Summary:
Supportive School Climate Act of 2015

Amends the school improvement program under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require each state that wants to use a part A grant to provide students with positive behavioral interventions and support to submit a plan to the Secretary of Education that describes specified steps it will take to: (1) create a positive school climate for all students, (2) improve engagement for disconnected youths, (3) create disciplinary policies that are fair and work to keep students in school, and (4) enable those who are removed from school to resume their education upon returning to school.

Requires each school receiving school improvement funds to provide parents with the number of incidents, disaggregated by specified student subgroups, of school violence, bullying, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and certain disciplinary actions involving its students.

Requires the school improvement plan of each local educational agency (LEA) to describe how the LEA will support positive behavior interventions and supports by: (1) establishing parental notification requirements for specified disciplinary actions that remove students from instruction, (2) establishing systems to engage families and community members with the school in meaningful and sustained ways, and (3) establishing best practices for a school conduct and discipline code that:

 protects students and staff from harm; provides students with constructive opportunities to learn from their mistakes without being excluded from school; fosters a positive learning community by providing a continuum of interventions, supports, and strategies within a tiered prevention framework; keeps students in school; and shows mindful consideration of the negative impacts that may result from a student's involvement with the criminal justice system. Amends part D (Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk) of title I of the ESEA to require states applying for part D grants to establish:

 procedures to ensure that students who have been placed in the juvenile justice system are promptly re-enrolled in secondary school or placed in the re-entry programs that best meet their educational and social needs, procedures to facilitate the transfer of the credits that such students earn during placement, and opportunities for such students to participate in postsecondary and career pathways. Requires LEAs receiving part D subgrants to describe the activities they will undertake to facilitate the transition of youths from the juvenile justice system into their schools or, as appropriate, into postsecondary and career and technical education programs.

Requires correctional facilities receiving part D funds to: (1) develop an initial educational services transition plan for entering youths, and (2) consult with LEAs upon a youth's discharge to coordinate educational services so as to minimize disruption to the youth's achievement.

Requires the Secretary, under part A (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities) of title IV of the ESEA, to provide to states, LEAs, and other recipients of part A funding technical assistance for activities that may include developing comprehensive, evidence-based professional development and training programs for relevant school staff and contractors to improve school safety and climate for students and staff.

supportive school climate act amends school improvement program title elementary secondary education act esea require state wants use grant provide students positive behavioral interventions support submit plan secretary education describes specified steps create positive school climate students improve engagement disconnected youths create disciplinary policies fair work students school enable removed school resume education returning school requires school receiving school improvement funds provide parents number incidents disaggregated specified student subgroups school violence bullying drug abuse alcohol abuse certain disciplinary actions involving students requires school improvement plan local educational agency lea describe lea support positive behavior interventions supports establishing parental notification requirements specified disciplinary actions remove students instruction establishing systems engage families community members school meaningful sustained ways establishing best practices school conduct discipline code protects students staff harm provides students constructive opportunities learn excluded school fosters positive learning community providing continuum interventions supports strategies tiered prevention framework keeps students school shows consideration negative impacts result student involvement criminal justice system amends prevention intervention programs children youth neglected delinquent risk title esea require states applying grants establish procedures ensure students placed juvenile justice system promptly enrolled secondary school placed entry programs best meet educational social needs procedures facilitate transfer credits students earn placement opportunities students participate postsecondary career pathways requires leas receiving subgrants describe activities undertake facilitate transition youths juvenile justice system schools appropriate postsecondary career technical education programs requires correctional facilities receiving funds develop initial educational services transition plan entering youths consult leas youth discharge coordinate educational services minimize disruption youth achievement requires secretary safe drug free schools communities title esea provide states leas recipients funding technical assistance activities include developing comprehensive evidence based professional development training programs relevant school staff contractors improve school safety climate students staff


Summary:
Stop Sexual Abuse by School Personnel Act of 2015

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require each state and local educational agency (LEA) that receives funds under the ESEA to have policies and procedures in effect that require a criminal background check for each school employee in the LEA's public elementary and secondary schools.

Requires the background check to be conducted and administered by the state or the LEA.

Authorizes states or LEAs to use ESEA funds to establish, implement, or improve policies and procedures on background checks for school employees. Lists the policies and procedures to be implemented using that assistance, including training for school employees on how to recognize, respond to, and prevent child abuse.

Requires state and LEA school improvement plans (required for receipt of school improvement funds under part A of title I of the ESEA) to describe the laws, regulations, or policies and procedures in effect in the state that:

 terminate individuals who fail to pass the criminal background check, improve the reporting of those failures, reduce the instances of a school employee being transferred following the employee's failure to pass the background check, provide a school employee with a requested copy of the employee's criminal background check and a timely process for appealing its results, provide the results of the criminal background check to the employer in a statement that indicates whether a school employee is eligible for employment, and make the background check policies and procedures publicly available. Directs the Secretary of Education, in collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General, to provide technical assistance and support to states, LEAs, and schools that shall include, at a minimum:

 a comprehensive package of materials that outlines the steps that can be taken to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse by school personnel; the most cost-effective way to disseminate federal information so states, LEAs, child welfare agencies, and criminal justice entities are aware of such information and have access to it; and mechanisms to better track and analyze the prevalence of child sexual abuse by school personnel through existing federal data collection systems.

stop sexual abuse school personnel act amends elementary secondary education act esea require state local educational agency lea receives funds esea policies procedures effect require criminal background check school employee lea public elementary secondary schools requires background check conducted administered state lea authorizes states leas use esea funds establish implement improve policies procedures background checks school employees lists policies procedures implemented assistance including training school employees recognize respond prevent child abuse requires state lea school improvement plans required receipt school improvement funds title esea describe laws regulations policies procedures effect state terminate individuals fail pass criminal background check improve reporting failures reduce instances school employee transferred following employee failure pass background check provide school employee requested copy employee criminal background check timely process appealing results provide results criminal background check employer statement indicates school employee eligible employment background check policies procedures publicly available directs secretary education collaboration secretary health_and_human_services attorney general provide technical assistance support states leas schools shall include minimum comprehensive package materials outlines steps taken prevent respond child sexual abuse school personnel cost effective way disseminate federal information states leas child welfare agencies criminal justice entities aware information access mechanisms better track analyze prevalence child sexual abuse school personnel existing federal data collection systems


Summary:
Better Educator Support and Training Act or the BEST Act

Revises, and reauthorizes appropriations through FY2021 under, part A (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund) of title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA).

Redesignates title II (Developing and Supporting Effective Educators for Disadvantaged Students) and its revised part A (Educator Equity, Professional Development, and Recruitment Fund) program.

Amends subpart 1 of part A to require each state applying for an allotment of part A funds to develop a state educator equity plan to improve the access of low-income and minority students to effective educators.

Requires states to use: (1) 95% of their allotment to make subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) under subpart 2; and (2) 2% to 5% of their allotment to develop and implement a plan to improve the effectiveness of principals in high-need schools, ensure that low-income and minority students have equitable access to profession ready principals, and implement a comprehensive strategy for educator development and support that includes, among other elements, the state educator equity plan.

Withholds administrative funds from a state's part A allotment if the state does not meet certain teacher preparation accountability provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Requires each LEA to use its subgrant under subpart 2 of part A to implement a comprehensive strategy for educator development and support that:

 addresses gaps in the access of low-income and minority students to effective educators; targets assistance to schools identified as having the greatest need; implements evidence-based activities that provide support to new educators, such as comprehensive, multi-year induction programs; provides systematic, sustained, targeted, coherent, collaborative, and job-embedded professional development for all educators; provides feedback on the performance of new educators to local educator preparation programs; and develops and implements a professional growth and improvement system. Sets forth permissible subgrant activities.

Revises subpart 3 of part A to require each state, directly or through subgrants to institutions of higher education, LEAs, schools or colleges of education, nonprofit organizations, or partnerships of such entities, to use a portion of its remaining allotment to:

 assist each teacher preparation program that has been identified as low-performing or that is at risk of being identified as such, and terminate programs identified as low-performing after such assistance and a period of time for program improvement has been provided. Set forth permissible subpart 3 activities.

Revises subpart 4 of part A to require states that receive an allotment under subpart 1, and LEAs that receive a subgrant under subpart 2, to report annually to the Secretary of Education and their state, respectively, on the performance and results of their respective programs under those subparts.

