Enhancing Education Through Technology Act of 2013 - Replaces part D (Enhancing Education Through Technology) of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) with a new part D (Achievement Through Technology and Innovation).
Directs the Secretary of Education (under new subpart 1 [Technology Readiness and Access] of part D) to award matching grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to strengthen state and local technological infrastructure and professional development that supports digital learning.
Allocates grant funds among states in proportion to each state's share of school improvement funds under part A of title I of the ESEA.
Requires states to use at least 90% of their grant to award subgrants to LEAs.
Requires LEAs to use: (1) at least 40% of those funds to support the acquisition of technology that addresses their technology infrastructure and access needs, and (2) at least 35% of those funds for professional development for digital learning.
Allows states to form purchasing consortia with other states, and allows LEAs to form purchasing consortia with other LEAs, to carry out grant and subgrant activities, including the purchase of technology.
Directs the Secretary (under new subpart 2 [Technology for Tomorrow Fund] of part D) to award renewable, competitive grants to eligible partnerships to improve student achievement, academic growth, and college-and-career readiness through the use of technology and digital learning.
Defines an "eligible partnership" as a partnership that includes at least one high-need LEA and at least one state, LEA or educational service agency, institution of higher education, nonprofit or community-based organization, or business or for-profit organization.
Requires partnerships to use their grants to carry out activities that utilize technology and digital learning to: (1) promote personalized, individualized instruction; (2) improve teacher and school leader preparation, professional development, knowledge, skills, practice, and professional capacity; (3) ensure all students equitable access to high-quality curriculum, instruction, assessments, technology, and digital learning; and (4) improve educational efficiency and productivity.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish partnership performance measures, (2) contract with an outside entity to evaluate the grant program and identify effective practices for improving student outcomes, (3) disseminate and provide technical assistance to LEAs and states on best practices in utilizing technology and digital learning for student advancement, and (4) ensure that the Department of Education applies those best practices to other innovation fund programs.
[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1087 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1087
To award grants to encourage State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and schools to utilize technology to improve
student achievement and college and career readiness, the skills of
teachers and school leaders, and the efficiency and productivity of
education systems at all levels.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 4, 2013
Mrs. Hagan (for herself, Mrs. Murray, and Ms. Baldwin) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To award grants to encourage State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and schools to utilize technology to improve
student achievement and college and career readiness, the skills of
teachers and school leaders, and the efficiency and productivity of
education systems at all levels.
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 ``Enhancing Education Through
Technology Act of 2013''.
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. PURPOSES.
``The purposes of this part are--
``(1) to improve the achievement, academic growth, and
college and career readiness of students who have developed the
ability to think critically, apply knowledge to solve complex
problems, work collaboratively, communicate effectively, be
self-directed, and be responsible digital citizens;
``(2) to ensure all students have access to individualized,
rigorous, and engaging digital learning experiences;
``(3) to ensure that educators have the knowledge and
skills to develop and implement digital learning curriculum,
use technology effectively in order to personalize and
strengthen instruction, and effectively deliver and utilize
assessments to measure student outcomes and support student
success;
``(4) to ensure that administrators have the leadership,
management, knowledge, and skills to design, develop, and
implement a school or local educational agency-wide digital age
learning environment;
``(5) to improve the efficiency and productivity of
education through technology;
``(6) to address the connectivity needs of local
educational agencies and educational service agencies that are
eligible for support under the E-rate program without
duplicating the support available under such program;
``(7) to ensure that students have increased access to dual
and concurrent enrollment opportunities, career and technical
courses, and programs leading to an industry recognized
credential; and
``(8) to ensure that State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and elementary schools and secondary
schools have the technological capacity and infrastructure to
meet purposes described in paragraphs (1) through (7).
``SEC. 2402. E-RATE RESTRICTION.
``Funds awarded under this part may be used to address the
networking needs of a recipient of such funds for which the recipient
is eligible to receive support under the E-rate program, except that
such funds may not be duplicative of support received by the recipient
under the E-rate program.
``SEC. 2403. DEFINITIONS.
``In this part:
``(1) Digital learning.--The term `digital learning' means
any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to
strengthen a student's learning experience and encompasses a
wide spectrum of tools and practices, including--
``(A) interactive learning resources that engage
students in academic content;
``(B) access to online databases and other primary
source documents;
``(C) the use of data to personalize learning and
provide targeted supplementary instruction;
``(D) student collaboration with content experts
and peers;
``(E) online and computer-based assessments;
``(F) digital content, adaptive, and simulation
software or courseware;
``(G) online courses, online instruction, or
digital learning platforms;
``(H) mobile and wireless technologies for learning
in school and at home;
``(I) learning environments that allow for rich
collaboration and communication;
``(J) authentic audiences for learning in a
relevant, real world experience;
``(K) teacher participation in virtual professional
communities of practice; and
``(L) hybrid or blended learning, which occurs
under direct instructor supervision at a school or
other location away from home and, at least in part,
through online delivery of instruction with some
element of student control over time, place, path, or
pace.
