109th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4734
To establish a comprehensive education program to bolster the economic
competitiveness and national security of the United States by promoting
science, technology, engineering, and math education, careers, and capacity,
as well as foreign language acquisition.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 8, 2006
Mr. REYES introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee
on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Science,
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case
for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of
the committee concerned
A BILL
To establish a comprehensive education program to bolster the economic
competitiveness and national security of the United States by promoting
science, technology, engineering, and math education, careers, and capacity,
as well as foreign language acquisition.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `21st Century National Defense
Education Act' or `NDEA-21'.
Sec. 1. Short title; Table of Contents.
TITLE I--STEM PROGRAMS
Subtitle A--Elementary and Secondary Education
Sec. 101. Math and Science Next Initiative.
Sec. 102. Math and science teacher education requirements (MASTER) plan.
Subtitle B--Undergraduate Education
Sec. 111. STEM Loan Forgiveness.
Sec. 112. Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs.
Subtitle C--Graduate and Doctoral Education
Sec. 121. Professional science Master's program for national security
and economic competitiveness.
Sec. 122. Advanced foreign language education grant program.
Sec. 123. STEM Teaching Fellowships.
Subtitle D--STEM Revitalization Task Force
Sec. 131. STEM Revitalization Task Force.
Sec. 132. National STEM Advisor.
Sec. 133. Assistance from the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
TITLE II--FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS
Sec. 201. Office of Teaching Another Language to Kids (TALK).
`Sec. 216. Office of Teaching Another Language to Kids.
Sec. 202. National Foreign Language Coordinating Council.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to strengthen national security and ensure the
competitiveness of the United States' economy by--
(1) developing the skills and expertise of the Nation's younger generations
in science, technology, engineering, and math; and
(2) increasing American students' knowledge of languages, cultures, and
areas around the globe.
SEC. 3. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) In 1958, in response to the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik, Congress
passed into law the National Defense Education Act (NDEA). The NDEA succeeded
in educating a new generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians,
and linguists, which was essential to ensuring national security and America's
leadership in scientific advancement.
(2) Although the United States remains a dominant force in innovation,
a series of indicators, from academic scores to declining interest in
science and engineering careers, demonstrate that the United States is
losing its innovative edge.
(3) Retirements in the science and engineering field are rapidly increasing,
leading to a potential shortage in the high-tech talent required by the
United States defense industry, as well as key Federal research and national
defense agencies.
(4) Language education is essential to America's future. In the United
States, language education has not been--and is not yet--a national priority.
While the Federal Government recognizes the importance of language education
to diplomacy, national security, and international commerce, the States,
which are the major source of funding for education, do not yet have the
same appreciation for its importance.
(5) A national sense of urgency is needed to bring about change in the
way the United States teaches foreign languages and to reinvigorate the
science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this Act:
(1) STEM FIELD- The term `STEM field' means a branch of knowledge or study
of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, as those terms are
defined in this section.
(2) SCIENCE- The term `science' means the branch of knowledge or study
of the physical sciences (meaning the branch of knowledge or study of
the material universe, including such fields of knowledge or study as
astronomy, atmospheric sciences, chemistry, earth sciences, ocean sciences,
physics, and planetary sciences) and the life sciences (meaning the branch
of knowledge or study of living things, including such fields of knowledge
or study as biology, biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, genetics,
physiology, botany, zoology, ecology, and behavioral biology, except that
the term does not encompass the social sciences or the health professions).
(3) TECHNOLOGY- The term `technology' means the application of science
to industrial and commercial objectives, including the branch of knowledge
or study--
(A) of computers, (including such fields of knowledge or study as computer
hardware, computer software, computer engineering, information systems,
and robotics);
(B) of electronic or digital products and systems; and
(C) related to the fashioning of implements, the practicing of manual
skills, and the extracting of resources.
(4) ENGINEERING- The term `engineering' means the science by which the
properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful
to humanity in structures, machines, and products, as in the construction
of engines, bridges, buildings, mines, and chemical plants, including
such fields of knowledge or study as aeronautical engineering, chemical
engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering,
materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, and mechanical engineering.
(5) MATHEMATICS- The term `mathematics' means the branch of knowledge
or study of numbers and the systematic treatment of magnitude, relationships
between figures and forms, and relations between quantities expressed
symbolically, including such fields of knowledge or study as statistics,
applied mathematics, and operations research.
(6) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION- The term `institution of higher education'
has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
(7) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Education.
(8) STATE- The term `State' includes each of the several States, the District
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin
Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States, except
that such term does not include the outlying areas for purposes of section
101(e) of this Act.
TITLE I--STEM PROGRAMS
Subtitle A--Elementary and Secondary Education
SEC. 101. MATH AND SCIENCE NEXT INITIATIVE.
(a) Program Authorized- For the purpose described in subsection (b), the
Secretary of Education shall make a grant in an amount determined pursuant
to subsection (e) to each State that submits an application in accordance
with subsection (f).
(b) Purpose- A State receiving a grant under this section shall use the
grant to make subgrants pursuant to subsection (c) and carry out the State
activities described in subsection (d) for the purpose of providing a high-quality
foundation in the STEM fields to children in kindergarten, elementary school,
and secondary school.
(1) IN GENERAL- Of the amount of funds made available to a State under
this section for a fiscal year, the State shall use not less than 85 percent
of such amount to award subgrants on a competitive basis to local educational
agencies for the purpose described in subsection (b).