Authorizes the Secretary to withhold part A administrative funds from states that, for three consecutive academic years, demonstrate no progress in making student access to effective teachers more equitable.

Defines a "high-need LEA" for purposes of the national activities under subpart 5 of part A. Replaces the national teacher recruitment campaign with a program authorizing the Secretary to award grants to national nonprofit organizations for projects to: (1) recruit and select educators, or (2) prepare or provide professional enhancement activities for educators.

Redefines "professional development" under the ESEA as job-embedded comprehensive, sustained, targeted, intensive, evidence-based, and classroom-focused support and capacity-building for educators that strengthens classroom practice and increases student learning. Lists additional requirements for professional development activities.

training act best act revises reauthorizes appropriations fy2021 teacher principal_training recruiting fund title preparing training recruiting high quality teachers principals elementary secondary education act esea redesignates title revised educator equity professional development program amends subpart require state applying allotment funds develop state educator equity plan improve access low income minority students effective educators requires states use allotment subgrants local educational agencies leas subpart allotment develop implement plan improve effectiveness principals high need schools ensure low income minority students equitable access profession ready principals implement comprehensive strategy educator development support includes elements state educator equity plan withholds administrative funds state allotment state meet certain teacher preparation accountability provisions higher education act requires lea use subgrant subpart implement comprehensive strategy educator development support addresses gaps access low income minority students effective educators targets assistance schools identified having greatest need implements evidence based activities provide support new educators comprehensive multi year induction programs provides systematic sustained targeted coherent collaborative job embedded professional development educators provides feedback performance new educators local educator preparation programs develops implements professional growth improvement system sets forth permissible subgrant activities revises subpart require state directly subgrants institutions higher education leas schools colleges education nonprofit organizations partnerships entities use portion remaining allotment assist teacher preparation program identified low performing risk identified terminate programs identified low performing assistance period time program improvement provided set forth permissible subpart activities revises subpart require states receive allotment subpart leas receive subgrant subpart report annually secretary education state respectively performance results respective programs subparts authorizes secretary withhold administrative funds states consecutive academic years demonstrate progress making student access effective teachers equitable defines high need lea purposes national activities subpart replaces national teacher recruitment campaign program authorizing secretary award grants national nonprofit organizations projects recruit select educators prepare provide professional enhancement activities educators redefines professional development esea job embedded comprehensive sustained targeted intensive evidence based classroom focused support capacity building educators classroom practice increases student learning lists additional requirements professional development activities


Summary:
Jesse Lewis Empowering Educators Act

Amends title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to include teacher and principal training in practices that address the social and emotional development needs of students among the activities funded under the Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund program.

Allows funded training to include training in classroom instruction and schoolwide initiatives that enable students to acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills most conducive to social and emotional competency.

jesse lewis empowering educators act amends title elementary secondary education act include teacher principal training practices address social emotional development needs students activities funded teacher principal_training recruiting_fund program allows funded training include training classroom instruction schoolwide initiatives enable students acquire knowledge attitudes skills conducive social emotional competency


Summary:
Student Testing Improvement and Accountability Act

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to eliminate the requirement that students be tested against state academic content and achievement standards in mathematics and reading or language arts in each of grades three through eight.

Requires, instead, that those tests be administered at least once during: (1) grades 3 through 5, (2) grades 6 through 9, and (3) grades 10 through 12.

amends elementary secondary education act eliminate requirement students tested state academic content achievement standards mathematics reading language arts grades requires instead tests administered grades grades grades


Summary:
Inspiring New STEM Professionals by Investing in Renovation of Education Spaces Act or the INSPIRES Act

 Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to direct the Department of Education (ED) to support local educational agencies (LEAs), community colleges, and other appropriate entities in modernizing, renovating, or repairing facilities used to provide science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or career and technical education to public elementary, secondary school, or community college students.

Requires ED to furnish such support by providing eligible entities with grants or loan guarantees or by making payments of interest on the financial instruments they use to fund the modernization, renovation, or repair of those facilities.

Prohibits the use of that support for new construction or the payment of routine maintenance costs.

Requires ED to direct at least 25% of the funds made available under this Act to: (1) public schools or secondary schools served by high-need LEAs, or (2) community colleges that serve a substantial number of rural students.

new stem professionals investing renovation education spaces act act amends elementary secondary education act esea direct support local educational agencies leas community colleges appropriate entities modernizing renovating repairing facilities provide science technology engineering mathematics career technical education public elementary secondary school community college students requires furnish support providing eligible entities grants loan guarantees making payments interest financial instruments use fund modernization renovation repair facilities prohibits use support new construction payment routine maintenance costs requires direct funds available act public schools secondary schools served high need leas community colleges serve substantial number rural students


Summary:
School Asthma Management Plan Act

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to enable public elementary schools and secondary schools to: (1) develop and implement a school asthma management plan; and (2) purchase drugs and devices for emergency use that are approved or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, including bronchodilators, spacers, and inhalers for students served by the school, as well as devices that measure pulmonary function or asthma education tools.

Authorizes ED to award a grant to a local health or education department to carry out such activities upon determining that in such local area such department is the entity that would routinely carry out such activities.

Requires ED to give priority in awarding grants to: (1) any LEA that will use grant funds to assist a public elementary school or secondary school that has a high burden of asthma, and (2) any department that proposes to carry out the grant activities at such a school.

Requires grantees to: (1) find innovative ways to encourage rapid bidirectional communication between schools and students' physicians and students' adherence to asthma treatment, (2) ensure that they have on staff a nurse or individual who is trained to administer emergency asthma care, (3) ensure that all student asthma action plans include asthma triggers, both allergens and irritants, for the student; and (4) ensure that each school served under the grant reports asthma emergency events involving students to the state health department by school identifier.

plan act amends elementary secondary education act authorize award grants local educational agencies leas enable public elementary schools secondary schools develop implement school asthma management plan purchase drugs devices emergency use approved cleared food_and_drug_administration including inhalers students served school devices measure pulmonary function asthma education tools authorizes award grant local health education department carry activities determining local area department entity routinely carry activities requires priority awarding grants lea use grant funds assist public elementary school secondary school high burden asthma department proposes carry grant activities school requires grantees find innovative ways encourage rapid communication schools students physicians students adherence asthma treatment ensure staff nurse individual trained administer emergency asthma care ensure student asthma action plans include asthma triggers student ensure school served grant reports asthma emergency events involving students state health department school identifier


Summary:
Every Student Succeeds Act

TITLE I--IMPROVING BASIC PROGRAMS OPERATED BY STATE AND LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES

Part A--Improving Basic Programs Operated by State and Local Educational Agencies

(Sec. 1002) This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reauthorize through FY2020 the following programs: (1) state assessments; (2) education of migratory children; (3) prevention and intervention for children and youth who are neglected, delinquent, or at-risk; and (4) federal evaluation activities.

(Sec. 1003) The bill consolidates funding for School Improvement Grants, which are aimed at turning around the lowest-performing schools, into the title I-A funding formula. (Title I-A funding supports the instructional needs of students from low-income families.) Specifically, the bill: (1) eliminates the standalone grant program, and (2) increases the proportion of title I-A funding that a state shall reserve for school improvement.

Of the amount reserved, a state shall: (1) allocate 95% to local educational agencies (LEAs), whether on a formula or competitive basis, for activities to support the improvement of the lowest-performing schools; or (2) with the LEA's approval, provide for these activities directly.

(Sec. 1004) A state may reserve up to 3% of its title I-A funding to award grants for direct student services to geographically diverse LEAs that serve low-performing schools. An LEA shall use these grant funds to support direct student services including: (1) a student's enrollment and participation in academic courses not otherwise available at the student's school; (2) credit recovery and academic acceleration courses that lead to a regular high school diploma; (3) activities that assist students in successfully completing postsecondary level instruction and examinations that are accepted for credit at institutions of higher education; and (4) if applicable, transportation to allow a student enrolled in a low-performing school to transfer to another public school. This option to reserve funding replaces several smaller competitive grant programs and supports similar activities.

(Sec. 1005) Current law requires a state that receives title I-A funding to submit a state plan for approval by the Department of Education (ED). The bill specifies that a state plan must be reviewed by peer reviewers whose names are made public. If ED rejects a state's plan, the state shall: (1) have the opportunity to revise its plan, (2) be provided technical assistance, and (3) be afforded a hearing.

