Achievement Through Technology and Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to rename part D (Achievement through Technology and Innovation) and reauthorize it through FY2017.
Requires states to use a portion of their allotted funds under subpart 1 (State and Local Grants) of part D to develop challenging academic content and achievement standards to ensure that students are technologically literate before the end of grade eight. Specifies that such standards are only for tracking technological literacy and not for assessing adequate yearly progress (AYP) under title I. Permits technological literacy testing to be embedded in other state tests or performance-based assessments portfolios, or made through other valid and reliable means.
Requires states to use the bulk of their allotment for two new subgrant programs for local educational agencies (LEAs), devoting: (1) 60% for formula subgrants to improve teaching and learning through technology, and (2) 40% for competitive subgrants for systemic school redesign through technology integration.
Requires LEAs to: (1) include a new or updated local long-range strategic educational technology plan in their applications, (2) use a specified percentage of each subgrant for teacher training, and (3) use each subgrant to acquire and apply technology to identify individual student learning needs and support personalized learning. Allows LEAs that receive funds for both programs to use all the funds for systemic school redesign through technology integration program activities.
Creates a new subpart 2 (State Competitive Grants) program to which all funding is to be directed if part D appropriations fall below a specified amount, otherwise all funding is to be made available for subpart 1 programs.
Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants under subpart 2 to states and consortia of states to support LEAs' enhanced use of technology, including online and blended learning for systemic education transformation, curricula redesign, and new instructional strategies to personalize learning.
[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3614 Introduced in House (IH)]
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3614
To reauthorize the Enhancing Education Through Technology Act of 2001.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 8, 2011
Ms. Roybal-Allard (for herself, Mr. Hinojosa, and Mr. Carnahan)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Education and the Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To reauthorize the Enhancing Education Through Technology Act of 2001.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Achievement Through Technology and
Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION.
Part D of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6751 et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``PART D--ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
``SEC. 2401. SHORT TITLE.
``This part may be cited as the `Achievement Through Technology and
Innovation Act of 2011' or the `ATTAIN Act'.
``SEC. 2402. PURPOSES AND GOALS.
``The purposes and goals of this part are--
``(1) to ensure that through effective and innovative uses
of technology that every student has access to personalized,
rigorous, and relevant learning to meet the goals of this Act
to raise student achievement, close the achievement gap, and
ensure highly effective teaching, and to prepare all students
to be technology literate and college and career ready for the
21st century digital economy;
``(2) to evaluate, build upon, and increase the use of
evidence-based and innovative systemic school redesigns that
center on the use of technology that leads to school
improvement, improved productivity, and increased student
achievement;
``(3) to ensure that all educators are connected in an
ongoing manner to technology-based and online resources and
supports, including through enhanced ongoing, meaningful
professional development to ensure that--
``(A) all educators are technology literate and
effectively use technology to improve instruction; and
``(B) education administrators possess the capacity
to--
``(i) provide leadership in the use of
technology for systemic redesign of curriculum,
instruction, and the education enterprise; and
``(ii) improve educational productivity;
``(4) to improve student engagement, opportunity,
attendance, graduation rates, and technology access through
enhanced or redesigned curriculum or instruction;
``(5) to more effectively collect and use student
performance and other data in a timely manner to inform
instruction, address individualized student needs, support
school decisionmaking, and support school improvement and
increased student achievement, including through delivery of
computer-based and online assessments;
``(6) to enhance the use of technology, online and blended
learning for systemic education transformation, including
curricula redesign and new instructional strategies to
personalize learning; and
``(7) to increase education productivity and reduce costs
through the use of technology, blended and online learning,
including for the delivery of online assessments.
``SEC. 2403. DEFINITIONS.
``In this part:
``(1) Local educational agency.--The term `local
educational agency' includes a consortium of local educational
agencies.
