To improve mathematics and science instruction in elementary and secondary schools by authorizing the Secretary of Education to make grants for regional workshops designed to permit educators to share successful strategies for such instruction.

January 8, 2003

Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

To improve mathematics and science instruction in elementary and secondary schools by authorizing the Secretary of Education to make grants for regional workshops designed to permit educators to share successful strategies for such instruction.

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

SECTION 1. GRANTS FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE INSTRUCTION REGIONAL WORKING GROUPS.

(a) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Education may make one-year grants to eligible partnerships described in section 2201(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6661(b)(1)) (as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) to permit such partnerships to conduct regional workshops, including follow-up training, designed to permit educators, administrators responsible for professional development or curriculum development, and faculty of teacher training departments of institutions of higher education, to share successful strategies for--

(1) carrying out the activities described in section 2202(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6662(c)) (as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001); and

(2) otherwise improving mathematics and science instruction in elementary and secondary schools.

(b) APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS-

(1) IN GENERAL- Each eligible partnership desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary of Education, at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as such Secretary may require.

(2) CONTENTS- Each application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include--

(A) a plan for establishing a regional working group that shall conduct a series of regional workshops to share information and approaches to improving the achievement of students in mathematics and science;

(B) a description of how the activities to be carried out by the applicant will assist teachers and local educational agencies--

(i) in meeting challenging State academic content and student academic achievement standards in mathematics and science; and

(ii) in carrying out other educational reform activities that promote student academic achievement in mathematics and science;

(C) a description of how the activities to be carried out by the applicant will be based on a review of scientifically based research, and an explanation of how the activities are expected to improve student academic achievement and strengthen the quality of mathematics and science instruction;

(D) a description of an evaluation and accountability plan for activities assisted under this section that includes rigorous objectives that measure the impact of such activities and an assurance that the applicant will report to the Secretary of Education regarding the applicant's progress in meeting such objectives; and

(E) a description of the categories, and geographic locations, of participants who will be invited to participate in the regional workshops in order that each such workshop include as participants, at a minimum, individuals representing multiple States, local educational agencies, and elementary and secondary schools.

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