Current law requires a state that receives title I-A funding to adopt academic standards in reading and language arts, mathematics, and science. The bill requires a state to demonstrate that such standards are aligned with: (1) the entrance requirements of the state's system of public higher education, and (2) relevant state career and technical education standards. A state's standards shall include at least three levels of achievement. A state shall not be required to submit its standards to ED for review or approval.

The bill maintains the requirement for a state to administer student assessments in reading, mathematics, and science, according to an established testing schedule. A state may administer either a single assessment or multiple assessments that result in a single, summative score. If specified requirements are met, a state may administer computer adaptive assessments. (Such assessments adapt to the examinee's ability level.)

An LEA may administer a locally selected, nationally recognized assessment in lieu of the statewide high school assessment if specified standards and notice requirements are met.

With respect to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, a state may: (1) adopt alternative academic achievement standards, and (2) administer alternative assessments that are aligned with those standards. Neither a state nor ED may cap the percentage of students taking an alternative assessment at the LEA level, but if that percentage exceeds 1%: (1) the LEA must submit justification to the state, and (2) the state must provide additional oversight.

A state may cap the amount of time spent on assessments for each grade.

Under current law, a state is required to establish long-term goals based on the requirement that all students attain a proficient or higher level of achievement within a specified timeframe. The bill instead requires a state to establish long-term goals for all students and individual subgroups based on: (1) academic achievement as measured by proficiency on required state assessments, and (2) graduation rates. With respect to subgroups, goals must account for the level of improvement necessary to make significant progress in closing statewide gaps in proficiency and graduation rates. With respect to English learners, a state shall establish goals for increasing the percentage of students achieving English language proficiency within a timeframe determined by the state.

Under current law, a state must determine the average yearly progress (AYP) for all students and subgroups at the school, LEA, and state level; AYP standards mandate specified thresholds of performance with respect to assessments and graduation rates. The bill replaces AYP standards with a requirement for states to annually measure all students and individual subgroups by: (1) academic achievement as measured by state assessments; (2) for high schools, graduation rates; (3) for schools that are not high schools, a measure of student growth or another valid and reliable statewide indicator; (4) if applicable, progress in achieving English proficiency by English learners; and (5) at least one additional valid and reliable statewide indicator that allows for meaningful differentiation in school performance.

A state is required to assign weight to each indicator and establish a system for meaningfully differentiating, on an annual basis, among schools based on those indicators. Based on this system, a state shall develop a methodology for identifying low-performing schools for support and improvement. Specifically, a state shall identify: (1) the lowest-performing 5% of schools receiving title I-A funds; (2) high schools failing to graduate at least one third of students; (3) schools that have been required to implement additional targeted support but have not improved within a specified timeframe, as determined by the state; and (4) additional statewide categories, at the state's discretion. With respect to identified schools, LEAs shall be required to develop a plan to improve outcomes. Schools with a consistently underperforming subgroup must develop and implement targeted support and improvement plans. For schools that continue to fail to improve, a state shall take more rigorous action, as determined by the state.

A state plan shall describe how the state will assist LEAs in: (1) providing early childhood education programs, (2) improving school conditions for learning and meeting the needs of students, and (3) serving homeless children and youths. In addition, a state plan must describe how the state will address disparities that result in low-income and minority students being taught by ineffective teachers at a disproportionate rate.

A state shall make public any criteria for measuring the effectiveness of teachers and school leaders.

Each state shall prepare and publicly disseminate an annual report card that describes the state's accountability system and includes information regarding student performance, as specified by the bill. Similarly, an LEA shall prepare and disseminate an annual local report card.

ED shall provide to Congress an annual report card that provides specified national and state-level data.

The bill prohibits ED from attempting to influence, incentivize, or coerce a state to adopt the Common Core State Standards or any other academic standards common to a significant number of states.

(Sec. 1006) The bill requires an LEA plan to include contents similar to those required of state plans.

An LEA must inform a child's parents that they may request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child's teacher. In addition, an LEA must notify parents: (1) of policies regarding students' participation in statewide assessments; and (2) in the event that their child was identified as an English learner, the services for which the child is eligible.

(Sec. 1007) Under current law, if title I-A funds are insufficient to serve all eligible school attendance areas, an LEA shall serve in descending order of concentration such areas in which the concentration of children from low-income families exceeds 75%. The bill lowers this threshold to 50%.

Current law requires an LEA to use specified measures of poverty to identify, and determine allocations to, eligible school attendance areas. The bill allows an LEA, with the approval of a majority of secondary schools, to calculate poverty in such schools based on data regarding elementary school attendance areas that feed into the secondary school.

Under current law, an LEA shall reserve funds to serve children and youths who are homeless, delinquent, or neglected. The amount of such funds may be determined based on a needs assessment, as specified by the bill.

An LEA may reserve a portion of funds to provide early childhood education programs for eligible children.

(Sec. 1008) If granted a waiver from the state educational agency (SEA), a school in which less than 40% of the children enrolled are from low-income families may consolidate and use title I-A funds to operate a schoolwide program. An eligible school operating a schoolwide program shall develop a comprehensive plan or amend its existing plan, as specified by the bill.

A secondary school operating a schoolwide program may use title I-A funds to operate dual or concurrent enrollment programs that address the needs of low-achieving secondary school students.

(Sec. 1009) Under current law, a school that does not operate a schoolwide program may use title I-A funds to provide targeted assistance to eligible children identified as having the greatest need for assistance. The bill allows a secondary school that operates such a targeted assistance program to use title I-A funds to provide dual or concurrent enrollment program services.

(Sec. 1010) The bill expands parental involvement policies to involve other family members. An LEA may receive title I-A funds only if it conducts outreach to all children's parents and family members.

Funds reserved for parent and family engagement shall be distributed with priority given to high-need schools. An LEA shall use such funds to carry out activities and strategies consistent with its parent and family engagement policy, as specified by the bill.

(Sec. 1011) An SEA shall designate an ombudsman to monitor and enforce requirements related to the equitable provision of services to children enrolled in private schools.

With respect to the equitable provision of services, an LEA shall consult with appropriate private school officials and explain any disagreements in writing, as specified by the bill.

(Sec. 1012) An educational agency shall use title I-A funds to supplement, rather than supplant, nonfederal funds for the education of students participating in assisted programs.

(Sec. 1013) LEAs using title I-A funds to provide early childhood education programs shall develop agreements with Head Start agencies and other entities to carry out such activities.

(Sec. 1014) The bill: (1) increases by 0.1% the portion of title I-A funds that ED must reserve to meet the educational needs of Indian children and children in the outlying areas, and (2) specifies how such funds are to be allocated between the two groups. (The outlying areas include the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.)

(Sec. 1017) Under current law, ED shall reduce a state's funding under the Education Finance Incentive grant program if the state fails to satisfy certain maintenance of effort requirements. The bill specifies that a state that fails to satisfy such requirements is entitled to receive its full allotment of funds unless it also failed the meet those requirements in at least one of the five immediately preceding fiscal years.

Part B--State Assessment Grants

(Sec. 1201) The bill retains state assessment grants for the development and administration of state assessments.

In addition, ED shall award grants to a state for the purpose of auditing the state's assessment system.

ED may also authorize a limited number of SEAs to establish innovative assessment systems, as described by the bill. Once ED has submitted a required progress report, it: (1) may extend such authority to additional SEAs, and (2) shall disseminate best practices related to innovative assessment systems.

Part C--Education of Migratory Children

(Sec. 1301) The bill revises the formula for allocating program funding to states by eliminating the base amount. Through FY2019, no state shall receive less than 90% of its allocation for the preceding fiscal year.

ED shall develop and implement a procedure for monitoring the accuracy of information regarding the actual number of migratory children in each state.

Part D--Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-risk

(Sec. 1401) The bill retains grants for prevention and intervention programs for children and youth you are neglected, delinquent, or at-risk. To be eligible, a state must describe how it will prioritize the attainment of a regular high school diploma for such children. Furthermore, an SEA must establish: (1) procedures to ensure the timely reenrollment of each student who has been placed in the juvenile justice system, and (2) opportunities for such students to participate in credit-bearing coursework.

The bill specifies that an SEA may use grant funds for pay-for-success initiatives or to provide targeted services for youth you have come in contact with both the child welfare system and the juvenile justice system.

With respect to subgrants, the bill specifies that an LEA may use funds for pay-for-success initiatives or to provide programs for at-risk Indian children and youth.

