Summary:
Scholarships for Kids Act - Amends part A of title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to give states the option of using their part A allocation to carry out a Scholarships for Kids program.

Requires participating states to use their part A allocation to provide a grant to the parents of eligible children for use, as allowed by state law, in:

 supplementing the budget of any public school their eligible child is able to attend without fees; paying for all or a portion of the fees required for their child to attend another public school in the state; paying for all or a portion of the tuition and fees required for their child to attend an accredited or otherwise state-approved private school; or paying for all or a portion of the fees required for their child to participate in a state-approved supplemental educational services program. Defines an "eligible child" as a child residing in the participating state who: (1) is under age 21, (2) is entitled to a free public education through grade 12, and (3) is from a family with an income below the poverty level.

Allows participating states to: (1) treat a child as eligible if the child was an "eligible child" during the previous fiscal year and is from a family whose income is not greater than 200% of the poverty level; and (2) use up to 2% of their part A allocation to provide eligible children with transportation to their public school, private school, or supplemental educational services program.

Requires participating states and their local educational agencies to continue to: (1) work toward state academic content and achievement standards; (2) conduct annual assessments of student progress toward those standards; and (3) issue annual report cards of student progress, disaggregated by specified student subgroups, toward those standards.

Directs the Secretary of Education to conduct a national assessment of the activities carried out under this Act.

Reauthorizes appropriations under part A of title I through FY2020.

Repeals:

 the funding reserved for schools identified as needing improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under part A of title I; the programs under parts B (Student Reading Skills Improvement Grants), C (Education of Migratory Children), D (Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk), E (National Assessment of Subchapter I), F (Comprehensive School Reform), G (Advanced Placement Programs), and H (School Dropout Prevention) of title I; titles II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals), III (Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students), IV (21st Century Schools), V (Promoting Informed Parental Choice and Innovative Programs), VI (Flexibility and Accountability), and VII (Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education) of the ESEA; a program providing supplemental education grants to Micronesia and the Marshall Islands under the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003; the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006; a program providing grants to states for the education of homeless children and youths under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002; part A (Teacher Quality Partnership Grants) of title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA); the Talent Search and Upward Bound programs under title IV (Student Assistance) of the HEA; a program providing grants to youth organizations, under the Agricultural Research Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, to establish pilot projects to expand the programs they carry out in rural areas and small towns; a grant program, under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, to promote and strengthen agriscience and agribusiness education in secondary and postsecondary schools; a grant program, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, for the establishment of school-based health centers; a program providing grants, under the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002, to institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations to improve elementary and secondary mathematics and science instruction; a grant program, under the Public Health Service Act, for the operation of school-based health centers; and programs, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, that provide grants to states and educational entities that make significant progress in meeting specified elementary and secondary education goals.

scholarships kids act amends title improving academic achievement disadvantaged elementary secondary education act esea states option allocation carry scholarships kids program requires participating states use allocation provide grant parents eligible children use allowed state law supplementing budget public school eligible child able attend fees paying portion fees required child attend public school state paying portion tuition fees required child attend accredited state approved private school paying portion fees required child participate state approved supplemental educational services program defines eligible child child residing participating state age entitled free public education grade family income poverty level allows participating states treat child eligible child eligible child previous fiscal year family income greater poverty level use allocation provide eligible children transportation public school private school supplemental educational services program requires participating states local educational agencies continue work state academic content achievement standards conduct annual assessments student progress standards issue annual report cards student progress disaggregated specified student subgroups standards directs secretary education conduct national assessment activities carried act reauthorizes appropriations title fy2020 repeals funding reserved schools identified needing improvement corrective action restructuring title programs parts student_reading_skills_improvement_grants prevention intervention programs children youth neglected delinquent risk national assessment subchapter comprehensive school reform title titles preparing training recruiting high quality teachers principals iii language instruction limited english proficient immigrant students 21st century schools promoting informed parental choice innovative_programs flexibility accountability vii indian native hawaiian alaska_native_education esea program providing supplemental education grants micronesia marshall_islands carl perkins career technical education act program providing grants states education homeless children youths mckinney-vento homeless assistance act teacher quality partnership grants title higher education act hea talent search upward bound programs title student assistance hea program providing grants youth organizations education reform act establish pilot projects expand programs carry rural areas small towns grant program teaching policy act promote strengthen agribusiness education secondary postsecondary schools grant program patient_protection affordable care act establishment school based health centers program providing grants national_science_foundation_authorization_act institutions higher education nonprofit organizations improve elementary secondary mathematics science instruction grant program public_health_service_act operation school based health centers programs american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act provide grants states educational entities significant progress meeting specified elementary secondary education goals


Summary:
21st Century STEM for Underrepresented Students Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide merit-reviewed, competitive grants for research on programming that engages underrepresented students in grades kindergarten through 8 in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in order to prepare these groups to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees or careers in STEM.

Requires such grants to be used toward research to advance the engagement of these students in STEM through providing before-school, after-school, out-of-school, or summer activities designed to encourage interest, engagement, and skills development of underrepresented students in STEM.

Requires the Director to give priority to applicants which, for the purpose of grant activity, include or partner with a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that has extensive experience and expertise in increasing the participation of underrepresented students in STEM.

21st century stem underrepresented students act requires director national_science_foundation nsf provide merit reviewed competitive grants research programming engages underrepresented students grades kindergarten stem science technology engineering mathematics order prepare groups pursue undergraduate graduate degrees careers stem requires grants research advance engagement students stem providing school school school summer activities designed encourage interest engagement skills development underrepresented students stem requires director priority applicants purpose grant activity include partner nonprofit nongovernmental organization extensive experience expertise increasing participation underrepresented students stem


Summary:
Head Start Improvement Act of 2014 - Amends the Head Start Act to eliminate, beginning on the first fiscal year following this Act's enactment, the formula for allotting Head Start program funds to Head Start agencies.

 Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to allot block grants for prekindergarten programs to states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Republic of Palau, and each federally recognized Indian tribe on the basis of each jurisdiction's share of children aged five and younger who are from families with incomes below 130% of the poverty level.

Requires the Governor or other chief executive of each grantee to certify that all grant funds will be used to directly or indirectly provide comprehensive education and related services to low-income children and their families.

Requires grantees to: (1) award subgrants to prekindergarten providers of their choosing, (2) establish rules and standards for those subgrantees to follow, and (3) monitor compliance with those rules and standards.

Gives grantees full flexibility to use the grant funds to finance a prekindergarten education provider, service, or program, including to establish a portable voucher system.

Requires grantees to provide matching funds from nonfederal sources equal to 20% of their grant.

head start improvement act amends head start act eliminate beginning fiscal year following act enactment formula allotting head_start program funds head_start agencies directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs allot block grants prekindergarten programs states district_of_columbia territories republic_of_palau federally recognized indian tribe basis jurisdiction share children aged younger families incomes poverty level requires governor chief executive grantee certify grant funds directly indirectly provide comprehensive education related services low income children families requires grantees award subgrants prekindergarten providers choosing establish rules standards subgrantees follow monitor compliance rules standards gives grantees flexibility use grant funds finance prekindergarten education provider service program including establish portable voucher system requires grantees provide matching funds nonfederal sources equal grant


Summary:
Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), acting through the Human Resources Directorate and not less than one research directorate of the NSF, to award competitive grants to eligible entities to enable them to carry out the activities specified below in order to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Requires an eligible entity that receives a grant to use those grant funds to carry out the following activities designed to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM fields: (1) online workshops, (2) mentoring programs that partner STEM professionals with students, (3) internships for undergraduate and graduate students in STEM, and (4) conducting outreach programs providing elementary and secondary school students with opportunities to increase their exposure to STEM.

women minorities stem booster act requires director national_science_foundation nsf acting research directorate nsf award competitive grants eligible entities enable carry activities specified order increase participation women underrepresented minorities fields science technology engineering mathematics stem requires eligible entity receives grant use grant funds carry following activities designed increase participation women underrepresented minorities stem fields online workshops mentoring programs partner stem professionals students internships undergraduate graduate students stem conducting outreach programs providing elementary secondary school students opportunities increase exposure stem


Summary:
English Learning and Innovation Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award renewable, competitive grants to states, local educational agencies (LEAs), and public charter schools or charter school management organizations to carry out activities that result in English learners becoming proficient in English so that they can access the knowledge needed to meet state academic content standards and be ready for postsecondary education and careers (innovation grants).