(2) SELECTION- In awarding subgrants to local educational agencies under
this section, a State shall--
(A) determine the percentage of students served by such agencies in
the State who are underrepresented minority students; and
(B) of the amount of funds made available to the State under this section
for a fiscal year, ensure that not less than a percentage of such funds
equal to the percentage determined under subparagraph (A) is awarded
to one or more local educational agencies that serve a population of
students consisting of not less than 60 percent underrepresented minority
students, except that this paragraph shall not apply with respect to
a State in which no local educational agency in the State serves such
a population.
(3) PREFERENCE- In awarding subgrants to local educational agencies under
this section, subject to paragraph (2), a State shall give preference
to local educational agencies that agree to collaborate with industry
and one or more institutions of higher education to carry out the activities
described in paragraph (4).
(4) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES- A local educational agency receiving a subgrant
under this section shall use the subgrant for the following:
(A) Establishing a high standard of instruction in the STEM fields through
professional training for teachers, including training on integrated
laboratory and academic content instruction.
(B) Developing effective instructional materials, programs, curricula,
learning systems, and strategies in the STEM fields, including instructional
materials relating to integrated laboratory and academic content instruction.
(C) Constructing and purchasing facilities and equipment necessary for
high-quality, contemporary instruction in the STEM fields, including
the provision of modern science and computer laboratories.
(D) Developing contemporary courses of science study and courses of
study designed to address recent advances and needs in the STEM fields,
including courses of study that integrate academic content instruction
with the use of a laboratory.
(E) Developing career development initiatives to inform students about
and promote career pathways in the STEM fields.
(d) State Activities- Of the amount of funds made available to a State under
this section for a fiscal year, the State shall reserve not more than 15
percent of such amount for State activities. Of the amount reserved under
this subsection, the State shall use not more than--
(1) 65 percent for professional development for instructors in the STEM
fields;
(2) 25 percent for technical assistance for local educational agencies
and schools; and
(3) 10 percent for planning, administration, and reporting.
(1) RESERVATION OF FUNDS- From the amount appropriated to carry out this
section for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve a total of 1 percent
to award grants to the outlying areas that submit applications in accordance
with subsection (f).
(2) NATIONAL RESERVATIONS- Of the amount of funds made available to carry
out this section for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve--
(A) not more than 2.5 percent or $25 million, whichever is greater,
for national activities and program evaluation, including formulating
guidelines to measure the effectiveness of programs under this section
and determining whether such programs are achieving the purpose described
in subsection (b) and are deserving of continued Federal support; and
(B) not more than $5,000,000 for promoting, and disseminating information
about, the programs under this subsection.
(3) ALLOCATIONS TO STATES- Of the amount of funds appropriated to carry
out this section for a fiscal year, and not reserved under paragraph (1)
or (2), the Secretary shall allocate such amount among the States submitting
applications in accordance with subsection (f) as follows:
(A) Two-thirds of such amount shall be allocated based on the population
of children aged 4 to 17 in the State.
(B) One-third of such amount shall be allocated based on the population
of children aged 4 to 17 in the State who are underrepresented minority
students.
(4) MINIMUM ALLOCATION- Notwithstanding paragraph (3), the Secretary shall
ensure that each State described in such paragraph receives an allocation
of not less than one-fourth of one percent of the amount allocated pursuant
to such paragraph.
(f) Applications- To receive a grant under this section, a State shall submit
an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Secretary determines necessary. Each such application--
(1) shall be for a 6-year period; and
(2) shall include an implementation plan for such period.
(g) Reports- Each State receiving a grant under this section shall provide
annual reports to the Secretary on the activities of the State under this
section.
(h) Definitions- In this section:
(1) The term `local educational agency' has the meaning given to that
term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(2) The term `outlying area' has the meaning given to that term in section
9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801).
SEC. 102. MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (MASTER) PLAN.
(a) MASTER Plan Purposes- The purposes of the programs under this section
are to--
(1) support cost-effective, content-based professional development for
kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school STEM instructors;
(2) support cost-effective development of kindergarten, elementary, and
secondary school STEM teaching strategies; and
(3) encourage new college graduates and mid- and late-career professionals
with degrees or work experience in the STEM fields to enter kindergarten,
elementary, and secondary school STEM instruction,
in order to populate American classrooms with content-qualified STEM teachers
equipped with the tools to teach STEM courses effectively.
(b) Professional Development-
(1) NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES STUDY- The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of
Sciences for a study to identify appropriate mechanisms for promoting
professional development to ensure effective STEM instruction and to create
a national standard for effective STEM instruction. Such study shall be
completed not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) PROGRAM- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall establish a
program to promote professional development to ensure effective STEM instruction.
Such program shall be implemented through grants to institutions of higher
education, educational organizations, and for-profit companies. The program
shall be designed to give priority to grants that support local educational
agencies with large populations of underrepresented minorities or deficient
STEM performance.
(c) Centers of Excellence-
(1) ESTABLISHMENT- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall establish
a competitive grant program for the creation of Centers of Excellence
for developing STEM curricula. Such Centers of Excellence shall be located
at institutions of higher education that have received a grant under the
program and shall consist of consortia of school districts, university
departments of education, and university STEM and related departments.
The goals of such Centers of Excellence shall be to--
(A) develop scientifically-based STEM curricula and best STEM instruction
practices;
(B) produce certified teachers in STEM fields through 4-year or 5-year
programs;
(C) promote professional development for current STEM instructors; and
(D) encourage secondary and post-secondary students to attain advanced
degrees in the STEM fields and to pursue STEM careers.