A correctional facility that contracts with a subgrantee LEA must, upon a youth's entry into the correctional facility: (1) work with the youth's family members and the applicable LEA to facilitate the youth's transition, and (2) consult with the LEA upon the youth's discharge from the facility.

For purposes of the grant program, the bill expands the definition "at-risk" to include school-aged individuals who: (1) have come into contact with the child welfare system in the past, or (2) are at risk of dependency adjudication or delinquency adjudication.

Part E--Flexibility for Equitable Per-pupil Funding

(Sec. 1501) The bill authorizes ED to enter into up to 50 local flexibility demonstration agreements, through which LEAs may consolidate and use funds to develop and implement a school funding system based on weighted per-pupil allocations for low-income and disadvantaged students.

Such a funding system shall ensure that each high-poverty school receives, in the first year of the demonstration agreement: (1) more per-pupil funding for low-income students than it received in the preceding year, and (2) at least as much per-pupil-funding for English learners as it received in the preceding year. An LEA shall ensure that the system allocates substantially more funding to English learners and low-income or otherwise disadvantaged students than to other students.

ED may extend the demonstration program if specified requirements are met.

Part F--General Provisions

(Sec. 1601) The bill allows ED to propose a regulation according to an alternative process, as specified by the bill, under certain circumstances.

TITLE II--PREPARING, TRAINING, AND RECRUITING HIGH-QUALITY TEACHERS, PRINCIPALS, OR OTHER SCHOOL LEADERS

(Sec. 2002) The bill reauthorizes the program through FY2020.

With respect to grant funds to states for improving teacher quality, the bill phases in several modifications to the funding formula. Specifically, over several fiscal years, the bill: (1) reduces and ultimately eliminates the base funding amount; (2) adjusts the funding formula, such that population is weighted less heavily and poverty is weighted more heavily; and (3) eliminates the applicability of specified hold harmless provisions.

The bill makes several modifications to state activities and application procedures under the grant program. A state may use grant funds, in part, to improve equitable access to effective teachers. If a state plans to use grant funds for this purpose, it shall describe in its application for grant funds how it will do so. A state shall also include, in its application for grant funds, descriptions of: (1) the state's system for certifying and licensing teachers and school leaders, and (2) how the SEA will encourage opportunities for increased autonomy for teachers and school leaders.

With respect to subgrants to LEAs, the bill: (1) eliminates the base funding amount, and (2) makes several modifications to application requirements and allowable uses of subgrant funds.

A state shall report on: (1) how it is using grant funds to meet the purpose of the program, and (2) other specified information. An LEA shall submit to the SEA such information as the state requires.

A state shall reserve a portion of these grant funds to carry out the following national programs:

 Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program; Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation; American History and Civics Education; Supporting Effective Educator Development; School Leader Recruitment and Support; Technical Assistance and National Evaluation; and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Master Teacher Corp. Through the Teachers and School Leader Incentive Program, ED shall award competitive grants to eligible entities for the development, implementation, or expansion of performance-based compensation systems or human capital management systems. While ensuring equitable geographic distribution to the extent practicable, ED shall give priority to eligible entities that concentrate proposed grant activities on teachers and school leaders in high-need schools. Grantees shall provide matching funds equal to 50% of the grant amount.

Through the literacy education program, ED shall award competitive grants to enable SEAs to: (1) develop or enhance comprehensive literacy instruction plans and effective strategies in reading and writing, and (2) provide subgrants to eligible entities for literacy education activities. In awarding grant funds under the program, ED shall give priority to SEAs that will use the grant funds for evidence-based activities.

ED shall award competitive grants to eligible entities for the establishment of Presidential and Congressional Academies for the Teaching of American History and Civics, through which seminars or institutes shall be offered to teachers and students. Grantees shall provide matching funds equal to 100% of the grant amount. ED shall also award competitive grants to eligible entities for innovative approaches or professional development programs in American history, civics, and geography.

In addition, ED shall award competitive grants to eligible entities for: (1) effective educator development, and (2) school leader recruitment and support. Grantees shall provide at least 25% of the cost of grant activities. ED shall give grant priority to eligible entities that will implement evidence-based activities.

ED must also establish a comprehensive center on students at risk of not attaining full literacy skills due to disability. With respect to such students, the center shall: (1) identify evidence-based assessment tools, strategies, and accommodations; (2) identify professional development for teachers and school leaders; and (3) disseminate specified information and resources.

Additionally, ED may award grant funds to SEAs for: (1) implementation or expansion of effective STEM professional development programs; or (2) the development of state-wide STEM Master Teacher Corps to attract and retain outstanding STEM teachers, particularly in high-need and rural schools.

These programs replace several smaller competitive grant programs and support similar activities.

The bill eliminates the requirement that teachers be "highly qualified" and instead requires that they meet applicable state requirements for certification and licensure.

TITLE III--LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS

(Sec. 3001) The bill reauthorizes through FY2020 and revises language instruction programs for English learners and immigrant students.

(Sec. 3003) The bill retains formula grants to states for English language acquisition. A state may use such a grant, in part, to establish and implement standardized statewide entrance and exit procedures. A state shall describe how it will do so in its state plan.

A state shall also describe in its state plan: (1) how it will monitor subgrantees' progress in helping English learners achieve English proficiency, and (2) the steps it will take to further assist subgrantees if strategies are ineffective.

Eligible entities receiving subgrants shall use the funds, in part, to implement effective activities and strategies that enhance or supplement language instruction educational programs for English learners. Such activities shall include parent, family, and community engagement activities.

A subgrantee may use the funds, in part, to offer early college or dual enrollment programs or courses to help English learners achieve success in postsecondary education.

A subgrantee shall include in its local plan an assurance that it will, if applicable, coordinate activities and share relevant data with local Head Start agencies and other early childhood education providers.

The bill retains National Professional Development Project grants and extends grant eligibility to public or private entities with relevant experience and capacity. Additionally, the bill allows such grants to be used to: (1) support strategies to increase parent, family, and community engagement in the education of English learners; (2) develop and share effective practices in the instruction of English learners; and (3) support strategies that promote English learners school readiness.

TITLE IV--21ST CENTURY SCHOOLS

Part A--Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants

(Sec. 4101) The bill establishes the Student Support and Academic Grant Program, through which states and LEAs may receive formula-based grants to support activities related to: (1) well-rounded educational opportunities, (2) student health and safety, and (3) the effective use of technology. This program replaces several smaller competitive grant programs and supports similar activities.

Part B--21st Century Community Learning Centers

(Sec. 4201) The bill makes several administrative changes to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, which supports academic enrichment opportunities for children during non-school hours.

Part C--Empowering Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools

(Sec. 4301) The bill replaces the existing charter school grant program with a program awarding competitive grants to state entities and, through them, competitive subgrants to charter school developers to open new charter schools and expand and replicate high-quality charter schools.

ED is authorized to award a competitive grant directly to a charter school developer in a state that does not receive such a grant.

Grantees shall: (1) provide technical assistance to subgrantees and authorized public chartering agencies, and (2) work with those agencies to improve the charter school authorization process.

ED may waive certain statutory or regulatory requirements, as specified by the bill.

With respect to the per-pupil facilities aid program (under which the Secretary makes competitive matching grants to states to provide per-pupil financing to charter schools), the bill allows states to: (1) partner with organizations to provide up to 50% of the state share of funding for the program; and (2) receive more than one program grant, so long as the amount of the grant funds provided to charter schools increases with each successive grant.

ED shall: (1) provide technical assistance to grantees, (2) disseminate best practices, and (3) evaluate the program's impact on student achievement.

A charter school may serve students in early childhood education programs or postsecondary school students.

The bill reauthorizes the program through FY2020.

Part D--Magnet Schools Assistance

(Sec. 4401) In awarding grants to magnet schools, ED shall prioritize applicants that propose to increase racial integration by accounting for socioeconomic diversity in program in design and implementation.

Grant funds available to magnet schools may be used for transportation under specified circumstances.

The bill reauthorizes the program through FY2020.

Part E--Family Engagement in Education Programs

(Sec. 4501) The bill authorizes ED to award grants to organizations to establish statewide family engagement centers. A grantee shall use the grant funds to train and assist educational agencies and other organizations in: (1) helping parents to participate effectively in their child's education, and (2) developing and implementing statewide family engagement policies and systemic initiatives.