Includes among those activities: (1) improving instructional programs, including through the use of dual-language or bilingual education; (2) ensuring that English learners are taught by effective teachers at schools administered by effective principals; (3) increasing the ability of the families of English learners to engage in their child's education and development; and (4) expanding best practices to other schools or LEAs.

Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive capacity building grants to states and LEAs that have experienced a significant increase in English learners for use in building their capacity to provide quality instruction to English learners and their parents and become competitive in applying for an innovation grant.

Directs the Secretary to establish indicators to measure the success of this Act's grant programs.

Requires this Act's grantees to: (1) develop, and submit for the Secretary's approval, quantifiable benchmarks for evaluating their grant activities; and (2) provide the Secretary with an annual report on their progress toward those benchmarks.

english learning innovation act amends elementary secondary education act authorize secretary education award renewable competitive grants states local educational agencies leas public charter schools charter school management organizations carry activities result english learners proficient english access knowledge needed meet state academic content standards ready postsecondary education careers innovation grants includes activities improving instructional programs including use dual language bilingual education ensuring english learners taught effective teachers schools administered effective principals increasing ability families english learners engage child education development expanding best practices schools leas authorizes secretary award competitive capacity building grants states leas experienced significant increase english learners use building capacity provide quality instruction english learners parents competitive applying innovation grant directs secretary establish indicators measure success act grant programs requires act grantees develop submit secretary approval quantifiable benchmarks evaluating grant activities provide secretary annual report progress benchmarks


Summary:
Prepare All Kids Act of 2013 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to establish a Prekindergarten Incentive Fund from which matching grants shall be awarded to states and, through them, subgrants to qualified prekindergarten providers to establish, expand, or enhance voluntary high quality full-day prekindergarten programs serving children ages three through five.

Directs state grantees to set aside: (1) at least 15% of their grant for quality early childhood development programs for children from birth through age three, and (2) at least 10% of their grant to extend the hours of early childhood development programs to create extended day and year programs.

Requires prekindergarten subgrantees to: (1) maintain a maximum class size of 20 children, with at least 1 prekindergarten teacher per classroom; and (2) ensure that the ratio of children to prekindergarten teachers and teacher aides does not exceed 10 to 1.

Prohibits the use of program funds for assessments of children in prekindergarten or early childhood development programs if: (1) the assessments are used to reward or sanction individual children, teachers, programs, or schools; or (2) a single assessment is used as the primary or sole method for assessing program effectiveness.

prepare kids act amends elementary secondary education act require secretary education establish prekindergarten_incentive_fund matching grants shall awarded states subgrants qualified prekindergarten providers establish expand enhance voluntary high quality day prekindergarten programs serving children ages directs state grantees set aside grant quality early childhood development programs children birth age grant extend hours early childhood development programs create extended day year programs requires prekindergarten subgrantees maintain maximum class size children prekindergarten teacher classroom ensure ratio children prekindergarten teachers teacher aides exceed prohibits use program funds assessments children prekindergarten early childhood development programs assessments reward sanction individual children teachers programs schools single assessment primary sole method assessing program effectiveness


Summary:
Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation Act or the LEARN Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award planning grants to states to complete comprehensive planning to carry out activities that improve literacy for children from birth through grade 12.

Requires grantees to form or designate a state literacy leadership team, composed of individuals having certain literacy expertise, to guide the development and implementation of the comprehensive, statewide literacy plan.

Directs the Secretary to award grants to states to implement their comprehensive literacy plans and to award competitive subgrants to: (1) local educational agencies (LEAs) and early childhood education providers that serve high-need children to support certain early literacy initiatives for children from birth through kindergarten entry; and (2) LEAs that serve a high number or proportion of low-income children, children reading or writing below grade level, or schools identified as needing improvement to implement certain literacy initiatives for children in kindergarten through grade 12.

Includes among the literacy initiatives: (1) the acquisition and implementation of literacy assessments, (2) efforts targeting students reading and writing below grade level, (3) professional development opportunities for educators, and (4) family literacy services.

Requires state grantees to: (1) provide technical assistance to subgrantees, (2) work with the state literacy leadership team and institutions of higher education to include evidence-based literacy methods in preservice courses for students preparing to teach children from birth through grade 12, (3) review and update state licensure or certification standards in literacy instruction, and (4) make information on promising child literacy improvement practices available to the public.

Awards the implementation grants to states: (1) if funds appropriated under this Act fall below $500 million, on a competitive basis; and (2) otherwise, on the basis of each state's share of low-income children under age 18.

Requires states to use at least: (1) 15% of the grant funds for state and local activities pertaining to children from birth through kindergarten entry, (2) 40% of the grant funds for state and local activities pertaining to children from kindergarten through grade 5, and (3) 40% of the grant funds for state and local activities pertaining to children from grades 6 through 12.

Requires states to give subgrant priority to applicants serving a high number or percentage of impoverished children and, for those serving students from kindergarten through grade 12, a high number or percentage of students reading and writing below grade level.

Directs the Secretary to arrange for an independent five-year evaluation of this Act's grant and subgrant programs and make the findings and the results of additional research on literacy instruction available to literacy providers.

Allows the Secretary to withhold this Act's grants to states, and allows states to withhold this Act's subgrants to LEAs and early childhood education providers, that are not making significant progress in improving student academic achievement in reading and writing from early education through grade 12.

literacy education results nation act learn act authorizes secretary education award planning grants states complete comprehensive planning carry activities improve literacy children birth grade requires grantees form designate state literacy leadership team composed individuals having certain literacy expertise guide development implementation comprehensive statewide literacy plan directs secretary award grants states implement comprehensive literacy plans award competitive subgrants local educational agencies leas early childhood education providers serve high need children support certain early literacy initiatives children birth kindergarten entry leas serve high number proportion low income children children reading writing grade level schools identified needing improvement implement certain literacy initiatives children kindergarten grade includes literacy initiatives acquisition implementation literacy assessments efforts targeting students reading writing grade level professional development opportunities educators family literacy services requires state grantees provide technical assistance subgrantees work state literacy leadership team institutions higher education include evidence based literacy methods preservice courses students preparing teach children birth grade review update state licensure certification standards literacy instruction information promising child literacy improvement practices available public awards implementation grants states funds appropriated act fall million competitive basis basis state share low income children age requires states use grant funds state local activities pertaining children birth kindergarten entry grant funds state local activities pertaining children kindergarten grade grant funds state local activities pertaining children grades requires states subgrant priority applicants serving high number percentage impoverished children serving students kindergarten grade high number percentage students reading writing grade level directs secretary arrange independent year evaluation act grant subgrant programs findings results additional research literacy instruction available literacy providers allows secretary withhold act grants states allows states withhold act subgrants leas early childhood education providers making significant progress improving student academic achievement reading writing early education grade


Summary:
Financial Literacy for Students Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education of 1965 (ESEA) to authorize the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to states to: (1) integrate financial literacy education into each of their public elementary and secondary schools that are eligible for school improvement funds under title I of the ESEA, and (2) train their secondary school financial literacy or entrepreneurship teachers to teach financial literacy in core academic subjects.