(2) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated
to the National Science Foundation for carrying out this subsection $50,000,000
for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2011.
(d) Recruiting STEM Teachers- The Secretary of Education, in consultation
with other appropriate agencies, shall develop and implement a program for
the purpose of encouraging mid- and late-career professionals in the STEM
fields to become kindergarten, elementary school, and secondary school teachers
in the STEM fields.
Subtitle B--Undergraduate Education
SEC. 111. STEM LOAN FORGIVENESS.
(a) Purpose; Sense of the Congress-
(1) PURPOSE- It is the purpose of this section to encourage individuals
to obtain a degree in a STEM field, and to pursue a career in such a field
as a teacher or a Federal employee.
(2) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS- It is the Sense of the Congress that the Federal
Government should utilize programs such as the program under this section
to attract 10,000 of America's brightest students to the teaching profession
every year, each of whom can have an impact on nearly 1,000 students over
the life of their careers.
(1) LOAN FORGIVENESS AUTHORIZED- The Secretary is authorized to forgive,
in accordance with paragraph (2), the student loan debt of an eligible
borrower in the amount specified in subsection (d) of this section for
consecutive complete years of qualified service by such eligible borrower
completed after the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) METHOD OF LOAN FORGIVENESS- To provide the loan forgiveness authorized
in paragraph (1), the Secretary is authorized to carry out a program--
(A) through the holder of the loan, to assume the obligation to repay
a qualified loan amount for a loan made under part B of title IV of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.); and
(B) to cancel a qualified loan amount for loans made under parts D and
E of such title.
(3) REIMBURSEMENT- The Secretary shall reimburse an institution of higher
education for any amounts canceled under paragraph (2) with respect to
a loan under part E of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1087aa et seq.) in the same manner as is required by section 465(b)
of such Act with respect to a loan cancelled under section 465(a) of such
Act.
(c) Eligible Borrower- The Secretary is authorized to provided loan forgiveness
to any individual who--
(1) has obtained an undergraduate degree in a STEM field;
(2) is performing qualified service as a full-time employee in a position--
(A) in an elementary or secondary school as a teacher of a course in
a STEM field; or
(B) in an agency of the United States Government in a position that
requires training or education in a STEM field, as determined by the
Secretary;
(3) is a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States; and
(4) is in repayment status and is not in default on a loan for which the
borrower seeks forgiveness.
(d) Payment in Installments- The Secretary shall forgive the loan obligation
of the borrower, in accordance with subsection (b)(2), not to exceed $10,000
in the aggregate, in the following increments:
(1) At the completion of the second year of service, $1,500 or 15 percent
of the borrower's loan obligation that is outstanding at the completion
of such year, whichever is less.
(2) At the completion of the third year of service, $1,500 or 15 percent
of the borrower's loan obligation that was outstanding at the completion
of the second year of service, whichever is less.
(3) At the completion of the fourth year of service, $2,000 or 20 percent
of the borrower's loan obligation that was outstanding at the completion
of the second year of service, whichever is less.
(4) At the completion of the fifth year of service, $5,000 or 50 percent
of the borrower's loan obligation that was outstanding at the completion
of the second year of service, whichever is less.
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall by regulation establish procedures
by which borrowers shall apply for loan forgiveness under this section.
(2) PROMISE TO COMPLETE SERVICE REQUIRED FOR PAYMENT- Any application
for loan forgiveness under this section shall contain an agreement by
the applicant that the applicant will continue in qualifying service described
under subsection (c)(2) for not less than 5 consecutive complete years,
or will, upon a failure to complete such 5 years of service, repay the
United States the amount of the principal and interest forgiven by the
Secretary, at a rate and schedule, and in accordance with regulations,
prescribed by the Secretary. Such regulations may provide for waiver by
the Secretary of such repayment obligations upon proof of economic hardship
as specified in such regulations.
(f) Priority- Loan forgiveness under this section shall be subject to the
availability of appropriations. The Secretary shall select loan forgiveness
recipients from the applicants based on academic achievement and a demonstrated
commitment to national or community service, in accordance with regulations
prescribed by the Secretary. In selecting loan forgiveness recipients, the
Secretary shall take into consideration whether an eligible borrower is
a member of minority group that is traditionally underrepresented in the
STEM fields, as determined by the Secretary.
(g) Regulations- Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations to carry out this section.
(1) Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act,
and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall evaluate, based on guidelines
established in advance of the evaluation, the effectiveness of the program
under this section. The Secretary shall report to the President and Congress
regarding each such evaluation no later than 3 months after its completion.
(2) Of the funds appropriated to carry out this section, not more than
5 percent shall be used for the program evaluation described in paragraph
(1).
(i) Construction- Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize
any refunding of any repayment of a loan.
(j) Prevention of Double Benefits- No borrower may, for the same service,
receive a benefit under both this section and--
(1) section 428J of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1078-10);
(2) section 460 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1087j); or
(3) subtitle D of title I of the National and Community Service Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571 et seq.).
(k) Definition- For purposes of this section, the term `year', where applied
to service as a teacher, means an academic year as defined by the Secretary.
(l) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums
as may be necessary for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.
SEC. 112. RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR UNDERGRADUATES PROGRAMS.
(a) Establishment of Program- The Director of the National Science Foundation
shall establish a competitive STEM Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Matching Fund program. The program shall promote research experiences for
undergraduate students in STEM fields through grants to institutions of
higher education.