``(2) Eligible partnership.--The term `eligible
partnership' means a partnership that shall include not less
than 1 high-need local educational agency and not less than 1--
``(A) State educational agency;
``(B) local educational agency, educational service
agency, consortium of local educational agencies, or
consortium of educational service agencies, that can
demonstrate that teachers in schools served by the
agency are effectively integrating technology and
proven teaching standards into instruction, based on a
review of relevant research, and that such integration
results in improvement in--
``(i) classroom instruction in the core
academic subjects; and
``(ii) the preparation of students to meet
State academic content and student academic
achievement standards;
``(C) institution of higher education;
``(D) nonprofit or community-based organization; or
``(E) business or for-profit organization.
``(3) Eligible technology.--The term `eligible technology'
means modern information, computer, and communication
technology hardware, software, services, or tools, including
computer or mobile hardware devices and other computer and
communications hardware, software applications, systems and
platforms, and digital and online content, courseware, and
online instruction and other online services and supports.
``(4) E-rate program.--The term `E-rate program' means the
Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism
established under section 254(h)(1)(B) of the Communications
Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254(h)(1)(B)).
``(5) High-need local educational agency.--The term `high-
need local educational agency' means a local educational agency
that--
``(A) is among the local educational agencies in a
State with the highest numbers or percentages of
children from families with incomes below the poverty
line; and
``(B)(i) operates one or more schools identified
under section 1116; or
``(ii) has a substantial need for assistance in
acquiring and using technology based on the technology
readiness survey.
``(6) Professional development.--The term `professional
development' is a process of continuous improvement for
teachers and school leaders that improves educator knowledge,
skills, and practice toward the goal of increased student
achievement and--
``(A) is intensive, ongoing, connected to practice,
and on-site where allowable;
``(B) is focused on student learning and addresses
the teaching of specific curriculum content;
``(C) is aligned with school improvement priorities
and goals of the school and local educational agency;
and
``(D) builds strong working relationships among
teachers and school leaders that--
``(i) may be built around active
professional learning communities; and
``(ii) may contain on-demand components,
such as instructional videos, training
documents, or learning modules.
``(7) 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,
lifelong learning, and citizenship in the knowledge-based,
digital, and global 21st century, including, at a minimum, the
ability to--
``(A) effectively communicate and collaborate;
``(B) analyze and solve problems;
``(C) access, evaluate, manage, and create
information and otherwise gain information literacy;
``(D) demonstrate creative thinking, construct
knowledge, and develop innovative products and
processes; and
``(E) carry out the activities described in
subparagraphs (A) through (D) in a safe and ethical
manner.
``(8) Technology readiness survey.--The term `technology
readiness survey' means a survey completed by a local
educational agency that provides standardized information
comparable to the information collected through the technology
readiness survey administered under the Race to the Top
Assessment program under section 14006 of division A of the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-
5) on the quantity and types of technology infrastructure and
access available to the students served by the local
educational agency, including computer devices, Internet
connectivity, operating systems, related network
infrastructure, data systems, and--
``(A) requiring--
``(i) an internal review of the degree to
which instruction, additional student support,
and professional development is delivered in
digital formats, media, and platforms and is
available to students and educators at any
time;
``(ii) an internal review of the ability of
educators to use assessments and other student
data to personalize and strengthen instruction
and identify professional development needs and
priorities; and
``(iii) any other information required by
the State educational agency serving the local
educational agency; and
``(B) may include an assessment of local community
needs to ensure students have adequate online access
and access to devices for school-related work during
out-of-school time.
``(9) Universal design for learning.--The term `universal
design for learning' has the meaning given the term in section
103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003).
``Subpart 1--Technology Readiness and Access
``SEC. 2411. TECHNOLOGY GRANTS PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
``(a) In General.--From the amounts appropriated under section
2416, the Secretary shall award State grants for technology readiness
and access (in this subpart referred to as `grants') to State
educational agencies to strengthen State and local technological
infrastructure and professional development that supports digital
learning through State activities under section 2413(c) and local
activities under section 2414(c).
``(b) Grants to State Educational Agencies.--
``(1) Reservations.--From the amounts appropriated under
section 2416 for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve--
``(A) three-fourths of 1 percent for the Secretary
of Interior to provide assistance under this subpart
for schools operated or funded by the Bureau of Indian
Education; and
``(B) 1 percent to provide assistance under this
subpart to the outlying areas.
``(2) Grants.--From the amounts appropriated under section
2416 for any fiscal year and remaining after the Secretary
makes reservations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
make a grant for the fiscal year to each State educational
agency with an approved application under section 2412 in an
amount that bears the same relationship to such remainder as
the amount the State educational agency received under part A
of title I for such year bears to the amount all State
educational agencies with an approved application under section
2412 received under such part for such year.