``(2) Student technology literacy.--The term `student
technology literacy' means student knowledge and skills in
using contemporary information, communication, and learning
technologies in a manner necessary for successful employment,
life-long learning, and citizenship in the knowledge-based,
digital, and global 21st century, as further defined by the
State educational agency, which includes, at a minimum, the
ability--
``(A) to effectively communicate and collaborate;
``(B) to analyze and solve problems;
``(C) to access, evaluate, manage, and create
information and otherwise gain information literacy;
``(D) to demonstrate creative thinking, construct
knowledge, and develop innovative products and
processes; and
``(E) to do so in a safe and ethical manner.
``SEC. 2404. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this part, $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2012, and such sums as
may be necessary for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.
``(b) Allocation of Funds Between State and Local Initiatives.--The
funds made available under subsection (a) shall be available to carry
out subparts 1 and 2, as described in subsection (d).
``(c) Limitation.--
``(1) Local administrative costs.--Of the funds made
available to a local educational agency under this part for a
fiscal year, not more than 3 percent may be used by the local
educational agency for administrative costs.
``(2) State administrative costs.--Of the funds made
available to a State educational agency under section
2412(a)(1)(A), not more than 60 percent may be used by the
State educational agency for administrative costs.
``(d) Trigger.--For fiscal years--
``(1) for which the amount appropriated to carry out this
part is less than $300,000,000, all funds available under
subsection (b)(2) shall be available to carry out subpart 2;
and
``(2) for which the amount appropriated to carry out this
part equals or is more than $300,000,000, all funds available
under subsection (b)(2) shall be available to carry out subpart
1.
``Subpart 1--State and Local Grants
``SEC. 2411. ALLOTMENT AND REALLOTMENT.
``(a) Reservations and Allotment.--From the amount made available
to carry out this subpart under section 2404(b)(2) for a fiscal year--
``(1) the Secretary shall reserve--
``(A) \3/4\ of 1 percent for the Secretary of the
Interior for programs under this subpart for schools
operated or funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and
``(B) \1/2\ of 1 percent to provide assistance
under this subpart to the outlying areas; and
``(2) subject to subsection (b), the Secretary shall use
the remainder to award grants by allotting to each State
educational agency an amount that bears the same relationship
to such remainder for such year as the amount received under
part A of title I for such year by such State educational
agency bears to the amount received under such part for such
year by all State educational agencies.
``(b) Minimum Allotment.--The amount of any State educational
agency's allotment under subsection (a)(2) for any fiscal year shall
not be less than \1/2\ of 1 percent of the amount made available for
allotments to State educational agencies under this subpart for such
year.
``(c) Reallotment of Unused Funds.--The Secretary shall reallot any
unused amount of a State educational agency's allotment to the
remaining State educational agencies that use their entire allotments
under this subpart in accordance with this section.
``SEC. 2412. USE OF ALLOTMENT BY STATE.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) In general.--Of the amount provided to a State
educational agency under section 2411(a)(2) for a fiscal year--
``(A) the State educational agency may use not more
than 5 percent of such amount or $100,000, whichever
amount is greater, to carry out activities under
section 2414; and
``(B) the State educational agency shall distribute
the remainder in accordance with paragraphs (2) and
(3).
``(2) Distribution of remainder.--The State educational
agency shall carry out the following:
``(A) The State educational agency shall use 60
percent of the remainder to award Improving Teaching
and Learning through Technology subgrants to local
educational agencies having applications approved under
section 2415(c) for the activities described in section
2416(b) by allotting to each such local educational
agency an amount that bears the same relationship to 60
percent of the remainder for such year as the amount
received under part A of title I for such year by such
local educational agency bears to the amount received
under such part for such year by all local educational
agencies within the State, subject to subsection
(b)(2).
``(B) The State educational agency shall use 40
percent of the remainder to award Systemic School
Redesign through Technology Integration subgrants,
through a State-determined competitive process, to
local educational agencies having applications approved
under section 2415(b) for the activities described in
section 2416(a).
``(3) Option in years with insufficient amounts
appropriated.--If the amount provided to a State educational
agency under section 2411(a)(2) for a fiscal year is not large
enough to provide every local educational agency with a minimum
subgrant under subsection (b)(2), the State educational agency
may distribute 100 percent of the remainder described in
paragraph (1)(B) as either formula grants under paragraph
(2)(A) or competitive grants under paragraph (2)(B).