(b) Preference- In awarding grants under this section the Director shall
give preference to proposals that--
(1) would enhance underrepresented minority participation in STEM fields;
(2) promote infrastructure development at institutions of higher education;
(3) employ students on campus predominantly in research-related jobs;
(4) provide mentoring about STEM study and career pathways to students
participating in the program established under this section; and
(5) provide monetary incentives to faculty who agree to mentor students,
not in excess of $1,000.
(c) Matching Funds- Grants under this section shall be made in an amount
not to exceed 50 percent of the costs of the research experiences for undergraduates
program of the recipient institution.
(d) Tracking and Promotion- The Director shall implement the program under
this section in a manner that tracks the success of the program, and that
promotes STEM and research experiences for undergraduates programs. Success
shall be measured on the basis of student-centered variables, including
persistence in STEM major, graduation, and STEM graduate program matriculation,
not on the basis of research outputs.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated
to the National Science Foundation for carrying out this section $20,000,000
for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2011, not more than 2 percent
of which for each fiscal year shall be for evaluation activities under subsection
(d).
Subtitle C--Graduate and Doctoral Education
SEC. 121. PROFESSIONAL SCIENCE MASTER'S PROGRAM FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
AND ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS.
(a) Program- The Director of the National Science Foundation shall establish
a competitive program to provide grants to institutions of higher education
for the creation of professional science Master's programs for national
security and economic competitiveness. Such program shall provide a professional
context for academic science expertise that has been identified by Federal
agencies and industry as holding extreme importance and urgency. Such program
shall be developed in coordination with industry, academia, the Department
of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy,
and other appropriate entities to create specific capacity in areas of high
demand related to STEM. The Director may also seek input from or collaboration
with the Sloan Foundation, which has a demonstrated record of success in
professional science Master's programs.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated
to the National Science Foundation for carrying out this section $50,000,000
for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2011.
SEC. 122. ADVANCED FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Program- The Director of the National Science Foundation shall establish
a program to support STEM students pursuing study or research programs in
foreign countries identified by the National Foreign Language Task Force
as having languages of critical strategic importance to the United States.
Study or research under this subsection shall be carried out in the language
of the foreign country.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated
to the National Science Foundation for carrying out this section $5,000,000
for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2011.
SEC. 123. STEM TEACHING FELLOWSHIPS.
(a) Purpose- It is the purpose of this section to authorize a national STEM
Teaching Fellowship program in order to encourage individuals of superior
ability and achievement to pursue teaching careers in the STEM fields and
to provide such individuals with the financial support necessary to complete
post-graduate degrees in the STEM fields.
(b) Award of STEM Teaching Fellowships-
(1) AUTHORITY TO AWARD STEM TEACHING FELLOWSHIPS- Each academic year,
the Secretary shall award, from funds not otherwise appropriated, STEM
Teaching Fellowships, in accordance with the provisions of this section,
to 50 individuals of superior ability selected on the basis of high academic
achievement and a demonstrated commitment to national or community service.
(2) DESIGNATION OF FELLOWS- Individuals receiving awards under this section
shall be known as `STEM Teaching Fellows'. The Secretary shall promote
the STEM Teaching Fellows, and the prestige of the fellowships, as a way
to promote the STEM fields in the United States.
(3) ELIGIBILITY- To be eligible to be a STEM Teaching Fellow, an individual
shall--
(A) be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States;
(B) have earned a master's degree in a STEM field; and
(C) enter into an agreement with the Secretary to be a full-time teacher
of a course in a STEM field at an elementary or secondary school for
5 complete academic years, in exchange for the fellowship award.
(c) Administration of Fellowship Program-
(1) AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT- The Secretary is authorized to enter into a
contract with a nongovernmental entity to administer the program under
this section if the Secretary determines that entering into the contract
is an efficient means of carrying out the program.
(A) APPOINTMENT- The Secretary shall appoint a STEM Teaching Fellows
Program Fellowship Board (hereinafter in this section referred to as
the `Board') consisting of 9 individuals representative of public and
private institutions of higher education who are especially qualified
to serve on the Board. In making appointments, the Secretary shall give
due consideration to the appointment of individuals who are highly respected
in the academic and professional community for each of the STEM fields.
The Secretary shall assure that individuals appointed to the Board are
broadly representative of the range of disciplines in the STEM fields.
(B) DUTIES- The Board shall--
(i) oversee the operation of the program established by this section;
(ii) establish specific criteria for the award of STEM Teaching Fellowships,
or, in the event that the Secretary enters into a contract with a
nongovernmental entity to administer the program assisted under this
section, such nongovernmental entity shall establish such criteria;
(iii) appoint panels of academic scholars with distinguished backgrounds
in the STEM fields for the purpose of selecting fellows, except that,
in the event that the Secretary enters into a contract with a nongovernmental
entity to administer the program, such panels may be appointed by
such nongovernmental entity; and
(iv) prepare and submit to the Congress at least once in every 3-year
period--
(I) a report on the effectiveness of the program established by
this section; and
(II) recommendations regarding any modifications in the program
that the Board determines are appropriate.
(C) CONSULTATIONS- In carrying out its responsibilities, the Board shall
consult on a regular basis with representatives of the National Science
Foundation and representatives of institutions of higher education and
associations of such institutions, learned societies, and professional
organizations.
(D) TERM- The term of office of each member of the Board shall be 4
years, except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve
for the remainder of the term for which the predecessor of the member
was appointed. No member may serve for a period in excess of 6 years.
