Summary:
Equal Justice Under Law Act of 2016

This bill states that an indigent individual facing criminal prosecution or juvenile delinquency in a state court is entitled to the effective assistance of counsel, as guaranteed by the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments, at the state's expense.

It authorizes a federal class action lawsuit against a state for its systemic failure to guarantee the right to effective assistance of counsel. The assistance of counsel is ineffective when a class of individuals demonstrates that counsel's performance was not reasonable under prevailing professional norms.

Additionally, the bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to modify the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program. Specifically, it requires a state or local government to consult with public defenders before distributing JAG funds to community organizations and local governments.

equal_justice bill states indigent individual facing criminal prosecution juvenile delinquency state court entitled effective assistance counsel guaranteed sixth state expense authorizes federal class action lawsuit state systemic failure guarantee right effective assistance counsel assistance counsel ineffective class individuals demonstrates counsel performance reasonable prevailing professional norms additionally bill amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act modify edward byrne memorial justice assistance grant jag program specifically requires state local government consult public defenders distributing jag funds community organizations local governments


Summary:
Clarence Gideon Full Access to Justice Act or the Gideon Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code by establishing the Defender Office for Supreme Court Advocacy as a private, nonmembership, nonprofit corporation. It must advocate on behalf of individuals in noncapital cases involving an issue of federal criminal statutory law or constitutional law before: (1) the Supreme Court of the United States, and (2) the highest courts in the states when resources permit. The office may also provide assistance to attorneys advocating on behalf of those individuals.

access justice act act bill amends federal criminal code establishing advocacy private nonprofit corporation advocate behalf individuals noncapital cases involving issue federal criminal statutory law constitutional law supreme_court united_states highest courts states resources permit office provide assistance attorneys advocating behalf individuals


Summary: Math & Science School Readiness Act of 2007 - Amends the Head Start Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish additional scientifically-based education performance standards to ensure that children participating in the Head Start program develop and demonstrate premathematics and prescience knowledge and skills, including number concepts and operations, geometry and spatial concepts, classification, and time and measurement concepts. Requires each Head Start classroom in a center-based program to be assigned one teacher with the competency to impart such knowledge and skills.

act amends head start act require secretary health_and_human_services establish additional scientifically based education performance standards ensure children participating head start program develop demonstrate knowledge skills including number concepts operations geometry spatial concepts classification time measurement concepts requires head start classroom center based program assigned teacher competency knowledge skills


Summary: Teacher Recruitment Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish new programs for teacher student loan forgiveness under the guaranteed loan program and the direct loan program. Makes eligible for such student loan forgiveness any new borrower on or after October 1, 1998, who is: (1) employed as a full-time teacher in a public elementary or secondary school in an economically disadvantaged or depressed and underserved rural area; (2) state-certified or state-licensed to teach, and in compliance with state or local accountability standards; and (3) not in default on the loan. Directs the Secretary to establish a formula that ensures fairness and equality for applicants in the selection of borrowers for such loan repayment under this section, based on the amount available. Limits the portion of the outstanding loan obligation which the Secretary may repay to 15% for the first or second year of such service, 20% for the third or fourth year, and 30% for the fifth year.

teacher recruitment act amends higher education act hea establish new programs teacher student loan forgiveness guaranteed loan program direct loan program makes eligible student loan forgiveness new borrower october employed time teacher public elementary secondary school economically disadvantaged depressed underserved rural area state certified state licensed teach compliance state local accountability standards default loan directs secretary establish formula ensures fairness equality applicants selection borrowers loan repayment section based available limits portion outstanding loan obligation secretary repay second year service fourth year fifth year


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Education to allot funds to states for distribution to local educational agencies (LEAs) to recruit, hire, and train 100,000 new classroom paraprofessionals in order to improve educational achievement for children. Requires that 80% of a state's allotment be allocated to LEAs on the basis of relative numbers of children from families with incomes below the poverty line residing in their school districts, and that the remainder be allocated on the basis of relative enrollments.

directs secretary education allot funds states distribution local educational agencies leas recruit hire train new classroom paraprofessionals order improve educational achievement children requires state allotment allocated leas basis relative numbers children families incomes poverty line residing school districts remainder allocated basis relative enrollments


Summary: Graduation Really Achieves Dreams Act or the GRAD Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to Project GRAD USA, a nonprofit educational organization for improving high school graduation and college attendance and completion rates for disadvantaged students, to provide technical assistance and support through subgrants to existing and new programs that implement a set of integrated education reform services. Requires the grantee to select only subgrantees that serve a substantial number or percentage of low-income students. Requires the programs to identify one or more groups of public schools at which services will be provided through a feeder pattern through which elementary and secondary schools channel students having participated in program services into an identified high school. Requires program services to include: (1) research-based programs in reading, mathematics, and classroom management; (2) campus-based social services programs, including increasing family and community involvement in schools; (3) a college access program, including providing college scholarships for students who meet established criteria, increasing student and family college awareness, and assisting students to apply for college financial aid; and (4) other services the grantee identifies as necessary.

act grad act authorizes secretary education award grant nonprofit educational organization improving high school graduation college attendance completion rates disadvantaged students provide technical assistance support subgrants existing new programs implement set integrated education reform services requires grantee select subgrantees serve substantial number percentage low income students requires programs identify groups public schools services provided feeder pattern elementary secondary schools channel students having participated program services identified high school requires program services include research based programs reading mathematics classroom management campus based social services programs including increasing family community involvement schools college access program including providing college scholarships students meet established criteria increasing student family college awareness assisting students apply college financial aid services grantee identifies necessary


Summary: Pell Grant Equity Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make the formula for calculation of an individual Pell Grant which includes, in part, the sum of the student's tuition, inapplicable for the 2007-2008 academic year. (Thus suspends for such year the "tuition sensitivity provision" which prohibits maximum Pell Grant awards to students attending low-tuition institutions of higher education even if their income is low enough to otherwise qualify for the maximum award.) Amends the Federal Family Education Loan program to lower from 23% to 22% for FY2008, the percentage of a borrower's student loan payment made subsequent to default that a guaranty agency may retain for deposit in its operating fund if the Secretary of Education has already reimbursed it for such default.

pell grant equity act amends higher education act formula calculation individual pell_grant includes sum student tuition inapplicable academic year suspends year tuition sensitivity provision prohibits maximum pell_grant awards students attending low tuition institutions higher education income low qualify maximum award amends federal_family_education_loan program lower fy2008 percentage borrower student loan payment subsequent default guaranty agency retain deposit operating fund secretary education reimbursed default