The Department of the Interior shall establish and operate, or contract with specified organizations to establish and operate, family engagement centers.

Part F--National Activities

(Sec. 4601) The bill establishes several new programs that replace smaller competitive grant programs and support similar activities.

ED shall award grants to eligible entities for the development and implementation of entrepreneurial, evidence-based, field-initiated innovations to improve student achievement and attainment for high-need students. ED must award a portion of grant funds to grantees in rural areas, as specified by the bill. Unless granted a waiver, a grantee shall provide matching funds equal to 10% of the grant amount. Each grant recipient shall conduct an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the program carried out under the grant.

In addition, the bill establishes the Full-Service Community Schools grant program. A "full-service community school" is a public elementary or secondary school that participates in a community-based effort to coordinate, integrate, and provide year-round access to educational, developmental, family, health, and other comprehensive services for students, families, and the community. Each grant recipient shall provide matching funds based on a sliding scale that accounts for the grantee's ability to obtain matching funds and the relative poverty of the grantee's targeted population. However, ED may not consider an applicant's ability to match funds when determining which applicants will be awarded grants under the program. ED must award a portion of grant funds to grantees in rural areas, as specified by the bill.

With respect to program guidance, the bill establishes principles of effectiveness as well as a Full-Service Community Schools Advisory Committee.

The bill also establishes a Promise Neighborhoods grant program, through which eligible entities shall provide pipeline services to address the needs of children in low-income and distressed neighborhoods. "Pipeline services" form a continuum of coordinated supports, services, and opportunities from a child's birth through postsecondary education and career attainment. The bill establishes certain limitations on the use of grant funds for early childhood education programs with respect to assessment activities. Unless granted a waiver, each grant recipient shall provide matching funds equal to at least 100% of the amount of the grant. ED must award a portion of grant funds to grantees in rural areas, as specified by the bill.

ED shall establish performance indicators for the program as well as provide technical assistance and program evaluation.

The bill establishes the Project School Emergency Response to Violence program (Project SERV), through which eligible entities may initiate or strengthen violence prevention activities designed to restore a learning environment that was disrupted by a violent or traumatic crisis. Grant funds shall be made at ED's discretion and shall not be used for facility construction or repair.

ED may use a portion of grant funds for national activities to carry out other efforts to improve students' safety and well-being, as specified by the bill.

In addition, ED shall annually award competitive grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities for the purposes of enriching students' academic experience by promoting: (1) arts education for disadvantaged and disabled students, (2) school readiness through the development and dissemination of accessible instructional programing for preschool and elementary school children and their families, and (3) support for high-ability learners and high-ability learning through the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program.

ED must establish a National Research Center for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children and Youth for the purpose of carrying out activities under the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program.

TITLE V--STATE INNOVATION AND LOCAL FLEXIBILITY

(Sec. 5003) The bill increases the minimum and maximum grant award amounts under the Rural Education Assistance Programs. An LEA that is eligible for grant funds under both the Small, Rural School Achievement Program and the Rural and Low-Income School Program may elect the program under which it receives funds.

TITLE VI--INDIAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND ALASKA NATIVE EDUCATION

(Sec. 6002) The bill retains competitive grant funding for Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education.

(Sec. 6005) ED shall evaluate and report on all levels of education being provided primarily in Native American languages.

(Sec. 6006) ED shall report on efforts to address suicides among Indian students in elementary and secondary schools.

TITLE VII--IMPACT AID

(Sec. 7001) The bill makes permanent certain formula changes in the Impact Aid program, which provides financial assistance to school districts that are affected by federal activities and are accordingly exempt from local property taxes.

(Sec. 7003) With respect to payments relating to federal acquisition of real property under the Impact Aid program, the bill: (1) specifies the types of records that may be used to assess a property's value; (2) modifies the method for calculating, on an LEA's request, the taxable value of an eligible federal property that is within the boundaries of multiple LEAs; and (3) modifies program eligibility requirements for LEAs that contain forest service land or have consolidated boundaries with former LEAs.

(Sec. 7004) With respect to payments to LEAs for federally connected children under the Impact Aid program, the bill: (1) modifies eligibility requirements for heavily impacted LEAs and LEAs serving on-base children during renovation or repair projects, (2) makes certain formula adjustments that apply when appropriations are insufficient to make payments in full, (3) establishes hold harmless provisions with respect to LEAs facing payment reductions, and (4) eliminates maintenance of effort requirements for LEAs.

(Sec. 7007) The bill expands eligibility for emergency and modernization grants to an LEA that meets specified existing requirements if at least 10% of the LEA's acreage is exempt from state and local taxation under federal law.

(Sec. 7012) For purposes of the Impact Aid program, the bill expands the definition of "Armed Forces" to include the Coast Guard.

(Sec. 7013) The bill reauthorizes the program through FY2020.

TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS

(Sec. 8005) A state or LEA may use certain administrative funds to implement fiscal support teams that provide technical assistance related to key operational functions.

(Sec. 8007) For schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education, Interior shall define standards, assessments, and an accountability system consistent with the bill. Such requirements may be waived under specified circumstances.

(Sec. 8008) ED shall: (1) identify the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) employees who worked on or administered programs eliminated by the bill, (2) reduce its workforce by that number of FTEs within a specified timeframe, and (3) report to Congress on the workforce reduction.

(Sec. 8011) Two or more rural LEAs may submit a consolidated plan for covered programs.

(Sec. 8013) The bill modifies application and reporting requirements for SEAs and LEAs to request waivers of statutory or regulatory requirements from ED.

ED may not require an applicant to include in or delete from its request specific elements of state academic standards, assessments, accountability systems, or teacher evaluation systems.

(Sec. 8014) The bill establishes processes for approving or disapproving state plans and LEA applications.

(Sec. 8019) Under current law, an SEA must reduce funding for a covered program to the extent that an LEA fails to meet certain maintenance of effort requirements. The bill specifies that such reduction is required only if the LEA has also failed to meet those requirements in at least one of the five preceding fiscal years.

ED may waive these maintenance of effort requirements if doing so would be equitable due to a change in the LEA's organizational structure.

(Sec. 8022) Unless otherwise authorized, funds shall not be used for transportation or for the construction, renovation, or repair of any school facility.

(Sec. 8023) The federal government may not mandate, direct, control, or condition or incentivize financial support upon the adoption of specific instructional content, academic standards and assessments, curricula, or programs of instruction to meet the requirements of the bill.

(Sec. 8027) Current law prohibits the use of funds available under the ESEA to mandate nationwide testing or certification of teachers or education paraprofessionals. The bill extends this prohibition to also cover: (1) nationwide testing or certification of principals and other school leaders, and (2) any incentive regarding such nationwide testing or certification.

(Sec. 8030) An LEA must consult with appropriate officials from Indian tribes or tribal organizations prior to submitting a required plan or application for a covered program if the LEA: (1) has an enrollment of American Indian or Alaska Native students that equals at least half of its total enrollment, or (2) received specified grant funding with respect to such students.

(Sec. 8031) ED shall provide outreach and technical assistance to rural LEAs regarding applications for grant programs under the Act.

(Sec. 8032) An SEA shall consult with the state's governor prior to submitting its plan to ED, as specified by the bill.

(Sec. 8038) With specified exceptions, a state or educational agency that receives funds under the Act must prohibit any school employee, contractor, agent, or educational agency from assisting a school employee, contractor, or agent in obtaining a new job if the individual or agency knows, or has probable cause to believe, that the job-seeker engaged in unlawful sexual misconduct regarding a minor or student.

(Sec. 8041) ED shall develop procedures for the approval and periodic review of departmental guidance, as specified by the bill.

(Sec. 8042) The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) shall, on a biennial basis, submit to Congress and make publicly available an evaluation plan with respect to programs authorized under the Act.

TITLE IX--EDUCATION FOR THE HOMELESS AND OTHER LAWS

Part A--Homeless Children and Youths

(Sec. 9102) The bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to reauthorize through FY2020 an existing grant program that supports state and local activities related to the education of homeless children and youths.

The bill also modifies program requirements with respect to: (1) the duties of the Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths established in each state, and (2) the contents of a state plan for the education of homeless children and youths within the state.

(Sec. 9104) ED shall update and disseminate a public notice of the educational rights of homeless children and youths. In addition, ED shall issue updated enrollment guidelines for states with respect to homeless children and youths.