``(c) Minimum.--The amount of a grant to a State educational agency
under subsection (b)(2) for a fiscal year shall not be less than one-
half of 1 percent of the total amount made available for grants to all
State educational agencies under such subsection for such year.
``(d) Reallotment of Unused Funds.--If any State educational agency
does not apply for a grant under subsection (b)(2) for a fiscal year,
or does not use the State educational agency's entire grant under
subsection (b)(2) for such year, the Secretary shall reallot the amount
of the State educational agency's grant, or the unused portion of the
grant, to the remaining State educational agencies that use their
entire grant amounts under subsection (b)(2) for such year.
``(e) Matching Funds.--
``(1) In general.--A State educational agency that receives
a grant under subsection (b)(2) shall provide matching funds,
from non-Federal sources, in an amount equal to 20 percent of
the amount of grant funds provided to the State educational
agency to carry out the activities supported by the grant. Such
matching funds may be provided in cash or in-kind, except that
any such in-kind contributions shall be provided for the
purpose of supporting the State educational agency's activities
under section 2413(c).
``(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching
requirement under paragraph (1) for a State educational agency
that demonstrates that such requirement imposes an undue
financial hardship on the State educational agency.
``SEC. 2412. STATE APPLICATIONS.
``(a) Application.--To receive a grant under section 2411(b)(2), a
State educational agency shall submit to the Secretary an application
at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require and
containing the information described in subsection (b).
``(b) Contents.--Each application submitted under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
``(1) A description of how the State educational agency
will meet the following goals:
``(A) Use technology to ensure all students achieve
college and career readiness and student technology
literacy, including by providing high-quality education
opportunities to economically or geographically
isolated student populations.
``(B) Provide educators with the tools, devices,
content, and resources to--
``(i) significantly improve teaching and
learning, including support to increase
personalization for and engagement of students
in pursuit of college and career readiness and
student technology literacy; and
``(ii) develop and use assessments to
improve instruction, consistent with the
principles of universal design for learning,
including for students who are children with
disabilities and children who are limited
English proficient.
``(C) Ensure administrators and school leaders have
the flexibility and capacity to develop and manage
systems to carry out activities described in
subparagraphs (A) and (B), and support administrators
and school leaders in utilizing technology to promote
equity and increase efficiency and productivity.
``(D) Enable local educational agencies to build
the technological capacity and infrastructure
(including through local purchasing of eligible
technology), necessary for the full implementation of
online assessments for all students, (including
students who are children with disabilities and
children who are limited English proficient) and to--
``(i) ensure the interoperability of data
systems and eligible technology; and
``(ii) carry out subparagraphs (A) through
(C).
``(2) A description of the technology readiness in the
State, as determined by local educational agency responses to
the technology readiness survey, including--
``(A) the status of the ability of each local
educational agency served by the State educational
agency to meet the goals described in section
2414(b)(1);
``(B) an assurance that not less 90 percent of the
local educational agencies served by the State
educational agency have completed and submitted the
technology readiness survey to the State educational
agency; and
``(C) an assurance that the results of the
technology readiness survey for each such local
educational agency are made available to the Secretary
and the public through the website of the local
educational agency.
``(3) A description of the plan for the State educational
agency to support each local educational agency served by the
State educational agency in meeting the goals described in
section 2414(b)(1) not later than 3 years after the local
educational agency completes the technology readiness survey by
addressing the readiness gaps identified in such survey.
``(4) A description of--
``(A) the State's process for the adoption,
acquisition, distribution, and use of content;
``(B) how the State will ensure integrity of such
processes;
``(C) how such processes support the goals under
paragraph (1) or how a State will change such processes
to support such goals; and
``(D) how the State will ensure content quality.
``(5) A description of how the State educational agency
will ensure that the State educational agency's data systems
and eligible technology are interoperable.
``(6) An assurance that the State educational agency will
consider making content widely available through open
educational resources when making purchasing decisions with
funds received under this subpart.
``(7) A description of the State's student technology
literacy standards and the technology standards for teachers
and administrators, and an assurance that the State's student
technology literacy standards meet the requirements of section
2403(7).
``(8) An assurance that subgrant awards under section 2414
will be carried out by the State educational agency staff with
responsibility for leadership, coordination, and implementation
of instructional and other classroom technologies.
``(9) A description of how the State educational agency
will award subgrants to local educational agencies under
section 2414.
``(10) A description of the process, activities, and
performance measures that the State educational agency will use
to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the grant and
subgrant funds awarded under this subpart across the State and
in each local educational agency.
``(11) A description of how the State educational agency
will, in providing technical and other assistance to local
educational agencies, give priority to the local educational
agencies proposing to target services to--
``(A) students in schools in need of improvement
and persistently low-achieving schools; and
``(B) schools with a high percentage of students
who are eligible for free or reduced price lunch under
the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42
U.S.C. 1751 et seq.).
``(12) A description of how the State educational agency
consulted with local educational agencies in the development of
the State educational agency's application under this
subsection.