Summary: Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 - Amends the Head Start Act (the Act) to revise and reauthorize Head Start programs. (Sec. 2) Includes among the aims of Head Start programs children's growth in language, literacy, mathematics, science, social and emotional functioning, creative arts, physical skills, and approaches to learning. (Sec. 3) Includes community-based organizations and financial literacy training within the definitions of Head Start delegate agencies and family literacy services, respectively. Adds definitions of Head Start deficiencies, homeless children, institutions of higher education, interrater reliability, limited English proficient (LEP) children, principles of scientific research, professional development for teachers and staff, scientifically valid research, and unresolved areas of noncompliance. Removes Micronesia and the Marshall Islands from the list of program participants. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to provide financial assistance to Head Start agencies for five-year periods. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations for Head Start programs for FY2008-FY2012. (Sec. 6) Sets forth allotment requirements, as well as limitations on and authorized uses of Head Start funds. Reserves from such funds: (1) amounts for state, Indian, migrant and seasonal, and territorial Head Start programs that are equal to the base amounts such programs received for the prior fiscal year; (2) amounts for collaborative grants at the FY2007 level; (3) at least 2.5% and no more than 3% for training and technical assistance, at least 20% of which is to be used to provide such assistance to Early Head Start programs; and (4) specified monetary amounts for research, demonstration, and evaluation activities and for discretionary payments. Requires the use of remaining funds for cost of living increases for each Head Start agency and the provision of specified amounts to Indian and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs to increase enrollment. Requires that after at least 20% of of the training and technical assistance funds are reserved for Early Head Start programs: (1) at least 50% of such remaining funds be available for the direct use of Head Start agencies; (2) at least 25% be available to the Secretary for state-based or national training and technical assistance systems; and (3) the remainder be available to the Secretary to assist local Early Head Start entities meet and exceed program performance standards. Requires any additional remaining funds to be used for specified Head Start quality improvement and expansion activities. Provides funding for the Republic of Palau through FY2009 and, if legislation approving a new agreement regarding assistance to Palau is not enacted by the end of FY2009, through FY2012. Directs the Secretary to establish policies and procedures assuring that: (1) by FY2009 at least 10% of the children enrolled by each Head Start and delegate agency will be disabled children eligible for special education or early intervention services; and (2) such agencies will collaborate with state and local agencies providing such services. Applies service delivery guidelines to: (1) models that leverage the capacity and capabilities of the delivery system of early childhood education and development services or programs; and (2) procedures to provide for the conversion of part-day programs to full-day programs or part-day slots to full-day slots and serve additional infants and toddlers. Provides that, when Head Start appropriations are less than the prior fiscal year's appropriations or not sufficient to maintain services comparable to that prior year's services, Head Start grantees may negotiate a reduced funded enrollment level with the Secretary without a reduction in their grant level, if they can show that a reduced enrollment level is necessary to maintain the quality of services. Requires regulations to ensure appropriate supervision and background checks of individuals with whom Head Start agencies contract to transport children. Requires the Secretary to: (1) appoint a national migrant and seasonal Head Start collaboration director and a national Indian Head Start collaboration director; (2) conduct annual consultations in each affected Head Start region with tribal governments operating Head Start or Early Head Start programs to better gauge their needs; and (3) establish policies and procedures to remove barriers to the enrollment and participation of homeless children in Head Start programs. (Sec. 7) Provides for the development of a new system for designating Head Start agencies and the consideration of additional criteria in evaluating applicants. Includes community-based and faith-based organizations among the entities that may be designated Head Start agencies. Maintains the current process of designating a Head Start agency until the Secretary develops and implements a transparent, reliable, and valid designation renewal system that integrates the recommendations of an expert panel. Designates those grantees that the system finds to be successfully delivering a high quality and comprehensive Head Start program as Head Start agencies for five years, but requires underperforming grantees to enter into open competition with other applicants. Sets forth criteria to be considered in choosing between competing applicants, including each applicant's ability to: (1) attract and retain qualified staff; (2) maintain child-to-teacher ratios and family service worker caseloads; (3) use scientifically-based curriculum and teaching practices that are developmentally appropriate and promote school readiness; (4) coordinate with other public or private entities providing early childhood education and development programs and services for young children or willing to commit resources to Head Start programs; (5) provide family health, literacy, and parenting services; (6) extend outreach to fathers; and (7) meet the needs of LEP, disabled, homeless, and foster care children. Removes the priority currently given nonprofit applicants. Directs the Secretary to continue to involve parents and affected area residents in selection of qualified applicants for such designation. Prohibits a non-Indian Head Start agency from operating an Indian Head Start program, unless there is no Indian Head Start agency available in the community. (Sec. 8) Revises Head Start quality standards and monitoring requirements. Requires the Secretary to modify program performance standards, as necessary, so they are scientifically-based, developmentally appropriate, and based on the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework to ensure that children, at a minimum, progress in language, literacy, mathematics, science, cognitive abilities, approaches to learning, social and emotional development, creative arts, physical development and the acquisition of the English language. Adds as new factors the Secretary must consider in modifying such standards: (1) the recommendations of the study on Developmental Outcomes and Assessments for Young Children by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS); (2) the need for Head Start agencies to communicate regularly with parents; and (3) the unique challenges faced by individual programs, including seasonal, short term, and rural programs. Requires facilities used by Head Start, Early Head Start, and delegate agencies for regularly scheduled center-based and combination program option classroom activities to meet or exceed state and local licensing requirements, and be accessible by state and local authorities to monitor and ensure compliance, unless state or local law prohibits such access. Requires scientifically-based measures of program performance to be reviewed periodically so they reflect advances in the science of early childhood development. Prohibits federal use of any assessment to: (1) rank, compare, or otherwise evaluate individual Head Start children for purposes other than research, training, or technical assistance; and (2) reward or sanction individual Head Start children or teachers. Prohibits the Secretary from using any single assessment as the sole method for assessing program effectiveness or making agency funding determinations. Requires the Secretary's reviews of Head Start agencies and programs to include unannounced site inspections, as appropriate. Requires the full reviews, conducted at least once every three years for each agency, to include a risk-based assessment approach. Requires review teams to receive periodic training to ensure quality and consistency across reviews. Includes in such reviews: (1) an assessment of whether programs adequately address community needs; (2) an observational instrument that addresses classroom quality; and (3) an assessment of whether programs use federal funds appropriately and conform to Head Start eligibility and enrollment requirements. Requires that Early Head Start program reviews be conducted by individuals knowledgeable about infant and toddler development. Directs Head Start agencies to evaluate their delegate agencies and inform them of deficiencies which must be corrected. Prohibits Head Start agencies from terminating a delegate agency's contract or reducing its service area without showing cause or demonstrating the decision's cost-effectiveness. Requires summaries of program reviews and the outcomes of quality improvement plans to be made available to all parents with children receiving Head Start assistance, in addition to the public. Requires each Head Start and delegate agency to: (1) conduct a comprehensive self-assessment at least once each program year; (2) develop goals and a plan for improving childrens' school readiness; and (3) implement ongoing monitoring of its programs. Directs Head Start agencies to report their actual enrollment monthly to the Secretary and, if it is less than the funded enrollment, any apparent reason for the shortfall. Directs the Secretary to develop plans for programs to reduce or eliminate underenrollment, and provide such programs with technical assistance in implementing such plans. Sets forth rules for the redistribution of base grants recaptured, withheld, or reduced. (Sec. 9) Revises the power and functions of Head Start agencies. Adds to the minimum services Head Start agencies provide by requiring them to: (1) seek the involvement of local business, in addition to parents and community residents, in the design and implementation of programs; (2) offer health services to parents of participating children, including information on maternal depression; (3) provide parents of LEP children with outreach and information in an understandable and uniform format, and to the extent practicable, in a language such parents can understand; (4) promote the continued involvement of parents and, as appropriate, foster parents, grandparents, and kinship caregivers in the education of participating children upon their transition to school; and (5) provide disabled children with intervention and referral services. Directs each Head Start agency to establish and maintain a formal structure for program governance, for the oversight of quality services for Head Start children and families, and for making decisions related to program design and implementation. Requires such structure to include a governing body with legal and fiscal responsibility for the Head Start agency and a policy council, elected by Head Start parents, which is responsible for the direction of the Head Start program. Directs the Secretary to develop policies, procedures, and guidance on the resolution of internal disputes and the implementation of collaborative decision-making in program governance. Requires Head Start agencies to conduct outreach to schools, local educational agencies (LEAs), local businesses, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, museums, and libraries to generate support and leverage community resources to improve school readiness. Requires Head Start agencies, in communities where both public prekindergarten programs and Head Start programs operate, to collaborate and coordinate activities with the public agency and providers responsible for operating prekindergarten programs, including outreach activities to identify eligible children. Directs Head Start agencies, with parental consent, to communicate regularly with schools children will be attending to share information about them, collaborate with such schools' teachers, and ensure children's smooth transition to such schools. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of Head Start agencies to coordinate activities with LEAs and schools in which participating children will enroll. Includes in such collaboration, enhancing the efficiency of services while increasing the participation of underserved eligible children. Requires each Head Start agency, within one year of this Act's enactment, to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the local entity responsible for managing publicly funded preschool programs in its service area for the coordination and review of program services. Establishes curricular requirements that are research-based, comprehensive, and aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and state early learning standards, as appropriate. Requires the use of ongoing research-based assessment methods and developmental screening tools. Directs programs to develop training and technical assistance plans and professional development plans focused on teacher effectiveness. Requires each Head Start agency to enroll 100% of its funded enrollment, maintain an active waiting list, and conduct community outreach. Requires such agencies to use strong fiscal controls. (Sec. 10) Adds to requirements for Head Start program coordination with LEAs and schools to ensure the continuity of childrens' K-12 education by requiring: (1) the needs of homeless and LEP children, and those currently underserved by Head Start programs, to be addressed; (2) the continuity of developmentally appropriate curricula between Head Start agencies and LEAs; and (3) an emphasis on the role of parental involvement in a child's academic success. Directs the Secretary to provide Head Start agencies with information on, and technical assistance in establishing, policies and activities that support childrens' successful transition to public schools. (Sec. 11) Provides for local and state integration of early childhood education. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary to award, upon written request, collaboration grants to states and each national administrative office serving Indian Head Start and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs to facilitate coordination among Head Start agencies and entities that carry out other activities designed to benefit low-income families and children from birth to school entry. Requires the use of collaboration grants to: (1) assist Head Start agencies to collaborate with entities involved in state and local planning processes to better meet the needs of low-income families and children; (2) assist Head Start agencies to coordinate activities with the responsible state agency under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, and other specified entities; (3) promote alignment of Head Start curricula and services with state early learning standards, as appropriate, and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework; (4) promote better linkages between Head Start agencies and other child and family agencies; and (5) carry out the activities of the state Director of Head Start Collaboration. Requires the state to appoint or designate a state Director of Head Start Collaboration (currently state liaison), and establish an Office of such Director. Requires the state Director to: (1) make specified assessments and strategic plans; (2) promote certain partnerships; (3) enable state agencies to better coordinate professional development opportunities for Head Start staff; and (4) help Head Start agencies develop plans to provide full-working-day, full calendar year services, and align them with state early learning standards, as appropriate, and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. Directs the Governor of the state to designate or establish a state advisory council on early childhood education and care for children from birth to school entry, on which the state's Director of Head Start Collaboration shall serve. (Sec. 12) Exempts from the requirement for prior submission of explanatory plans to the chief executive officer of a state any contracts, agreements, grants, loans, or other assistance for Indian Head Start programs or migrant or seasonal Head Start programs. (Sec. 13) Adds to Head Start administrative requirements. Directs each Head Start agency to make a report available to the public at least once each fiscal year disclosing: (1) its finances and budget; (2) its enrollment, including the percentage of its enrollees receiving medical and dental exams; (3) the results of the Secretary's most recent review and the financial audit; (4) parental involvement activities; and (5) the agency's efforts to prepare children for kindergarten. Prohibits an agency from using federal funds to purchase a facility unless the agency receives the Secretary's approval and informs the Secretary of its efforts to collaborate with other community providers in seeking assistance to purchase such facility. (Sec. 14) Alters rules regarding eligible Head Start program participants. Requires that homeless children be deemed eligible for Head Start services Allows Head Start agencies to provide services to limited percentages of participants who: (1) are not impoverished but whose family income is below 130% of the poverty level; or (2) who do not meet poverty criteria but would benefit from such services, such as disabled children. Requires priority to be given to children who are homeless or whose family income is below the poverty level. Exempts certain amounts of military pay and allowances from family income consideration for purposes of determining Head Start eligibility, including: (1) special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger; and (2) a specified basic allowance, especially for housing. Authorizes a Head Start agency, after it demonstrates a need through a communitywide strategic planning and needs assessment, to apply to the Secretary to convert part-day sessions, particularly consecutive part-day sessions, into full-day sessions. Allows a Head Start agency to use program funds to serve infants and toddlers if it provides certain information to the Secretary proving its capacity and capability to carry out an effective Early Head Start program. Subjects such agency to the same rules applicable to Early Head Start programs. Allows Indian Head Start agencies that also operate a Early Head Start program to reallocate funds between both programs at any time. (Sec. 15) Adds to Early Head Start program service, coordination, and training requirements. Requires Early Head Start programs to include: (1) parental training in parenting skills and in basic child development; (2) coordination with home-based services, programs for homeless infants and toddlers, and family support services; (3) appropriate screening and referral for children with documented behavioral problems; (4) procedures for transitioning children and parents from an Early Head Start program into a Head Start program or another local early childhood education and development program; (5) communication channels to help coordinate such Early Head Start programs with other early childhood education and development programs; and (6) formal linkages with agencies responsible for administering the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Includes as eligible Early Head Start service providers: (1) entities operating Indian or migrant or seasonal Head Start programs; and (2) community-based and faith-based organizations capable of providing child and family services that meet Head Start standards and other appropriate requirements. Makes homeless children eligible for Early Head Start services. Applies the changes made to Head Start income eligiblity requirements to Early Head Start programs. Makes available from Early Head Start training and technical assistance funds: (1) at least 50% for the direct use of Early Head Start agencies; (2) at least 25% for state-based or national training and technical assistance systems, including supportive infant and toddler specialists; and (3) the remainder to assist local Early Head Start entities meet and exceed program performance standards. Directs the Secretary to ensure that all teachers providing direct services to children and families in Early Head Start centers have a minimum of a child development associate credential and training in early childhood development by September 30, 2010, and training in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development by September 30, 2012. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for training, qualifications, and the conduct of home visits for home visitor staff in Early Head Start programs. Requires that such standards include content related to the role of parents in child development and in working with other health and developmental service providers to eliminate gaps in service. (Sec. 16) Revises requirements for appeals, notice, and hearings. Prohibits Head Start agencies from using federal Head Start assistance for legal fees and other costs incurred in pursuing appeals; but permits the Secretary to reimburse Head Start agencies for fees deemed reasonable and customary. (Sec. 17) Requires Head Start agencies to submit to the Secretary complete annual accountings of their administrative expenses as well as, within 30 days after completion of an audit, a copy of the audit management letters and audit findings. (Sec. 18) Revises training and technical assistance requirements. Adds as targets of such assistance: (1) services and outreach to homeless children, LEP children and their families, and disabled children; (2) the unique needs of rural Head Start programs; (3) members of governing bodies and policy councils or committees; (4) ensuring that staff are qualified to promote child obesity prevention; (5) training for Indian Head Start agency staff; and (6) Head Start agency selection and use of performance measures. Requires the Secretary to provide additional support for: (1) an organization to administer a centralized child development and national assessment program leading to recognized credentials for early childhood education and development personnel; and (2) training personnel to better serve LEP children and their families, abused or neglected children, children coping with community violence, children with health problems, disabled children and their families, migrant and seasonal farmworker families, and homeless families. Directs the Secretary to establish an outreach program to recruit and train professionals from diverse backgrounds to become Head Start teachers Requires each Head Start agency to ensure that all of its teachers receive ongoing training in language and emergent literacy. Prohibits the use of training funds for long-distance travel to training that is available locally or regionally. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts in each state with one or more entities that have expertise in supporting the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and development programs for the development of state-based or national (for migrant, seasonal, or Indian programs) training and technical assistance systems that improve the capacity of Head Start programs to meet or exceed Head Start performance standards. Requires the Secretary to consult appropriate federal agencies and other experts, as appropriate, regarding indoor air quality and children's health and inform Head Start agencies of programs that improve indoor air. Establishes the Career Advancement Partnership program that allows the Secretary to award demonstration grants to historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal colleges and universities to increase the number and expertise of teachers in early childhood education or related fields. Requires individuals that receive program assistance to teach in a center-based Head Start program for a period equivalent to the period for which they received assistance, or repay such assistance. (Sec. 19) Amends staff qualification and development requirements. Directs the Secretary to ensure that by September 30, 2013, at least 50% of Head Start teachers and all Head Start education coordinators nationwide in center-based programs have: (1) a baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education; or (2) a baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience in teaching preschool children. Requires all Head Start teaching assistants nationwide in center-based programs to have a child development associate credential or be working toward an associate or baccalaureate degree by such date. Requires Head Start agencies to issue progress reports regarding their teachers' attainment of credentials and degrees. Requires each Head Start classroom that does not have a teacher that meets such qualifications to be assigned at least one teacher that meets certain alternative credentialing and degree requirements. Requires each Head Start teacher to attend at least 15 clock hours of professional development per year. Requires individuals who receive educational assistance for teacher training under the Act to teach or work in a Head Start center for a minimum of three years thereafter, or repay the total or an amount prorated on the basis of service completed. Directs the Secretary to review and, as necessary, revise or develop maximum caseload requirements for Head Start family service workers and promote strategies that ensure their ability to meet the needs of special populations, including LEP children. Requires each Head Start agency and program to create a professional development plan for all their employees who provide direct services to children, and regularly evaluate the plan's effectiveness. Prohibits Head Start agencies from employing individuals before interviewing them, verifying their personal and employment references, and obtaining criminal record background checks. (Sec. 20) Alters Head Start research, demonstration, and evaluation requirements. Includes homeless children, abused and neglected children, and foster care children in the continuing program of Head Start research, demonstration, and evaluation activities, which are now to be scientifically-based. Repeals the mandate for the required use and linkage of specified surveys in evaluating Head Start program participants. Requires that research, demonstration, and evaluation activities: (1) contribute to increasing the effective delivery of Head Start services to disabled and nondisabled children in classrooms containing a mixture of such children; and (2) identify successful strategies that promote good oral and vision health for Early Head Start and Head Start participants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) study and report to Congress on the status of LEP children and their families in Head Start and Early Head Start programs; and (2) award competitive research and evaluation grants to organizations with a demonstrated capacity to serve and study such children and their families, migrant and seasonal farmworker families, and other families of diverse populations served by Head Start programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) integrate into each Head Start program assessment the results of the National Academy of Sciences study on Developmental Outcomes and Assessments for Young Children, when they become available; and (2) use them to develop, inform, and revise Head Start quality standards and measures. Terminates further development and use of the National Reporting System. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and report on Head Start program participation by eligible Indian, Alaskan Native, and migrant and seasonal children. Directs the Secretary to study and make recommendations for improving federal, state, and local emergency preparedness and response capabilities as they relate to Head Start and Early Head Start programs. (Sec. 21) Includes homeless children, foster care children, and children participating Indian Head Start or migrant or seasonal Head Start programs in the biennial reports on the status of children in Head Start programs. Requires such reports to include information on the number of children served, disaggregated by eligibility type. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress annually on whether triennial reviews of Head Start agencies provide reasonable assurances that such agencies are complying with applicable fiscal laws and regulations. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on; (1) the provision of services to disabled Head Start children under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and (2) efforts to prevent and reduce obesity in Head Start children. (Sec. 22) Prohibits any Head Start employee from being compensated at a rate greater than the level II Executive Schedule pay rate. (Sec. 23) Extends the ban against aid to or assistance in any unlawful demonstration, rioting, or civil disturbance to any individual in any Head Start Agency or other agency assisted under the Head Start Act. (Sec. 24) Extends certain political activity restrictions to any individual employed by or assigned to a program receiving assistance under the Head Start Act during the hours in which he or she is working on its behalf. Prohibits the use of Head Start appropriations for voter registration activities. (Sec. 25) Requires Head Start agencies to obtain written parental consent before administering to a child, or referring the child for, a nonemergency intrusive physical examination, including one in connection with the program. Declares that such requirement shall not be construed to prohibit agencies from using established methods for handling cases of suspected or known child abuse and neglect in compliance with applicable federal, state, or tribal law. (Sec. 26) Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate up to 200 exemplary Head Start agencies as Centers of Excellence in Early Childhood; and (2) make them bonus grants. Requires the Centers to use at least 15% of their grants to disseminate best practices for achieving early academic success to other Head Start agencies in their states. Authorizes the use of remaining grant funds on Head Start access and quality improvement efforts, and coordinating Head Start services with other educational and social services for children and their families. Directs the Secretary to award a grant or contract to an independent organization to research and report on the Centers' ability to: (1) improve Head Start childrens' school readiness and performance in the earliest grades; and (2) encourage delegate agencies, additional Head Start agencies, and other early childhood education and development providers to meet measurable improvement goals, particularly in school readiness. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012. (Sec. 28) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress: (1) certifying that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has, for each program and activity of the Administration for Children and Families, determined which bears a significant risk of making improper payments; and (2) describing the actions to be taken to reduce improper payments to such programs and activities.