ED shall provide technical assistance to states with respect to areas with persistent documented barriers to a free appropriate public education for homeless children and youths.

(Sec. 9105) The bill alters the definition of "homeless children and youths" to exclude children who are awaiting foster care placement.

(Sec. 9106) The bill reauthorizes the program through FY2020.

Part B--Miscellaneous; Other Laws

(Sec. 9203) ED must undertake various oversight and reporting activities related to accountability to taxpayers.

(Sec. 9206) Congress recommends that John Arthur "Jack" Johnson receive a posthumous pardon.

(Sec. 9207) The bill amends the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999 to make several changes to the Educational Flexibility Program, through which ED may authorize an SEA to waive certain statutory or regulatory program requirements established under either the ESEA or the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006. (States participating in the program are known as "Ed-Flex partnership states.")

ED shall automatically extend the authority of a state to continue as an Ed-Flex partnership state pending a state's renewal request and ED's completion of the required performance review. ED must complete the performance review within 180 days and must then approve or deny the renewal request within 90 days.

Under specified circumstances, ED shall terminate or suspend a state's agency to grant waivers under the program. Such a state shall have no more than one additional fiscal year to come into compliance for purposes of renewal.

ED shall immediately extend for up to five years any existing designation of a state as an Ex-Flex partnership state, provided that ED determines that such extension is justified by the relevant SEA's performance.

(Sec. 9208) IES must evaluate and report on: (1) the reduction in the number and percentage of students who drop out of school, (2) best practices with respect to student subgroup sample size, (3) student home access to digital learning resources, and (4) the effectiveness of title I funding formulas.

(Sec. 9212) The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), jointly with ED, shall award preschool development grants to states on a competitive basis. States shall use the grant funds to: (1) conduct periodic statewide needs assessments, (2) develop strategic plans, (3) maximize parental choice and knowledge, (4) share best practices among early childhood education program providers, and (5) improve the overall quality of early childhood education programs. HHS may also award renewal grants to enable states to continue these activities as well as award subgrants to early education programs designed to benefit low-income and disadvantaged children. With respect to both initial and renewal grants, states must provide matching funds.

(Sec. 9213) HHS must conduct an interdepartmental review of all early childhood education programs for children younger than age six.

