Summary: Teacher Excellence for All Children Act of 2007 - Revises and establishes programs relating to recruitment, preparation, distribution, and retention of public elementary and secondary school teachers and principals. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish: (1) teacher education assistance for college and higher education (TEACH ) grants for undergraduate and graduate students who agree to serve as teachers in high-need schools and fields; and (2) grants to recruit teachers with mathematics, science, or language majors. Extends the authorization of appropriations for HEA teacher quality enhancement grants for states and partnerships. Revises HEA student loan forgiveness requirements to: (1) extend permanently additional amounts for teachers in mathematics, science, or special education provided by the Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act of 2004; (2) increase other amounts, making reading specialists eligible for such forgiveness; and (3) apply forgiveness in annual increments rather than in a lump sum at end of service. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish grant programs to improve teaching at high-need schools. Requires states to provide assurances of their reasonable progress toward equitable access to teacher quality as a condition of assistance under ESEA. Amends the Education Sciences Reform Act to direct the Statistics Commissioner to publish results of certain schools and staffing surveys. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from gross income up to $15,000 for compensation of teachers and principals in certain high-need schools or teaching certain high-need subjects; and (2) increase to a maximum of $500 and make permanent the above-the-line deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary schoolteachers.

teacher excellence children act revises establishes programs relating recruitment preparation distribution retention public elementary secondary school teachers principals amends higher education act hea establish teacher education assistance college higher education teach grants undergraduate graduate students agree serve teachers high need schools fields grants recruit teachers mathematics science language majors extends authorization appropriations hea teacher quality enhancement grants states partnerships revises hea student loan forgiveness requirements extend permanently additional amounts teachers mathematics science special education provided taxpayer teacher protection act increase amounts making reading specialists eligible forgiveness apply forgiveness annual increments lump sum end service amends elementary secondary education act esea establish grant programs improve teaching high need schools requires states provide assurances reasonable progress equitable access teacher quality condition assistance esea amends education_sciences reform act direct statistics commissioner publish results certain schools staffing surveys amends internal revenue code exclude gross income compensation teachers principals certain high need schools teaching certain high need subjects increase maximum permanent line deduction certain expenses elementary secondary


Summary: Striving Readers Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to provide peer-reviewed grants for literacy initiatives benefiting students in grades 4 through 12 to: (1) local educational agencies (LEAs) eligible for school improvement funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, if appropriations under this Act are less than $200 million; or (2) state educational agencies (SEAs), and through them, to LEAs, if appropriations equal or exceed such amount. Allots funds to SEAs on the basis of their relative proportion of needy children aged 5 to 17 and eighth graders underachieving in reading. Requires SEAs, in addition to providing subgrants, to use grant funds to: (1) provide professional development assistance to LEAs; (2) enhance public higher education for students preparing to teach any of grades 4 through 12; (3) recommend improvements to state licensure and certification standards for reading instruction in such grades; and (4) report to the Secretary of Education on SEA and LEA progress in improving adolescent literacy. Requires LEAs to use grant or subgrant funds on literacy initiatives that include: (1) student need and progress assessments and reports; (2) development of adolescent literacy plans for underperforming students that provide intensive, accelerated, and extended instruction for such students and professional development for teachers; and (3) initiative training for school leaders. Prohibits the use of subgrant funds on schools that do not meet specified need criteria. Authorizes the withholding of grant or subgrants funds from SEAs and LEAs making insufficient progress in improving adolescent literacy. Requires a national evaluation and the dissemination of information regarding the effectiveness of the grant and subgrant programs.

readers act directs secretary education provide peer reviewed grants literacy initiatives benefiting students grades local educational agencies leas eligible school improvement funds elementary secondary education act appropriations act million state educational agencies seas leas appropriations equal exceed allots funds seas basis relative proportion needy children aged eighth reading requires seas addition providing subgrants use grant funds provide professional development assistance leas enhance public higher education students preparing teach grades recommend improvements state licensure certification standards reading instruction grades report secretary education sea lea progress improving adolescent literacy requires leas use grant subgrant funds literacy initiatives include student need progress assessments reports development adolescent literacy plans underperforming students provide intensive accelerated extended instruction students professional development teachers initiative training school leaders prohibits use subgrant funds schools meet specified need criteria authorizes withholding grant subgrants funds seas leas making insufficient progress improving adolescent literacy requires national evaluation dissemination information effectiveness grant subgrant programs


Summary: Full-Service Community Schools Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to: (1) eligible entities to assist public elementary or secondary schools to function as full-service community schools; and (2) state collaboratives to support development of full-service community school programs. Requires such schools to: (1) participate in community-based efforts to coordinate educational, developmental, family, health, and other comprehensive services through community-based organizations and public and private partnerships; and (2) provide access to such services to students, families, and the community. Gives local grant priority to entities that: (1) will serve at least two full-service community schools eligible for schoolwide programs under the Act, and more than one full-service community school as part of a community or districtwide strategy; and (2) demonstrate a record of effectiveness in integrating at least three of various qualified services. Establishes a Full-Service Community Schools Advisory Committee.

-service community schools act amends elementary secondary education act authorize secretary education award grants eligible entities assist public elementary secondary schools function service community schools state collaboratives support development service community school programs requires schools participate community based efforts coordinate educational developmental family health comprehensive services community based organizations public private partnerships provide access services students families community gives local grant priority entities serve service community schools eligible schoolwide programs act service community school community strategy demonstrate record effectiveness integrating qualified services establishes -service_community_schools_advisory_committee


Summary: School Safety Enhancements Act of 2008 - Title I: Elementary and Secondary Education Safety Enhancements - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow matching grants to states, localities, and Indian tribes for public elementary and secondary school security to be used for: (1) installing and using surveillance equipment in schools; (2) developing and implementing safety measures to protect students in the event of a terrorist attack or other hazardous condition or situation; and (3) establishing hotlines or tiplines for reporting potentially dangerous students and situations, including hazardous conditions. Increases the maximum federal share of program costs from 50% to 80%. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Secretary of Education to establish an interagency task force to develop and promulgate advisory school safety guidelines. Requires grant applicants to include in their applications a report, signed by their chief education officer and attorney general or other chief law enforcement executive, certifying that the security measures to be funded: (1) will effectively improve school safety; (2) fit into a comprehensive approach to preventing school violence; and (3) are individualized to the needs of each school at which they are to be implemented. Authorizes appropriations for such grant program for FY2009-FY2010. Title II: Higher Education Security Enhancement - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution of higher education participating in any program under title IV (Student Assistance) of that Act to: (1) conduct an annual campus safety assessment in consultation with local law enforcement officials; and (2) develop and implement a campus emergency response plan that addresses a comprehensive set of emergency situations, including natural disasters, active shooter situations, and terrorism.

school safety enhancements act title elementary secondary education safety enhancements amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act allow matching grants states localities indian tribes public elementary secondary school security installing surveillance equipment schools developing implementing safety measures protect students event terrorist attack hazardous condition situation establishing hotlines tiplines reporting potentially dangerous students situations including hazardous conditions increases maximum federal share program costs requires director bureau_of_justice_assistance secretary education establish interagency task force develop promulgate advisory school safety guidelines requires grant applicants include applications report signed chief education officer attorney general chief law enforcement executive certifying security measures funded effectively improve school safety fit comprehensive approach preventing school violence individualized needs school implemented authorizes appropriations grant program fy2009 fy2010 title higher education security enhancement amends higher education act require institution higher education participating program title student assistance act conduct annual campus safety assessment consultation local law enforcement officials develop implement campus emergency response plan addresses comprehensive set emergency situations including natural disasters active shooter situations terrorism