``(13) An assurance that the State educational agency will
provide matching funds as required under section 2411(e).
``(14) A description of how the State educational agency
will ensure that funds received under this subpart do not
duplicate support received under the E-rate program.
``(15) An assurance that the State educational agency will
protect the privacy and safety of students and teachers,
consistent with requirements of section 444 of the General
Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (commonly known as
the `Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974') and
section 2441(a).
``SEC. 2413. STATE USE OF GRANT FUNDS.
``(a) Reservation for Subgrants To Support Technology
Infrastructure.--Each State educational agency that receives a grant
under section 2411(b)(2) shall expend not less than 90 percent of the
grant amount for each fiscal year to award subgrants to local
educational agencies in accordance with section 2414.
``(b) Reservation for State Activities.--
``(1) In general.--A State educational agency shall reserve
not more than 10 percent of the grant received under section
2411(b)(2) for the State activities described in subsection
(c).
``(2) Grant administration.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), of
the amount reserved by a State educational agency under
paragraph (1), the State educational agency may reserve
for the administration of the grant under this
subpart--
``(i) not more than--
``(I) 1 percent in the case of a
State educational agency awarding
subgrants under section 2414(a)(1); or
``(II) 3 percent in the case of a
State educational agency awarding
subgrants under section 2414(a)(2).
``(B) Special rule.--Notwithstanding subparagraph
(A), a State educational agency that forms a State
purchasing consortium under subsection (d)--
``(i) may reserve an additional 1 percent
to carry out the activities described in
subsection (d)(1); and
``(ii) may reserve amounts in addition to
the percentage described in clause (i) if the
State purchasing consortium receives direct
approval from the local educational agencies
receiving subgrants under section 2414(a) from
the State educational agency prior to reserving
more than the additional percentage authorized
under clause (i).
``(c) State Activities.--A State educational agency shall use funds
described in subsection (b) to carry out each of the following:
``(1) Except for the awarding of subgrants in accordance
with section 2414, activities described in the State
educational agency's application under section 2412(b).
``(2) Providing technical assistance to local educational
agencies to--
``(A) identify and address technology readiness
needs;
``(B) redesign curriculum and instruction, improve
educational productivity, and deliver computer-based
and online assessment;
``(C) use technology, consistent with the
principles of universal design for learning, to support
the learning needs of all students, including students
who are children with disabilities and children who are
limited English proficient;
``(D) support principals so that principals have
the expertise to evaluate teachers' proficiency in
implementing digital tools for teaching and learning;
and
``(E) build capacity for individual school and
local educational agency leaders.
``(3) 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
digital learning technologies and assistive technology.
``(4) Integrating and coordinating activities under this
subpart with other educational resources and programs across
the State.
``(5) Disseminating information, including making publicly
available on the website of the State educational agency,
promising practices to improve technology instruction, and
acquiring and implementing technology tools and applications.
``(6) Ensuring that teachers, paraprofessionals, library
and media personnel, specialized instructional support
personnel, 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 formative and summative assessment
administration, data analysis, and to personalize
learning;
``(C) to improve student technology literacy;
``(D) to expand the range of supports and
accommodations available to children who are limited
English proficient and students who are children with
disabilities;
``(E) for ongoing professional development and for
access to teaching resources and tools; and
``(F) to provide access to dual enrollment
opportunities, career and technical courses, and
programs leading to an industry recognized credential.
``(7) Coordinating with teacher and school leader
preparation programs to--
``(A) align digital learning teaching standards;
and
``(B) provide ongoing professional development for
teachers and school leaders that is aligned to State
student technology standards and activities promoting
college and career readiness.
``(d) Purchasing Consortia.--
``(1) In general.--A State educational agency receiving a
grant under section 2411(b)(2) may--
``(A) form a State purchasing consortium with 1 or
more State educational agencies receiving such a grant
to carry out the State activities described in
subsection (c), including purchasing eligible
technology;
``(B) encourage local educational agencies to form
local purchasing consortia under section 2414(c)(4);
and
``(C) promote pricing opportunities to local
educational agencies for the purchase of eligible
technology that are--
``(i) negotiated by the State educational
agency or the State purchasing consortium of
the State educational agency; and
``(ii) available to such local educational
agencies.
``(2) Restrictions.--A State educational agency receiving a
grant under section 2411(b)(2) shall not--
``(A) except for promoting the pricing
opportunities described in paragraph (1)(C), make
recommendations to local educational agencies for, or
require, use of any specific commercial products and
services by local educational agencies;
``(B) require local educational agencies to
participate in a State purchasing consortia or local
purchasing consortia; or
``(C) use more than the amount reserved under
subsection (b) to carry out the activities described in
paragraph (1), unless the State educational agency
receives approval in accordance with subsection
(b)(2)(B).
``SEC. 2414. LOCAL SUBGRANTS.