amends head start act act revise reauthorize head start programs sec includes head start programs children growth language literacy mathematics science social emotional functioning creative arts physical skills approaches learning sec includes community based organizations financial literacy training definitions head start delegate agencies family literacy services respectively adds definitions head_start deficiencies homeless children institutions higher education reliability limited english proficient lep children principles scientific research professional development teachers staff scientifically valid research unresolved areas noncompliance removes micronesia marshall_islands list program participants sec authorizes secretary health_and_human_services secretary provide financial assistance head_start agencies year periods sec authorizes appropriations head start programs fy2008 fy2012 sec sets forth allotment requirements limitations authorized uses head_start funds reserves funds amounts state indian migrant seasonal territorial head start programs equal base amounts programs received prior fiscal year amounts collaborative grants fy2007 level training technical assistance provide assistance early head start programs specified monetary amounts research demonstration evaluation activities discretionary payments requires use remaining funds cost living increases head start agency provision specified amounts indian migrant seasonal head start programs increase enrollment requires training technical assistance funds reserved early head start programs remaining funds available direct use head_start agencies available secretary state based national training technical assistance systems remainder available secretary assist local early head start entities meet exceed program performance standards requires additional remaining funds specified head_start quality improvement expansion activities provides funding republic_of_palau fy2009 legislation approving new agreement assistance palau enacted end fy2009 fy2012 directs secretary establish policies procedures assuring fy2009 children enrolled head start delegate agency disabled children eligible special education early intervention services agencies collaborate state local agencies providing services applies service delivery guidelines models leverage capacity capabilities delivery system early childhood education development services programs procedures provide conversion day programs day programs day slots day slots serve additional infants toddlers provides head_start appropriations prior fiscal year appropriations sufficient maintain services comparable prior year services head_start grantees negotiate reduced funded enrollment level secretary reduction grant level reduced enrollment level necessary maintain quality services requires regulations ensure appropriate supervision background checks individuals head_start agencies contract transport children requires secretary appoint national migrant seasonal head start collaboration director national indian head start collaboration director conduct annual consultations affected head_start region tribal governments operating head start early head start programs better gauge needs establish policies procedures remove barriers enrollment participation homeless children head start programs sec provides development new system designating head start agencies consideration additional criteria evaluating applicants includes community based faith based organizations entities designated head start agencies maintains current process designating head start agency secretary develops implements transparent reliable valid designation renewal system integrates recommendations expert panel designates grantees system finds successfully delivering high quality comprehensive head start program head_start agencies years requires underperforming grantees enter open competition applicants sets forth criteria considered choosing competing applicants including applicant ability attract retain qualified staff maintain child teacher ratios family service worker use scientifically based curriculum teaching practices developmentally appropriate promote school readiness coordinate public private entities providing early childhood education development programs services young children willing commit resources head start programs provide family health literacy parenting services extend outreach fathers meet needs lep disabled homeless foster care children removes priority currently given nonprofit applicants directs secretary continue involve parents affected area residents selection qualified applicants designation prohibits non indian head start agency operating indian head start program indian head start agency available community sec revises head start quality standards monitoring requirements requires secretary modify program performance standards necessary scientifically based developmentally appropriate based ensure children minimum progress language literacy mathematics science cognitive abilities approaches learning social emotional development creative arts physical development acquisition english language adds new factors secretary consider modifying standards recommendations study national_academy_of_sciences nas need head start agencies communicate regularly parents unique challenges faced individual programs including seasonal short term rural programs requires facilities head_start early head start delegate agencies regularly scheduled center based combination program option classroom activities meet exceed state local licensing requirements accessible state local authorities monitor ensure compliance state local law prohibits access requires scientifically based measures program performance reviewed periodically reflect advances science early childhood development prohibits federal use assessment rank compare evaluate individual head start children purposes research training technical assistance reward sanction individual head start children teachers prohibits secretary single assessment sole method assessing program effectiveness making agency funding determinations requires secretary reviews head_start agencies programs include unannounced site inspections appropriate requires reviews conducted years agency include risk based assessment approach requires review teams receive periodic training ensure quality consistency reviews includes reviews assessment programs adequately address community needs observational instrument addresses classroom quality assessment programs use federal funds appropriately conform head start eligibility enrollment requirements requires early head start program reviews conducted individuals knowledgeable infant toddler development directs head start agencies evaluate delegate agencies inform deficiencies corrected prohibits head start agencies terminating delegate agency contract reducing service area showing cause demonstrating decision cost effectiveness requires summaries program reviews outcomes quality improvement plans available parents children receiving head start assistance addition public requires head start delegate agency conduct comprehensive self assessment program year develop goals plan improving childrens school readiness implement ongoing monitoring programs directs head start agencies report actual enrollment monthly secretary funded enrollment apparent reason shortfall directs secretary develop plans programs reduce eliminate provide programs technical assistance implementing plans sets forth rules redistribution base grants withheld reduced sec revises power functions head_start agencies adds minimum services head_start agencies provide requiring seek involvement local business addition parents community residents design implementation programs offer health services parents participating children including information maternal depression provide parents lep children outreach information understandable uniform format extent practicable language parents understand promote continued involvement parents appropriate foster parents grandparents kinship caregivers education participating children transition school provide disabled children intervention referral services directs head start agency establish maintain formal structure program governance oversight quality services head start children families making decisions related program design implementation requires structure include governing body legal fiscal responsibility head_start agency policy council elected head_start parents responsible direction head start program directs secretary develop policies procedures guidance resolution internal disputes implementation collaborative decision making program governance agencies conduct outreach schools local educational agencies leas local businesses community based organizations faith based organizations museums libraries generate support leverage community resources improve school readiness agencies communities public prekindergarten programs head start programs operate collaborate coordinate activities public agency providers responsible operating prekindergarten programs including outreach activities identify eligible children directs head start agencies parental consent communicate regularly schools children attending share information collaborate schools teachers ensure children transition schools changes discretionary mandatory authority head_start agencies coordinate activities leas schools participating children enroll includes collaboration enhancing efficiency services increasing participation underserved eligible children requires head start agency year act enactment enter memorandum understanding local entity responsible managing publicly funded preschool programs service area coordination review program services establishes curricular requirements research based comprehensive aligned state early learning standards appropriate requires use ongoing research based assessment methods developmental screening tools directs programs develop training technical assistance plans professional development plans focused teacher effectiveness requires head start agency enroll funded enrollment maintain active waiting list conduct community outreach requires agencies use strong fiscal controls sec adds requirements head_start program coordination leas schools ensure continuity childrens k-12 education requiring needs homeless lep children currently underserved head start programs addressed continuity developmentally appropriate curricula head_start agencies leas emphasis role parental involvement child academic success directs secretary provide head_start agencies information technical assistance establishing policies activities support childrens successful transition public schools sec provides local state integration early childhood education changes discretionary mandatory authority secretary award written request collaboration grants states national administrative office serving indian head start migrant seasonal head start programs facilitate coordination head start agencies entities carry activities designed benefit low income families children birth school entry requires use collaboration grants assist head_start agencies collaborate entities involved state local planning processes better meet needs low income families children assist head_start agencies coordinate activities responsible state agency child care development block grant act specified entities promote alignment head_start curricula services state early learning standards appropriate promote better linkages head start agencies child family agencies carry activities state director requires state appoint designate state director currently state liaison establish office director requires state