such sums, not in excess of $50,000, as may be necessary to enable the Commissioner of Education [now Secretary of Education] to encourage, foster, and assist in the establishment in localities throughout the Nation of clubs which are composed of boys and girls who have an especial interest in science.

"Sec. 2. (a) The Commissioner of Education [now Secretary of Education] shall carry out his duties under the first section with a view to the ultimate chartering by the Congress of a Corporation, similar to the Future Farmers of America, which will seek to—

"(1) develop an interest in science on the part of the young people of America,

"(2) provide an opportunity for the exchange of scientific information and ideas among members of the clubs,

"(3) encourage the promotion of science fairs at which members of the clubs may display their scientific works and projects, and

"(4) develop an awareness of the satisfactions to be derived through a career devoted to science.

"(b) The Commissioner of Education [now Secretary of Education] may utilize any of the personnel and facilities of the Office of Education [now Department of Education] in carrying out this Act."

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 8672, 8677 of this title.

§8672. Use of funds

Funds provided under this part may be used by a regional consortium, under the direction of a regional board established under section 8674 of this title, to—

(1) work cooperatively with the other regional consortia, the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Science and Mathematics Education established under section 6622(b) of this title and federally funded technical assistance providers to more effectively accomplish the activities described in this section;

(2) assist, train and provide technical assistance to classroom teachers, administrators, and other educators to identify, implement, assess or adapt the instructional materials, teaching methods and assessment tools described in section 8671(a)(1) of this title;

(3) provide for the training of classroom teachers to enable such teachers to instruct other teachers, administrators, and educators in the use of the instructional materials, teaching methods and assessment tools described in section 8671(a)(1) of this title in the classroom;

(4) when necessary, provide financial assistance to enable teachers and other educators to attend and participate in the activities of the regional consortium;

(5) implement programs and activities designed to meet the needs of groups that are underrepresented in, and underserved by, mathematics and science education;

(6) assist State and local educational agencies in identifying science equipment needs and help such agencies or consortia thereof assess the need for and desirability of regional mathematics and science academies;

(7) develop and disseminate early childhood education mathematics and science instructional materials;

(8) disseminate information regarding informal mathematics and science education activities and programs offered by Federal agencies and private or public agencies and institutions within the region;

(9) collect data on activities assisted under this part in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the activities of the regional consortia;

(10) identify exemplary teaching practices and materials from within the region and communicate such practices and materials to the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education;

(11) communicate, on a regular basis, with entities within the region who are delivering services to students and teachers of mathematics and science;

(12) assist in the development and evaluation of State and regional plans and activities that hold promise of bringing about systemic reform in student performance in mathematics and science; and

(13) increase the use of informal education entities (such as science technology centers, museums, libraries, Saturday academies, and 4H programs) for educational purposes to expand student knowledge and understanding.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13302, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3883.)

§8673. Application and review

(a) In general

Each eligible entity desiring a grant or contract under this part shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such additional information as the Secretary may reasonably require. Each such application shall—

(1) demonstrate that the eligible entity has demonstrated expertise in the fields of mathematics and science education;

(2) demonstrate that the eligible entity shall implement and disseminate mathematics and science education instructional materials, teaching methods, and assessment tools through a consortium of the region's mathematics and science education organizations and agencies;

(3) demonstrate that the eligible entity shall carry out the functions of the regional consortium;

(4) demonstrate that emphasis will be given to programs and activities designed to meet the needs of groups that are underrepresented in, and underserved by, mathematics and science education;

(5) demonstrate that the business community in the region served by the regional consortium will play an integral role in designing and supporting the regional consortium's work;

(6) demonstrate that the eligible entity will consider the resources of telecommunications partnerships assisted under the Star Schools Program Assistance Act (as such Act was in effect on the day preceding October 20, 1994) in carrying out the provisions of this part, where appropriate; and

(7) assure that the entity will conduct its activities and supervise its personnel in a manner that effectively ensures compliance with the copyright laws of the United States under title 17.

(b) Approval of application

(1) In general

The Secretary shall approve or disapprove applications submitted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section in accordance with the criteria and procedures established under paragraph (2).

(2) Procedures and criteria

The Secretary shall develop procedures and criteria designed to ensure that grants or contracts are competitively awarded on the basis of merit determined under a peer review process.