``(a) Subgrants.--
``(1) Grants to local educational agencies.--From the grant
funds provided under section 2411(b)(2) to a State educational
agency that are remaining after the State educational agency
makes reservations under section 2413(b) for any fiscal year
and subject to paragraph (2), the State educational agency
shall award subgrants for the fiscal year to local educational
agencies served by the State educational agency and with an
approved application under subsection (b) by allotting to each
such local educational agency an amount that bears the same
relationship to the remainder as the amount received by the
local educational agency under part A of title I for such year
bears to the amount received by all such local educational
agencies under such part for such year, except that no local
educational agency may receive less than $3,000.
``(2) Competitive grants to local educational agencies.--If
the amount of funds appropriated under section 2411 is less
than $300,000,000 for any fiscal year, a State educational
agency--
``(A) shall not award subgrants under paragraph
(1); and
``(B) shall--
``(i) award subgrants, on a competitive
basis, to local educational agencies based on
the quality of applications submitted under
subsection (b), including--
``(I) the level of technology
readiness, as determined by the
technology readiness surveys completed
by local educational agencies
submitting such applications; and
``(II) the technology plans
described in subsection (b)(4) and how
the local educational agencies with
such plans will carry out the alignment
and coordination described in such
subsection;
``(ii) ensure that such subgrants are of
sufficient size and scope to carry out the
local activities described in subsection (c);
and
``(iii) give priority to local educational
agencies that have demonstrated substantial
need for assistance in acquiring and using
technology, based on the agency's technology
readiness survey.
``(3) Definition of local educational agency for certain
fiscal years.--For purposes of awarding subgrants under
paragraph (2), the term `local educational agency' means--
``(A) a local educational agency;
``(B) an educational service agency; or
``(C) a local educational agency and an educational
service agency.
``(b) Application.--A local educational agency that desires to
receive a subgrant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to
the State at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such
information as the State educational agency may require, including--
``(1) a description of how the local educational agency
will--
``(A) carry out the goals described in
subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 2412(b)(1);
and
``(B) enable schools served by the local
educational agency to build the technological capacity
and infrastructure (including through local purchasing
of eligible technology), necessary for the full
implementation of online assessments for all students
(including students who are children with disabilities
and children who are limited English proficient) and
to--
``(i) ensure the interoperability of data
systems and eligible technology; and
``(ii) carry out the goals described in
subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section
2412(b)(1);
``(2) a description of the results of the technology
readiness survey completed by the local educational agency and
a description of the plan for the local educational agency to
meet the goals described in paragraph (1) within 3 years of
completing the survey;
``(3) a description of the local educational agency's
student technology literacy standards, the agency's goals for
the technology skills for teachers and administrators, and an
assurance that the student technology literacy standards meet
the requirements of section 2403(7);
``(4) a description of the local educational agency's
technology plan to carry out paragraphs (1) and (3) and how the
agency will align and coordinate the activities under this
section with other activities across the local educational
agency;
``(5) a description of the team of educators who will
coordinate and carry out the activities under this section,
including individuals with responsibility and expertise in
instructional technology, teachers that specialize in
supporting students who are children with disabilities and
children who are limited English proficient, school leaders,
technology officers, and staff responsible for assessments and
data analysis;
``(6) a description of how the local educational agency
will evaluate teachers' proficiency and progress in
implementing technology for teaching and learning;
``(7) a description of how the local educational agency
will ensure that principals have the expertise to evaluate
teachers' proficiency and progress in implementing technology
for teaching and learning and the interoperability of data
systems and eligible technology;
``(8) a description of--
``(A) the local educational agency's procurement
process and process for the creation, acquisition,
distribution, and use of content;
``(B) how the local educational agency will ensure
integrity of such processes;
``(C) how such processes support the goals
described in paragraph (1) or how a local educational
agency will change such processes to support such
goals; and
``(D) how the local educational agency will ensure
content quality;
``(9) a description of how the local educational agency
will carry out activities under subsection (c);
``(10) a description of how the subgrant funds received
under subsection (a) will be coordinated with and supported by
other Federal, State, and local funds to support activities
under this subpart;
``(11) a description of how the local educational agency
will ensure that the subgrant received under subsection (a) is
not duplicative of support received under the E-rate program;
and
``(12) an assurance that the local educational agency will
protect the privacy and safety of students and teachers,
consistent with requirements section 444 of the General
Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (commonly known as
the `Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974') and
section 2441(a).
``(c) Use of Funds.--
``(1) Technology infrastructure.--Subject to paragraph (3),
a local educational agency receiving a subgrant under
subsection (a) shall use not less than 40 percent of such funds
to support activities for the acquisition of eligible
technology needed to--
``(A) except for the activities described in
paragraph (2), carry out activities described in the
application submitted under subsection (b), including
purchasing devices, equipment, and software
applications, and improving connectivity to and within
schools; and
``(B) address readiness shortfalls identified under
the technology readiness survey completed by the local
educational agency.