Summary: Student Bill of Rights - Directs the Secretary of Education to make annual determinations as to whether each state's public school system provides all its students with educational resources to succeed academically and in life. Requires such education to enable students to: (1) acquire knowledge and skills necessary for responsible citizenship; (2) meet challenging academic achievement standards; and (3) compete and succeed in a global economy. Requires each system to do so through: (1) providing specified fundamentals of educational opportunity to students at each public elementary and secondary school; (2) providing educational services in school districts that receive funds for disadvantaged students that are, taken as a whole, at least comparable to educational services provided in school districts not receiving such funds; and (3) complying with any final federal or state court order in any matter concerning the adequacy or equitableness of the system. Requires withholding of specified portions of its federal funding for administrative expenses if a system: (1) fails to meet a yearly interim goal; (2) does not remedy, after two school years, a failure to provide comparable educational services to schools that receive funds for disadvantaged children; or (3) does not comply with a court order. Allows students or parents aggrieved by violations of this Act to bring civil actions for enforcement in federal district courts. Directs the Commissioner of Education Statistics to study the effects of educational disparities on economic growth and on national defense.

student bill rights directs secretary education annual determinations state public school system provides students educational resources succeed academically life requires education enable students acquire knowledge skills necessary responsible citizenship meet challenging academic achievement standards compete succeed global economy requires system providing specified educational opportunity students public elementary secondary school providing educational services school districts receive funds disadvantaged students taken comparable educational services provided school districts receiving funds complying final federal state court order matter concerning adequacy system requires withholding specified portions federal funding administrative expenses system fails meet yearly interim goal remedy school years failure provide comparable educational services schools receive funds disadvantaged children comply court order allows students parents aggrieved violations act bring civil actions enforcement federal district courts directs commissioner education statistics study effects educational disparities economic growth national defense


Summary: Renewable Schools Energy Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified renewable school energy bonds. Defines "qualified renewable school energy bond" as a bond with a 20-year term, 95% of the proceeds of which are used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy products for public school and school district administrative buildings in states with a specified percentage of population growth.

renewable schools energy act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit investment qualified renewable school energy bonds defines qualified renewable school energy bond bond year term proceeds purchase installation renewable energy products public school school district administrative buildings states specified percentage population growth


Summary: Achievement Through Technology and Innovation Act of 2007 - Amends title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize part D (Enhancing Education through Technology) through FY2013. Alters the current program to require states to use a portion of their allotted funds to develop challenging academic content and achievement standards to ensure that students are technologically literate before the end of grade eight. Provides that such standards are only for tracking technological literacy and not for assessing adequate yearly progress (AYP) under title I. Permits technological literacy testing to be embedded in other state tests or performance-based assessments portfolios, or made through other valid and reliable means. Requires states to use the bulk of their part D allotment for two new subgrant programs for local educational agencies (LEAs), devoting; (1) 60% for formula subgrants to improve teaching and learning through technology; and (2) 40% for competitive subgrants for systemic school reform through technology integration. Requires LEAs to: (1) include a new or updated local long-range strategic educational technology plan in their applications; (2) use a specified percentage of each subgrant for teacher training; and (3) use each subgrant to acquire and apply technology to identify individual student learning needs and support individualized learning. Allows LEAs that receive funds for both programs to use all the funds for systemic school reform through technology integration program activities. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) conduct an annual national study on student technology literacy to determine the extent to which such literacy is attained by grade eight; and (2) update the National Education Technology Plan at least once every five years.

innovation_act amends title elementary secondary education act reauthorize enhancing education technology fy2013 alters current program require states use portion allotted funds develop challenging academic content achievement standards ensure students technologically end grade provides standards tracking technological literacy assessing adequate yearly progress ayp title technological literacy testing embedded state tests performance based assessments portfolios valid reliable means requires states use bulk allotment new subgrant programs local educational agencies leas formula subgrants improve teaching learning technology competitive subgrants systemic school reform technology integration requires leas include new updated local long range strategic educational technology plan applications use specified percentage subgrant teacher training use subgrant acquire apply technology identify individual student learning needs support individualized learning allows leas receive funds programs use funds systemic school reform technology integration program activities directs secretary education conduct annual national study student technology literacy determine extent literacy attained grade update years


Summary: America's Better Classrooms Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified public school modernization bonds, defined to include: (1) bonds for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of a public school facility or for the acquisition of land for such facility (qualified school construction bonds); and (2) bonds to finance certain academic programs below the postsecondary level in empowerment zones or enterprise communities (qualified zone academy bonds). Establishes a national limitation on the issuance of such bonds and provides for the allocation of bond amounts among the states according to a specified formula. Terminates the authority for issuance of such bonds after 2009.Amends the General Education Provisions Act to apply certain labor standards to public school construction projects financed by this Act.Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require states to establish employment and training programs relating to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.

america amends internal revenue code allow tax credit investment qualified public school modernization bonds defined include bonds construction rehabilitation repair public school facility acquisition land facility qualified school construction bonds bonds finance certain academic programs postsecondary level empowerment zones enterprise communities qualified zone academy bonds establishes national limitation issuance bonds provides allocation bond amounts states according specified formula terminates authority issuance bonds general education provisions act apply certain labor standards public school construction projects financed act amends workforce investment act require states establish employment training programs relating construction reconstruction public school facilities


Summary: State and Local Flexibility Improvement Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to give states and local educational agencies (LEAs) greater flexibility in transferring federal funds among specified ESEA programs (relating to teachers, technology, safe and drug-free schools, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and innovative programs) and from such programs to their allotments under title I. Replaces the current State and Local Flexibility Demonstration under title VI of the ESEA with a program allowing states to enter five-year performance agreements with the Secretary of Education, and states to enter into performance agreements with LEAs, to: (1) waive statutory and regulatory requirements; (2) consolidate ESEA funds provided for improving student achievement and narrowing achievement gaps, for use in furthering any state educational purpose; and (3) use an alternative method of allocating school improvement funds under part A of title I to more effectively target LEAs and schools serving high proportions of needy students. Holds states, LEAs, and schools to the requirement that they make adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward challenging state academic performance standards; but allows states to use additional models and systems for measuring AYP, such as longitudinal growth models. Requires states to give performance agreement priority to LEAs that have failed to make AYP for the two preceding academic years and serve a high percentage of needy students. Allows the Secretary to terminate an agreement with a state that fails to meet its terms for three consecutive school years. Lowers the minimum percentage of needy children a school must serve before its LEA may implement a schoolwide program consolidating school improvement funds for use in upgrading the school's entire educational program.

state local flexibility improvement act amends elementary secondary education act esea states local educational agencies leas greater flexibility transferring federal funds specified esea programs relating teachers technology safe drug free schools community_learning_centers innovative programs programs allotments title current state local flexibility demonstration title esea program allowing states enter year performance agreements secretary education states enter performance agreements leas waive statutory regulatory requirements consolidate esea funds provided improving student achievement achievement gaps use furthering state educational purpose use alternative method allocating school improvement funds title effectively target leas schools serving high proportions needy students holds states leas schools requirement adequate yearly progress ayp challenging state academic performance standards allows states use additional models systems measuring ayp longitudinal growth models requires states performance agreement priority leas failed ayp preceding academic years serve high percentage needy students allows secretary terminate agreement state fails meet terms consecutive school years lowers minimum percentage needy children school serve lea implement schoolwide program consolidating school improvement funds use upgrading school entire educational program


Summary: Empowering Children with Autism through Education Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Education to establish the Empowering Children with Autism through Education Task Force to identify and disseminate evidence-based educational strategies and promising best practices to improve the quality of learning for individuals with autism in grades K-12, including regarding: (1) learning models, interventions, and services that demonstrate improvements in reading, writing, and math proficiency; (2) the cost-effectiveness of these learning models, interventions, and services, and their applicability for local education agencies; (3) professional development needs of educators; (4) methods for incorporating state-, local- and community-based programs and services into the classroom to provide comprehensive support; (5) identification of barriers to successful implementation of programs and services and recommendations to address those barriers; and (6) dissemination of findings to Congress, all relevant agencies, and states and U.S. territories to improve the quality of learning for individuals with autism.

