subpart 2—national technology activities

§6771. National activities

(a) Study

Using funds made available under section 6754(b)(2) of this title, the Secretary—

(1) shall conduct an independent, long-term study, utilizing scientifically based research methods and control groups or control conditions—

(A) on the conditions and practices under which educational technology is effective in increasing student academic achievement; and

(B) on the conditions and practices that increase the ability of teachers to integrate technology effectively into curricula and instruction, that enhance the learning environment and opportunities, and that increase student academic achievement, including technology literacy;

(2) shall establish an independent review panel to advise the Secretary on methodological and other issues that arise in conducting the long-term study;

(3) shall consult with other interested Federal departments or agencies, State and local educational practitioners and policymakers (including teachers, principals, and superintendents), and experts in technology, regarding the study; and

(4) shall submit to Congress interim reports, when appropriate, and a final report, to be submitted not later than April 1, 2006, on the findings of the study.

(b) Dissemination

Using funds made available under section 6754(b)(2) of this title, the Secretary shall make widely available, including through dissemination on the Internet and to all State educational agencies and other recipients of funds under this part, findings identified through activities carried out under this section regarding the conditions and practices under which educational technology is effective in increasing student academic achievement.

(c) Technical assistance

Using funds made available under section 6754(b)(2) of this title, the Secretary may provide technical assistance (directly or through the competitive award of grants or contracts) to State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and other recipients of funds, particularly in rural areas, under this part, in order to assist such State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and other recipients to achieve the purposes of this part.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title II, §2421, as added Pub. L. 107–110, title II, §201, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1682.)

§6772. National education technology plan

(a) In general

Based on the Nation's progress and an assessment by the Secretary of the continuing and future needs of the Nation's schools in effectively using technology to provide all students the opportunity to meet challenging State academic content and student academic achievement standards, the Secretary shall update and publish, in a form readily accessible to the public, a national long-range technology plan, by not later than 12 months after January 8, 2002.

(b) Contents

The plan referred to in subsection (a) of this section shall include each of the following:

(1) A description of the manner in which the Secretary will promote—

(A) higher student academic achievement through the integration of advanced technologies, including emerging technologies, into curricula and instruction;

(B) increased access to technology for teaching and learning for schools with a high number or percentage of children from families with incomes below the poverty line; and

(C) the use of technology to assist in the implementation of State systemic reform strategies.

(2) A description of joint activities of the Department of Education and other Federal departments or agencies that will promote the use of technology in education.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title II, §2422, as added Pub. L. 107–110, title II, §201, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1682.)