``(2) Professional development for digital learning.--
Subject to paragraph (3), a local educational agency receiving
a subgrant under subsection (a)--
``(A) shall use not less than 35 percent of such
funds to carry out--
``(i) digital age professional development
opportunities for teachers, paraprofessionals,
library and media personnel, specialized
instructional support personnel, technology
coordinators, and administrators in the
effective use of modern information and
communication technology tools and digital
resources to deliver instruction, curriculum
and school classroom management, including for
classroom teachers to assess, support, and
provide engaging student learning
opportunities, including professional
development that--
``(I) is ongoing, sustainable, and
scalable;
``(II) is participatory;
``(III) includes communication and
regular interactions with instructors,
facilitators, and peers and is directly
related to up-to-date teaching methods
in content areas;
``(IV) includes strategies and
tools for improving communication with
parents and family engagement;
``(V) may be built around active
professional learning communities or
online communities of practice or other
tools that increase collaboration among
teachers across schools, local
educational agencies, or States; and
``(VI) may contain on-demand
components, such as instructional
videos, training documents, or learning
modules;
``(ii) ongoing professional development in
strategies and pedagogy in the core academic
subjects that involve the use of technology and
curriculum redesign as key components of
supporting effective, innovative teaching and
learning, and improving student achievement;
``(iii) ongoing professional development in
the use of educational technologies to ensure
every educator achieves and maintains student
technology literacy, including possessing and
maintaining the knowledge and skills to use
technology--
``(I) across the curriculum for
student learning;
``(II) for real-time data analysis
and online or digital assessment to
enable individualized instruction; and
``(III) to develop and maintain
student technology literacy;
``(iv) ongoing professional development for
school leaders to provide and promote
leadership in the use of--
``(I) educational technology to
ensure a digital-age learning
environment, including the capacity to
lead the reform or redesign of
curriculum, instruction, assessment;
and
``(II) data through the use of
technology in order to increase student
learning opportunity, student
technology literacy, student access to
technology, and student engagement in
learning; and
``(v) a review of the effectiveness of the
professional development and regular intervals
of learner feedback and data; and
``(B) may use such funds for--
``(i) the use of technology coaches to work
directly with teachers, including through the
preparation of teachers as technology leaders
or master teachers--
``(I) who are provided with the
means to serve as experts and to create
professional development opportunities
for other teachers in the effective use
of technology; and
``(II) who may leverage
technologies, such as distance learning
and online virtual educator-to-educator
peer communities, as a means to support
ongoing, participatory professional
growth around the integration of
effective educational technologies;
``(ii) innovative approaches to ongoing
professional development such as non-standard
achievement recognition strategies, including
digital badging, gamification elements, use of
learner-created learning objects, integration
of social and professional networking tools,
rating and commenting on learning artifacts,
and personalization of professional
development; and
``(iii) any other activities required to
carry out the local educational agency's
technology plan described in subsection (b)(4).
``(3) Modification of funding allocations.--A State
educational agency may authorize a local educational agency to
modify the percentage of the local educational agency's
subgrant funds required to carry out the activities described
in paragraphs (1) or (2) if the local educational agency
demonstrates that such modification will assist the local
educational agency in more effectively carrying out such
activities.
``(4) Purchasing consortia.--Local educational agencies
receiving subgrants under subsection (a) may--
``(A) form a local purchasing consortia with other
such local educational agencies to carry out the
activities described in this subsection, including
purchasing eligible technology; and
``(B) use such funds for purchasing eligible
technology through a State purchasing consortia under
section 2413(d).
``SEC. 2415. REPORTING.
``(a) Local Educational Agencies.--Each local educational agency
receiving a subgrant under section 2414 shall submit to the State
educational agency that awarded such subgrant an annual report the
meets the requirements of subsection (c).
``(b) State Educational Agencies.--Each State educational agency
receiving a grant under section 2411(b)(2) shall submit to the
Secretary an annual report that meets the requirements of subsection
(c).
``(c) Report Requirements.--A report submitted under subsection (a)
or (b) shall include, at a minimum, a description of--
``(1) the status of the State educational agency's plan
described in section 2412(b)(3) or the local education agency's
technology plan under section 2414(b)(4), as applicable;
``(2) the categories of eligible technology acquired with
funds under this subpart and how such technology is being used;
``(3) the professional development activities funded under
this subpart, including types of activities and entities
involved in providing such professional development to
classroom teachers and other staff, such as school librarians;
``(4) the instruction, strategies, activities, and
curricula used in the programs funded under this subpart; and
``(5) the types of programs funded under this subpart.
``SEC. 2416. AUTHORIZATION.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart
$1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and such sums as may be necessary
for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.
``Subpart 2--Technology for Tomorrow Fund
``SEC. 2421. SHORT TITLE.
``This subpart may be cited as the `Technology for Tomorrow Fund'.
``SEC. 2422. TECHNOLOGY FOR TOMORROW FUND.