empowering children autism education act requires secretary education establish empowering children autism education task force identify disseminate evidence based educational strategies promising best practices improve quality learning individuals autism grades k-12 including learning models interventions services demonstrate improvements reading writing math proficiency cost effectiveness learning models interventions services applicability local education agencies professional development needs educators methods incorporating state- community based programs services classroom provide comprehensive support identification barriers successful implementation programs services recommendations address barriers dissemination findings congress relevant agencies states territories improve quality learning individuals autism


Summary: Mentoring America's Children Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to make miscellaneous changes to the Mentoring grant program under title IV that include: (1) improvement of school connectedness and character education among mentoring's purposes; (2) corporations, universities, and other entities among program providers; (3) a requirement that mentors help children become responsible and successful adults; (4) suburban children in high crime areas and children living in high gang involvement, drug use, or dropout areas among those most in need of mentoring; (5) limitation of each mentor to no more than three children; and (6) mandatory information on grant applicants about plans for monitoring mentor/mentee matches and the satisfaction of grant matching requirements that increase from 10% to 50% over the three-year grant term; Allows grantees to be considered for new grants if: (1) their prior performance was satisfactory; (2) they propose to use the new grant exclusively for expanded service to a new area or population; and (3) they are able to provide a 50% match to the new grant funds. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) provide training and technical assistance to, and track and evaluate the performance of, grantees; and (2) arrange for research on school-based mentoring, the results of which are to be provided to the mentoring community. Includes mentoring in ESEA programs for: (1) Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native education; (2) the transitioning of youth offenders into education; and (3) school violence and drug abuse prevention.

mentoring america children act amends elementary secondary education act esea miscellaneous changes mentoring grant program title include improvement school character education mentoring purposes corporations universities entities program providers requirement mentors help children responsible successful adults suburban children high crime areas children living high gang involvement drug use dropout areas need mentoring limitation mentor children mandatory information grant applicants plans monitoring mentor matches satisfaction grant matching requirements increase year grant term allows grantees considered new grants prior performance satisfactory propose use new grant exclusively expanded service new area population able provide match new grant funds directs secretary education provide training technical assistance track evaluate performance grantees arrange research school based mentoring results provided mentoring community includes mentoring esea programs indian native hawaiian alaskan native education transitioning youth offenders education school violence drug abuse prevention


Summary: Early Childhood Investment Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award a three-to-five-year grant to not more than one public-private partnership in each state to promote school readiness by improving the quality of, and access to, early childhood development opportunities for children throughout the state from birth to kindergarten. Requires each partnership to include the state and at least one tax-exempt organization and be led by a board of directors. Reduces the federal share of the cost of activities assisted under this Act from 50% in the first year of a grant to 30% in the third and any succeeding year of the grant.

early childhood investment act authorizes secretary health_and_human_services award year grant public private partnership state promote school readiness improving quality access early childhood development opportunities children state birth kindergarten requires partnership include state tax exempt organization led board directors reduces federal share cost activities assisted act year grant succeeding year grant


Summary: Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grants program to reduce class size through the use of fully-qualified teachers. Allots funds to states and local educational agencies to recruit, hire, and train additional teachers, in order to: (1) reduce class sizes nationally, in grades one through three, to an average of 18 students per classroom; and (2) improve teaching in those grades so that all students can learn to read independently and well by the end of the third grade.

amends elementary secondary education act establish grants program reduce class size use fully qualified teachers allots funds states local educational agencies recruit hire train additional teachers order reduce class sizes nationally grades average students classroom improve teaching grades students learn read independently end grade


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to one or more nonprofit educational organizations established to research, display, interpret, and collect artifacts relating to the history of the Underground Railroad. Requires each grant agreement to require the organization to: (1) establish a facility to house, display, and interpret the artifacts related to the history of the Underground Railroad; (2) demonstrate substantial private support for the facility through the implementation of a public-private partnership between a state or local public entity and a private entity providing certain matching funds; (3) create an endowment to fund shortfalls in the costs of ongoing facility operations; (4) establish a network of satellite centers throughout the United States to help disseminate information regarding the Underground Railroad; (5) establish the capability to link the facility electronically with other local and regional facilities with interpretive Underground Railroad collections and programs; and (6) report annually to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012.

authorizes secretary education grants nonprofit educational organizations established research display interpret collect artifacts relating history requires grant agreement require organization establish facility house display interpret artifacts related history demonstrate substantial private support facility implementation public private partnership state local public entity private entity providing certain matching funds create endowment fund shortfalls costs ongoing facility operations establish network satellite centers united_states help disseminate information establish capability link facility electronically local regional facilities interpretive collections programs report annually secretary authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2012


Summary: Reliable and Accurate Graduation Rate Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states that receive school improvement funds under part A of title I to calculate graduation rates by dividing the number of students in schools or local educational agencies who receive a regular diploma by the number of first time ninth-grade students who enrolled four years earlier, taking into account student transfers, recently arrived limited English proficient students, students who enroll in an early college high school, and disabled students who require an extra year to receive a diploma. Allows states to publish and report additional completion measures for those students who completed high school or some equivalent measure in more than four years.

reliable accurate graduation rate act amends elementary secondary education act require states receive school improvement funds title calculate graduation rates dividing number students schools local educational agencies receive regular diploma number time ninth grade students enrolled years earlier taking account student transfers recently limited english proficient students students enroll early college high school disabled students require extra year receive diploma allows states publish report additional completion measures students completed high school equivalent measure years


Summary: Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries Act or the SKILLs Act - Amends title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2013 for the Improving Literacy through School Libraries grant program. Requires states and local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive school improvement funds to ensure that by the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year there is at least one highly qualified school library media specialist in every school that receives such funds. Requires Improving Literacy through School Libraries funds to be: (1) proportionally distributed to serve students in elementary, middle, and high schools; (2) used for media resources appropriate for all grades; and (3) used for professional development in information literacy instruction that is appropriate for all grades. Expands the program of grants to states and subgrants to LEAs for the recruitment, retention, and professional development of teachers to require that highly qualified school library media specialists be included in the focus of such efforts.

strengthening kids interest learning libraries act skills act amends title elementary secondary education act authorize appropriations fy2008 fy2013 grant program requires states local educational agencies leas receive school improvement funds ensure beginning school year highly qualified school library media specialist school receives funds funds proportionally distributed serve students elementary middle high schools media resources appropriate grades professional development information literacy instruction appropriate grades expands program grants states subgrants leas recruitment retention professional development teachers require highly qualified school library media specialists included focus efforts


Summary: Teachers at the Table Act - Amends title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish the Volunteer Teacher Advisory Committee to monitor the effects of such title (amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) in classrooms, with a focus on children and families. Requires that committee membership consist of a diverse group of public school classroom teachers appointed from within the National State Teachers of the Year organization.

teachers table act amends title improving academic achievement disadvantaged elementary secondary education act direct secretary education establish volunteer teacher advisory committee monitor effects title amended child left act classrooms focus children families requires committee membership consist diverse group public school classroom teachers appointed organization


Summary: Keep Teachers Teaching Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to local educational agencies (LEAs), states, and partnerships of LEAs, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education for the development and implementation of innovative teacher retention programs that include: (1) professional development; (2) teacher mentoring; (3) advanced certification or credentialing; (4) research, travel, or fellowship opportunities; and (5) pairing of teachers with research or industry professionals. Requires the Secretary to identify, and inform states and LEAs of, the most promising teacher retention strategies.

amends elementary secondary education act direct secretary education competitive grants local educational agencies leas states partnerships leas nonprofit organizations institutions higher education development implementation innovative teacher retention programs include professional development teacher mentoring advanced certification credentialing research travel fellowship opportunities pairing teachers research industry professionals requires secretary identify inform states leas promising teacher retention strategies