student act title improving basic programs operated state local educational agencies improving basic programs operated state local educational agencies sec bill amends elementary secondary education act esea reauthorize fy2020 following programs state assessments education migratory children prevention intervention children youth neglected delinquent risk federal evaluation activities sec bill consolidates funding aimed turning lowest performing schools title funding formula title funding supports instructional needs students low income families specifically bill eliminates grant program increases proportion title funding state shall reserve school improvement reserved state shall allocate local educational agencies leas formula competitive basis activities support improvement lowest performing schools lea approval provide activities directly sec state reserve title funding award grants direct student services geographically diverse leas serve low performing schools lea shall use grant funds support direct student services including student enrollment participation academic courses available student school credit recovery academic acceleration courses lead regular high school diploma activities assist students successfully completing postsecondary level instruction examinations accepted credit institutions higher education applicable transportation allow student enrolled low performing school transfer public school option reserve funding replaces smaller competitive grant programs supports similar activities sec current law requires state receives title funding submit state plan approval bill specifies state plan reviewed peer reviewers names public rejects state plan state shall opportunity revise plan provided technical assistance afforded hearing current law requires state receives title funding adopt academic standards reading language arts mathematics science bill requires state demonstrate standards aligned entrance requirements state system public higher education relevant state career technical education standards state standards shall include levels achievement state shall required submit standards review approval bill maintains requirement state administer student assessments reading mathematics science according established testing schedule state administer single assessment multiple assessments result single summative score specified requirements met state administer computer adaptive assessments assessments adapt ability level lea administer locally selected nationally recognized assessment lieu statewide high school assessment specified standards notice requirements met respect students significant cognitive disabilities state adopt alternative academic achievement standards administer alternative assessments aligned standards state cap percentage students taking alternative assessment lea level percentage exceeds lea submit justification state state provide additional oversight state cap time spent assessments grade current law state required establish long term goals based requirement students attain proficient higher level achievement specified timeframe bill instead requires state establish long term goals students individual subgroups based academic achievement measured proficiency required state assessments graduation rates respect subgroups goals account level improvement necessary significant progress closing statewide gaps proficiency graduation rates respect english learners state shall establish goals increasing percentage students achieving english language proficiency timeframe determined state current law state determine average yearly progress ayp students subgroups school lea state level ayp standards mandate specified thresholds performance respect assessments graduation rates bill replaces ayp standards requirement states annually measure students individual subgroups academic achievement measured state assessments high schools graduation rates schools high schools measure student growth valid reliable statewide indicator applicable progress achieving english proficiency english learners additional valid reliable statewide indicator allows meaningful school performance state required assign weight indicator establish system meaningfully annual basis schools based indicators based system state shall develop methodology identifying low performing schools support improvement specifically state shall identify lowest performing schools receiving title funds high schools failing graduate students schools required implement additional targeted support improved specified timeframe determined state additional statewide categories state discretion respect identified schools leas shall required develop plan improve outcomes schools consistently underperforming subgroup develop implement targeted support improvement plans schools continue fail improve state shall rigorous action determined state state plan shall describe state assist leas providing early childhood education programs improving school conditions learning meeting needs students serving homeless children youths addition state plan describe state address disparities result low income minority students taught ineffective teachers disproportionate rate state shall public criteria measuring effectiveness teachers school leaders state shall prepare publicly disseminate annual report card describes state accountability system includes information student performance specified bill similarly lea shall prepare disseminate annual local report card shall provide congress annual report card provides specified national state level data bill prohibits attempting influence incentivize coerce state adopt common core state standards academic standards common significant number states sec bill requires lea plan include contents similar required state plans lea inform child parents request information professional qualifications child teacher addition lea notify parents policies students participation statewide assessments event child identified english learner services child eligible sec current law title funds insufficient serve eligible school attendance areas lea shall serve descending order concentration areas concentration children low income families exceeds bill lowers threshold current law requires lea use specified measures poverty identify determine allocations eligible school attendance areas bill allows lea approval majority secondary schools calculate poverty schools based data elementary school attendance areas feed secondary school current law lea shall reserve funds serve children youths homeless delinquent neglected funds determined based needs assessment specified bill lea reserve portion funds provide early childhood education programs eligible children sec granted waiver state educational agency sea school children enrolled low income families consolidate use title funds operate schoolwide program eligible school operating schoolwide program shall develop comprehensive plan amend existing plan specified bill secondary school operating schoolwide program use title funds operate dual concurrent enrollment programs address needs low achieving secondary school students sec current law school operate schoolwide program use title funds provide targeted assistance eligible children identified having greatest need assistance bill allows secondary school operates targeted assistance program use title funds provide dual concurrent enrollment program services sec bill expands parental involvement policies involve family members lea receive title funds conducts outreach children parents family members funds reserved parent family engagement shall distributed priority given high need schools lea shall use funds carry activities strategies consistent parent family engagement policy specified bill sec sea shall designate ombudsman monitor enforce requirements related equitable provision services children enrolled private schools respect equitable provision services lea shall consult appropriate private school officials explain writing specified bill sec educational agency shall use title funds supplement supplant nonfederal funds education students participating assisted programs sec leas title funds provide early childhood education programs shall develop agreements head_start agencies entities carry activities sec bill increases portion title funds reserve meet educational needs indian children children outlying areas specifies funds allocated groups outlying areas include guam american_samoa commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands sec current law shall reduce state funding grant program state fails satisfy certain maintenance effort requirements bill specifies state fails satisfy requirements entitled receive allotment funds failed meet requirements immediately preceding fiscal years state assessment grants sec bill retains state assessment grants development administration state assessments addition shall award grants state purpose auditing state assessment system authorize limited number seas establish innovative assessment systems described bill submitted required progress report extend authority additional seas shall disseminate best practices related innovative assessment systems education migratory children sec bill revises formula allocating program funding states eliminating base fy2019 state shall receive allocation preceding fiscal year shall develop implement procedure monitoring accuracy information actual number migratory children state prevention intervention programs children youth neglected delinquent risk sec bill retains grants prevention intervention programs children youth neglected delinquent risk eligible state describe prioritize attainment regular high school diploma children furthermore sea establish procedures ensure timely student placed juvenile justice system opportunities students participate credit bearing coursework bill specifies sea use grant funds pay success initiatives provide targeted services youth come contact child welfare system juvenile justice system respect subgrants bill specifies lea use funds pay success initiatives provide programs risk indian children youth correctional facility contracts subgrantee lea youth entry correctional facility work youth family members applicable lea facilitate youth transition consult lea youth discharge facility purposes grant program bill expands definition risk include school aged individuals come contact child welfare system past risk dependency adjudication delinquency adjudication flexibility equitable pupil funding sec bill authorizes enter local flexibility demonstration agreements leas consolidate use funds develop implement school funding system based weighted pupil allocations low income disadvantaged students funding system shall ensure high poverty school receives year demonstration agreement pupil funding low income students received preceding year pupil funding english learners received preceding year lea shall ensure system allocates substantially funding english learners low income disadvantaged students students extend demonstration program specified requirements met general provisions sec bill allows propose regulation according alternative process specified bill certain circumstances title preparing training recruiting high quality teachers principals school leaders sec bill reauthorizes program fy2020 respect grant funds states improving teacher quality bill phases modifications funding formula specifically fiscal years bill reduces ultimately eliminates base funding adjusts funding formula population weighted heavily poverty weighted heavily eliminates applicability specified hold harmless provisions bill makes modifications state activities application procedures grant program state use grant funds improve equitable access effective teachers state plans use grant funds purpose shall describe application grant funds state shall include application grant funds descriptions state system certifying licensing teachers school leaders sea encourage opportunities increased autonomy teachers school leaders respect subgrants leas bill eliminates base funding makes modifications application requirements allowable uses subgrant funds state shall report grant funds meet purpose program specified information lea shall submit sea information state requires state shall reserve portion grant funds carry following national programs teacher results nation support technical assistance mathematics shall award competitive grants eligible entities development implementation expansion performance based compensation systems human capital management systems ensuring equitable geographic distribution extent practicable shall priority eligible entities concentrate proposed grant activities teachers school leaders high need schools grantees shall provide matching funds equal grant literacy education program shall award competitive grants enable seas develop enhance comprehensive literacy instruction plans effective strategies reading writing provide subgrants eligible entities literacy education activities awarding grant funds program shall priority seas use grant funds evidence based activities shall award competitive grants eligible entities establishment presidential congressional academies seminars institutes shall offered teachers students grantees shall provide matching funds equal grant shall award competitive grants eligible entities innovative approaches professional development programs american history civics geography addition shall award competitive grants eligible entities effective educator development school leader recruitment support grantees shall provide cost grant activities shall grant priority eligible entities implement evidence based activities establish comprehensive center students risk attaining literacy skills disability respect students center shall identify evidence based assessment tools strategies accommodations identify professional development teachers school leaders disseminate specified information resources additionally award grant funds seas implementation expansion effective stem professional development programs development state wide stem master teacher corps attract retain outstanding stem teachers particularly high need rural schools programs replace smaller competitive grant programs support similar activities bill eliminates requirement teachers highly qualified instead requires meet applicable state requirements certification licensure title iii language instruction english learners immigrant students sec bill reauthorizes fy2020 revises language instruction programs english learners immigrant students sec bill retains formula grants states english language acquisition state use grant establish implement standardized statewide entrance exit procedures state shall describe state plan state shall describe state plan monitor subgrantees progress helping english learners achieve english proficiency steps assist subgrantees strategies ineffective eligible entities receiving subgrants shall use funds implement effective activities strategies enhance supplement language instruction educational programs english learners activities shall include parent family community engagement activities subgrantee use funds offer early college dual enrollment programs courses help english learners achieve success postsecondary education subgrantee shall include local plan assurance applicable coordinate activities share relevant data local head start agencies early childhood education providers bill retains grants extends grant eligibility public private entities relevant experience capacity additionally bill allows grants support strategies increase parent family community engagement education english learners develop share effective practices instruction english learners support strategies promote english learners school readiness title century schools student support academic enrichment grants sec bill establishes states leas receive formula based grants support activities related rounded educational opportunities student health safety effective use technology program replaces smaller competitive grant programs supports similar activities sec bill makes administrative changes 21st century supports academic enrichment opportunities children non school hours empowering opportunity quality charter schools sec bill replaces existing charter school grant program program awarding competitive grants state entities competitive subgrants charter school developers open new charter schools expand replicate high quality charter schools authorized award competitive grant directly charter school developer state receive grant grantees shall provide technical assistance subgrantees authorized public chartering agencies work agencies improve charter school authorization process waive certain statutory regulatory requirements specified bill respect pupil facilities aid program secretary makes competitive matching grants states provide pupil financing charter schools bill allows states partner organizations provide state share funding program receive program grant long grant funds provided charter schools increases successive grant shall provide technical assistance grantees disseminate best practices evaluate program impact student achievement charter school serve students early childhood education programs postsecondary school students bill reauthorizes program fy2020 magnet schools assistance sec awarding grants magnet schools shall prioritize applicants propose increase racial integration accounting socioeconomic diversity program design implementation grant funds available magnet schools transportation specified circumstances bill reauthorizes program fy2020 family engagement education programs sec bill authorizes award grants organizations establish statewide family engagement centers grantee shall use grant funds train assist educational agencies organizations helping parents participate effectively child education developing implementing statewide family engagement policies systemic initiatives department_of_the_interior shall establish operate contract specified organizations establish operate family engagement centers national activities sec bill establishes new programs replace smaller competitive grant programs support similar activities shall award grants eligible entities development implementation entrepreneurial evidence based field initiated innovations improve student achievement attainment high need students award portion grant funds grantees rural areas specified bill granted waiver grantee shall provide matching funds equal grant grant recipient shall conduct independent evaluation effectiveness program carried grant addition bill establishes grant program service community school public elementary secondary school participates community based effort coordinate integrate provide year round access educational developmental family health comprehensive services students families community grant recipient shall provide matching funds based sliding scale accounts grantee ability obtain matching funds relative poverty grantee targeted population consider applicant ability match funds determining applicants awarded grants program award portion grant funds grantees rural areas specified bill respect program guidance bill establishes principles effectiveness -service_community_schools_advisory_committee bill establishes grant program eligible entities shall provide pipeline services address needs children low income distressed neighborhoods pipeline services form continuum coordinated supports services opportunities child birth postsecondary education career attainment bill establishes certain limitations use grant funds early childhood education programs respect assessment activities granted waiver grant recipient shall provide matching funds equal grant award portion grant funds grantees rural areas specified bill shall establish performance indicators program provide technical assistance program evaluation bill establishes violence program eligible entities initiate strengthen violence prevention activities designed restore learning environment disrupted violent traumatic crisis grant funds shall discretion shall facility construction repair use portion grant funds national activities carry efforts improve students safety specified bill addition shall annually award competitive grants contracts cooperative agreements eligible entities purposes students academic experience promoting arts education disadvantaged disabled students school readiness development dissemination accessible instructional programing preschool elementary school children families support high ability learners high ability learning establish purpose carrying activities title state innovation local flexibility sec bill increases minimum maximum grant award amounts lea eligible grant funds small rural elect program receives funds title indian native hawaiian alaska native education sec bill retains competitive grant funding indian native hawaiian alaska_native_education sec shall evaluate report levels education provided primarily native american languages sec shall report efforts address suicides indian students elementary secondary schools title vii impact aid sec bill makes permanent certain formula changes program provides financial assistance school districts affected federal activities accordingly exempt local property taxes sec respect payments relating federal acquisition real property impact aid program bill specifies types records assess property value modifies method calculating lea request taxable value eligible federal property boundaries multiple leas modifies program eligibility requirements leas contain forest service land consolidated boundaries leas sec respect payments leas federally connected children impact aid program bill modifies eligibility requirements heavily impacted leas leas serving base children renovation repair projects makes certain formula adjustments apply appropriations insufficient payments establishes hold harmless provisions respect leas facing payment reductions eliminates maintenance effort requirements leas sec bill expands eligibility emergency modernization grants lea meets specified existing requirements lea acreage exempt state local taxation federal law sec purposes impact aid program bill expands definition armed forces include coast_guard sec bill reauthorizes program fy2020 title viii general provisions sec state lea use certain administrative funds implement fiscal support teams provide technical assistance related key operational functions sec schools funded bureau_of_indian_education interior shall define standards assessments accountability system consistent bill requirements waived specified circumstances sec shall identify number time equivalent fte employees worked administered programs eliminated bill reduce workforce number specified timeframe report congress workforce reduction sec rural leas submit consolidated plan covered programs sec bill modifies application reporting requirements seas leas request waivers statutory regulatory requirements require applicant include delete request specific elements state academic standards assessments accountability systems teacher evaluation systems sec bill establishes processes approving disapproving state plans lea applications sec current law sea reduce funding covered program extent lea fails meet certain maintenance effort requirements bill specifies reduction required lea failed meet requirements preceding fiscal years waive maintenance effort requirements equitable change lea organizational structure sec authorized funds shall transportation construction renovation repair school facility sec federal government mandate direct control condition incentivize financial support adoption specific instructional content academic standards assessments curricula programs instruction meet requirements bill sec current law prohibits use funds available esea mandate nationwide testing certification teachers education paraprofessionals bill extends prohibition cover nationwide testing certification principals school leaders incentive nationwide testing certification sec lea consult appropriate officials indian tribes tribal organizations prior submitting required plan application covered program lea enrollment american indian alaska_native students equals half total enrollment received specified grant funding respect students sec shall provide outreach technical assistance rural leas applications grant programs act sec sea shall consult state governor prior submitting plan specified bill sec specified exceptions state educational agency receives funds act prohibit school employee contractor agent educational agency assisting school employee contractor agent obtaining new job individual agency knows probable cause believe job engaged unlawful sexual misconduct minor student sec shall develop procedures approval periodic review departmental guidance specified bill sec institute_of_education_sciences ies shall biennial basis submit congress publicly available evaluation plan respect programs authorized act title education homeless laws homeless_children youths sec bill amends mckinney-vento homeless assistance act reauthorize fy2020 existing grant program supports state local activities related education homeless children youths bill modifies program requirements respect duties youths established state contents state plan education homeless children youths state sec shall update disseminate public notice educational rights homeless children youths addition shall issue updated enrollment guidelines states respect homeless children youths shall provide technical assistance states respect areas persistent documented barriers free appropriate public education homeless children youths sec bill alters definition homeless children youths exclude children awaiting foster care placement sec bill reauthorizes program fy2020 miscellaneous laws sec undertake oversight reporting activities related accountability taxpayers sec congress recommends johnson receive posthumous sec bill amends changes authorize sea waive certain statutory regulatory program requirements established esea states participating program known flex partnership states shall automatically extend authority state continue partnership state pending state renewal request completion required performance review complete performance review days approve deny renewal request days specified circumstances shall terminate suspend state agency grant waivers program state shall additional fiscal year come compliance purposes renewal shall immediately extend years existing designation state partnership state provided determines extension justified relevant sea performance sec ies evaluate report reduction number percentage students drop school best practices respect student subgroup sample size student home access digital learning resources effectiveness title funding formulas sec department_of_health_and_human_services hhs jointly shall award preschool development grants states competitive basis states shall use grant funds conduct periodic statewide needs assessments develop strategic plans maximize parental choice knowledge share best practices early childhood education program providers improve overall quality early childhood education programs hhs award renewal grants enable states continue activities award subgrants early education programs designed benefit low income disadvantaged children respect initial renewal grants states provide matching funds sec hhs conduct interdepartmental review early childhood education programs children younger age