``(b) Sufficient Amounts.--
``(1) Special rule.--In awarding subgrants under subsection
(a)(2)(B), the State educational agency shall--
``(A) ensure the subgrants are of sufficient size
and scope to be effective, consistent with the purposes
of this part;
``(B) ensure subgrants are of sufficient duration
to be effective, consistent with the purposes of this
part, including by awarding subgrants for a period of
not less than 2 years that may be renewed for not more
than an additional 1 year;
``(C) give preference in the awarding of subgrants,
and the providing of all technical assistance, to local
educational agencies that serve schools in need of
improvement, as identified under section 1116,
including those schools with high populations of--
``(i) students who are English Language
Learners;
``(ii) students with disabilities; or
``(iii) other subgroups of students who
have not met the State's student academic
achievement standards; and
``(D) ensure an equitable distribution among urban
and rural areas of the State, according to the
demonstrated need for assistance under this subpart of
the local educational agencies serving the areas.
``(2) Minimum formula-based subgrant.--The amount of any
local educational agency's subgrant under subsection (a)(2)(A)
for any fiscal year shall be not less than $3,000.
``(c) Reallotment of Unused Funds.--If any local educational agency
does not apply for a subgrant under subsection (a) for a fiscal year,
or does not use the local educational agency's entire allotment under
this subpart for such fiscal year, the State shall reallot any unused
funds to the remaining local educational agencies.
``SEC. 2413. STATE APPLICATIONS.
``(a) In General.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
subpart, a State educational agency shall submit to the Secretary, at
such time and in such manner as the Secretary may specify, an
application containing the contents described in subsection (b) and
such other information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
``(b) Contents.--Each State educational agency application
submitted under subsection (a) shall include each of the following:
``(1) A description of how the State educational agency
will support local educational agencies that receive subgrants
under this subpart in meeting the purposes and goals of this
part and the requirements of this subpart, including through
technical assistance in using technology to redesign curriculum
and instruction, improve educational productivity, and deliver
computer-based and online assessment.
``(2) A description of the State educational agency's long-
term goals and strategies for improving student academic
achievement, including student technology literacy, through the
effective use of technology.
``(3) A description of the priority area upon which the
State educational agency will focus its assistance under this
subpart, which shall be identified from among the core academic
subjects, grade levels, and student subgroup populations that
may be causing the most number of local educational agencies in
the State to not make adequate yearly progress, as defined in
section 1111(b)(2)(C).
``(4) A description of how the State educational agency
will support local educational agencies to implement,
professional development programs pursuant to section
2416(b)(1)(A).
``(5) A description of how the State educational agency
will ensure that teachers, paraprofessionals, school
librarians, and administrators possess the knowledge and skills
to use technology--
``(A) for curriculum redesign to change teaching
and learning and improve student achievement;
``(B) for assessment, data analysis, and to
personalize learning;
``(C) to improve student technology literacy; and
``(D) for their own ongoing professional
development and for access to teaching resources and
tools.
``(6) A description of the process, activities, and
performance measures that the State educational agency will use
to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of activities
described in section 2414.
``(7) Identification of the State challenging academic
content standards and challenging student academic achievement
standards that the State educational agency will use to ensure
that each student is technology literate consistent with the
definition of student technology literacy, and a description of
how the State educational agency will assess student
performance in gaining technology literacy, only for the
purpose of tracking progress towards achieving the 8th grade
technology literacy goal and not for meeting adequate yearly
progress goals, including through embedding such assessment
items in other State tests or performance-based assessments
portfolios, or through other valid and reliable means. Nothing
in this subpart shall be construed to require States to develop
a separate test to assess student technology literacy.
``(8) An assurance that financial assistance provided under
this subpart will supplement, and not supplant, State and local
funds.