(E) INITIAL MEETING; VACANCY- The Secretary shall call the first meeting
of the Board, at which the first order of business shall be the election
of a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson, who shall serve until 1 year
after the date of the appointment of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
Thereafter each officer shall be elected for a term of 2 years. In case
a vacancy occurs in either office, the Board shall elect an individual
from among the members of the Board to fill such vacancy.
(F) QUORUM; ADDITIONAL MEETINGS-
(i) A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
(ii) The Board shall meet at least once a year or more frequently,
as may be necessary, to carry out the Board's responsibilities.
(G) COMPENSATION- Members of the Board, while serving on the business
of the Board, shall be entitled to receive compensation at rates fixed
by the Secretary, but not exceeding the rate of basic pay payable for
level IV of the Executive Schedule, including travel time, and while
so serving away from their homes or regular places of business, the
members may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States
Code, for persons in Government service employed intermittently.
(d) Allocation of Fellowships-
(1) APPLICATION PROCESS- The Secretary shall make applications for STEM
Teaching Fellowships available not later than October 1 of the academic
year preceding the academic year for which fellowships shall be awarded,
and shall announce the recipients of fellowships under this section not
later than April 1 of such preceding academic year.
(2) USE OF SELECTION PANELS- The recipients of fellowships shall be selected
in each designated STEM field from among all applicants nationwide in
each STEM field by distinguished panels appointed by the Board to make
such selections under criteria established by the Board, except that,
in the event that the Secretary enters into a contract with a nongovernmental
entity to administer the program, such panels may be appointed by such
nongovernmental entity. The number of recipients in each field in each
year shall not exceed the number of fellows allocated to that field for
that year by the Board.
(1) STIPENDS- The Secretary shall pay--
(A) to each STEM Teaching Fellow--
(i) for each of the 5 years during which the Fellow is teaching a
course in a STEM field at an elementary or secondary school, a stipend
in an amount equal to 25 percent of the salary paid by the school
district to the Fellow for such teaching services, which shall be
in addition to the salary paid by such school district; and
(ii) for each year, not to exceed 7 years, during which the Fellow
is enrolled full-time or part-time in an educational program for which
an institution of higher education awards a post-graduate degree in
a STEM field, an amount equal to--
(I) the cost of attendance (as defined in section 472 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll)) for the Fellow for such
year; less
(II) any other grant assistance received by the Fellow for such
year for the pursuit of such degree; and
(B) to a school district that employs a Fellow under this section, for
each of the 5 years during which such Fellow is teaching a course in
a STEM field in an elementary or secondary school in such school district,
an amount equal to 25 percent of the salary paid by the school district
to the Fellow for such teaching services, which the school district
shall use to provide resources to the elementary or secondary school
at which the Fellow is a teacher, to assist such school in educating
students in the STEM fields.
(2) POST-GRADUATE OPTION- A STEM Teaching Fellow shall be eligible to
receive the stipend described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii) only if such Fellow
successfully completes the 5-year teaching commitment described in subsection
(b)(3)(C).
(f) Fellowship Conditions-
(1) REPORTS FROM RECIPIENTS- The Secretary is authorized to require reports
containing such information in such form and filed at such times as the
Secretary determines necessary from any STEM Teaching Fellow. The reports
shall be accompanied by a certificate from an appropriate official at--
(A) the elementary or secondary school at which the Fellow is teaching,
stating that such Fellow is employed full-time as a teacher of a course
in a STEM field; or
(B) the institution of higher education at which the Fellow is pursuing
a post-graduate degree in a STEM field, stating that such Fellow is
enrolled full-time in the post-graduate degree program for which a stipend
under subsection (e)(1)(A)(ii) is awarded.
(2) FELLOWSHIP PORTABILITY- A STEM Teaching Fellow shall be entitled to
use the post-graduate fellowship stipend for a post-graduate program at
any one institution of higher education in which the Fellow is enrolled.
(3) POST-GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP OPTIONS- A STEM Teaching Fellow shall not
be required to pursue a post-graduate degree, or to extend the fellowship
beyond the 5-year teaching commitment described in subsection (b)(3)(C).
Subtitle D--STEM Revitalization Task Force
SEC. 131. STEM REVITALIZATION TASK FORCE.
(a) Establishment- There is established the STEM Revitalization Task Force
(referred to in this subtitle as the `Task Force'), which shall be an independent
establishment as defined under section 104 of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Membership- The Task Force shall consist of the following members or
their designees:
(1) The National STEM Advisor, who shall serve as the chairperson of the
Task Force.
(2) The Secretary of Education.
(3) The Director of the National Science Foundation.
(4) The Secretary of Homeland Security.
(5) The Director of National Intelligence.
(6) The Secretary of Defense.
(7) The Secretary of Energy.
(8) The Secretary of Commerce.
(9) The Director of the National Institutes of Health.
(10) The heads of such other Federal agencies as the Task Force considers
appropriate.
(11) Three representatives from academia, selected by the Director of
the National Science Foundation.
(12) Three representatives from the defense and homeland security industry,
one representative each selected by the President, the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, and the minority leader of the House of Representatives.
(13) Five general industry representatives, one representative each selected
by the President, the majority leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, the minority leader of the Senate, and the minority
leader of the House of Representatives.