``(a) Grants to Eligible Partnerships.--From the amounts
appropriated under section 2427 and not reserved under subsection (b),
the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible
partnerships to enable the eligible partnerships to carry out
activities described in section 2424 to improve student achievement,
academic growth, and college and career readiness through the use of
technology and digital learning.
``(b) Reservation of Funds.--The Secretary may reserve not more
than 5 percent of the amounts appropriated under section 2427 for a
fiscal year for--
``(1) the administration of this subpart; and
``(2) the evaluation and dissemination activities described
in section 2424(b).
``(c) Duration of Grant Period.--A grant under subsection (a) shall
be awarded to an eligible partnership for not less than a 2-year period
and not more than a 3-year period, except that the Secretary may award
the eligible partnership an additional 2-year grant if the eligible
partnership demonstrates satisfactory progress on the performance
measures described in section 2426(a).
``SEC. 2423. APPLICATION.
``(a) In General.--To receive a grant under section 2422, an
eligible partnership shall submit an application at such time and in
such manner as the Secretary may require, and containing the
information described in subsection (b).
``(b) Contents.--An application submitted under subsection (a)
shall include--
``(1) a description of the eligible partnership, the
partners forming the eligible partnership, and the roles and
responsibilities of each partner;
``(2) a demonstration of each partner's capacity and
commitment to fulfill its role and responsibilities to ensure
the successful completion of activities described in section
2424;
``(3) a description of how the grant funds will be used to
improve the achievement, academic growth, and college and
career readiness of students, particularly at-risk, low-income,
and low-performing students;
``(4) a description of how the activities funded by the
grant will be innovative, systemic, or evidence-based by
ensuring such activities--
``(A) are based on strong or promising evidence or
a review of the best available research evidence; and
``(B) may contribute to the development and use of
new models;
``(5) a description of how such activities will utilize
technology and digital learning to--
``(A) promote personalized, individualized
instruction that improves student achievement, academic
growth, and college and career readiness;
``(B) improve teacher and school leader
preparation, training, knowledge, skills, practice, and
professional capacity;
``(C) ensure all students, particularly at-risk and
historically disadvantaged students, including students
who are children with disabilities and children who are
limited English proficient, have equitable access to
high-quality curriculum, instruction, assessments,
technology, and digital learning; or
``(D) improve the efficiency and productivity of
education;
``(6) a description of how the eligible partnership will
measure and report data on the effectiveness of such activities
under section 2425(a);
``(7) an assurance that the grant funds will not solely be
used--
``(A) to purchase materials, hardware, or
technology-based tools; or
``(B) to implement online learning to the exclusion
of other activities;
``(8) a description of how the eligible partnership will
ensure that a grant received under this subpart is not
duplicative of support received under the E-rate program; and
``(9) such other information as the Secretary may require.
``(c) Application Review and Award.--
``(1) Application review and approval.--The Secretary
shall--
``(A) establish a peer review process to assist in
the review of the grant applications and approval of
the grants under this section;
``(B) appoint to the peer review process
individuals who are educators and experts in--
``(i) technology and digital learning;
``(ii) classroom instruction and teaching
practice;
``(iii) school improvement, redesign, or
turnaround;
``(iv) teacher and school leader training
or professional development; and
``(v) education efficiency and
productivity; and
``(C) ensure that each grant is of sufficient size
and scope to carry out the activities described in the
grant application under subsection (b), including the
activities described in section 2424 and measuring and
reporting data under section 2425(a).
``(2) Grant award.--In awarding grants under this subpart,
the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, ensure--
``(A) diversity in the type of activities funded
under the grants, including statewide and local
initiatives;
``(B) equitable geographic distribution of the
grants, including urban and rural areas and small and
large local educational agencies; and
``(C) that eligible partnerships receiving such
grants--
``(i) demonstrate that activities funded by
the grant will be carried out based on strong
or promising evidence; and
``(ii) are committed to and capable of
successfully carrying out the activities
described in the grant application submitted
under subsection (b), including the activities
described in section 2424 and measuring and
reporting data under section 2425(a).
``SEC. 2424. USE OF FUNDS.
``(a) Requirements.--An eligible partnership receiving a grant
under this subpart shall use grant funds to carry out 1 or more of the
following activities that utilize technology and digital learning:
``(1) Promoting personalized, individualized instruction
that improves student achievement, academic growth, and college
and career readiness, such as--
``(A) hybrid, blended, or other digital-learning
opportunities that combine online and teacher-based
instruction to improve student outcomes;
``(B) gaming or other personalized digital or
technology-based tools that individualize instruction
and promote self-directed learning and higher order
thinking skills, including giving students control over
the place, pace, or time of learning;
``(C) online platforms or opportunities that
provide students opportunities for credit recovery or
advanced credit accumulation; and
``(D) expanding the accommodations available to
students who are children with disabilities and
children who are limited English proficient.