``(9) A description of how the State educational agency
will, in providing technical and other assistance to local
educational agencies, give priority to those identified by the
State as being in the highest need of assistance, including
those with the highest percentage or number of students from
families with incomes below the poverty line, students not
achieving at the State proficiency level with student
populations identified under section 2412(b)(1)(C), or schools
identified as in need of improvement under section 1116.
``(10) A description of how the State educational agency
consulted with local educational agencies in the development of
the State application.
``SEC. 2414. STATE ACTIVITIES.
``(a) Mandatory Activities.--From funds made available under
section 2412(a)(1)(A), a State educational agency shall carry out each
of the following activities:
``(1) Identify the State challenging academic content
standards and challenging student academic achievement
standards that the State educational agency will use to ensure
that each student is technology literate consistent with the
definition of student technology literacy.
``(2) Assess student performance in gaining technology
literacy consistent with paragraph (1), including through
embedding such assessment items in other State tests,
performance-based assessments, or portfolios, or through other
means, except that such assessments shall be used only to track
student technology literacy and shall not be used to determine
adequate yearly progress, and widely disseminate such results.
``(3) Provide guidance, technical assistance, and other
assistance, including in the priority area identified by the
State pursuant to section 2413(b)(3), in using technology to
improve teaching and redesign curriculum and instruction,
improve educational productivity, and deliver computer-based
and online assessment, and in submitting applications for
funding under this part to high-need local educational
agencies--
``(A) with the highest percentage or number of--
``(i) students not achieving at the State
proficiency level; and
``(ii) student populations described in
section 2412(b)(1)(C); and
``(B) serving schools identified as in need of
improvement under section 1116.
``(b) Permissive Activities.--From funds made available under
section 2412(a)(1)(A), a State educational agency may carry out 1 or
more of the following activities that assist local educational
agencies:
``(1) State leadership activities and technical assistance
that support achieving the purposes and goals of this part.
``(2) Developing or utilizing research-based or innovative
strategies for the delivery of specialized or rigorous academic
courses and curricula through the use of technology, including
distance learning technologies.
``(3) Providing, or supporting local educational agencies
in providing, sustained and intensive, high-quality
professional development pursuant to section 2416(b)(1)(A).
``(4) Assessing student performance in gaining technology
literacy consistent with subsection (a)(2), including through
embedding such assessment items in other State tests,
performance-based assessments, or portfolios, or through other
means.
``SEC. 2415. LOCAL APPLICATIONS.
``(a) In General.--Each local educational agency desiring a
subgrant under this subpart shall submit to the State educational
agency an application containing a new or updated local long-range
strategic educational technology plan, and such other information as
the State educational agency may reasonably require that shall include
each of the following:
``(1) A description of how the local educational agency
will align and coordinate the local educational agency's use of
funds under this subpart with--
``(A) the school district technology plan;
``(B) the school district plans and activities for
improving student achievement, including plans and
activities under sections 1111, 1112, 1116, and 2123,
as applicable; and
``(C) funds available from other Federal, State,
and local sources.
``(2) An assurance that financial assistance provided under
this subpart will supplement, and not supplant, other funds
available to carry out activities assisted under this subpart.
``(3) A description of the process used to assess and, as
needed, update technologies throughout the local educational
agency.
``(4) Such other information as the State educational
agency may reasonably require.
``(b) Competitive Grants; Systemic School Redesign Through
Technology Integration.--In addition to the information described in
subsection (a), a local educational agency submitting an application
for a subgrant under section 2412(a)(2)(B) shall submit to the State
educational agency an application containing each of the following:
``(1) A description of how the local educational agency
will use the subgrant funds to implement systemic school
redesign, which is a comprehensive set of programs, practices,
and technologies that--
``(A) collectively lead to school or school
district change and improvement, improve educational
productivity, and improve student achievement and
technology literacy; and
``(B) incorporate all of the following elements:
``(i) Reform or redesign of curriculum,
instruction, assessment, use of data, or other
practices through the use of technology in
order to increase student learning opportunity,
and engagement in learning.