(c) Responsibilities- The Task Force shall be charged with--
(1) evaluating the effectiveness of STEM education and programs in elementary
and secondary schools and institutions of higher education, including
undergraduate and graduate programs, and identifying successful programs
and best practices that can be replicated at other schools and institutions;
(2) developing a national marketing campaign promoting STEM study and
STEM careers that shall include the identification of STEM educational
programs and careers, public service announcements, and an awareness campaign
at elementary and secondary schools, in part by appealing to Americans'
patriotism and vibrant sense of national duty; and
(3) identifying STEM degrees for which there is a national need, reporting
specifically on national need in the fields of energy, defense, homeland
security, communications and connectivity, conservation and environmental
science, and computer technology.
(1) IN GENERAL- The National STEM Advisor may appoint and fix the compensation
of such additional personnel as the Advisor considers necessary to carry
out the duties of the Task Force.
(2) DETAILS FROM OTHER AGENCIES- Upon request of the Task Force, the head
of any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the
personnel of such agency to the Task Force.
(3) EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS- With the approval of the Task Force, the
National STEM Advisor may procure temporary and intermittent services
under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.
(1) DELEGATION- Any member or employee of the Task Force may, if authorized
by the Task Force, take any action that the Task Force is authorized to
take in this Act.
(2) INFORMATION- The Task Force may secure directly from any Federal agency
such information as the Task Force considers necessary to carry out its
responsibilities. Upon request of the National STEM Advisor, the head
of such agency shall furnish such information to the Task Force.
(3) DONATIONS- The Task Force may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.
(4) MAIL- The Task Force may use the United States mail in the same manner
and under the same conditions as other Federal agencies.
SEC. 132. NATIONAL STEM ADVISOR.
(a) In General- There is established a National STEM Advisor who shall be
appointed by the President. The National STEM Advisor shall be a nationally
recognized individual with credentials and abilities across all of the sectors
to be involved with creating and implementing long-term solutions to achieving
national STEM competency.
(b) Responsibilities- The National STEM Advisor shall--
(1) develop and oversee the implementation of a national STEM strategy
across all sectors;
(2) establish formal relationships among the major stakeholders involved
in meeting the needs of the United States for improved capabilities in
STEM fields, including Federal, State, and local government agencies,
academia, industry, and labor; and
(3) coordinate and lead the public information campaign described in paragraph
(2) of section 133.
(c) Compensation- The National STEM Advisor shall be paid at a rate of pay
payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under section
5316 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 133. ASSISTANCE FROM THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy may provide to the Task Force,
upon the request of the National STEM Advisor, such services, funds, facilities,
staff, and other support services as the Office may determine advisable
and as may be authorized by law.
SEC. 134. REPORTS.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually
thereafter, the Task Force shall prepare and transmit to the President and
Congress a report that describes the activities of the Task Force and the
efforts of the Task Force to perform the responsibilities described in section
133. Such report shall include a detailed statement of any findings by the
Task Force and recommendations for legislative action and administrative
action.
TITLE II--FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS
SEC. 201. OFFICE OF TEACHING ANOTHER LANGUAGE TO KIDS (TALK).
(a) In General- The Secretary of Education shall take such steps as may
be appropriate for the orderly transfer of the personnel, assets, obligations,
and functions of the Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement,
and Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students to the
Office of Teaching Another Language to Kids.
(b) Amendments- Title II of the Department of Education Organization Act
(20 U.S.C. 3411 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by striking section 209; and
(2) by striking section 216 and inserting the following:
`SECTION 216. OFFICE OF TEACHING ANOTHER LANGUAGE TO KIDS.
`(a) Establishment and Duties-
`(1) IN GENERAL- There is established within the Department of Education
an office to be known as the Office of Teaching Another Language to Kids
(in this section referred to as the `Office') for the purpose of improving
foreign language education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The Secretary
shall appoint a director as the head of the Office.
`(2) DUTIES- To carry out the purpose described in paragraph (1), the
Director of the Office shall--
`(i) a local educational agency foreign language feeder program;
`(ii) a dual language immersion program; and
`(iii) a national foreign language program for the training of teachers;
`(B) contract with educational organizations to provide efficient and
effective professional instruction for programs of the Office, which
training may include summer language teaching institutes at several
locations around the country;
`(C) recommend improvements and provide technical assistance to other
Federal programs serving language-minority students, students with limited
English proficiency, and their families;
`(D) ensure that language-minority students and students with limited
English proficiency are included in ways that are valid, reliable, and
fair for all standards and assessments conducted or funded by the Department;
and
`(E) assist the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Educational Research
and Improvement in identifying research priorities that reflect the
needs of language-minority students and students with limited English
proficiency.
`(b) Foreign Language Feeder Program-
`(A) GRANTS- For the purpose described in subparagraph (B), the Director
of the Office shall make a grant in the amount determined under subparagraph
(C) to each State educational agency that submits an application under
subparagraph (D).
`(B) USE OF FUNDS- Each State educational agency receiving a grant under
this subsection shall use the grant for the purpose of making competitive
subgrants to consortia of local educational agencies to enable such
consortia to establish foreign language programs emphasizing continuity
of instruction from elementary school through 12th grade and, if possible,
through college.
`(C) AMOUNT OF GRANTS- From the total amount appropriated to carry out
this section for a fiscal year, the Director of the Office shall allot
to each State educational agency that submits an application in accordance
with subparagraph (D) an amount that bears the same ratio to such total
amount as the population of children aged 4 to 17 in the State bears
to the aggregate population of children aged 4 to 17 in all States for
which applications are submitted in accordance with subparagraph (D).