``(2) Improving teacher and school leader preparation,
professional development, knowledge, skills, practice, and
professional capacity, such as--
``(A) tools or programs that equip teachers to
differentiate instruction, conduct ongoing formative
assessments, and use real-time data or data systems to
identify individual student learning needs and guide
personalized instruction, learning, and appropriate
interventions that address those individualized student
learning needs;
``(B) on-demand professional development, online
communities of practice, or other technology-based
tools that improve teaching and leadership;
``(C) pre-service training in the use of technology
and digital learning to improve student outcomes; and
``(D) technology-based tools to improve the
administration and implementation of teacher evaluation
systems or other human capital systems.
``(3) Ensuring all students, particularly at-risk and low-
performing students, have equitable access to high-quality
curriculum, instruction, assessments, technology, and digital
learning by effectively implementing technology tools
consistent with the principle of universal design for learning,
such as--
``(A) using tools or programs to teach students
higher order thinking skills;
``(B) improving the education of students who are
children with disabilities through assessment
accommodations, including assistive technology;
``(C) improving the education of children who are
limited English proficient, including language
proficiency and academic content, through intuitive
games and interfaces, web-based interventions, or
technology-based assessments and assessment
accommodations;
``(D) technology-based tools or digital learning
opportunities that enhance high-quality early learning
or early childhood education programs;
``(E) expanding learning opportunities,
particularly for students who are low-performing or
live in rural areas, that increase access to high-
quality curriculum and instruction, advanced placement
or international baccalaureate courses, science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics education, or
enrichment activities; and
``(F) enhancing the quality, depth, or
administration of student assessments, including
summative, formative, and classroom-based assessments.
``(4) Improving the efficiency and productivity of
education, such as--
``(A) extending the reach of high-quality
materials, tools, curriculum, instruction, or teachers
through such means as open educational resources or
blended learning;
``(B) making student learning or school improvement
more effective and cost-efficient through online or
digital platforms; and
``(C) use of laptops, personal devices, or
technology-infused instruction to reduce cost and
improve delivery of instruction.
``(b) Limitations on Uses of Funds.--An eligible partnership may
not use the total amount of a grant received under this subpart for a
fiscal year--
``(1) on materials, hardware, or technology-based tools; or
``(2) to implement online learning to the exclusion of
other activities.
``SEC. 2425. DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING.
``(a) Reporting.--Each eligible partnership receiving a grant under
this subpart shall collect and report to the Secretary, on at least an
annual basis, such information on the progress, outcomes, and best
practices learned from activities under the grant as the Secretary may
require, which--
``(1) shall include information on the impact of the grant
on student outcomes, such as--
``(A) the number of and demographic information
about students who are served by the eligible
partnership under this subpart;
``(B) student achievement, student growth, and
graduation rates of such students;
``(C) college and career readiness data about
students, such as rates of credit accumulation, course
taking and completion, and college enrollment and
persistence;
``(D) student attendance and participation rates;
and
``(E) such other information the Secretary may
require or other information the eligible partnership
proposes to include and has approved by the Secretary;
and
``(2) may include data on--
``(A) student engagement and discipline;
``(B) school climate and teacher working
conditions; and
``(C) increases in inclusion of students who are
children with disabilities and children who are limited
English proficient.
``(b) Disaggregation.--Each eligible partnership receiving a grant
under this subpart shall disaggregate the information required under
subsection (a) in the same manner as information is disaggregated under
section 1111(h)(1)(C)(i).
``SEC. 2426. PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION AND DISSEMINATION.
``(a) Performance Measures.--Prior to the reviewing and awarding of
grants under this subpart, the Secretary shall establish performance
measures used to evaluate the progress and performance of each eligible
partnership that--
``(1) shall include, at a minimum, information on the
impact of the grants on student outcomes as reported under
section 2425(a); and
``(2) may include such other information as the Secretary
may reasonably require.
``(b) Evaluation and Dissemination.--From amounts reserved under
section 2422(b), the Secretary shall--
``(1) conduct or enter into a contract with an outside
evaluator to conduct--
``(A) a comprehensive evaluation after the third
year that the grant program is carried under this
subpart on the effectiveness of all grants awarded
under this subpart; and
``(B) a final evaluation following the final year
of the grant program under this subpart--
``(i) that focuses on the improvement in
student outcomes reported under paragraphs (1)
through (3) of section 2425(a);
``(ii) that compares the relative
effectiveness of different types of programs
carried under this subpart and compares the
relative effectiveness of variations in
implementation within such programs; and
``(iii) identifies the conditions and
practices needed for the effective use of
technology and digital learning, including
issues related to teacher professional
development, educational leadership, classroom
and school practices and implementation and
support;
``(2) disseminate and provide technical assistance to local
educational agencies and State educational agencies on best
practices in utilizing technology and digital learning to
improve student achievement, academic growth, and college and
career readiness; and
``(3) ensure that the Department of Education applies the
best practices described in paragraph (2) in carrying out other
innovation funds.
``SEC. 2427. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014 and each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.''.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
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