``(ii) Improvement of educator quality,
knowledge and skills, and effectiveness through
ongoing, sustainable, timely, and contextual
professional development described in section
2416(b)(1)(A).
``(iii) Ongoing use of formative and other
assessments and other timely data sources and
data systems to more effectively identify
individual student learning needs and
personalize learning.
``(iv) Engagement of school district
leaders, school leaders, and classroom
educators.
``(v) Programs, practices, and technologies
that are based on a review of the best
available research evidence or on development
and use of new and innovative designs,
programs, practices, and technologies.
``(2) An assurance that the local educational agency will
use not less than 25 percent of the subgrant funds to implement
a program of professional development described in section
2416(b)(1)(A).
``(3) A description of how the local educational agency
will evaluate the impact of 1 or more programs or activities
carried out under this subpart.
``(c) Formula Grants; Improving Teaching and Learning Through
Technology.--In addition to the information described in subsection
(a), a local educational agency submitting an application for a
subgrant under section 2412(a)(2)(A) shall submit to the State
educational agency an application containing each of the following:
``(1) An assurance that the local educational agency will
use not less than 40 percent of the subgrant funds for ensuring
educators, including teachers and administrators, are
technology literate, prepared to use technology to improve
curriculum and instruction, and are connected online to
supports and resources, including for--
``(A) professional development described in section
2416(b)(1)(A); and
``(B) to provide educators with ongoing access to
technology tools, applications, supports and other
resources, including those related specifically to such
professional development activities.
``(2) A description of the local educational agency's
program of professional development required under paragraph
(1)(A).
``(3) A description of the use of technology tools,
applications, and other resources to improve student learning
and achievement in the area of priority identified under
paragraph (4).
``(4) A description of the priority area subgrant funds
will target, identified from among the core academic subjects,
grade levels, and student subgroup populations in which the
most number of students served by the local educational agency
are not proficient.
``(5) A description of how funds will be used to integrate
technology to redesign curriculum or instruction, implement
computer-based and online assessments, improve use of data to
personalize learning, or improve education productivity.
``(d) Combined Applications.--A local educational agency that
submits an application under subsection (b), may, upon notice to the
State educational agency, submit a single application that will also be
considered as an application for subgrant funds awarded under
subsection (c), if the application addresses each application
requirement under subsections (a), (b), and (c).
``SEC. 2416. LOCAL ACTIVITIES.
``(a) Competitive Grants; Systemic School Redesign Through
Technology Integration.--A local educational agency that receives funds
through a subgrant under section 2412(a)(2)(B), shall carry out
activities to improve student learning, technology literacy, and
achievement, as follows:
``(1) Use not less than 5 percent of such funds to evaluate
the impact of 1 or more programs or activities carried out
under the subgrant as identified in the local educational
agency's application and approved by the State educational
agency.
``(2) Use funds remaining after carrying out paragraph (1)
to implement a plan for systemic school redesign in 1 or more
schools, in accordance with section 2415(b)(1), including each
of the following:
``(A) Using not less than 25 percent of subgrant
funds to ensure educators, including teachers and
administrators, are technology literate, prepared to
use technology to improve curriculum and instruction,
and are connected online to supports and resources,
including through the following:
``(i) Professional development activities,
as described in subsection (b)(1)(A).
``(ii) The acquisition and implementation
of technology tools, applications, and other
resources to provide educators with ongoing
access and support, including for use in the
professional development activities described
in clause (i).
``(B) Acquiring and effectively implementing
technology tools, applications, and other resources in
conjunction with enhancing or redesigning the
curriculum or instruction in order to--
``(i) increase student learning opportunity
or access, student engagement in learning, or
student attendance or graduation rates;
``(ii) improve student achievement in 1 or
more of the core academic subjects; and
``(iii) improve student technology
literacy.
``(C) Acquiring and effectively implementing
technology tools, applications, and other resources
to--
``(i) conduct ongoing formative and other
assessments and use other timely data sources
and data systems to more effectively identify
and address individual student learning needs;
``(ii) support personalized student
learning, including through instructional
software and digital content that supports the
learning needs of each student, or through
providing access to high-quality courses and
instructors otherwise not available except
through technology and online learning; and
``(iii) conduct other activities consistent
with research-based or innovative systemic
school redesign, including activities that
increase parental involvement.