`(i) IN GENERAL- To seek a grant under this subsection, a State educational
agency shall submit an application to the Director of the Office at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the
Director determines necessary to carry out this subsection.
`(ii) CONTENTS- At a minimum, each application submitted under this
subparagraph shall demonstrate to the Director's satisfaction that
the State educational agency will meet basic standards to ensure that
foreign language programs under this subsection are successful.
`(2) SUBGRANTS TO CONSORTIA OF LEAS-
`(A) USE OF FUNDS- A consortium of local educational agencies receiving
a subgrant under this subsection shall use the subgrant to establish
a foreign language program emphasizing continuity of instruction from
elementary school through 12th grade. Such program--
`(I) elementary school instruction at least 3 times each week in
30 minute periods;
`(II) middle school instruction at least 5 times each week in 45
minute periods; and
`(III) high school instruction at least 5 times each week in 50
minute periods;
`(ii) may include international student exchange programs for high
school students; and
`(iii) shall be coordinated with, and relate to, the content being
taught in other subject matter courses (a technique known as content-based
language instruction).
`(B) APPLICATION- To seek a subgrant under this subsection, a consortium
of local educational agencies shall submit an application to the State
educational agency at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the State educational agency may require.
`(c) Dual Language Immersion Program-
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Director of the Office may make grants to local educational
agencies serving areas with a large percentage of heritage language speakers
to establish dual language immersion programs described in paragraph (2).
`(2) USE OF FUNDS- A grant may be made under this subsection only if the
applicant involved agrees to use the grant to establish a dual language
immersion program that--
`(A) by instructing in both English and the heritage language of the
community, facilitates--
`(i) foreign language acquisition; and
`(ii) English language acquisition by students with limited English
proficiency; and
`(B) provides students with strong language skills to enable those students
to contribute to national security, government service, and global economic
competitiveness.
`(3) APPLICATION- To seek a grant under this subsection, a local educational
agency shall submit an application to the Secretary in such form, in such
manner, and containing such agreements, assurances, and information as
the Secretary may require.
`(4) HERITAGE LANGUAGE- For purposes of this subsection, the term `heritage
language' refers to a foreign language that is used within a community
by residents or citizens of the United States who are native speakers
of, or who have partial fluency in, such language.
`(d) National Foreign Language Program-
`(1) IN GENERAL- To carry out the purpose described in subsection (a)(1),
the Director of the Office may enter into contracts with educational organizations
for the development of summer institutes for teachers of grades kindergarten
through 12.
`(2) USE OF FUNDS- A contract may be entered into under paragraph (1)
only if the applicant involved agrees, with respect to the program established
by the applicant, as follows:
`(A) To teach language instruction methodologies based on the standards
articulated in the documented entitled `Standards for Foreign Language
Learning in the 21st Century'.
`(B) To promote strong teaching skills for foreign language teachers
and individuals who are studying to become teachers.
`(C) To design programs to prepare a teacher to provide professional
development to other teachers at a school, to assist novice teachers
at such school, including (if applicable) a mechanism to integrate experiences
from the summer workshop or institute.
`(D) To recruit university students with foreign language majors to
participate in the institute and to become language instructors.
`(e) Evaluation and Accountability Plan- The Director of the Office shall
develop an evaluation and accountability plan for use by each entity receiving
a grant or subgrant under this section. The plan shall include objectives
and measures for--
`(1) increasing participation by students in advanced courses in foreign
language;
`(2) increasing the percentages of secondary school classes in foreign
language taught by teachers with academic majors in foreign language;
and
`(3) increasing the number of foreign language teachers who participate
in professional development activities.
`(f) Reports by Grantees- Each entity receiving a grant under this section
shall annually report to the Secretary regarding the progress of the entity
in meeting the performance objectives described in subsection (e).
`(g) National Evaluation-
`(1) IN GENERAL- Each year, the Director shall conduct a quantitative
evaluation of the activities conducted under this section and their long-term
impacts.
`(2) REPORTS- Not less than every 3 years, the Director of the Office
shall submit a report to the Congress on the activities conducted under
this section and the results of evaluations conducted under paragraph
(1).
`(h) Authorization of Appropriations-
`(1) IN GENERAL- To carry out this section, there are authorized to be
appropriated $500,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
`(2) RESERVATION- Of the amount appropriated to carry out this section
for a fiscal year, the Director of the Office shall use not less than
4 percent and not more than 8 percent of such amount to conduct evaluations
required by subsection (g)(1).
`(i) Definitions- In this section:
`(1) The term `local educational agency' has the meaning given to that
term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
`(2) The term `State educational agency' has the meaning given to that
term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).'.
SEC. 202. NATIONAL FOREIGN LANGUAGE COORDINATING COUNCIL.
(1) IN GENERAL- There is established in the Executive Office of the President
the National Foreign Language Coordinating Council (referred to as the
`Council' in this section).
(A) IN GENERAL- The Council shall consist of the ex officio members
specified in subparagraph (B) and the representatives appointed under
subparagraph (C).
(B) EX OFFICIO MEMBERS- The Council shall include the following ex officio
members (or their designees):
(i) The National Foreign Language Advisor, who shall serve as the
chairperson of the Council.
(ii) The Director of National Intelligence.
(iii) The Secretary of Homeland Security.
(iv) The Secretary of Defense.
(v) The Secretary of Education.
(vi) The Secretary of Agriculture.
(vii) The Attorney General of the United States.
(viii) The Secretary of Labor.