Summary: Charter School Program Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to authorized public chartering agencies, in addition to state educational agencies, for the provision of subgrants to charter school developers or nonprofit charter support organizations assisting such developers. Raises the maximum term of such grants. Extends grant priority to states that: (1) provide public charter schools with funding commensurate with that provided to other public schools; (2) focus on creating such schools in areas that have many schools designated as needing improvement; and (3) demonstrate that a high percentage of its charter school students are meeting, exceeding, or making sufficient progress toward state academic performance standards. Eliminates from grant consideration states that have certain restrictive charter school laws. Alters Charter School Per-Pupil Facilities Aid programs by changing from mandatory to discretionary the authority of the Secretary to provide states with program grants and requiring state grantees to make charter school per-pupil spending commensurate with such spending on other public schools. Establishes a competitive grant program for the dissemination of successful charter school programs. Requires charter schools to have independent governing boards that enter into performance-based agreements with authorized public chartering agencies. Prohibits such schools from giving admissions priority to students on the basis of prior academic achievement. Amends the Charter School Credit Enhancement program by making predevelopment costs an object of credit enhancement and authorizing the use of program grants for limited loans to such schools. Reauthorizes appropriations through FY2013 for the programs amended by this Act.

amends elementary secondary education act authorize secretary education award grants authorized public chartering agencies addition state educational agencies provision subgrants charter school developers nonprofit charter support organizations assisting developers raises maximum term grants extends grant priority states provide public charter schools funding commensurate provided public schools focus creating schools areas schools designated needing improvement demonstrate high percentage charter school students meeting exceeding making sufficient progress state academic performance standards eliminates grant consideration states certain restrictive charter school laws programs changing mandatory discretionary authority secretary provide states program grants requiring state grantees charter school pupil spending commensurate spending public schools establishes competitive grant program dissemination successful charter school programs requires charter schools independent governing boards enter performance based agreements authorized public chartering agencies prohibits schools giving admissions priority students basis prior academic achievement amends program making predevelopment costs object credit enhancement authorizing use program grants limited loans schools reauthorizes appropriations fy2013 programs amended act


Summary: 10th Congressional District of Illinois School Conservation Corps Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to create a pilot program in Illinois' 10th Congressional District by providing grants to public high school chapters, each consisting of at least 10 students and one adult advisor, to establish and support a school conservation corps. Requires grants to be used for environmental protection projects in the district, including specified priority projects involving water pollution control, greenhouse gas reduction, recycling, and the dissemination of information on the dangers of mercury pollution.

10th act directs secretary education create pilot program illinois 10th providing grants public high school chapters consisting students adult advisor establish support school conservation corps requires grants environmental protection projects district including specified priority projects involving water pollution control greenhouse gas reduction recycling dissemination information dangers mercury pollution


Summary: Graduation Promise Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for differentiated high school improvement systems targeting support to schools with low student achievement and graduation rates after the school fails for two consecutive years to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) pursuant to state academic performance standards. Requires LEAs also to use funds to: (1) improve feeder middle schools; and (2) identify and support struggling students before they reach high school. Requires state grantees to establish comprehensive school performance indicators and minimum annual improvement benchmarks for use, in addition to current AYP measures, in analyzing school performance and determining the improvement category into which a school is placed. Directs LEA subgrantees to convene a local school improvement team for each school placed in an improvement category that will use performance indicators to conduct a school needs assessment and develop a multiyear school improvement plan tailored to the school's need categorization. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to: (1) LEAs, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education to develop and implement, or replicate, effective school models for struggling students and dropouts; and (2) states to adjust their policies to allow for educational innovations that improve high school graduation rates while ensuring rigorous education content standards and assessments, if such states implement differentiated high school improvement systems and statewide longitudinal student data systems.

graduation promise act authorizes secretary education grants states subgrants local educational agencies leas differentiated high school improvement systems targeting support schools low student achievement graduation rates school fails consecutive years adequate yearly progress ayp pursuant state academic performance standards requires leas use funds improve feeder middle schools identify support struggling students reach high school requires state grantees establish comprehensive school performance indicators minimum annual improvement benchmarks use addition current ayp measures analyzing school performance determining improvement category school placed directs lea subgrantees convene local school improvement team school placed improvement category use performance indicators conduct school needs assessment develop multiyear school improvement plan tailored school need categorization authorizes secretary award competitive grants leas nonprofit organizations institutions higher education develop implement replicate effective school models struggling students dropouts states adjust policies allow educational innovations improve high school graduation rates ensuring rigorous education content standards assessments states implement differentiated high school improvement systems statewide longitudinal student data systems


Summary: State and Local Education Flexibility Act of 2007 - Amends part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise requirements for determining whether states, local educational agencies (LEAs), and schools are making adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards. Provides for state and local flexibility, under specified conditions, to: (1) exclude from AYP and academic assessments the performance of certain limited English proficient students; (2) include in favorable AYP graduation rates certain students who require extra time to graduate due to exceptional circumstances or disability; (3) modify academic content and achievement standards in the individual education plans of students with disabilities; (4) develop assessments locally and use multiple assessments; and (5) have alternative qualification requirements for special education teachers and rural teachers. Subjects social studies teachers to ESEA competence requirements. Treats teacher competence in general science or social sciences as competence in those subjects' subdisciplines. Directs the Comptroller General to study the adequacy of ESEA school improvement funds. Allows states, which meet certain requirements, to measure AYP using individual growth models measuring individual student progress from grade to grade. Requires that each school be given a grade based on the percentage of AYP factors it has attained. Gives grade A schools greater flexibility in the use of school improvement funds and states and LEAs greater flexibility in choosing the ESEA intervention they consider appropriate for lower-graded schools that fail to make AYP for two years. Requires schools to provide parents with student progress report cards showing the school's AYP grade. Requires states to include their performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress on schoolwide and statewide progress report cards.

state local education flexibility act amends title elementary secondary education act esea revise requirements determining states local educational agencies leas schools making adequate yearly progress ayp state academic performance standards provides state local flexibility specified conditions exclude ayp academic assessments performance certain limited english proficient students include favorable ayp graduation rates certain students require extra time graduate exceptional circumstances disability modify academic content achievement standards individual education plans students disabilities develop assessments locally use multiple assessments alternative qualification requirements special education teachers rural teachers subjects social studies teachers esea competence requirements treats teacher competence general science social sciences competence subjects directs comptroller general study adequacy esea school improvement funds allows states meet certain requirements measure ayp individual growth models measuring individual student progress grade grade requires school given grade based percentage ayp factors attained gives grade schools greater flexibility use school improvement funds states leas greater flexibility choosing esea intervention consider appropriate lower graded schools fail ayp years requires schools provide parents student progress report cards showing school ayp grade requires states include performance national_assessment_of_educational_progress schoolwide statewide progress report cards


Summary: English Language Instruction Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends title III (Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to raise, from 6.5% to 9%, the amount of title III appropriations devoted to the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and Language Instruction Educational Programs and a program providing competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) for teacher training to improve classroom instruction for limited English proficient children. Alters such grant program by allowing the provision of grants directly to states and local educational agencies (LEAs) and eliminating the requirement that IHE grantees be in consortia with states or LEAs. Adds to allowable grant uses: (1) the development and dissemination of best practices in teaching individuals with limited English proficiency to high levels of achievement pursuant to challenging state academic performance standards or to high levels of multiligual proficiency; (2) research and evaluation of the education provided to such individuals; and (3) technical assistance to states and LEAs in meeting the requirements of title III.

english language instruction improvement act amends title iii language instruction limited english proficient immigrant students elementary secondary education act raise title iii appropriations devoted national_clearinghouse english_language_acquisition language instruction educational programs program providing competitive grants institutions higher education ihes teacher training improve classroom instruction limited english proficient children alters grant program allowing provision grants directly states local educational agencies leas eliminating requirement ihe grantees consortia states leas adds allowable grant uses development dissemination best practices teaching individuals limited english proficiency high levels achievement pursuant challenging state academic performance standards high levels proficiency research evaluation education provided individuals technical assistance states leas meeting requirements title iii