``(b) Formula Grants; Improving Teaching and Learning Through
Technology.--A local educational agency that receives funds through a
subgrant under section 2412(a)(2)(A), shall carry out activities to
improve student learning, technology literacy, and achievement in the
area of priority identified under section 2415(c)(4), as follows:
``(1) Use not less than 40 percent of such funds for
professional development activities that are aligned with
activities supported under section 2123 to improve educator
quality and skills through support for the following:
``(A) Training of school personnel, which--
``(i) shall include the development,
acquisition, or delivery of--
``(I) training that is ongoing,
sustainable, timely, and directly
related to up-to-date teaching content
areas;
``(II) training in strategies and
pedagogy in the core academic subjects
that involve use of technology and
curriculum redesign as key components
of changing teaching and learning and
improving student achievement and
technology literacy;
``(III) training in the use of
computer-based and online assessments,
and in the use of student performance
and other data to individualized
instruction; and
``(IV) training that includes
ongoing communication and follow-up
with instructors, facilitators, and
peers; and
``(ii) may include--
``(I) the use of, and training of,
instructional technology specialists,
mentors, master teachers, or coaches to
serve as experts and train other
teachers in the effective use of
technology; and
``(II) the use of technology, such
as distance learning and online virtual
educator-to-educator peer communities,
as a means for delivering professional
development.
``(B) The acquisition and implementation of
technology tools, applications, and other resources to
be employed in the professional development activities
described in subparagraph (A).
``(2) Use funds remaining after carrying out paragraph (1)
to acquire or implement technology tools, applications, and
other resources to improve student learning, technology
literacy, and achievement in the area of priority identified by
the local educational agency, including through 1 or more of
the following:
``(A) Conducting ongoing formative assessment and
using other timely data sources and data systems to
more effectively identify and address individual
student learning needs.
``(B) Supporting personalized student learning,
including through instructional software and digital
content that supports the learning needs of each
student, or through providing access to high-quality
courses and instructors not otherwise available except
through technology such as online learning.
``(C) Increasing parental involvement through
improved communication with teachers and access to
student assignments and grades.
``(D) Enhancing accountability, instruction, and
data-driven decisionmaking through data systems that
allow for management, analysis, and disaggregating of
student, teacher, and school data.
``(E) Such other activities as are appropriate and
consistent with the goals and purposes of this part.
``(c) Multiple Grants.--A local educational agency that receives a
subgrant under subparagraph (A) and subparagraph (B) of section
2412(a)(2) may use all such subgrant funds for activities authorized
under subsection (a).
``Subpart 2--State Competitive Grants
``SEC. 2421. STATE COMPETITIVE GRANTS.
``(a) In General.--From the amount made available to carry out this
subpart under section 2404(b)(2) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall
award grants to State educational agencies, and consortia of such
agencies, having applications approved under subsection (b) for the
activities described in subsection (d).
``(b) Applications.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subpart, a State educational agency or consortium of State
educational agencies shall submit to the Secretary an
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may reasonably require, including
the information described in paragraph (2).
``(2) Contents.--An application submitted by a State
educational agency or consortium of State educational agencies
for a grant under this subpart shall include the following:
``(A) In the case of an applicaton by a consortium,
an identification of the States included in the
consortium, and which State will act as both fiscal
agent and lead grant administrator.
``(B) A description of how the applicant will
support local educational agencies in achieving the
absolute priority of supporting enhanced use of
technology, including online and blended learning for
systemic education transformation, curricula redesign,
and new instructional strategies to personalize
learning.
``(C) An identification of an additional priority
the applicant will address and a description of how the
applicant will support local educational agencies in
achieving the priority. Such priority shall be 1 or
more of the following:
``(i) Preparing for and administering State
assessments online.
``(ii) Using technology and blended
learning to improve education productivity and
reduce education costs.