Prohibits states from using over 20% of their grant funds to train those teachers, develop curricula, and evaluate the impact of financial literacy or personal finance education.

esea authorize secretary education award matching grants states integrate financial literacy education public elementary secondary schools eligible school improvement funds title esea train secondary school financial literacy entrepreneurship teachers teach financial literacy core academic subjects prohibits states grant funds train teachers develop curricula evaluate impact financial literacy personal finance education


Summary:
Office of Rural Education Policy Act - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish an Office of Rural Education Policy (Office) in the Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Requires the Office to be headed by a Director who advises the Secretary of Education on the characteristics and needs of rural schools, and the effects current policies and proposed statutory, regulatory, administrative, and budgetary changes have on states and local educational agencies (LEAs) that serve such schools.

Requires the Director to:

 establish and maintain a clearinghouse for collecting and disseminating certain information on rural education; identify innovative research and demonstration projects on topics of importance to rural schools; coordinate rural education activities within the Department; inform the Department of other federal agency activities related to rural education; coordinate its activities with Indian schools and the Department of the Interior's responsibilities regarding such schools; provide technical assistance and other support for rural education improvement efforts; and produce an annual report, for Congress and the public, on the condition of rural education. Requires the Director to prepare regulatory impact analyses of the Secretary's proposed and final rules that may have a significant impact on states or LEAs that serve rural schools.

establish requires office headed director advises secretary education characteristics needs rural schools effects current policies proposed statutory regulatory administrative budgetary changes states local educational agencies leas serve schools requires director establish maintain clearinghouse collecting disseminating certain information rural education identify innovative research demonstration projects topics importance rural schools coordinate rural education activities department inform department federal agency activities related rural education coordinate activities indian schools department_of_the_interior responsibilities schools provide technical assistance support rural education improvement efforts produce annual report congress public condition rural education requires director prepare regulatory impact analyses secretary proposed final rules significant impact states leas serve rural schools


Summary:
Strong Start for America's Children Act - Directs the Secretary of Education (Secretary) to allot matching grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs), childhood education program providers, or consortia of those entities to implement high-quality prekindergarten programs for children from low-income families.

Allots grants to states based on each state's proportion of children who are age four and who are from families with incomes at or below 200% of the poverty level.

Defines "high-quality prekindergarten programs" as those that:

 serve children who are 3 or 4 by the eligibility determination date or have attained the legal age for state-funded prekindergarten; require staff to have high qualifications, which for teachers include specified alternative requirements that all involve possessing a bachelor's degree; maintain a maximum class size of 20 children and a child-to-instructional staff ratio that does not exceed 10 to 1; offer a full-day program; provide developmentally appropriate, evidence-based curricula and learning environments that are aligned with state early learning and development standards; offer teachers salaries comparable to those earned by kindergarten through grade 12 teachers; provide for ongoing monitoring and program evaluation to ensure continuous improvement; offer accessible comprehensive services for children, including specified minimum services; provide high-quality professional development for all staff; meet education performance standards under the Head Start Act; and maintain evidence-based health and safety standards. Conditions states' grant eligibility on demonstrating to the Secretary that they: (1) have or will establish early learning and development standards, (2) have or will develop the ability to link prekindergarten data with their elementary and secondary school data, (3) offer state-funded kindergarten for children, and (4) have established a State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care.

Allows states to reserve up to 20% of their grant funds over the first four years of their grant for prekindergarten quality improvement activities, including support for teachers seeking a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or a closely-related field.

Authorizes states to apply to the appropriate Secretary to use up to 15% of their grant for subgrants to high-quality early childhood education and care programs for infants and toddlers whose family income is at or below 200% of the poverty level.

Requires state to develop, implement, and make publicly available performance measures and targets for their grant activities.

Prohibits state grantees from requiring any child to participate in any federal, state, local, or private early childhood education program. Limits the use of assessments funded by the grant program.

Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a process to provide Head Start program services to children who are younger than age four in states or regions that provide four-year-olds whose family income is at or below 200% of the poverty level with sustained access to high-quality prekindergarten programs.

Directs the Secretary to award competitive, matching, capacity-building grants to states that assure the Secretary that they will use their grant to become eligible, within three years of receiving the grant, for this Act's grants for high-quality prekindergarten programs.

Amends the Head Start Act to direct the Secretary of HHS to make grants to Early Head Start agencies to partner with center-based or family child care providers, particularly those that receive support under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (CCDBGA), to assist those providers in meeting applicable Head Start and Early Head Start program performance standards.

Authorizes those partnerships to serve children through age three.

Directs the Secretary of HHS to give Early Head Start program grant priority to Early Head Start agencies that agree to enter into such partnerships with center-based or family child care providers.

Amends the CCDBGA to require states to: (1) ensure that the funding they receive for child care services under the Community Services Block Grant Act and the program of block grants for social services under the Social Security Act is subject to the requirements and limitations of the CCDBGA; (2) provide children with assistance under the CCDBGA for at least 12 months before redetermining their eligibility, provided their family income does not exceed 85% of the state median income for their family size; and (3) use the CCDBGA's funding to supplement, not supplant, other public funding for child care services and activities.

Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to: (1) reserve a specified amount of Child Care and Development Block Grant program funds, in fiscal years in which program funding exceeds a specified amount, for formula grants to states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to improve the quality of child care programs and services; and (2) carry out demonstration and pilot projects designed to develop and implement strategies and practices useful in supporting the needs of low-income families in-need of, or receiving, child care services.

Reauthorizes appropriations under the Child Care and Development Block Grant program for FY2014-FY2023.

Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding the need for Congress to continue providing resources to the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program to support the work of states in helping at-risk families voluntarily receive home visits from nurses and social workers.

strong start america children act directs secretary education secretary allot matching grants states subgrants local educational agencies leas childhood education program providers consortia entities implement high quality prekindergarten programs children low income families allots grants states based state proportion children age families incomes poverty level defines high quality prekindergarten programs serve children eligibility determination date attained legal age state funded prekindergarten require staff high qualifications teachers include specified alternative requirements involve possessing bachelor degree maintain maximum class size children child instructional staff ratio exceed offer day program provide developmentally appropriate evidence based curricula learning environments aligned state early learning development standards offer teachers salaries comparable earned kindergarten grade teachers provide ongoing monitoring program evaluation ensure continuous improvement offer accessible comprehensive services children including specified minimum services provide high quality professional development staff meet education performance standards head start act maintain evidence based health safety standards conditions states grant eligibility demonstrating secretary establish early learning development standards develop ability link prekindergarten data elementary secondary school data offer state funded kindergarten children established early childhood education care allows states reserve grant funds years grant prekindergarten quality improvement activities including support teachers seeking baccalaureate degree early childhood education closely related field authorizes states apply appropriate secretary use grant subgrants high quality early childhood education care programs infants toddlers family income poverty level requires state develop implement publicly available performance measures targets grant activities prohibits state grantees requiring child participate federal state local private early childhood education program limits use assessments funded grant program directs secretary secretary health_and_human_services hhs develop process provide head_start program services children younger age states regions provide year olds family income poverty level sustained access high quality prekindergarten programs directs secretary award competitive matching capacity building grants states assure secretary use grant eligible years receiving grant act grants high quality prekindergarten programs amends head start act direct secretary hhs grants early head start agencies partner center based family child care providers particularly receive support child care development block grant act assist providers meeting applicable head_start early head start program performance standards authorizes partnerships serve children age directs secretary hhs early head start program grant priority early head start agencies agree enter partnerships center based family child care providers amends require states ensure funding receive child care services program block grants social services social security act subject requirements limitations provide children assistance months redetermining eligibility provided family income exceed state median income family size use funding supplement supplant public funding child care services activities authorizes secretary hhs reserve specified program funds fiscal years program funding exceeds specified formula grants states indian tribes tribal organizations improve quality child care programs services carry demonstration pilot projects designed develop implement strategies practices useful supporting needs low income families need receiving child care services reauthorizes appropriations child care development block grant program fy2014-fy2023 expresses sense senate need congress continue providing resources maternal infant early_childhood_home_visiting program support work states helping risk families voluntarily receive home visits nurses social workers


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Strong Start for America's Children Act - Title I: Prekindergarten Access - Subtitle A: Access to Voluntary Prekindergarten for Low- and Moderate-Income Families - (Sec. 113) Directs the Secretary of Education (Secretary) to allot matching grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs), childhood education program providers, or consortia of those entities to implement high-quality prekindergarten programs for children from low-income families.