Summary: 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act - Title I: Grants for Modernization, Renovation, or Repair of School Facilities - (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary of Education to make grants to states for the modernization, renovation, or repair of public schools, including public charter schools, to make them safe, healthy, high-performing, and technologically up-to-date. Allocates grant funds among states on the basis of the relative portion of school improvement funds provided to local educational agencies (LEAs) in each state under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Reserves 1% of the grant funds for assistance to outlying areas and Indian schools. Requires states to reallocate such grant funds to LEAs on the basis of each LEA's share of school improvement funds received by LEAs in the state for the previous fiscal year. Allows LEA grantees to give priority to projects in public secondary schools recognized as Science and Technology High Schools or as schools having science and technology programs. Title II: Supplemental Grants for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama - (Sec. 202) Requires the Secretary to make grants to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama for the construction, modernization, renovation, or repair of public schools, including public charter schools, to make them safe, healthy, high-performing, and technologically up-to-date. Allocates grant funds among such states on the basis of each state's share of schools closed for at least 60 days during the period between August 29 and December 31, 2005, due to Hurricane Katrina or Rita. Requires such states to reallocate such grant funds to LEAs on the basis of each LEA's share of such schools in the state. Title III: General Provisions - (Sec. 301) Prohibits LEAs from using this Act's grants: (1) for maintenance costs, stadiums, or facilities used primarily for events for which the public is charged admission; (2) to supplant funds otherwise available for school modernization, renovation, repair, and construction efforts; or (3) to purchase carbon offsets. Prohibits states from considering LEAs' receipt of this Act's grants in determining their eligibility for state aid or the amount of state aid they receive. (Sec. 303) Conditions LEA grant eligibility on LEA and state spending for free public education remaining above specified levels. Requires states to reduce the amount of grant funds available to LEAs by the proportion by which LEAs' spending falls below such levels. Directs the Secretary to waive such maintenance of effort requirements if such waiver is justified by exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, or the precipitous decline in an LEA's financial resources. (Sec. 304) Requires grantees' contracting procedures for school modernization, renovation, repair, and construction to ensure the maximum number of qualified bidders through full and open competition. (Sec. 305) Requires the iron and steel used in projects funded under this Act to have been produced in this country, subject to specified exceptions. (Sec. 306) Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of work assisted under this Act to be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar work in the locality. (Sec. 307) Directs LEA grantees to use a percentage of their grant, rising in 10% increments from 50% in FY2009 to 90% in FY2013, for public school modernization, renovation, repairs, or construction that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating standards, Energy Star standards, Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) criteria, Green Building Initiative environmental design and rating standards (Green Globes), or equivalent standards adopted by the entities that have jurisdiction over such LEAs. Requires the Secretary to provide outreach and technical assistance to states and LEAs concerning the best practices in school modernization, renovation, repair, and construction. (Sec. 308) Directs: (1) LEAs to submit to their states, and make publicly available, annual reports describing their use of such grant funds; (2) states to submit annually to the Secretary a compilation of the information received from their LEAs; and (3) the Secretary to report to Congress annually on grants made under this Act. (Sec. 309) Authorizes appropriations for this Act's grant programs for FY2009-FY2013. (Sec. 310) Prohibits this Act's grants from being used: (1) to employ workers who are illegal aliens or whose status has not been ascertained using the employment verification system; or (2) by LEAs that do not require a criminal background check on all their employees.

21st century green grants modernization renovation sec requires secretary education grants states modernization renovation repair public schools including public charter schools safe healthy high performing technologically date allocates grant funds states basis relative portion school improvement funds provided local educational agencies leas state title elementary secondary education act reserves grant funds assistance outlying areas indian schools requires states reallocate grant funds leas basis lea share school improvement funds received leas state previous fiscal year allows lea grantees priority projects public secondary schools recognized science_and_technology high schools schools having science technology programs title supplemental grants louisiana mississippi alabama sec requires secretary grants louisiana mississippi alabama construction modernization renovation repair public schools including public charter schools safe healthy high performing technologically date allocates grant funds states basis state share schools closed days period august december hurricane katrina rita requires states reallocate grant funds leas basis lea share schools state title iii general provisions sec prohibits leas act grants maintenance costs facilities primarily events public charged admission supplant funds available school modernization renovation repair construction efforts purchase carbon offsets prohibits states considering leas receipt act grants determining eligibility state aid state aid receive sec conditions lea grant eligibility lea state spending free public education remaining specified levels requires states reduce grant funds available leas proportion leas spending falls levels directs secretary waive maintenance effort requirements waiver justified exceptional uncontrollable circumstances decline lea financial resources sec requires grantees contracting procedures school modernization renovation repair construction ensure maximum number qualified bidders open competition sec requires iron steel projects funded act produced country subject specified exceptions sec requires laborers mechanics employed contractors subcontractors performance work assisted act paid wages rates prevailing similar work locality sec directs lea grantees use percentage grant rising increments fy2009 fy2013 public school modernization renovation repairs construction meet leadership energy environmental design leed green building rating standards energy_star standards collaborative high performance schools chps criteria green building initiative environmental design rating standards green_globes equivalent standards adopted entities jurisdiction leas requires secretary provide outreach technical assistance states leas concerning best practices school modernization renovation repair construction sec directs leas submit states publicly available annual reports describing use grant funds states submit annually secretary compilation information received leas secretary report congress annually grants act sec authorizes appropriations act grant programs fy2009 fy2013 sec prohibits act grants employ workers illegal aliens status ascertained employment verification system leas require criminal background check employees


Summary: No Child Left Inside Act of 2008 - Amends the National Environmental Education Act (the Act) to add to the minimum functions and activities required of grantees under the Environmental Education and Training program, which trains educational professionals in the development and delivery of environmental education and training. Requires such grantees to: (1) create opportunities for enhanced and ongoing professional development, in addition to classroom training; (2) ensure that their environmental education programs and curricula are aligned with challenging state and local academic content standards and advance the teaching of interdisciplinary courses that include strong field components; (3) bring teachers into contact with working environmental professionals; (4) provide environmental education distance learning programs for teachers using curricula that are innovative, content-based, and based on current, scientifically valid research; (5) encourage individuals traditionally underrepresented in environmental careers to pursue postsecondary degrees toward such careers; (6) establish programs to prepare teachers to provide environmental education professional development to their colleagues and programs to promote outdoor environmental education activities as part of the regular school curriculum; (7) include summer workshops or institutes for elementary and secondary school environmental education teachers; and (8) encourage mid-career environmental professionals to pursue environmental education careers. Authorizes FY2009 appropriations for the National Environmental Education program. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive, matching, one-to-three-year grants to nonprofit organizations, states, local educational agencies, municipalities, or institutions of higher education for activities to improve and support environmental education that include: (1) advancing content and achievement standards; (2) developing or disseminating innovations or model programs; (3) research, particularly on integrating environmental education in the study of other subjects; and (4) capacity-building measures to increase the number of elementary and secondary environmental education teachers. Requires state grantees to have peer-reviewed state environmental literacy plans or develop state environmental literacy plans that describe: (1) how the state will measure student environmental literacy; (2) programs of professional development to improve teachers' environmental knowledge and teaching skills; and (3) how the plan will be implemented. Allows non-state grantees to use their grants to develop state environmental literacy plans, provided they consult with the state. Conditions a grantee's continued receipt of funds, after the first year of a multi-year grant, on its reporting annually to the Secretary on its grant-assisted activities and the success of such activities measured in accordance with the evaluation and accountability plan which each grantee is required to formulate prior to receiving such grant. Sets the federal share of grant program costs at 90% for the first year, 75% for the second year, and 50% for each subsequent year. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress, within one year of this Act's enactment, on activities assisted by such grants. Authorizes FY2009 appropriations for the grant program. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Secretary, and the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation to each establish program quality indicators for those programs funded under the Act (other than certain fellowship awards) that they administer. Requires such quality measures, at a minimum, to indicate whether a program or activity: (1) enhances understanding of the natural and built environment; (2) fosters greater appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues; (3) increases achievement in related areas of national interest, such as mathematics and science; (4) increases understanding of the benefits of being exposed to nature; (5) improves understanding of the interaction of human and natural systems; and (6) broadens environmental awareness. Directs recipients of funds under the Act to report annually on their progress in meeting such minimum quality measures. Prohibits the Act from being construed or used to assert federal control over state and local educational decisions.