(ix) The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(x) The Secretary of Health and Human Services.
(xi) The Secretary of Commerce.
(xii) One representative of the National Security Education Program
Board.
(xiii) The Secretary of State.
(xiv) The heads of such other Federal agencies as the Council considers
appropriate.
(C) APPOINTED MEMBERS- The Council shall include the following members
appointed by the President:
(i) Three representatives of academia.
(ii) Three representatives of industry.
(A) IN GENERAL- The Council shall be charged with--
(i) developing a national foreign language strategy within 18 months
of the date of enactment of this Act; and
(ii) overseeing the implementation of such strategy.
(B) STRATEGY CONTENT- The strategy developed under subparagraph (A)
shall include--
(i) identification of crucial priorities across all sectors, including
by identifying foreign languages for which there is a national need;
(ii) identification and evaluation of Federal foreign language programs
and activities, including--
(I) recommendations on coordination;
(II) program enhancements; and
(III) allocation of resources so as to maximize use of resources;
(iii) needed national policies and corresponding legislative and regulatory
actions in support of, and allocation of designated resources to,
promising programs and initiatives at all levels (Federal, State,
and local), especially in the less commonly taught languages that
are seen as critical for national security and global competitiveness
in the next 20 to 50 years;
(iv) effective ways to increase public awareness of the need for foreign
language skills and career paths in all sectors that can employ those
skills, with the objective of increasing support for foreign language
study among--
(I) Federal, State, and local leaders;
(IV) elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions;
and
(v) incentives for related educational programs, including foreign
language teacher training;
(vi) coordination of cross-sector efforts, including public-private
partnerships;
(vii) coordination initiatives to develop a strategic posture for
language research and recommendations for funding for applied foreign
language research into issues of national concern;
(I) the development and implementation of foreign language content
and performance standards, including implementation of such standards
developed by the Council or other groups;
(II) corresponding assessments for the elementary, secondary, and
postsecondary education levels, including the National Assessment
of Educational Progress in foreign languages;
(III) the development and implementation of language skill-level
certification standards;
(IV) an ideal course of pre-service and professional development
study for those who teach foreign language; and
(V) suggested graduation criteria for foreign language studies and
appropriate non-language studies, such as--
(aa) international business;
(bb) national security;
(cc) public administration; and
(dd) health care; and
(ix) identification of and means for replicating best practices at
all levels and in all sectors, including best practices from the international
community.
(4) MEETINGS- The Council may hold such meetings, and sit and act at such
times and places, as the Council considers appropriate, but shall meet
in formal session at least 2 times a year. State and local government
agencies and other organizations (such as academic sector institutions,
foreign language-related interest groups, business associations, industry,
and heritage community organizations) shall be invited, as appropriate,
to public meetings of the Council at least once a year.
(A) IN GENERAL- The National Foreign Language Advisor may appoint and
fix the compensation of such additional personnel as the Advisor considers
necessary to carry out the duties of the Council.
(B) DETAILS FROM OTHER AGENCIES- Upon request of the Council, the head
of any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the
personnel of such agency to the Council.
(C) EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS- With the approval of the Council, the National
Foreign Language Advisor may procure temporary and intermittent services
under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.
(A) DELEGATION- Any member or employee of the Council may, if authorized
by the Council, take any action that the Council is authorized to take
in this Act.
(B) INFORMATION- The Council may secure directly from any Federal agency
such information as the Council considers necessary to carry out its
responsibilities. Upon request of the National Foreign Language Advisor,
the head of such agency shall furnish such information to the Council.
(C) DONATIONS- The Council may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.
(D) MAIL- The Council may use the United States mail in the same manner
and under the same conditions as other Federal agencies.
(7) CONFERENCES, NEWSLETTER, AND WEBSITE- In carrying out this section,
the Council--
(A) may arrange Federal, regional, State, and local conferences for
the purpose of developing and coordinating effective programs and activities
to improve foreign language education;
(B) may publish a newsletter concerning Federal, State, and local programs
that are effectively meeting the foreign language needs of the Nation;
and
(C) shall create and maintain a website containing information on the
Council and its activities, best practices on language education, and
other relevant information.
(8) REPORTS- Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, and annually thereafter, the Council shall prepare and transmit to
the President and Congress a report that describes--
(A) the activities of the Council;
(B) the efforts of the Council to improve foreign language education
and training; and
(C) any impediments, including any statutory and regulatory restrictions,
to such efforts.
(b) National Foreign Language Advisor-
(1) IN GENERAL- There shall be a National Foreign Language Advisor, who
shall be appointed by the President. The National Foreign Language Advisor
shall be a nationally recognized individual with credentials and abilities
across all of the sectors to be involved with creating and implementing
long-term solutions to achieving national foreign language and cultural
competency.
(2) RESPONSIBILITIES- The National Foreign Language Advisor shall--
(A) develop and oversee the implementation of a national foreign language
strategy across all sectors;
(B) establish formal relationships among the major stakeholders in meeting
the needs of the Nation for improved capabilities in foreign languages
and cultural understanding, including Federal, State, and local government
agencies, academia, industry, labor, and heritage communities; and
(C) coordinate and lead a public information campaign that raises awareness
of public and private sector careers requiring foreign language skills
and cultural understanding, with the objective of increasing interest
in and support for the study of foreign languages among national leaders,
the business community, local officials, parents, and individuals.
(3) COMPENSATION- The National Foreign Language Advisor shall be paid
at a rate of pay payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule
under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
END