director specified assessments strategic plans promote certain partnerships enable state agencies better coordinate professional development opportunities head_start staff help head_start agencies develop plans provide working day calendar year services align state early learning standards appropriate directs governor state designate establish state advisory council early childhood education care children birth school entry state director head start collaboration shall serve sec exempts requirement prior submission explanatory plans chief executive officer state contracts agreements grants loans assistance indian head start programs migrant seasonal head start programs sec adds head start administrative requirements directs head start agency report available public fiscal year disclosing finances budget enrollment including percentage enrollees receiving medical dental exams results secretary recent review financial audit parental involvement activities agency efforts prepare children kindergarten prohibits agency federal funds purchase facility agency receives secretary approval informs secretary efforts collaborate community providers seeking assistance purchase facility sec alters rules eligible head_start program participants requires homeless children deemed eligible head start services agencies provide services limited percentages participants impoverished family income poverty level meet poverty criteria benefit services disabled children requires priority given children homeless family income poverty level exempts certain amounts military pay allowances family income consideration purposes determining head start eligibility including special pay duty subject hostile fire imminent danger specified basic allowance especially housing authorizes head start agency demonstrates need communitywide strategic planning needs assessment apply secretary convert day sessions particularly consecutive day sessions day sessions allows head start agency use program funds serve infants toddlers provides certain information secretary proving capacity capability carry effective early head start program subjects agency rules applicable early head start programs allows indian head start agencies operate early head start program reallocate funds programs time sec adds early head start program service coordination training requirements requires early head start programs include parental training parenting skills basic child development coordination home based services programs homeless infants toddlers family support services appropriate screening referral children documented behavioral problems procedures transitioning children parents early head start program head_start program local early childhood education development program communication channels help coordinate early head start programs early childhood education development programs formal linkages agencies responsible administering child abuse prevention treatment act includes eligible service providers entities operating indian migrant seasonal head start programs community based faith based organizations capable providing child family services meet head_start standards appropriate requirements makes homeless children eligible early head start services applies changes head start income requirements early head start programs makes available early head start training technical assistance funds direct use early head start agencies state based national training technical assistance systems including supportive infant toddler specialists remainder assist local early head start entities meet exceed program performance standards directs secretary ensure teachers providing direct services children families early head start centers minimum child development associate credential training early childhood development september training early childhood development focus infant toddler development september directs secretary establish standards training qualifications conduct home visits home visitor staff early head start programs requires standards include content related role parents child development working health developmental service providers eliminate gaps service sec revises requirements appeals notice hearings prohibits head start agencies federal head start assistance legal fees costs incurred pursuing appeals permits secretary reimburse head_start agencies fees deemed reasonable customary sec agencies submit secretary complete annual administrative expenses days completion audit copy audit management letters audit findings sec revises training technical assistance requirements adds targets assistance services outreach homeless children lep children families disabled children unique needs rural head start programs members governing bodies policy councils committees ensuring staff qualified promote child obesity prevention training indian head start agency staff head start agency selection use performance measures requires secretary provide additional support organization administer centralized child development national assessment program leading recognized credentials early childhood education development personnel training personnel better serve lep children families abused neglected children children coping community violence children health problems disabled children families migrant seasonal families homeless families directs secretary establish outreach program recruit train professionals diverse backgrounds head start teachers requires head start agency ensure teachers receive ongoing training language emergent literacy prohibits use training funds long distance travel training available locally regionally directs secretary enter contracts state entities expertise supporting delivery high quality early childhood education development programs development state based national migrant seasonal indian programs training technical assistance systems improve capacity head start programs meet exceed head_start performance standards requires secretary consult appropriate federal agencies experts appropriate indoor air quality children health inform head start agencies programs improve indoor air establishes program allows secretary award demonstration grants historically black colleges universities hispanic serving institutions tribal colleges universities increase number expertise teachers early childhood education related fields requires individuals receive program assistance teach center based head_start program period equivalent period received assistance repay assistance sec amends staff qualification development requirements directs secretary ensure september head start teachers head start education coordinators nationwide center based programs baccalaureate advanced degree early childhood education baccalaureate advanced degree coursework equivalent major relating early childhood education experience teaching preschool children requires head start teaching assistants nationwide center based programs child development associate credential working associate baccalaureate degree date agencies issue progress reports teachers attainment credentials degrees requires head start classroom teacher meets qualifications assigned teacher meets certain alternative credentialing degree requirements requires head start teacher attend clock hours professional development year requires individuals receive educational assistance teacher training act teach work head start center minimum years repay total prorated basis service completed directs secretary review necessary revise develop maximum caseload requirements head start family service workers promote strategies ensure ability meet needs special populations including lep children requires head start agency program create professional development plan employees provide direct services children regularly evaluate plan effectiveness prohibits head start agencies employing individuals interviewing verifying personal employment references obtaining criminal record background checks sec alters head start research demonstration evaluation requirements includes homeless children abused neglected children foster care children continuing program head_start research demonstration evaluation activities scientifically based repeals mandate required use specified surveys evaluating head start program participants requires research demonstration evaluation activities contribute increasing effective delivery head_start services disabled nondisabled children classrooms containing mixture children identify successful strategies promote good oral vision health early head start head_start participants directs secretary study report congress status lep children families head_start early head start programs award competitive research evaluation grants organizations demonstrated capacity serve study children families migrant seasonal families families diverse populations served head start programs directs secretary integrate head_start program assessment results national_academy_of_sciences study available use develop inform revise head start quality standards measures terminates development use directs secretary conduct studies report head_start program participation eligible indian alaskan native migrant seasonal children directs secretary study recommendations improving federal state local emergency preparedness response capabilities relate head_start early head start programs sec includes homeless children foster care children children participating indian head start migrant seasonal head start programs biennial reports status children head start programs requires reports include information number children served disaggregated eligibility type directs secretary report congress annually triennial reviews head_start agencies provide reasonable assurances agencies complying applicable fiscal laws regulations directs secretary report congress provision services disabled head start children individuals disabilities education act efforts prevent reduce obesity head start children sec prohibits head start employee compensated rate greater level schedule pay rate sec extends ban aid assistance unlawful demonstration civil disturbance individual agency assisted head start act sec extends certain political activity restrictions individual employed assigned program receiving assistance head start act hours working behalf prohibits use head start appropriations voter registration activities sec agencies obtain written parental consent administering child referring child nonemergency intrusive physical examination including connection program declares requirement shall construed prohibit agencies established methods handling cases suspected known child abuse neglect compliance applicable federal state tribal law sec directs secretary designate exemplary head_start agencies centers_of_excellence early childhood bonus grants requires centers use grants disseminate best practices achieving early academic success head start agencies states authorizes use remaining grant funds head start access quality improvement efforts coordinating head start services educational social services children families directs secretary award grant contract independent organization research report centers ability improve head_start childrens school readiness performance earliest grades encourage delegate agencies additional head start agencies early childhood education development providers meet measurable improvement goals particularly school readiness authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2012 sec directs secretary report congress certifying department_of_health_and_human_services hhs program activity determined bears significant risk making improper payments describing actions taken reduce improper payments programs activities