child left inside act amends national environmental education act act add minimum functions activities required grantees training program trains educational professionals development delivery environmental education training requires grantees create opportunities enhanced ongoing professional development addition classroom training ensure environmental education programs curricula aligned challenging state local academic content standards advance teaching interdisciplinary courses include strong field components bring teachers contact working environmental professionals provide environmental education distance learning programs teachers curricula innovative content based based current scientifically valid research encourage individuals traditionally underrepresented environmental careers pursue postsecondary degrees careers establish programs prepare teachers provide environmental education professional development programs promote outdoor environmental education activities regular school curriculum include summer workshops institutes elementary secondary school environmental education teachers encourage mid career environmental professionals pursue environmental education careers authorizes fy2009 appropriations program authorizes secretary education award competitive matching year grants nonprofit organizations states local educational agencies municipalities institutions higher education activities improve support environmental education include advancing content achievement standards developing disseminating innovations model programs research particularly integrating environmental education study subjects capacity building measures increase number elementary secondary environmental education teachers requires state grantees peer reviewed state environmental literacy plans develop state environmental literacy plans describe state measure student environmental literacy programs professional development improve teachers environmental knowledge teaching skills plan implemented allows non state grantees use grants develop state environmental literacy plans provided consult state conditions grantee continued receipt funds year multi year grant reporting annually secretary grant assisted activities success activities measured accordance evaluation accountability plan grantee required formulate prior receiving grant sets federal share grant program costs year second year subsequent year directs secretary report congress year act enactment activities assisted grants authorizes fy2009 appropriations grant program directs administrator environmental_protection_agency epa secretary establish program quality indicators programs funded act certain fellowship awards administer requires quality measures minimum indicate program activity enhances understanding natural built environment fosters greater appreciation interdisciplinary nature environmental issues increases achievement related areas national interest mathematics science increases understanding benefits exposed nature improves understanding interaction human natural systems broadens environmental awareness directs recipients funds act report annually progress meeting minimum quality measures prohibits act construed assert federal control state local educational decisions


Summary: Families Conquering Literacy Together Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to change funding formulas under the Even Start Family Literacy program to reserve potentially larger amounts, depending on overall appropriations, for migrant, outlying area, Indian, and research programs. Eliminates the Even Start competitive grant program awarding reserved funds to states for statewide coordination of federal, state, and local literacy resources. Increases the minimum Even Start grant to states and state subgrant to Even Start entities, as well as the floor on the federal share of program costs. Allows states to use federal funds to provide subgrantees with technical assistance for professional development and collaborative activities. Requires all Even Start instructors to have at least an associate's degree related to early childhood education, elementary or secondary education, or adult education. Requires state, migrant, and tribal grantees to report annually to the Secretary of Education on their progress in achieving program quality. Revises required indicators of program quality to stress the quality of services provided and training received by program providers, rather than participant achievements. Requires the creation of an independent research panel to set the agenda for research into successful family literacy services. Directs the Secretary, after receiving design recommendations from an expert panel, to arrange for an independent longitudinal evaluation of the impact of Even Start programs that compares participants against nonparticipant control groups and addresses variations in the impact of such programs.

families literacy act amends elementary secondary education act change funding formulas program reserve potentially larger amounts depending overall appropriations migrant outlying area indian research programs eliminates start competitive grant program awarding reserved funds states statewide coordination federal state local literacy resources increases minimum start grant states state subgrant start entities floor federal share program costs allows states use federal funds provide subgrantees technical assistance professional development collaborative activities requires start instructors associate degree related early childhood education elementary secondary education adult education requires state migrant tribal grantees report annually secretary education progress achieving program quality revises required indicators program quality stress quality services provided training received program providers participant achievements requires creation independent research panel set agenda research successful family literacy services directs secretary receiving design recommendations expert panel arrange independent longitudinal evaluation impact start programs compares participants control groups addresses variations impact programs


Summary: Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow states to adopt alternate and modified academic performance standards for disabled students who, consistent with their individualized education programs, should be given opportunities to achieve grade-level proficiency beyond a given school year. Requires such modified standards to reflect ambitious annual academic achievement goals.

amends elementary secondary education act allow states adopt alternate modified academic performance standards disabled students consistent individualized education programs given opportunities achieve grade level proficiency given school year requires modified standards reflect ambitious annual academic achievement goals


Summary: Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act to require: (1) states to use grants for safe and drug-free schools to collect and report information on the incidence of bullying and harassment; and (2) local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools to use subgrants to prevent and respond to incidents of bullying and harassment. Requires such LEAs or schools to: (1) notify parents and students annually of conduct prohibited in their school discipline policies, that now must include bullying and harassment; and (2) establish grievance procedures for students and parents to register complaints regarding such conduct. Includes bullying and harassment within the the Act's definition of violence.

safe schools improvement act amends safe drug free schools communities act require states use grants safe drug free schools collect report information incidence bullying harassment local educational agencies leas schools use subgrants prevent respond incidents bullying harassment requires leas schools notify parents students annually conduct prohibited school discipline policies include bullying harassment establish grievance procedures students parents register complaints conduct includes bullying harassment act definition violence


Summary: Measuring and Evaluating Trends for Reliability, Integrity, and Continued Success Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require each state receiving school improvement funds to implement, within four years of this Act's enactment, a pre- through high-school longitudinal data system that includes: (1) a unique and consistent statewide student identifier; (2) the ability to track student participation and performance over time; (3) a unique and consistent statewide teacher identifier that matches student records to the appropriate teacher; and (4) the ability to link its data to data from higher education, workforce development, unemployment insurance, child welfare, juvenile justice, and military services information systems. Allots funds to states to operate, upgrade, and optimize the use of their data systems. Reserves funds for competitive grants to nonprofit entities to support a state education data center.

measuring evaluating trends reliability integrity continued success act amends elementary secondary education act require state receiving school improvement funds implement years act enactment pre- high school longitudinal data system includes unique consistent statewide student identifier ability track student participation performance time unique consistent statewide teacher identifier matches student records appropriate teacher ability link data data higher education workforce development unemployment insurance child welfare juvenile justice military services information systems allots funds states operate upgrade optimize use data systems reserves funds competitive grants nonprofit entities support state education data center


Summary: Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act or the FIT Kids Act - Requires state accountability systems, required under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), to measure not only student academic progress, but their progress toward a national goal of 150 minutes of weekly physical education in elementary school and 225 minutes of weekly physical education in middle and high schools. Amends the ESEA to require annual state and local educational agency report cards to include specified information on school health and physical education programs. Includes the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles by students within ESEA grant programs that support school counseling, safe and drug-free schools and communities, smaller learning communities, community learning centers, parental involvement in their childrens' education, and the construction of healthy high-performing schools. Revises the professional development program for teachers and principals to include training for physical and health education teachers, and training on improving students' health habits and participation in physical activities. Directs the Secretary of Education to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study and provide recommendations regarding school programs to improve student health and participation in physical activities. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to states to implement assessments effectively measuring cognitive development in physical education and physical activity skills, motor skills development, and how much students value physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction.