Reserves specified portions of this subtitle's funding for: (1) Indian tribes and tribal organizations, (2) outlying areas, (3) LEAs that serve children in families who are engaged in migrant or seasonal labor, and (4) national activities.

Allots grants to states based on each state's proportion of children who are age four and who are from families with incomes at or below 200% of the poverty level.

Allows states that provide such four-year-old children with access to universally available, voluntary, high-quality prekindergarten programs to use their grant to provide high-quality prekindergarten programs for children who are age three and who are from families with incomes at or below 200% of the poverty level.

Defines "high-quality prekindergarten programs" as those that:

 serve children who are 3 or 4 by the eligibility determination date or have attained the legal age for state-funded prekindergarten; require staff to have high qualifications, which for teachers include specified alternative requirements that all involve possessing a bachelor's degree; maintain a maximum class size of 20 children and a child-to-instructional staff ratio that does not exceed 10 to 1; offer a full-day program; provide developmentally appropriate, evidence-based curricula and learning environments that are aligned with state early learning and development standards; offer teachers salaries comparable to those earned by kindergarten through grade 12 teachers; provide for ongoing monitoring and program evaluation to ensure continuous improvement; offer accessible comprehensive services for children, including specified minimum services; provide high-quality professional development for all staff; meet education performance standards under the Head Start Act; and maintain evidence-based health and safety standards. Conditions grant eligibility on states demonstrating to the Secretary that they: (1) have or will establish early learning and development standards; (2) have or will develop the ability to link prekindergarten data with their elementary and secondary school data; (3) offer kindergarten for eligible children; and (4) have established or designated, or will establish or designate, a State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care.

Requires state grantees to: (1) ensure that their grant-supported prekindergarten programs conduct criminal history background checks on all employees or applicants for employment who have direct access to children, and (2) prohibit the employment by such programs of individuals who have direct access to children and have been convicted of a violent felony or any violent or sexual crime against a minor.

(Sec. 117) Allows states to reserve up to 20% of their grant funds over the first four years of their grant for prekindergarten quality improvement activities, including the provision of: (1) support for prekindergarten personnel seeking a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or a closely-related field, (2) ongoing professional development opportunities for prekindergarten personnel, and (3) more opportunities for families to learn how best to support their children's development over the first five years of life. Makes matching requirements inapplicable to those reserved funds.

Authorizes states to apply to the appropriate Secretary to use up to 15% of their grant for subgrants to high-quality early childhood education and care programs for infants and toddlers whose family income is at or below 200% of the poverty level. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to jointly administer the use of such funds on such terms as they set forth in an interagency agreement.

Prohibits states from reserving more than 1% of their grant funds to administer the grant.

(Sec. 118) Requires state to develop, implement, and make publicly available performance measures and targets for their grant activities. Sets forth what those measures must, at a minimum, track.

(Sec. 119) Raises the percentage of the grant funds which must be matched over the years a state receives such grant.

Allows states to provide matching funds at a reduced rate if such states:

 offer enrollment in high-quality prekindergarten programs to at least 50% of the children who are age four on the eligibility determination date and are from families with incomes at or below 200% of the poverty level, have a plan for continuing to expand access to such programs to such children, and have a plan to expand access to such programs to children from moderate income families with incomes above 200% of the poverty line. (Sec. 121) Require subgrantees that are: (1) LEAs to enter into strong partnerships with local early childhood education programs, and (2) not LEAs to enter into strong partnerships with LEAs.

(Sec. 122) Requires state grantees to submit to the Secretary, the Secretary of HHS, and the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care an annual report concerning their progress in implementing high-quality prekindergarten programs.

Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress that includes a summary of those state reports.

(Sec. 123) Prohibits state grantees from requiring any child to participate in any federal, state, local, or private early childhood education program. Limits the use of assessments funded by the grant program.

(Sec. 124) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of HHS to develop a process to provide Head Start program services to children who are younger than age four in states or regions that provide four-year-olds whose family income is at or below 200% of the poverty level with sustained access to high-quality prekindergarten programs.

(Sec. 127) Authorizes appropriations for this subtitle's grant program through FY2023.

Subtitle B: Prekindergarten Development Grants - (Sec. 151) Directs the Secretary to award competitive matching grants to states, LEAs, or other local government entities to increase their capacity to offer high-quality prekindergarten programs. Requires state recipients to assure the Secretary that they will use their grant to become eligible, within three years of receiving the grant, for this Act's grants for high-quality prekindergarten programs.

Allows grantees to award subgrants to LEAs, childhood education program providers, or consortia of those entities to carry out the grant activities.

Authorizes appropriations for this subtitle's grant program through FY2024.

Title II: Learning Quality Partnerships - (Sec. 202) Amends the Head Start Act to direct the Secretary of HHS to make grants to Early Head Start agencies to partner with center-based or family child care providers, particularly those that receive support under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (CCDBGA), to assist those providers in meeting applicable Head Start and Early Head Start program performance standards.

Authorizes those partnerships to serve children through age three.

Reserves specified portions of this title's funding for: (1) Indian Head Start programs that serve young children, (2) migrant and seasonal Head Start programs that serve young children, and (3) outlying areas.

Directs the Secretary of HHS to give Early Head Start program grant priority to Early Head Start agencies that agree to enter into such partnerships with center-based or family child care providers.

Requires the Secretary, within one year after this Act's enactment, to conduct a survey and report to Congress on the barriers Early Head Start agencies and child care providers face in entering into early learning quality partnership agreements under this title.

Authorizes appropriations for this title's grant program through FY2024.