Summary:
School Building Fairness Act of 2015

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to direct the Department of Education to allocate funds to states for competitive matching grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for school repair, renovation, and construction, reserving 1% of the grant funds for assistance to outlying areas and Indian schools.

 In awarding such grants to LEAs, the state must consider: (1) the percentage of poor children each LEA serves; (2) the condition of their public schools or need for additional schools; (3) the extent to which they will comply with certain green building standards; (4) their fiscal capacity to cover repairs, renovations, and construction without such a grant; and (5) the likelihood that they will maintain repaired, renovated, or newly constructed schools in good condition.

With respect to high-need and rural LEAs, a state must award at least the same proportion of this Act's LEA funds for the state that they received of total LEA school improvement funds for the state under part A of Title I of the ESEA.

A portion of a state's allocation must be reserved for a database of public school facility inventory, condition, design, and utilization.

The National Center for Education Statistics shall study the condition of public elementary and secondary schools and analyze trends in spending for their repair, renovation, and construction.

school building fairness act bill amends elementary secondary education act esea direct department_of_education allocate funds states competitive matching grants local educational agencies leas school repair renovation construction reserving grant funds assistance outlying areas indian schools awarding grants leas state consider percentage poor children lea serves condition public schools need additional schools extent comply certain green building standards fiscal capacity cover repairs renovations construction grant likelihood maintain repaired newly constructed schools good condition respect high need rural leas state award proportion act lea funds state received total lea school improvement funds state title esea portion state allocation reserved database public school facility inventory condition design utilization national_center_for_education_statistics shall study condition public elementary secondary schools analyze trends spending repair renovation construction


Summary:
Mental Health in Schools Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental health programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, trauma-informed, and age appropriate. Requires a comprehensive school mental health program funded under this Act to assist children in dealing with trauma and violence. Makes only a partnership between a local educational agency and at least one community program or agency that is involved in mental health eligible for funding.

Requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to develop a fiscally appropriate process for evaluating grant program activities, including the development of: (1) guidelines for the submission of program data by recipients; and (2) outcome measures to be applied by recipients in evaluating programs, including student and family measures and local educational measures.

mental health schools act amends public_health_service_act revise community children violence program assist local communities schools applying public health approach mental health services including revising eligibility requirements grant contract cooperative agreement providing comprehensive school mental health programs culturally linguistically appropriate trauma informed age appropriate requires comprehensive school mental health program funded act assist children dealing trauma violence makes partnership local educational agency community program agency involved mental health eligible funding requires substance abuse mental health services administration develop fiscally appropriate process evaluating grant program activities including development guidelines submission program data recipients outcome measures applied recipients evaluating programs including student family measures local educational measures


Summary:
Middle School Technical Education Program Act or the Middle School STEP Act

 Directs the Department of Education to:

 create a pilot program for career and technical education exploration programs, and award grants to eligible partnerships (local educational agencies, area career and technical education schools, educational service agencies, and other organizations) to develop a middle school career and technical education exploration program that transition to career and technical education programs of study.

directs department_of_education create pilot program career technical education exploration programs award grants eligible partnerships local educational agencies area career technical education schools educational service agencies organizations develop middle school career technical education exploration program transition career technical education programs study


Summary:
Charter School Accountability Act of 2015

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to replace the charter school grant program, through which states receive formula-based grants, with a competitive grant program.

The Department of Education (ED) shall award grants to: (1) support the start up of charter schools that have been thoroughly vetted for quality and local impact, and (2) replicate or expand high-quality charter schools.

To be eligible to receive grant funding, a state must:

 have legally binding rules related to fiduciary duties and conflicts of interest of charter school officers, directors, managers, and employees; require all charter schools to annually conduct and publicly disclose independent audits; provide that charter schools are covered by the state's open meetings and open records laws to the same extent as public schools are covered by those laws; have policies in effect that hold charter school authorizers accountable for monitoring a charter school's educational performance and financial operations; and require a charter school to make certain public disclosures related to its operation and funding. The bill also revises the per-pupil facilities aid program, through which ED makes competitive matching grants to states to provide per-pupil financing to charter schools for facility acquisition, construction, and renovation. Specifically, a state may: (1) partner with one or more organizations to provide up to half of the state share of program funding, and (2) receive more than one program grant under specified circumstances.

ED must conduct specified national activities, including awarding competitive grants directly to charter school developers in states that have not applied for or received charter school grants.

bill amends elementary secondary education act replace charter school grant program states receive formula based grants competitive grant program shall award grants support start charter schools vetted quality local impact replicate expand high quality charter schools eligible receive grant funding state legally binding rules related fiduciary duties conflicts interest charter school officers directors managers employees require charter schools annually conduct publicly disclose independent audits provide charter schools covered state open meetings open records laws extent public schools covered laws policies effect hold charter school authorizers accountable monitoring charter school educational performance financial operations require charter school certain public disclosures related operation funding bill revises pupil facilities aid program makes competitive matching grants states provide pupil financing charter schools facility acquisition construction renovation specifically state partner organizations provide half state share program funding receive program grant specified circumstances conduct specified national activities including awarding competitive grants directly charter school developers states applied received charter school grants