Summary: Head Start Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Head Start Act to require additional accountability measures for Head Start agencies, including: (1) agency designation period limits; (2) revised redesignation priorities; (3) local oversight boards; (4) revised administrative and financial management standards; (5) delegate agency evaluations and corrective actions; (6) shorter deadlines for agency corrective actions; (7) revised notice and hearing procedures for assistance suspensions, terminations, or reductions; and (8) annual audits. Prohibits recipients from using Head Start assistance to appeal any decision of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Act.

head start accountability act amends head start act require additional accountability measures head start agencies including agency designation period limits revised redesignation priorities local oversight boards revised administrative financial management standards delegate agency evaluations corrective actions shorter deadlines agency corrective actions revised notice hearing procedures assistance suspensions terminations reductions annual audits prohibits recipients head start assistance appeal decision secretary health_and_human_services act


Summary: Families Learning and Understanding English Together Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to providers of family literacy services to improve the literacy and English skills of limited English proficient individuals who are parents or children in families where each parent is at least 16 years old and where at least one child is under age eight. Directs the Secretary to reserve certain funds to: (1) provide technical assistance and training to such grantees; (2) make grants to, or enter contracts with, national organizations that have family literacy service expertise to provide grantees with technical assistance and training; and (3) evaluate and improve such grant program. Requires grantees to meet specified outcome measures.

understanding english act authorizes secretary education grants providers family literacy services improve literacy english skills limited english proficient individuals parents children families parent years old child age directs secretary reserve certain funds provide technical assistance training grantees grants enter contracts national organizations family literacy service expertise provide grantees technical assistance training evaluate improve grant program requires grantees meet specified outcome measures


Summary: Legal Employee Verification Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require visas issued by the Secretary of State and immigration related documents issued by the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security to comply with authentication and biometric standards recognized by domestic and international standards organizations. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to: (1) establish an Employment Eligibility Confirmation System to respond to inquiries made by employers regarding the identities and employment authorizations of their employees; (2) design, implement, and maintain an Employment Eligibility Database, including annual reverification; and (3) develop a plan to phase all workers into the Database and phase out the employer verification system established in specified existing provisions. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (currently, the Attorney General) to implement an integrated entry and exit data system. Requires a process under which an H-2B alien (temporary nonagricultural worker) who files a nonfrivolous complaint regarding a violation of this Act and is otherwise eligible to remain and work in the United States may be allowed to seek other employment in the United States for a period not to exceed the maximum period of stay for that nonimmigrant.

legal employee verification act amends immigration nationality act require visas issued secretary state immigration related documents issued secretary state secretary homeland_security comply authentication biometric standards recognized domestic international standards organizations requires commissioner social_security establish employment eligibility confirmation system respond inquiries employers identities employment authorizations employees design implement maintain employment eligibility database including annual reverification develop plan phase workers database phase employer verification system established specified existing provisions requires secretary homeland_security currently attorney general implement integrated entry exit data system requires process h-2b alien temporary nonagricultural worker files complaint violation act eligible remain work united_states allowed seek employment united_states period exceed maximum period stay nonimmigrant


Summary: Teach for America Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to Teach For America, Inc. to implement and expand its program of recruiting, selecting, training, and supporting new teachers. Requires that grant funds be used to provide teachers to local educational agencies that serve a substantial percentage of students eligible for free or reduced price meals under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. Directs the Secretary of Education to provide for a study, at least once every three years, comparing the academic achievement of students taught by teachers assisted by this Act with the academic achievement of students taught by other teachers in the same schools and positions.

teach america act authorizes secretary education award grant implement expand program recruiting selecting training supporting new teachers requires grant funds provide teachers local educational agencies serve substantial percentage students eligible free reduced price meals national school lunch act directs secretary education provide study years comparing academic achievement students taught teachers assisted act academic achievement students taught teachers schools positions


Summary: Adults Achieving the American Dream Act of 2007 - Amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act to reauthorize appropriations through FY2013 for adult education and literacy services, including integrated English literacy and civics education programs. Increases the maximum amounts that can be reserved from such funds for: (1) the National Institute for Literacy; and (2) national leadership activities. Reserves an amount for integrated English literacy and civics education programs. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to states for integrated English literacy and civics education programs for immigrants admitted for lawful residence in the United States.Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize appropriations for Even Start Family Literacy Programs for FY2008 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years.Amends the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 to require the establishment of a national research and development center that includes research in adult education.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for employer-provided adult education and literacy programs.

adults achieving american dream act amends adult education family literacy act reauthorize appropriations fy2013 adult education literacy services including integrated english literacy civics education programs increases maximum amounts reserved funds national_institute_for_literacy national leadership activities reserves integrated english literacy civics education programs directs secretary education award grants states integrated english literacy civics education programs immigrants admitted lawful residence united_states amends elementary secondary education act reauthorize appropriations start family literacy programs fy2008 succeeding fiscal years amends education_sciences reform act require establishment national research development center includes research adult education amends internal revenue code allow tax credit employer provided adult education literacy programs