Title III: Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program - (Sec. 301) Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding the need for Congress to continue providing resources to the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program to support the work of states in helping at-risk families voluntarily receive home visits from nurses and social workers.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure strong start america prekindergarten access subtitle access low- sec directs secretary education secretary allot matching grants states subgrants local educational agencies leas childhood education program providers consortia entities implement high quality prekindergarten programs children low income families reserves specified portions subtitle funding indian tribes tribal organizations outlying areas leas serve children families engaged migrant seasonal labor national activities allots grants states based state proportion children age families incomes poverty level allows states provide year old children access universally available voluntary high quality prekindergarten programs use grant provide high quality prekindergarten programs children age families incomes poverty level defines high quality prekindergarten programs serve children eligibility determination date attained legal age state funded prekindergarten require staff high qualifications teachers include specified alternative requirements involve possessing bachelor degree maintain maximum class size children child instructional staff ratio exceed offer day program provide developmentally appropriate evidence based curricula learning environments aligned state early learning development standards offer teachers salaries comparable earned kindergarten grade teachers provide ongoing monitoring program evaluation ensure continuous improvement offer accessible comprehensive services children including specified minimum services provide high quality professional development staff meet education performance standards head start act maintain evidence based health safety standards conditions grant eligibility states demonstrating secretary establish early learning development standards develop ability link prekindergarten data elementary secondary school data offer kindergarten eligible children established designated establish designate early childhood education care requires state grantees ensure grant supported prekindergarten programs conduct criminal history background checks employees applicants employment direct access children prohibit employment programs individuals direct access children convicted violent felony violent sexual crime minor sec allows states reserve grant funds years grant prekindergarten quality improvement activities including provision support prekindergarten personnel seeking baccalaureate degree early childhood education closely related field ongoing professional development opportunities prekindergarten personnel opportunities families learn best support children development years life makes matching requirements inapplicable reserved funds authorizes states apply appropriate secretary use grant subgrants high quality early childhood education care programs infants toddlers family income poverty level requires secretary secretary health_and_human_services hhs jointly administer use funds terms set forth interagency agreement prohibits states reserving grant funds administer grant sec requires state develop implement publicly available performance measures targets grant activities sets forth measures minimum track sec raises percentage grant funds matched years state receives grant allows states provide matching funds reduced rate states offer enrollment high quality prekindergarten programs children age eligibility determination date families incomes poverty level plan continuing expand access programs children plan expand access programs children moderate income families incomes poverty line sec require subgrantees leas enter strong partnerships local early childhood education programs leas enter strong partnerships leas sec requires state grantees submit secretary secretary hhs early childhood education care annual report concerning progress implementing high quality prekindergarten programs directs secretary submit annual report congress includes summary state reports sec prohibits state grantees requiring child participate federal state local private early childhood education program limits use assessments funded grant program sec directs secretary secretary hhs develop process provide head_start program services children younger age states regions provide year olds family income poverty level sustained access high quality prekindergarten programs sec authorizes appropriations subtitle grant program fy2023 subtitle prekindergarten development grants sec directs secretary award competitive matching grants states leas local government entities increase capacity offer high quality prekindergarten programs requires state recipients assure secretary use grant eligible years receiving grant act grants high quality prekindergarten programs allows grantees award subgrants leas childhood education program providers consortia entities carry grant activities authorizes appropriations subtitle grant program fy2024 title learning quality partnerships sec amends head start act direct secretary hhs grants early head start agencies partner center based family child care providers particularly receive support child care development block grant act assist providers meeting applicable head_start early head start program performance standards authorizes partnerships serve children age reserves specified portions title funding indian head start programs serve young children migrant seasonal head start programs serve young children outlying areas directs secretary hhs early head start program grant priority early head start agencies agree enter partnerships center based family child care providers requires secretary year act enactment conduct survey report congress barriers early head start agencies child care providers face entering early learning quality partnership agreements title authorizes appropriations title grant program fy2024 title iii maternal infant expresses sense senate need congress continue providing resources maternal infant early_childhood_home_visiting program support work states helping risk families voluntarily receive home visits nurses social workers


Summary:
Supporting Early Learning Act

Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive, matching Quality Pathways grants to states that demonstrate the greatest progress toward establishing a high-quality system of early learning that includes:

 state early learning standards; preservice and ongoing training for staff; the systematic review, rating, and monitoring of early learning programs for ameliorative purposes; parental involvement; health, disability, and family support services and referrals for participating children; an early learning data system; and a process for evaluating children's school readiness and ensuring their effective transition to the public school system. Requires the grant to be used to further such progress and move more disadvantaged children into higher quality programs. Permits grantees to apply to the Secretary to reserve up to 25% of their grant to expand disadvantaged children's access to the highest quality early learning programs offering full-day, full-year services.

Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive Development grants to states that were not awarded a Pathways grant, but commit to developing a high-quality system of early learning that includes the components listed above.

Directs the Secretary to establish indicators to measure state progress in meeting grant objectives, and states to establish Secretary-approved benchmarks for success that are based on those indicators.

Requires the Secretary to use certain reserved funds to: (1) establish a competitive grant demonstration program for Native American school readiness programs; (2) provide technical assistance to states to help them qualify for, apply for, and maintain this Act's grants; and (3) support the Institute of Education Sciences' research into, and evaluation of, this Act's grant-related activities.

supporting early learning act directs secretary education award competitive matching quality pathways grants states demonstrate greatest progress establishing high quality system early learning includes state early learning standards preservice ongoing training staff systematic review rating monitoring early learning programs ameliorative purposes parental involvement health disability family support services referrals participating children early learning data system process evaluating children school readiness ensuring effective transition public school system requires grant progress disadvantaged children higher quality programs permits grantees apply secretary reserve grant expand disadvantaged children access highest quality early learning programs offering day year services authorizes secretary award competitive development grants states awarded pathways grant commit developing high quality system early learning includes components listed directs secretary establish indicators measure state progress meeting grant objectives states establish secretary approved benchmarks success based indicators requires secretary use certain reserved funds establish competitive grant demonstration program native american school readiness programs provide technical assistance states help qualify apply maintain act grants support research evaluation act grant related activities


Summary:
Total Learning Act

Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to full-service community schools or partnerships between local educational agencies and public or nonprofit social service providers or full-service community schools to implement innovative early learning curricula in preschool and elementary school programs in high-need communities for children from birth through age nine.

Defines "full-service community schools" as public schools which: (1) coordinate educational, developmental, family, health, and other comprehensive services through community-based organizations and public and private partnerships; and (2) provide students, families, and the community with access to such services.

Includes as grant-covered costs, those incurred for: (1) extended school hours and days; (2) staff development, compensation, and retention; (3) comprehensive child and family support services; and (4) other activities the Secretary deems appropriate to promote academic success for impoverished children.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) award funds to a public or nonprofit organization experienced in an innovative early learning curriculum to provide training and technical assistance to grantees on implementing that curriculum, and (2) disseminate information concerning the grant program to potential grant applicants.

total learning act directs secretary education award competitive grants service community schools partnerships local educational agencies public nonprofit social service providers service community schools implement innovative early learning curricula preschool elementary school programs high need communities children birth age defines service community schools public schools coordinate educational developmental family health comprehensive services community based organizations public private partnerships provide students families community access services includes grant covered costs incurred extended school hours days staff development compensation retention comprehensive child family support services activities secretary deems appropriate promote academic success impoverished children directs secretary award funds public nonprofit organization experienced innovative early learning curriculum provide training technical assistance grantees implementing curriculum disseminate information concerning grant program potential grant applicants


Summary:
Transition-to-Success Mentoring Act

Amends title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize appropriations under part H (School Dropout Prevention).

Establishes a transition-to-success mentoring program under part H of the ESEA requiring the Secretary of Education to award grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or partnerships between LEAs and community-based nonprofit organizations to establish, expand, or provide technical support to school-based mentoring programs to assist at-risk students in transitioning from middle to high school.

Requires grantees to assign to each at-risk student in his or her middle school a success coach who:

 creates a plan of success for the student; enters into an agreement with the student's parents regarding their role in implementing such plan; meets with the student at least once a month to assess and assist the student's progress; meets at least once a month with the student and the student's parents, teachers, or counselors to evaluate the student's progress and revise or establish new goals for the next academic year; and serves as the student's advocate between the student's parents and teachers. Authorizes the use of grant funds to: (1) train success coaches, (2) cover the cost of any materials they use under the mentoring program, and (3) hire staff to perform or support program objectives.

transition success mentoring act amends title elementary secondary education act esea reauthorize appropriations establishes transition success mentoring program esea requiring secretary education award grants local educational agencies leas partnerships leas community based nonprofit organizations establish expand provide technical support school based mentoring programs assist risk students transitioning middle high school requires grantees assign risk student middle school success coach creates plan success student enters agreement student parents role implementing plan meets student month assess assist student progress meets month student student parents teachers counselors evaluate student progress revise establish new goals academic year serves student advocate student parents teachers authorizes use grant funds train success coaches cover cost materials use mentoring program hire staff perform support program objectives


Summary:
Providing Resources Early for Kids Act of 2015 or the PRE-K Act

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to enhance or improve state-funded preschool programs to states that: (1) have curricula aligned with state early learning standards; (2) use nationally-established, or better, best practices for class size and teacher-to-student ratios; (3) require each teacher to have at least an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field; (4) require such programs to operate for at least a full academic year; and (5) have a plan for meeting the requirement, within five years of receiving such grant, that teachers have at least a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or have such degree in a related field, but have also completed specialized training in early childhood education.

Directs the Secretary to establish a competitive process for awarding grants to other states that demonstrate that they will meet such requirements within two fiscal years.