(3) National panel

(A) The Secretary, in consultation with the Director, shall establish a national panel, or to the extent necessary, panels, to submit to the Secretary recommendations for awards of grants or contracts under this part. The Secretary shall appoint the members of such panel or panels.

(B) Each panel appointed under subparagraph (A) shall include participation, to the extent feasible, from each region.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13303, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3884.)

References in Text

The Star Schools Program Assistance Act (as such Act was in effect on the day preceding October 20, 1994), referred to in subsec. (a)(6), is title IX of Pub. L. 98–377, as added by Pub. L. 100–297, title II, §2302, Apr. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 320, as amended, which was classified generally to subchapter IX (§4081 et seq.) of chapter 52 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–382, title III, §364, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3975.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 8675 of this title.

§8674. Regional boards

(a) In general

Each eligible entity receiving a grant or contract under this part shall establish a regional board to oversee the administration and establishment of program priorities for the regional consortium established by such eligible entity. Such regional board shall be broadly representative of the agencies and organizations participating in the regional consortium.

(b) Prohibition on use of Federal funds

No Federal funds may be used for the establishment or operation of a regional board required by subsection (a) of this section, except that at the discretion of a regional board, Federal funds may be used to provide assistance such as travel and accommodations for board members who could not otherwise afford to participate as members of the board.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13304, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3885.)

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 8672 of this title.

§8675. Payments; Federal share; non-Federal share

(a) Payments

The Secretary shall pay to each eligible entity having an application approved under section 8673 of this title the Federal share of the cost of the activities described in the application.

(b) Federal share

For the purpose of subsection (a) of this section, the Federal share shall be 80 percent.

(c) Non-Federal share

The non-Federal share of the cost of activities described in the application submitted under section 8673 of this title may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated. At least 10 percent of such non-Federal share shall be from sources other than the Federal Government, or State or local government.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13305, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3885.)

§8676. Evaluation

(a) Evaluation required

The Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement and in accordance with section 8941 of this title, shall collect sufficient data on, and evaluate the effectiveness of, the activities of each regional consortium.

(b) Assessment

The evaluations described in paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of the effectiveness of the regional consortium in meeting the needs of the schools, teachers, administrators and students in the region.

(c) Report

At the end of each grant or contract period, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report on the effectiveness of the programs conducted at each regional consortium.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13306, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3885.)

§8677. Definitions

For purposes of this part:

(1) The term "eligible entity" means—

(A) a private nonprofit organization of demonstrated effectiveness;

(B) an institution of higher education;

(C) an elementary or secondary school;

(D) a State or local educational agency;

(E) a regional educational laboratory in consortium with the research and development center established under section 6031(c)(1)(B)(i) of this title; or

(F) any combination of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (E),

with demonstrated expertise in mathematics and science education.

(2) The terms "mathematics" and "science" include the technology education associated with mathematics and science, respectively.

(3) The term "region" means a region of the United States served by a regional education laboratory that is supported by the Secretary pursuant to section 405(d)(4)(A)(i) of the General Education Provisions Act (as such section was in existence on the day preceding March 31, 1994).

(4) The term "regional consortium" means each regional mathematics and science education consortium established pursuant to section 8671 of this title.

(5) The term "State agency for higher education" means the State board of higher education or other agency or officer primarily responsible for the State supervision of higher education, or, if there is no such officer or agency, an officer or agency designated for the purpose of carrying out this part by the Governor or by State law.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13307, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3886.)

References in Text

Section 405 of the General Education Provisions Act (as such section was in existence on the day preceding March 31, 1994), referred to in par. (3), is section 405 of Pub. L. 90–247 which was classified to section 1221e of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–227, title IX, §911(a), Mar. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 213.

§8678. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $23,000,000 for fiscal year 1995, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years, to carry out this part.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13308, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3886.)

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 8671 of this title.

Part D—Technology-Based Technical Assistance

§8701. Technology-based technical assistance

The Secretary is authorized to provide a technology-based technical assistance service that will—

(1) support the administration and implementation of programs under this chapter by providing information, including legal and regulatory information, and technical guidance and information, about best practices; and

(2) be accessible to all States, local educational agencies, schools, community-based organizations and others who are recipients of funds under this chapter.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title XIII, §13401, as added Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3886.)

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 8623, 8651 of this title.