fitness integrated teaching kids act fit kids act requires state accountability systems required title elementary secondary education act esea measure student academic progress progress national goal minutes weekly physical education elementary school minutes weekly physical education middle high schools amends esea require annual state local educational agency report cards include specified information school health physical education programs includes promotion healthy active lifestyles students esea grant programs support school counseling safe drug free schools communities smaller learning communities community learning centers parental involvement childrens education construction healthy high performing schools revises professional development program teachers principals include training physical health education teachers training improving students health habits participation physical activities directs secretary education contract national_academy_of_sciences conduct study provide recommendations school programs improve student health participation physical activities authorizes secretary award grants states implement assessments effectively measuring cognitive development physical education physical activity skills motor skills development students value physical activity health enjoyment challenge self expression social interaction


Summary: Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive funds for 21st Century Community Learning Center activities to use them also for educational activities for children four years of age or younger, if the LEA agrees to phase in, where possible, a prekindergarten program taught by teachers with qualifications equivalent or similar to those teaching other grades in the school involved.

universal prekindergarten early childhood education act amends elementary secondary education act allow local educational agencies leas receive funds community learning center activities use educational activities children years age younger lea agrees phase possible prekindergarten program taught teachers qualifications equivalent similar teaching grades school involved


Summary: Providing Resources Early for Kids Act of 2007 or the PRE-K Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to states to enhance or improve state-funded preschool programs. Sets forth a grant formula favoring states that: (1) have curricula aligned with state early learning standards; (2) follow nationally-established best practices for class size and teacher-to-student ratios; (3) require each teacher to hold at least an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field; and (4) have a plan for meeting the requirement, within five years of receiving such grant, that teachers hold at least a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education. Directs the Secretary to establish a competitive process for awarding grants to other states that demonstrate that they will meet such requirements within two fiscal years. Prohibits state grantees from reducing their preschool or child care expenditures. Includes among grant uses: (1) increasing the qualifications of, and benefits provided to, teachers, teacher aides, and program directors; (2) decreasing class size and improving teacher-to-student ratios; (3) providing certain comprehensive services that support healthy child development; (4) extending program hours per day and weeks per year; and (5) improving program monitoring and learning environments. Reserves funds for competitive grants to Indians for their preschool programs.

direct secretary education award matching grants states enhance improve state funded preschool programs sets forth grant formula favoring states curricula aligned state early learning standards follow nationally established best practices class size teacher student ratios require teacher hold associate degree early childhood education related field plan meeting requirement years receiving grant teachers hold baccalaureate degree early childhood education directs secretary establish competitive process awarding grants states demonstrate meet requirements fiscal years prohibits state grantees reducing preschool child care expenditures includes grant uses increasing qualifications benefits provided teachers teacher aides program directors decreasing class size improving teacher student ratios providing certain comprehensive services support healthy child development extending program hours day weeks year improving program monitoring learning environments reserves funds competitive grants indians preschool programs


Summary: Student and Teacher Safety Act of 2007 - Requires local educational agencies to have in effect policies that deem to be reasonable and permissible a search of any minor student on public school grounds if conducted by a full-time teacher or school official, acting on any reasonable suspicion based on professional experience and judgment, to ensure that the school and students remain free from the threat of all weapons, dangerous materials, or illegal narcotics. Requires search measures to be reasonably related to search objectives, without being excessively intrusive in light of the nature of the offense and the student's age and sex. Denies Safe and Drug Free School funds, provided under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, to local educational agencies that fail to comply with this Act.

student teacher safety act requires local educational agencies effect policies deem reasonable permissible search minor student public school grounds conducted time teacher school official acting reasonable suspicion based professional experience judgment ensure school students remain free threat weapons dangerous materials illegal narcotics requires search measures reasonably related search objectives excessively intrusive light nature offense student age sex denies safe drug free school funds provided elementary secondary education act local educational agencies fail comply act


Summary: Education Assessment Technical Corrections Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 to except teachers in hard to staff areas from the requirement that all teachers teaching in core academic subjects within a state be highly qualified not later than the end of the 2005-2006 school year. Requires teachers in hard to staff areas, instead, to satisfy at least 80% of the requirements to be highly qualified by the end of the 2007-2008 school year, and satisfy all of them by the end of the following school year. Requires states and local educational agencies (LEAs) whose teachers do not meet such requirements to use all of their funds under Title II of the Act to achieve compliance. Revises requirements for assessments of student groups in measuring the adequate yearly progress (AYP) of the state, and of all public schools and LEAs in the state, toward enabling all public elementary school and secondary school students to meet the state's student academic achievement standards. Provides that a student group which has failed to meet or exceed achievement standards may satisfy assessment requirements if it met such standards in the immediately preceding year. Authorizes the testing of disabled students at their instructional level, rather than grade level, provided they show progress in accordance with individualized education programs. Permits states to change the method of counting students who are in more than one group. Revises the sanctions for schools which fail an assessment by reason of a group of no more than four students. Changes the sanction from designation as needing improvement to mandatory redirection of funds to the needs of such a group. Requires the Secretary of Education to make recommendations to Congress for increasing the percentage of limited English proficient students and disabled students who meet or exceed state academic achievement standards. Directs the Secretary, during the 2007-2008 school year, to continue to study growth models and allow more states and LEAs to use them to achieve AYP.

education assessment technical corrections act amends elementary secondary act teachers hard staff areas requirement teachers teaching core academic subjects state highly qualified later end school year requires teachers hard staff areas instead satisfy requirements highly qualified end school year satisfy end following school year requires states local educational agencies leas teachers meet requirements use funds title act achieve compliance revises requirements assessments student groups measuring adequate yearly progress ayp state public schools leas state enabling public elementary school secondary school students meet state student academic achievement standards provides student group failed meet exceed achievement standards satisfy assessment requirements met standards immediately preceding year authorizes testing disabled students instructional level grade level provided progress accordance individualized education programs permits states change method counting students group revises sanctions schools fail assessment reason group students changes sanction designation needing improvement mandatory funds needs group requires secretary education recommendations congress increasing percentage limited english proficient students disabled students meet exceed state academic achievement standards directs secretary school year continue study growth models allow states leas use achieve ayp


Summary: Improving Mathematics and Science Teacher Quality Act - Amends part B of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to authorize the inclusion of informal science education centers and business consortia as partners in the grant program to improve the quality of elementary and secondary school mathematics and science teachers. Requires the inclusion of teacher training departments of institutions of higher education in such partnerships, but removes state educational agencies as partnership participants. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award such grants to states for redistribution as competitive subgrants to eligible partnerships. (Currently, the Secretary awards grants directly to such partnerships if appropriations do not exceed a specified amount.) Requires that grant priority be given to eligible partnerships that carry out activities modeled after programs which are to be identified and disseminated by the Secretary, in consultation and coordination with the Director of the National Science Foundation, for replication on a more expansive basis. Removes the provision of financial incentives to recruit and retain teachers from authorized grant uses. Reauthorizes appropriations for the programs under parts A and B of title II of the ESEA through FY2013.

science teacher quality act amends title elementary secondary education act esea authorize inclusion informal science education centers business consortia partners grant program improve quality elementary secondary school mathematics science teachers requires inclusion teacher training departments institutions higher education partnerships removes state educational agencies partnership participants authorizes secretary education award grants states redistribution competitive subgrants eligible partnerships currently secretary awards grants directly partnerships appropriations exceed specified requires grant priority given eligible partnerships carry activities modeled programs identified disseminated secretary consultation coordination director national_science_foundation replication basis removes provision financial incentives recruit retain teachers authorized grant uses reauthorizes appropriations programs parts title esea fy2013


Summary: The First Tee in Character Education Act of 2007 - Amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a First Tee Life Skills program authorizing the Secretary of Education to award grants to states, local educational agencies (LEAs), nonprofit organizations, or partnerships of LEAs and such entities for youth development programs that give youth the opportunity to develop life-enhancing values though their participation in sports, such as golf. Directs grantees to provide, to the extent feasible and appropriate, for the participation of private elementary and secondary school teachers and students in program activities.