Prohibits state grantees from reducing their preschool or child care expenditures.

Requires states to give priority, in using grant funds, to preschool programs in communities with high concentrations of impoverished children.

 Includes among grant uses: (1) increasing the qualifications of, and benefits provided to, teachers, teacher aides, and program directors; (2) decreasing class size and improving teacher-to-student ratios; (3) providing certain comprehensive services that support healthy child development; (4) extending program duration; (5) improving program monitoring and learning environments; and (6) providing classroom supplies or equipment.

Reserves funds for competitive grants to Indians for their preschool programs.

direct secretary education award matching grants enhance improve state funded preschool programs states curricula aligned state early learning standards use nationally established better best practices class size teacher student ratios require teacher associate degree early childhood education related field require programs operate academic year plan meeting requirement years receiving grant teachers baccalaureate degree early childhood education degree related field completed specialized training early childhood education directs secretary establish competitive process awarding grants states demonstrate meet requirements fiscal years prohibits state grantees reducing preschool child care expenditures requires states priority grant funds preschool programs communities high concentrations impoverished children includes grant uses increasing qualifications benefits provided teachers teacher aides program directors decreasing class size improving teacher student ratios providing certain comprehensive services support healthy child development extending program duration improving program monitoring learning environments providing classroom supplies equipment reserves funds competitive grants indians preschool programs


Summary:
Diverse Teachers Recruitment Act of 2015

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award competitive matching grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or nonprofits, educational service agencies, institutions of higher education, or states that enter into partnerships with such LEAs to: (1) recruit individuals from underrepresented groups as public elementary and secondary school teachers, and (2) provide training and retention incentives to public elementary and secondary school teachers.

Prohibits grants to applicants that do not serve schools that have difficulty recruiting, training, and retaining individuals from underrepresented groups as teachers.

Gives priority to applicants that serve the most high-need schools and those that serve schools with high concentrations of poor, minority, disabled, or limited English proficient students.

Requires the Secretary to evaluate the success of the grantees and compile a database of best practices for recruiting, training, and retaining individuals from underrepresented groups as public elementary and secondary school teachers.

diverse teachers recruitment act amends elementary secondary education act direct secretary education award competitive matching grants local educational agencies leas nonprofits educational service agencies institutions higher education states enter partnerships leas recruit individuals underrepresented groups public elementary secondary school teachers provide training retention incentives public elementary secondary school teachers prohibits grants applicants serve schools difficulty recruiting training retaining individuals underrepresented groups teachers gives priority applicants serve high need schools serve schools high concentrations poor minority disabled limited english proficient students requires secretary evaluate success grantees compile database best practices recruiting training retaining individuals underrepresented groups public elementary secondary school teachers


Summary:
STEM Gateways Act

This bill directs the Department of Education to award competitive grants for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) elementary and secondary school programs that:

 encourage interest in the STEM fields; motivate engagement in the STEM fields by providing relevant hands-on learning opportunities; support classroom success in the STEM disciplines; support STEM workforce training and career preparation for secondary school students; or improve the access of secondary school students to STEM career and continuing education opportunities.

bill directs department_of_education award competitive grants science technology engineering mathematics stem elementary secondary school programs encourage interest stem fields motivate engagement stem fields providing relevant hands learning opportunities support classroom success stem disciplines support stem workforce training career preparation secondary school students improve access secondary school students stem career continuing education opportunities


Summary:
Amends part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to eliminate the current reservation of 1% of the school improvement funds for outlying areas and Indian education. Reserves .67% of the school improvement funds for Indian education, but raises that reservation to .75% beginning with the fiscal year the allocations to states equal or surpass FY2015 levels after subtracting .75% of those allocations for Indian education.

Establishes formulae for determining the minimum allotment to American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands of school improvement funds for: (1) basic grants to local educational agencies (LEAs), (2) concentration grants to LEAs, (3) targeted grants to LEAs, and (4) grants under the education finance incentive grant program.

amends title elementary secondary education act eliminate current reservation school improvement funds outlying areas indian education reserves school improvement funds indian education raises reservation beginning fiscal year allocations states equal fy2015 levels subtracting allocations indian education establishes formulae determining minimum allotment american_samoa guam northern_mariana islands school improvement funds basic grants local educational agencies leas concentration grants leas targeted grants leas grants education finance incentive grant program


Summary:
Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation Act or the LEARN Act

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states to develop or improve a comprehensive plan to improve the literacy of children from birth through grade 12.

Directs the Secretary to award grants to states to implement their comprehensive literacy plans for such children through:

 competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or early learning programs for specified activities that support early language and literacy development in children from birth through kindergarten entry; competitive subgrants to LEAs that have the highest numbers or percentages of disadvantaged students and students reading or writing below grade level for specified activities to improve the literacy of students in kindergarten through grade 12, including the provision of family literacy services; and additional state activities that include providing technical assistance to subgrantees, coordinating literacy programs and resources throughout the state, disseminating information on promising literacy programs, and enhancing the credentials of literacy instructors. Allots implementation grants to states on the basis of each state's share of disadvantaged students.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) perform a five-year national evaluation of the implementation and effect of the literacy initiatives supported by this Act, and (2) provide technical assistance and information on literacy instruction to educational entities.

Authorizes the Secretary to withhold this Act's funding from states and subgrantees, and states to withhold funding from subgrantees, whose initiatives are not making significant progress in improving student literacy.

literacy education results nation act learn act authorizes secretary education award grants states develop improve comprehensive plan improve literacy children birth grade directs secretary award grants states implement comprehensive literacy plans children competitive subgrants local educational agencies leas early learning programs specified activities support early language literacy development children birth kindergarten entry competitive subgrants leas highest numbers percentages disadvantaged students students reading writing grade level specified activities improve literacy students kindergarten grade including provision family literacy services additional state activities include providing technical assistance subgrantees coordinating literacy programs resources state disseminating information promising literacy programs enhancing credentials literacy instructors allots implementation grants states basis state share disadvantaged students requires secretary perform year national evaluation implementation effect literacy initiatives supported act provide technical assistance information literacy instruction educational entities authorizes secretary withhold act funding states subgrantees states withhold funding subgrantees initiatives making significant progress improving student literacy


Summary:
Fiscal Fairness Act

Amends part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to condition local educational agency (LEA) receipt of school improvement funds on: (1) an average state and local spending per pupil in each school receiving school improvement funds of at least 97% of such spending per pupil across all of the LEA's schools that are not receiving such funds; and (2) an average state and local spending per pupil in each higher poverty school of at least 97% of such spending per pupil across all lower poverty schools, if the LEA is serving all of its schools under part A.

Allows LEAs to meet such requirement across all schools or among schools serving a particular grade span if they compare schools within no more than three grade spans.

Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Education, in the fourth and fifth years after this Act's enactment, to audit 5 states and 10 LEAs to determine their progress in meeting these requirements.

Requires annual LEA report cards to include certain information on state and local spending per pupil in schools.

Requires states to provide the public with annual up-to-date school-by-school listings of per-pupil state and local spending.

fiscal fairness act amends title elementary secondary education act condition local educational agency lea receipt school improvement funds average state local spending pupil school receiving school improvement funds spending pupil lea schools receiving funds average state local spending pupil higher poverty school spending pupil lower poverty schools lea serving schools allows leas meet requirement schools schools serving particular grade span compare schools grade spans directs inspector general department_of_education fourth fifth years act enactment audit states leas determine progress meeting requirements requires annual lea report cards include certain information state local spending pupil schools requires states provide public annual date school school listings pupil state local spending


Summary:
Caring Start Act of 2015

This bill amends the Head Start Act to require that in providing and allocating resources for training and technical assistance, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) give priority consideration to activities that:

 support the implementation of evidence-based trauma-informed practices, age-appropriate positive behavioral interventions and supports, early childhood mental health consultation, and prevention of suspension and expulsion; and increase coordination between Head Start agencies and other programs that serve very young children. Such assistance must also, to the maximum extent practicable, assist Head Start agencies in adopting evidence-based approaches to best identify and serve children whose experiences have elicited a toxic stress response. (Toxic stress response can result from strong or prolonged adversity without adequate adult support.)