``(iii) Preparing the capacity of
administrators and other education leaders to
lead systemic education transformation through
technology.
``(D) A brief description of the applicant's (or,
in the case of an applicant that is a consortium of
State educational agencies, each such agency's) long-
term goals and strategies for improving student
academic achievement, including student technology
literacy, through the effective use of technology and
how the grant will support that plan's implementation
and achievement.
``(E) A description of how the applicant will use
grant funds to improve the knowledge and skills of
educators, including teachers and administrators, to
more effectively use technology.
``(F) A description of the process, activities, and
performance measures that the applicant will use to
evaluate the impact and effectiveness of activities and
to disseminate those findings.
``(G) An identification of the challenging academic
content standards and challenging student academic
achievement standards that the applicant will use to
ensure that each student is technology literate.
``(H) An assurance that financial assistance
provided under this subpart will supplement, and not
supplant, State and local funds available for
activities described in this subpart.
``(I) A description of how the applicant consulted
with local educational agencies in the development of
the application.
``(J) A listing of the local educational agencies
that will receive subgrants, and a description of the
activities the local educational agencies have agreed
to undertake with such funds should the applicant be
awarded a grant under this subpart.
``(K) A description of how the applicant will
coordinate activities carried out with funds under this
subpart with other Federal, State, and local funds and
activities in order to leverage their impact beyond
what could be accomplished directly with grant funds.
``(c) Awards.--In awarding grants under this subpart, the Secretary
shall do the following:
``(1) Ensure the grants--
``(A) are of sufficient size and duration to be
effective;
``(B) are distributed among States of diverse
geographic locations and populations; and
``(C) serve students of greatest need.
``(2) Use the following characteristics of a State
educational agency (or, in the case of an applicant that is a
consortium of State educational agencies, the characteristics
of each participating agency) as absolute priorities for
awarding grants:
``(A) Bases student advancement and graduation on
demonstrated competency regardless of seat-time, or
time spent in a traditional classroom.
``(B) Seeks to ensure all students have access to
high-quality digital content and online courses without
arbitrary caps or other limitations on enrollment in
online learning.
``(C) Has teacher certification or licensure
requirements that require educators to be technology
literate, including the ability to--
``(i) integrate technology into curriculum,
instruction, and assessment;
``(ii) use data to personalize learning; or
``(iii) teach online.
``(D) Allows the use of State funds for technology
tools and applications, if appropriate, to meet program
goals and requirements, including ensuring that the
State's rules support adoption of electronic learning
materials, including allowance that materials may be
updated in an ongoing manner and can be acquired
through subscription.
``(E) Has learning standards that include student
technology literacy standards and learning performance
standards that assess student technology literacy.
``(3) Use the following characteristics of a State
educational agency (or, in the case of an applicant that is a
consortium of State educational agencies, the characteristics
of each participating agency) as competitive preference
priorities for awarding grants:
``(A) Assessments are delivered online and may be
taken when students have completed a particular course
or unit of instruction, not at a specified time and
date.
``(B) Has teacher certification reciprocity
agreements with 1 or more other State educational
agencies, including for online instruction.
``(C) Postsecondary and other teacher training
institutions are required to provide, or supported in
providing, training in online and blended instruction.
``(D) Directly supports technology tools and
applications and ensure all students and teachers have
high-speed access to the Internet.
``(E) Supports policies or plans facilitating the
use of student owned devices in schools or that
facilitate home access to digital content.
``(F) Has plans that support students with
disabilities, advanced learners, below-grade-level
learners, and English language learners.
``(d) Use of Funds.--A recipient of a grant under this subpart
shall--
``(1) allocate not less than 75 percent of grant funds to
local educational agencies to carry out the activities
described in the application; and
``(2) use the funds remaining after carrying out paragraph
(1) for State-level activities, as described in the
application, including--
``(A) assessing the impact of grant funds; and
``(B) disseminating the findings of the recipient
statewide and nationally and, in the case of a
consortium, throughout the States within the
consortium.''.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2218)
Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
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