character education act amend elementary secondary education act establish life skills program authorizing secretary education award grants states local educational agencies leas nonprofit organizations partnerships leas entities youth development programs youth opportunity develop life enhancing values participation sports golf directs grantees provide extent feasible appropriate participation private elementary secondary school teachers students program activities


Summary: Substitute Teaching Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive demonstration grants to high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) or partnerships between such LEAs and institutions of higher education or nonprofit education organizations for the establishment of comprehensive training programs to increase the effectiveness of substitute teaching. Requires LEAs to use such grants to: (1) train substitute teachers; (2) train principals and permanent teachers in effectively integrating substitute teachers into school operations; (3) develop a resource kit for substitute teachers; and (4) collect data on substitute teachers and practices for managing substitute teachers in participating districts. Directs the Secretary to commission an independent evaluation of the prevalence of substitute teaching and current state and local efforts to improve its effectiveness.

substitute teaching improvement act authorizes secretary education award competitive demonstration grants high need local educational agencies leas partnerships leas institutions higher education nonprofit education organizations establishment comprehensive training programs increase effectiveness substitute teaching requires leas use grants train substitute teachers train principals permanent teachers effectively integrating substitute teachers school operations develop resource kit substitute teachers collect data substitute teachers practices managing substitute teachers participating districts directs secretary commission independent evaluation prevalence substitute teaching current state local efforts improve effectiveness


Summary: Support Our Schools With Quality Teaching Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award competitive five-year grants to up to 250 local educational agencies (LEAs) to recruit, support, and retain highly qualified and effective teachers through participation in the Targeted High Need Initiative Take One! program of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Gives priority to LEAs that have: (1) the highest number of disadvantaged students; (2) the highest number of schools identified for school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring; and (3) the lowest number of teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Requires LEAs to use such grants to: (1) partner with institutions of higher education or other appropriate entities in conducting grant activities; (2) provide teachers participating in the Take One! program with training, mentoring, and technological resources; (3) cover the assessment fee for teachers who apply for certification by such Board and agree to teach at the participating school for at least three years after their certification; (4) provide specified monetary awards to teachers and their sponsoring schools after completion of the Take One! program; and (5) conduct an independent evaluation of such program's affect on teaching quality and student performance.

support schools quality teaching act amends elementary secondary education act direct secretary education award competitive year grants local educational agencies leas recruit support retain highly qualified effective teachers participation targeted high need initiative program national_board_for_professional_teaching_standards gives priority leas highest number disadvantaged students highest number schools identified school improvement corrective action restructuring lowest number teachers certified national_board_for_professional_teaching_standards requires leas use grants partner institutions higher education appropriate entities conducting grant activities provide teachers participating program training mentoring technological resources cover assessment fee teachers apply certification board agree teach participating school years certification provide specified monetary awards teachers sponsoring schools completion program conduct independent evaluation program affect teaching quality student performance


Summary: Success in the Middle Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make matching grants to states, based on their proportion of poor children aged 5 to 17, to: (1) implement state middle school improvement plans that describe what students must master to successfully complete the middle grades and matriculate to an academically rigorous high school; and (2) award competitive matching subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to develop and implement a comprehensive local middle school improvement plan for each eligible school. Favors LEAs with high proportions of poor children and eligible schools. Defines "eligible schools" as those where: (1) a majority of middle grade students matriculate to high schools with graduation rates below 60%; (2) more than 25% of the students who finish grade five exhibit key risk factors or warning signs for failure; and (3) a majority of middle grade students are not rated proficient on required state assessments in mathematics, reading, or language arts. Permits states to make subgrants to LEAs that did not receive a competitive subgrant to assist them in applying for competitive subgrants and developing comprehensive local middle school improvement plans. Provides the Secretary with funding to: (1) create a national clearinghouse in best middle level educational practices and a national database identifying factors that facilitate or impede middle grade student achievement; (2) require certain educational field research designed to enhance the performance of middle grade schools and students; (3) create a research and development center that addresses topics pertinent to middle grade schools; and (4) provide grants to entities that partner with states and LEAs to develop, adapt, or replicate effective models for turning around low-performing middle grade schools.

success middle act directs secretary education matching grants states based proportion poor children aged implement state middle school improvement plans describe students master successfully complete middle grades matriculate academically rigorous high school award competitive matching subgrants local educational agencies leas develop implement comprehensive local middle school improvement plan eligible school favors leas high proportions poor children eligible schools defines eligible schools majority middle grade students matriculate high schools graduation rates students finish grade exhibit key risk factors warning signs failure majority middle grade students rated proficient required state assessments mathematics reading language arts permits states subgrants leas receive competitive subgrant assist applying competitive subgrants developing comprehensive local middle school improvement plans provides secretary funding create national clearinghouse best middle level educational practices national database identifying factors facilitate impede middle grade student achievement require certain educational field research designed enhance performance middle grade schools students create research development center addresses topics pertinent middle grade schools provide grants entities partner states leas develop adapt replicate effective models turning low performing middle grade schools


Summary: Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2007 - Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to create an Office of Specialized Instructional Support Services within the Department of Education to improve specialized instructional support services in schools. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a Reduced Barriers to Learning program authorizing the Secretary of Education to award competitive matching grants to states to: (1) establish or expand specialized instructional support services and programs at the state level that are designed to provide technical assistance, coordination, and support to specialized instructional support services and programs that address barriers to learning within local educational agencies and individual schools; and (2) to hire and support specialized instructional support services coordinators to provide such assistance, coordination, and support. Replaces pupil services and pupil services personnel with specialized instructional support services and specialized instructional support personnel. Defines such services as those provided by school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other qualified professionals that provide assessment, diagnosis, counseling, educational, therapeutic, and other necessary services as part of a comprehensive program to meet student needs.

reducing barriers learning act amends department_of_education_organization_act create department_of_education improve specialized instructional support services schools amends elementary secondary education act establish program authorizing secretary education award competitive matching grants states establish expand specialized instructional support services programs state level designed provide technical assistance coordination support specialized instructional support services programs address barriers learning local educational agencies individual schools hire support specialized instructional support services coordinators provide assistance coordination support replaces pupil services pupil services personnel specialized instructional support services specialized instructional support personnel defines services provided school counselors social workers psychologists qualified professionals provide assessment diagnosis counseling educational therapeutic necessary services comprehensive program meet student needs


Summary: Flexibility for Individual Excellence in Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to alter the requirement that teachers be highly qualified by: (1) applying it only to teachers of core subjects; (2) allowing new middle or secondary school teachers to teach subjects for which they earned a college minor; (3) allowing greater consideration to be given to the time experienced teachers have spent teaching a subject; and (4) extending the deadline for rural teachers to meet such requirements. Provides additional funding for rural teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development activities. Allows state determinations of students' adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards to: (1) assess disabled students at the instructional level most closely corresponding to their individualized education plans; and (2) use growth models and multiple measures of student achievement. Requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to identify schools as needing improvement, corrective action, or restructuring only if they fail to make AYP in the same subject for the same group of students over the requisite period of time. Provides school transfers and supplemental services to students in the failing group, rather than to all students in an affected school. Gives LEAs the option of providing such students with supplemental services rather than transfers for the year following a school's identification as needing improvement.

flexibility individual excellence education act amends elementary secondary education act alter requirement teachers highly qualified applying teachers core subjects allowing new middle secondary school teachers teach subjects earned college minor allowing greater consideration given time experienced teachers spent teaching subject extending deadline rural teachers meet requirements provides additional funding rural teacher recruitment retention professional development activities allows state determinations students adequate yearly progress ayp state academic performance standards assess disabled students instructional level closely corresponding individualized education plans use growth models multiple measures student achievement requires local educational agencies leas identify schools needing improvement corrective action restructuring fail ayp subject group students requisite period time provides school transfers supplemental services students failing group students affected school gives leas option providing students supplemental services transfers year following school identification needing improvement