HHS shall fund personnel training in:

 evidence-based trauma-informed practices, as well as early childhood mental health consultation and age-appropriate positive behavioral interventions and supports; and helping children who are victims of trauma or toxic stress.

caring start act bill amends head start act require providing allocating resources training technical assistance department_of_health_and_human_services hhs priority consideration activities support implementation evidence based trauma informed practices age appropriate positive behavioral interventions supports early childhood mental health consultation prevention suspension expulsion increase coordination head start agencies programs serve young children assistance maximum extent practicable assist head_start agencies adopting evidence based approaches best identify serve children experiences toxic stress response toxic stress response result strong prolonged adversity adequate adult support hhs shall fund personnel training evidence based trauma informed practices early childhood mental health consultation age appropriate positive behavioral interventions supports helping children victims trauma toxic stress


Summary:
Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2015

This bill amends the Department of Education Organization Act to create an Office of Specialized Instructional Support within the Department of Education (ED) to improve specialized instructional support services in schools. "Specialized instructional support services" are assessment, diagnosis, counseling, educational, therapeutic, and other services provided by qualified professionals as part of a comprehensive program to meet student needs.

The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize ED to award competitive matching grants to states to: (1) establish or expand specialized instructional support services and programs at the state level that are designed to provide technical assistance, coordination, and support to specialized instructional support services and programs addressing barriers to learning within local educational agencies and individual schools; and (2) hire and support specialized instructional support services coordinators to provide such assistance, coordination, and support.

References to pupil services and pupil services personnel are replaced with references to specialized instructional support services and specialized instructional support personnel.

reducing barriers learning act bill amends department_of_education_organization_act create improve specialized instructional support services schools specialized instructional support services assessment diagnosis counseling educational therapeutic services provided qualified professionals comprehensive program meet student needs bill amends elementary secondary education act authorize award competitive matching grants states establish expand specialized instructional support services programs state level designed provide technical assistance coordination support specialized instructional support services programs addressing barriers learning local educational agencies individual schools hire support specialized instructional support services coordinators provide assistance coordination support references pupil services pupil services personnel replaced references specialized instructional support services specialized instructional support personnel


Summary:
Strong Start for America's Children Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to allot matching grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies, childhood education program providers, or consortia of those entities to implement high-quality prekindergarten programs for children from low-income families.

Grants are allotted to states based on each state's proportion of children who are age four and who are from families with incomes at or below 200% of the poverty level.

"High-quality prekindergarten programs" are those that serve children three or four years of age and meet criteria concerning: class size; learning environments; teacher qualifications, salaries, and professional development; program monitoring; and accessibility to comprehensive health and support services.

Programs supported by a state must conduct criminal history background checks on employees and applicants for employment with unsupervised access to children.

States may apply to use up to 15% of their grant for subgrants to high-quality early childhood education and care programs for infants and toddlers whose family income is at or below 200% of the poverty level.

ED and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall develop a process to: (1) provide Head Start program services to children younger than age four in states or regions that already provide four-year-olds whose family income is at or below 200% of the poverty level with sustained access to high-quality prekindergarten programs, or (2) convert programs to serve infants and toddlers.

ED shall award competitive matching grants to states to increase their capacity to offer high-quality prekindergarten programs. States must provide assurances that they will use their grant to become eligible, within three years of receiving the grant, for this Act's grants for high-quality prekindergarten programs.

The bill amends the Head Start Act to direct HHS to make grants to Early Head Start agencies to partner with center-based or family child care providers, particularly those that receive support under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, to assist them in meeting program performance standards. Such partnerships may serve children through age three.

The bill reauthorizes the programs providing: (1) preschool grants for special education and related services, and (2) early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.

The bill expresses the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the value of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program.

strong start america children act bill directs allot matching grants states subgrants local educational agencies childhood education program providers consortia entities implement high quality prekindergarten programs children low income families grants allotted states based state proportion children age families incomes poverty level high quality prekindergarten programs serve children years age meet criteria concerning class size learning environments teacher qualifications salaries professional development program monitoring accessibility comprehensive health support services programs supported state conduct criminal history background checks employees applicants employment unsupervised access children states apply use grant subgrants high quality early childhood education care programs infants toddlers family income poverty level department_of_health_and_human_services hhs shall develop process provide head_start program services children younger age states regions provide year olds family income poverty level sustained access high quality prekindergarten programs convert programs serve infants toddlers shall award competitive matching grants states increase capacity offer high quality prekindergarten programs states provide assurances use grant eligible years receiving grant act grants high quality prekindergarten programs bill amends head start act direct hhs grants early head start agencies partner center based family child care providers particularly receive support child care development block grant act assist meeting program performance standards partnerships serve children age bill reauthorizes programs providing preschool grants special education related services early intervention services infants toddlers disabilities families bill expresses sense house_of_representatives concerning value maternal infant early_childhood_home_visiting program


Summary:
Expanded Access to Real Learning for our Young Act or the EARLY Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Education to award competitive grants to states to carry out full-day prekindergarten programs.

The programs must:

 be located at public schools, if practicable, or otherwise carried out by private or other community providers; permit parents, regardless of income, to voluntary enroll their four-year old children in the programs and do so at no cost if their combined income does not exceed 400% of the poverty line; be full-day programs that run the length of the regular school year; maintain a maximum class size of 20 children, with at least 1 prekindergarten teacher per classroom; ensure that the ratio of children to prekindergarten teachers and teacher aides does not exceed 10 to 1; be taught by teachers who are paid a salary comparable to kindergarten through grade 12 teachers at the state's public schools; and meet a minimum level of parental engagement set by the state. Grant priority shall be given to states that carry out the programs at public schools.

The federal share of a grant may not exceed 75% of the prekindergarten program's costs.

expanded access real learning young act early act bill authorizes department_of_education award competitive grants states carry day prekindergarten programs programs located public schools practicable carried private community providers permit parents regardless income voluntary enroll year old children programs cost combined income exceed poverty line day programs run length regular school year maintain maximum class size children prekindergarten teacher classroom ensure ratio children prekindergarten teachers teacher aides exceed taught teachers paid salary comparable kindergarten grade teachers state public schools meet minimum level parental engagement set state grant priority shall given states carry programs public schools federal share grant exceed prekindergarten program costs


Summary:
Reimburse Educators who Pay for Academic Year Supplies Act of 2015 or the REPAY Supplies Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the deduction from gross income (above-the-line deduction) for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers, and (2) allow such deduction to an individual who is a teacher or aide under a Head Start program for at least 700 hours during a school year.

reimburse educators pay academic year supplies act repay supplies act bill amends internal_revenue_code permanent deduction gross income line deduction certain expenses elementary secondary school teachers allow deduction individual teacher aide head_start program hours school year


Summary:
21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Department of Education (ED) to provide grants to local educational agencies  to encourage the ongoing development of programs and curricula for girls and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and prepare those students to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees and careers in such fields.

21st century stem girls underrepresented minorities act bill amends elementary secondary education act authorize provide grants local educational agencies encourage ongoing development programs curricula girls underrepresented minorities science technology engineering mathematics stem prepare students pursue undergraduate graduate degrees careers fields


Summary:
Teacher Loan Repayment Act of 2015

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify the financial aid programs for teachers.

Specifically, it terminates the authority of the Department of Education (ED) to: (1) award new grants under the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program and (2) enter new loan forgiveness agreements under the under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness program.