Summary: Small Energy Efficient Businesses Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to: (1) authorize financial assistance through the Small Business Administration (SBA) to state and local development companies for projects that reduce energy consumption by at least 10%, reduce the use of non-renewable energy sources, or generate renewable energy sources; and (2) provide loan limits for such projects. Amends the Small Business Act to direct the SBA Administrator to make small business loans to purchase energy efficient equipment or fixtures, or to reduce the borrower's energy consumption. Authorizes a small business development center to carry out a small business sustainability initiative (support to small businesses to evaluate their energy efficiency and achieve increased efficiency). Directs the Administrator to develop and coordinate a program to provide small business education on energy efficiency. Authorizes small business investment companies to issue Energy Saving debentures. Requires the Administrator to establish a Renewable Fuel Capital Investment Program under which the Administrator may: (1) enter into participation agreements with renewable fuel capital investment companies to promote the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of renewable energy sources; and (2) guarantee debentures issued by such companies.

small energy efficient small_business_investment_act authorize financial assistance small_business_administration sba state local development companies projects reduce energy consumption reduce use non renewable energy sources generate renewable energy sources provide loan limits projects amends small_business_act direct sba administrator small business loans purchase energy efficient equipment fixtures reduce borrower energy consumption authorizes small business development center carry small business sustainability initiative support small businesses evaluate energy efficiency achieve increased efficiency directs administrator develop coordinate program provide small business education energy efficiency authorizes small business investment companies issue energy saving debentures requires administrator establish renewable fuel capital investment program administrator enter participation agreements renewable fuel capital investment companies promote research development manufacture marketing renewable energy sources guarantee debentures issued companies


Summary: Prepare All Kids Act of 2007 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Prekindergarten Incentive Fund from which matching grants shall be awarded to states and, through them, subgrants to qualified prekindergarten providers to establish, expand, or enhance voluntary high quality full-day prekindergarten programs serving children ages three through five. Requires prekindergarten providers to target children from families with incomes at or below 200% of the poverty line and provide them with program services free of charge. Directs state grantees to set aside: (1) at least 10% of a grant for quality early childhood development programs for children ages zero through three; and (2) at least 10% of a grant to extend the hours of early childhood programs to create extended day and year programs.

prepare kids act amends omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act direct secretary health_and_human_services establish prekindergarten_incentive_fund matching grants shall awarded states subgrants qualified prekindergarten providers establish expand enhance voluntary high quality day prekindergarten programs serving children ages requires prekindergarten providers target children families incomes poverty line provide program services free charge directs state grantees set aside grant quality early childhood development programs children ages zero grant extend hours early childhood programs create extended day year programs


Summary: Language Education for Success Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide student loan forgiveness under the Federal Family Education Loan and Direct loan programs to teachers of students of limited English proficiency who have taught for five consecutive complete school years at elementary or secondary schools that serve a high proportion of disadvantaged children. Directs the Commissioner of the National Center for Educational Statistics to study and report to Congress on the performance of recipients of grants for the language instruction of limited English proficient and immigrant students under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to measure student academic progress. Directs the Secretary of Education to compile and publicize a list of state instructional programs for such students that assesses the costs and benefits of each program. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants under the Pell Grant program to institutions of higher education to provide: (1) foreign language and teacher preparation instruction to incoming first-year undergraduates during the months preceding their enrollment; and (2) scholarships to such students for the costs of such instruction.

language education success act amends higher education act provide student loan forgiveness federal_family_education_loan direct loan programs teachers students limited english proficiency taught consecutive complete school years elementary secondary schools serve high proportion disadvantaged children directs commissioner study report congress performance recipients grants language instruction limited english proficient immigrant students elementary secondary education act measure student academic progress directs secretary education compile publicize list state instructional programs students assesses costs benefits program authorizes secretary provide grants pell grant program institutions higher education provide foreign language teacher preparation instruction incoming year undergraduates months preceding enrollment scholarships students costs instruction


Summary: Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow states, when determining whether disabled or limited English proficient student subgroups are making adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards, to include in such subgroups students who are no longer identified as disabled or limited English proficient but who were so identified during any of the preceding three school years.

amends elementary secondary education act allow states determining disabled limited english proficient student subgroups making adequate yearly progress ayp state academic performance standards include subgroups students longer identified disabled limited english proficient identified preceding school years


Summary: Path to Success: Gang Prevention through Community Partnerships Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to community colleges to establish partnerships with juvenile detention centers and secure juvenile justice residential facilities to provide assistance, services, and education to individuals age 16 through 19 who have served or are serving time in juvenile detention facilities for a gang-related offense who reenter the community and pursue: (1) a secondary education graduation certificate, a general equivalency diploma (GED), or equivalent certificate or diploma; (2) a certificate of completion for a specialized area of study; or (3) an associate's degree. Requires such education programs to establish a uniquely designed education plan for each individual program participant that requires the individual to receive at least a secondary education certificate or diploma in order to complete the program successfully.

path success gang prevention community partnerships act authorizes secretary education award grants community colleges establish partnerships juvenile detention centers secure juvenile justice residential facilities provide assistance services education individuals age served serving time juvenile detention facilities gang related offense reenter community pursue secondary education graduation certificate general equivalency diploma equivalent certificate diploma certificate completion specialized area study associate degree requires education programs establish uniquely designed education plan individual program participant requires individual receive secondary education certificate diploma order complete program successfully


Summary: Homeless Education Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to require each state and local educational agency (LEA) to ensure that each homeless child and each homeless youth has access to the same free, appropriate public education, including state-funded or LEA-funded preschool programs, as is provided to other children and youths. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to states and U.S. territories for specified state and local activities, including mandatory establishment or designation of an Office of Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths in each state educational agency (SEA). Prohibits segregation of such children and youths into separate schools or programs within schools. Requires each SEA to make subgrants to LEAs to facilitate the identification, enrollment, attendance, and success in school of homeless children and youths. Directs the Secretary to make grants to states for transportation for school stability, readiness, and success for such children and youths.

amends mckinney-vento homeless assistance act require state local educational agency lea ensure homeless child homeless youth access free appropriate public education including state funded lea funded preschool programs provided children youths authorizes secretary education grants states territories specified state local activities including mandatory establishment designation youths state educational agency sea prohibits segregation children youths separate schools programs schools requires sea subgrants leas facilitate identification enrollment attendance success school homeless children youths directs secretary grants states transportation school stability readiness success children youths


Summary: Positive Behavior for Effective Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow states to allocate school improvement funds under title I of the ESEA for coordinated, early intervention services for all students. Includes among such services, schoolwide positive behavior support, defined as a broad range of systemic and individualized strategies for achieving important social and learning outcomes while preventing problem behavior with all students. Requires improvements in schoolwide learning climates, including schoolwide positive behavior supports, to be a target of: (1) technical assistance provided by states to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools, and by LEAs to schools identified as needing improvement; (2) schoolwide programs that allow LEAs to consolidate educational funds to upgrade the entire educational program of schools that serve a high proportion of low-income families; (3) funding under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities program; (4) elementary and secondary school counseling programs; and (5) professional development funding. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish, within the Department of Education, an Office of Specialized Instructional Support Services to oversee and implement the provision of specialized instructional support services in schools by school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other qualified professionals.

positive behavior effective schools act amends elementary secondary education act esea allow states allocate school improvement funds title esea coordinated early intervention services students includes services schoolwide positive behavior support defined broad range systemic individualized strategies achieving important social learning outcomes preventing problem behavior students requires improvements schoolwide learning climates including schoolwide positive behavior supports target technical assistance provided states local educational agencies leas schools leas schools identified needing improvement schoolwide programs allow leas consolidate educational funds upgrade entire educational program schools serve high proportion low income families funding safe drug free schools communities program elementary secondary school counseling programs professional development funding amends department_of_education_organization_act establish department_of_education oversee implement provision specialized instructional support services schools school counselors social workers psychologists qualified professionals