The bill authorizes and directs ED to administer a new loan repayment for teachers program. To qualify, a borrower must be a full-time teacher in a low-income school or location and meet other requirements. ED, on behalf of a qualified borrower, makes $250-$400 direct monthly payments on Federal Family Education Loan or Direct Loan program Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and, in certain circumstances, Consolidation Loans.

To remain eligible for loan repayment, a borrower must continue to be employed in the school or location of initial eligibility.

 The total maximum loan repayment amount is $23,400 over six years. A borrower must repay the remaining principal and interest.

An individual who currently participates in the Teacher Loan Forgiveness program may continue participating in such program or enter the new loan repayment for teachers program.

teacher loan repayment act bill amends title student assistance higher education act modify financial aid programs teachers specifically terminates authority award new grants teach grant program enter new loan forgiveness agreements teacher loan forgiveness program bill authorizes directs administer new loan repayment teachers program qualify borrower time teacher low income school location meet requirements behalf qualified borrower makes direct monthly payments federal_family_education_loan direct_loan program subsidized unsubsidized certain circumstances remain eligible loan repayment borrower continue employed school location initial eligibility total maximum loan repayment years borrower repay remaining principal interest individual currently participates teacher loan forgiveness program continue participating program enter new loan repayment teachers program


Summary:
Restructuring Underutilized Resources for Advancing Learning Act or the RURAL Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit of: (1) $1,000 for teachers in schools in rural or high-poverty areas; (2) $2,000 for such teachers who are certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; or (3) $2,000 for eligible school administrators in rural schools.

This bill also amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish the Office of Rural Education Policy to, among other activities: (1) advise the Department of Education (ED) on matters related to the characteristics and needs of rural schools; (2) establish and maintain a clearinghouse for information related to rural schools; and (3) provide technical assistance to support activities related to improving education in rural areas.

ED must prepare, and make publicly available, impact analyses of rules and regulations significantly affecting rural schools.

In addition, the bill: (1) authorizes ED to award competitive grants to eligible partnerships, with dedicated funding for partnerships serving rural schools, to implement and evaluate the results of technology-based learning practices, strategies, tools, or courses; and (2) amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish and authorize through FY2020 a competitive grant program for eligible entities to establish, expand, or improve expanded learning time and after-school programs in rural areas.

The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require ED to provide outreach and technical assistance for grant programs under that Act.

Rural agencies may submit consolidated plans under ESEA for covered programs.

rural act bill amends internal_revenue_code allow refundable tax credit teachers schools rural high poverty areas teachers certified national_board_for_professional_teaching_standards eligible school administrators rural schools bill amends department_of_education_organization_act establish activities advise matters related characteristics needs rural schools establish maintain clearinghouse information related rural schools provide technical assistance support activities related improving education rural areas prepare publicly available impact analyses rules regulations significantly affecting rural schools addition bill authorizes award competitive grants eligible partnerships dedicated funding partnerships serving rural schools implement evaluate results technology based learning practices strategies tools courses amends consolidated_farm rural development act establish authorize fy2020 competitive grant program eligible entities establish expand improve expanded learning time school programs rural areas bill amends elementary secondary education act esea require provide outreach technical assistance grant programs act rural agencies submit consolidated plans esea covered programs


Summary:
Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act

This bill amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to require a state to identify, evaluate, and provide special education and related services to children who have visual or hearing disabilities (or both) and also are, or may be, classified in another disability category. A state must ensure that it has enough qualified personnel to serve children who have such disabilities and that a full continuum of alternative placements is available to meet the needs of disabled children for special education and related services.

The individualized education program for each child that is either (or both) visually or hearing impaired must include specified components and must provide the child with instruction that meets the child's unique learning needs. Similarly, the individualized family service plan for an infant or toddler with a hearing disability must include specified components.

A states' closure of a special school serving deaf or blind children shall count as a reduction of its financial support for special education and related services for purposes of the prohibition against reducing state financial support for such services from one fiscal year to the next.

The bill also: (1) authorizes grants for training special education personnel, to be used in preparing individuals to become qualified teachers and early intervention specialists for children with hearing disabilities; and (2) establishes within the Department of Education the Anne Sullivan Macy Center on Visual Disability and Educational Excellence to better support students with visual disabilities.

bill amends individuals_with_disabilities_education_act require state identify evaluate provide special education related services children visual hearing disabilities classified disability category state ensure qualified personnel serve children disabilities continuum alternative placements available meet needs disabled children special education related services individualized education program child visually hearing impaired include specified components provide child instruction meets child unique learning needs similarly individualized family service plan infant toddler hearing disability include specified components states closure special school serving deaf blind children shall count reduction financial support special education related services purposes prohibition reducing state financial support services fiscal year bill authorizes grants training special education personnel preparing individuals qualified teachers early intervention specialists children hearing disabilities establishes department_of_education center visual disability educational excellence better support students visual disabilities


Summary:
Early Learning Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to make annual awards from the Early Education Trust Fund, established in this bill, to state pre-kindergarten agencies according to a formula based on pre-kindergarten enrollment in the state. To be eligible for an award, a state must provide assurances that: (1) the award will be used only to support pre-kindergarten programs, (2) the state will not expend less for pre-kindergarten programs in the award period than it did in the previous year, and (3) each resident in the state who is four years old on October 1 of the award year has the opportunity to enroll in a free pre-kindergarten program.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a surtax, equal to 1.5% of a taxpayer's adjusted gross income as exceeds $500,000, to support the fund.

early learning act bill requires annual awards established bill state pre kindergarten agencies according formula based pre kindergarten enrollment state eligible award state provide assurances award support pre kindergarten programs state expend pre kindergarten programs award period previous year resident state years old october award year opportunity enroll free pre kindergarten program bill amends internal_revenue_code impose surtax equal taxpayer adjusted gross income exceeds support fund


Summary:
Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2015

This bill authorizes through FY2021 a competitive grant program for states to establish or expand full-day prekindergarten programs that: (1) permit each three- or four-year old child in the state to be voluntarily enrolled by the child's parent, regardless of income, in the program at the public school in which the child would be enrolled for kindergarten; (2) run the length of the regular school year; and (3) are taught by teachers who possess equivalent or similar qualifications to those of teachers of other grades in the school.

The federal share of such a grant shall not exceed 80% of the costs of carrying out these activities. Grant funds received under the program shall be used to supplement and not supplant other federal early childhood education funds in the state.

universal prekindergarten early childhood education act bill authorizes fy2021 competitive grant program states establish expand day prekindergarten programs permit year old child state voluntarily enrolled child parent regardless income program public school child enrolled kindergarten run length regular school year taught teachers possess equivalent similar qualifications teachers grades school federal share grant shall exceed costs carrying activities grant funds received program shall supplement supplant federal early childhood education funds state


Summary:
GEAR UP for Counseling

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase requirements for grant recipients under the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP).

Specifically, it requires state and partnership GEAR UP grantees to also provide academic and mental health counseling services to participating students.

The bill reauthorizes GEAR UP for FY2017-FY2022.

gear counseling bill amends title student assistance higher education act increase requirements grant recipients gear specifically requires state partnership gear grantees provide academic mental health counseling services participating students bill reauthorizes gear fy2017 fy2022


Summary:
Pre-K for USA Act

This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award high-quality prekindergarten (pre-K) program development grants on a competitive basis to states, local education agencies, or other local government entities.

A grant recipient may use the grant funds to award subgrants to local entities, provided that the entity did not receive pre-K program funding within the same fiscal year.

Grants are nonrenewable and shall be awarded for a period of no more than three years.

Unless granted a financial hardship waiver by ED, a grant recipient shall contribute matching funds equal to at least 20% of the grant amount.

bill requires award high quality prekindergarten program development grants competitive basis states local education agencies local government entities grant recipient use grant funds award subgrants local entities provided entity receive program funding fiscal year grants nonrenewable shall awarded period years granted financial hardship waiver grant recipient shall contribute matching funds equal grant