Summary: Bullying and Gang Reduction for Improved Education Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to add bullying and gang prevention to the violence and drug abuse prevention activities currently supported under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities program. Provides that, in addition to fostering a safe and drug-free learning environment, such program should facilitate healthy, physically active lifestyles. Makes local park and recreation agencies eligible for funding under the program's mentoring programs for children.

bullying improved education act amends elementary secondary education act add bullying gang prevention violence drug abuse prevention activities currently supported safe drug free schools communities program provides addition fostering safe drug free learning environment program facilitate healthy physically active lifestyles makes local park recreation agencies eligible funding program mentoring programs children


Summary: Rural Students College, Career, and Community Readiness Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to up to two nonprofit organizations to conduct higher education and career readiness demonstration projects. Requires grantees to partner with rural local educational agencies and schools to enroll a cohort of seventh grade students and a cohort of ninth grade students into the demonstration projects, which are to provide such students with approximately 25 hours of informational and educational services in each grade through grade 12 that prepare them for higher education and a successful career.

career community readiness act directs secretary education award grants nonprofit organizations conduct higher education career readiness demonstration projects requires grantees partner rural local educational agencies schools enroll cohort seventh grade students cohort ninth grade students demonstration projects provide students approximately hours informational educational services grade grade prepare higher education successful career


Summary: Providing Resources to Improve Dual Language Education Act of 2007 or the PRIDE Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award up to five grants to partnerships of local educational agencies (LEAs), early childhood education programs, and technical assistance providers for the implementation of dual language demonstration programs designed to enhance and assess the biliteracy, bilingualism, and multicultural skills of low-income minority and limited English proficient students from preschool through grade five. Directs the Secretary to: (1) arrange for an entity that has dual language program experience to provide technical assistance to LEA grantees and evaluate the programs funded by this Act; and (2) disseminate information on model practices implemented under such programs that are appropriate for use by early childhood education providers to improve the school readiness of limited English proficient students.

pride act authorizes secretary education award grants partnerships local educational agencies leas early childhood education programs technical assistance providers implementation dual language demonstration programs designed enhance assess biliteracy skills low income minority limited english proficient students preschool grade directs secretary arrange entity dual language program experience provide technical assistance lea grantees evaluate programs funded act disseminate information model practices implemented programs appropriate use early childhood education providers improve school readiness limited english proficient students


Summary: Universal Prekindergarten Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to a designated state agency for development of universal prekindergaten programs for all children three, four, and five years old in the state. Requires the state to: (1) match federal funds by at least 20%; and (2) submit with its grant application a plan to establish, coordinate, and implement a statewide universal prekindergarten program. Authorizes state agencies to set aside up to 5% of a grant for ongoing professional development activities for teachers and staff of prekindergarten programs that wish to participate.

universal prekindergarten act directs secretary health_and_human_services provide grants designated state agency development universal programs children years old state requires state match federal funds submit grant application plan establish coordinate implement statewide universal prekindergarten program authorizes state agencies set aside grant ongoing professional development activities teachers staff prekindergarten programs wish participate


Summary: College and University Rural Education (CURE) Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to partnerships between rural institutions of higher education (IHEs) and rural local educational agencies, rural education service agencies, regional employers, or rural education nonprofit organizations for activities to: (1) improve the rural IHE enrollment rates of rural high school graduates and former attendees; and (2) encourage nontraditional students' participation in rural IHE degree programs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to partnerships between rural IHEs and regional employers to: (1) provide additional training to rural IHE attendees in careers relevant to the regional economy; and (2) encourage regional businesses to employ rural IHE graduates. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to rural IHEs to create or strengthen academic programs that prepare graduates to enter high-need occupations in the regional and local economies. Requires the General Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate, and make recommendations to Congress regarding the improvement of, rural access to four-year IHEs and degree programs.

college cure act amends higher education act authorize secretary education award grants partnerships rural institutions higher education ihes rural local educational agencies rural education service agencies regional employers rural education nonprofit organizations activities improve rural ihe enrollment rates rural high school graduates attendees encourage nontraditional students participation rural ihe degree programs authorizes secretary award grants partnerships rural ihes regional employers provide additional training rural ihe attendees careers relevant regional economy encourage regional businesses employ rural ihe graduates authorizes secretary award grants rural ihes create strengthen academic programs prepare graduates enter high need occupations regional local economies requires general_accountability_office gao investigate recommendations congress improvement rural access year ihes degree programs


Summary: Predominantly Black Institution Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide grants to Predominantly Black Institutions to: (1) enhance their capacity to serve more low- and middle-income Black American students; (2) expand higher education opportunities for students eligible for student assistance under title IV of the Act by encouraging such students to prepare for college and persist in secondary and postsecondary education; and (3) strengthen their financial ability to serve the academic needs of such students. Defines such institutions as accredited institutions serving at least 1,000 undergraduate students at least: (1) 50% of whom are pursuing a bachelor's or associate's degree; (2) 40% of whom are Black Americans; and (3) 50% of whom are low-income or first-generation college students. Requires the spending per full-time undergraduate student of such institutions to be low in comparison to that of institutions offering similar instruction. Allows grant recipients to use up to 20% of a grant on an endowment fund, provided they raise nonfederal matching funds at least equal to the amount of the grant used for such endowment. Allots funding among institutions on the basis of their share of Pell Grant recipients, graduates, and graduates pursuing a higher degree. Establishes a minimum allotment for each institution of $250,000, which is to be ratably reduced if appropriations are insufficient to pay such amount.

amends higher education act provide grants predominantly_black_institutions enhance capacity serve low- middle income black american students expand higher education opportunities students eligible student assistance title act encouraging students prepare college persist secondary postsecondary education strengthen financial ability serve academic needs students defines institutions accredited institutions serving undergraduate students pursuing bachelor associate degree black americans low income generation college students requires spending time undergraduate student institutions low comparison institutions offering similar instruction allows grant recipients use grant endowment fund provided raise nonfederal matching funds equal grant endowment allots funding institutions basis share pell_grant recipients graduates graduates pursuing higher degree establishes minimum allotment institution ratably reduced appropriations insufficient pay


Summary: School Choice for Foster Kids Act - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize states to use funds provided under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence program to provide vouchers to foster children of all ages to cover their elementary and secondary private school tuition and public school transportation costs.

school choice foster kids act amends foster care adoption assistance title social security act authorize states use funds provided john chafee foster care independence program provide vouchers foster children ages cover elementary secondary private school tuition public school transportation costs


Summary: Securing American Families by Educating and Training Youth (SAFETY) Through Nonviolence Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to state or local governments, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based entities to prevent or alleviate the effects of community violence by educating, mentoring, and counseling youth regarding the principles and application of nonviolence in conflict resolution. Gives grant priority to applicants that agree to use the funds in communities experiencing an increase in violence, but lacking the resources to address violence prevention.

educating training youth safety act authorizes attorney general award grants state local governments educational institutions nonprofit organizations faith based entities prevent alleviate effects community violence educating mentoring counseling youth principles application conflict resolution gives grant priority applicants agree use funds communities experiencing increase violence lacking resources address violence prevention


Summary: Mentor-Mentee Teen Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2008 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to local educational agencies or community-based organizations for the creation of school-based programs that provide mentoring to at-risk teenage girls to prevent and reduce teen pregnancy. Requires program mentors to be women who: (1) have received at least a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education; (2) are mentoring no more than two program mentees; and (3) are trained and screened to encourage mentees to engage in responsible, goal-orientated behavior, delay their sexual activity, and increase their participation in school. Authorizes the Secretary to provide student loan forgiveness, under the Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan, or Perkins Loan programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965, to program mentors who serve for at least 200 hours in an academic year.

teen pregnancy reduction act amends title maternal child health services social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services award competitive grants local educational agencies community based organizations creation school based programs provide mentoring risk teenage girls prevent reduce teen pregnancy requires program mentors women received baccalaureate degree institution higher education mentoring program trained screened encourage engage responsible goal behavior delay sexual activity increase participation school authorizes secretary provide student loan forgiveness federal_family_education_loan direct_loan perkins_loan programs higher education act program mentors serve hours academic year