Summary:
STEM Support for Teachers in Education and Mentoring (STEM) Act or the STEM 2 Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award competitive planning grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, or institutions of higher education (IHEs) to develop effective state or tribal science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) networks that coordinate STEM education efforts by: (1) facilitating communication and collaboration among public and private STEM stakeholders, and (2) identifying STEM occupational skills needed in the future.

Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, local educational agencies (LEAs), IHEs, or nonprofit organizations to develop, implement, and evaluate STEM education training programs for teachers and administrators in elementary, middle, and secondary schools and for preservice teachers in postsecondary schools.

Requires the Secretary to award competitive grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, LEAs, public charter schools, IHEs, or nonprofit organizations to support curriculum development, assessments, or related activities that enable states to adopt new mathematics and science academic standards.

Requires the Secretary to establish a national panel to identify and recommend the most effective STEM curricula models for kindergarten through grade 12.

stem support teachers education mentoring stem act stem act_-_amends elementary secondary education act direct secretary education award competitive planning grants states indian tribes tribal organizations nonprofit organizations institutions higher education ihes develop effective state tribal science technology engineering mathematics stem networks coordinate stem education efforts facilitating communication collaboration public private stem stakeholders identifying stem occupational skills needed future directs secretary award competitive grants states indian tribes tribal organizations local educational agencies leas ihes nonprofit organizations develop implement evaluate stem education training programs teachers administrators elementary middle secondary schools preservice teachers postsecondary schools requires secretary award competitive grants states indian tribes tribal organizations leas public charter schools ihes nonprofit organizations support curriculum development assessments related activities enable states adopt new mathematics science academic standards requires secretary establish national panel identify recommend effective stem curricula models kindergarten grade


Summary:
Educating Tomorrow's Engineers Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states to incorporate engineering design skills and practice into their academic content standards and academic achievement standards and assessments in science by the 2016-2017 school year.

Requires states to reserve 10% of the grant they receive under the Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund program to award competitive grants to nonprofit organizations and other entities with expertise in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields to develop and provide professional development and instructional materials for STEM education in their state.

 Changes current references to the mathematics and science partnerships program to references to the STEM partnerships program, which provides funding to states, institutions of higher education, and high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) to recruit and train STEM teachers and improve STEM curricula.

Amends the 21st century community learning centers program to include STEM activities (currently, mathematics and science activities) within the before- and after-school activities funded under that program.

Amends the rural and low-income school program to include professional development in engineering education among the uses of the funds provided to rural LEAs.

Amends the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 to require the National Center for Education Research to sponsor and conduct research geared toward improving STEM, rather than just mathematics and science, teaching and learning.

Directs the Secretary of Education to support research on engineering education and use that research to provide information to the public, and technical assistance to states, on best practices and promising innovations in kindergarten through grade 12 engineering education.

educating tomorrow engineers act_-_amends elementary secondary education act require states incorporate engineering design skills practice academic content standards academic achievement standards assessments science school year requires states reserve grant receive teacher principal_training recruiting_fund program award competitive grants nonprofit organizations entities expertise science technology engineering mathematics stem fields develop provide professional development instructional materials stem education state changes current references mathematics science_partnerships program references stem partnerships program provides funding states institutions higher education high need local educational agencies leas recruit train stem teachers improve stem curricula amends 21st century community_learning_centers program include stem activities currently mathematics science activities before- school activities funded program amends rural low income school program include professional development engineering education uses funds provided rural leas amends education_sciences reform_act require national_center_for_education_research sponsor conduct research improving stem mathematics science teaching learning directs secretary education support research engineering education use research provide information public technical assistance states best practices promising innovations kindergarten grade engineering education


Summary:
Building Understanding, Investment, Learning, and Direction Career and Technical Education Act of 2013 or the BUILD Career and Technical Education Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive two-year grants to local educational agencies to support career and technical education exploration programs that provide middle and high school students with experiential learning opportunities that are connected to their education and career pathways.

Requires grant funds to be used for: (1) leasing, purchasing, upgrading, or adapting equipment related to program activities; (2) staff expenses in coordinating or implementing program activities; (3) consultation services that are directly aligned to program goals; (4) professional development programs that are aligned to program goals; (5) minor remodeling to accommodate program equipment; and/or (6) program evaluation.

Requires each grantee to develop a plan to evaluate grant activities that includes an evaluation of specified outcomes.

building understanding investment learning direction career technical education act build career technical education act directs secretary education award competitive year grants local educational agencies support career technical education exploration programs provide middle high school students experiential learning opportunities connected education career pathways requires grant funds leasing purchasing upgrading adapting equipment related program activities staff expenses coordinating implementing program activities consultation services directly aligned program goals professional development programs aligned program goals minor remodeling accommodate program equipment program evaluation requires grantee develop plan evaluate grant activities includes evaluation specified outcomes


Summary:
No Child Left Inside Act of 2013 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to direct the Secretary of Education to award grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to eligible partnerships to support the implementation of state environmental literacy plans that include environmental education standards and teacher training.

Includes in the eligible partnerships a local educational agency (LEA) and at least one institution of higher education, another LEA, an elementary or secondary school, or a government or nonprofit entity experienced in environmental literacy.

Requires use of the subgrants for one or more of the following activities:

 providing targeted, job-embedded professional development that improves teachers' environmental content knowledge and pedagogical skills; establishing and operating environmental education summer workshops or institutes for teachers; developing or redesigning more rigorous environmental education curricula; designing programs that prepare teachers to provide environmental education mentoring and training to other teachers in their school; establishing and operating programs to bring teachers and students into contact with working professionals in environmental fields; creating initiatives that incorporate environmental education within teacher training programs or accreditation standards; and promoting the integration of outdoor environmental education lessons into the regular school curriculum and schedule. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive matching grants to eligible partnerships for one or more of the following activities:

 developing and implementing state curriculum frameworks for environmental education that meet challenging state academic content and achievement standards for environmental education, replicating or disseminating information about proven and tested model environmental education programs, and developing and implementing new approaches to advancing environmental education and the adoption and use of environmental education content standards. Amends part B (Mathematics and Science Partnerships) of title II of the ESEA to: (1) include nonprofit environmental education organizations and government science, environmental, or natural resource management agencies among the entities eligible to participate in part B partnerships; and (2) allow the use of part B funds to train teachers to use environmental education to enhance student understanding of science and mathematics.

Amends part B (21st Century Community Learning Centers) of title IV of the ESEA to include environmental literacy activities among the before and after school activities that such program funds at community learning centers.

Directs the Secretary to:

 request all federal departments and agencies to provide information on any environmental literacy assistance program that they operate, sponsor, or support; make that information searchable and accessible through the Department of Education's website and cross-referenced with the United States Green Ribbon School application information; coordinate environmental literacy activities between the Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Commerce; and appoint an advisory panel of stakeholders to advise and support interagency environmental literacy planning and assessment activities.

child left inside act amends elementary secondary education act esea direct secretary education award grants states competitive subgrants eligible partnerships support implementation state environmental literacy plans include environmental education standards teacher training includes eligible partnerships local educational agency lea institution higher education lea elementary secondary school government nonprofit entity experienced environmental literacy requires use subgrants following activities providing targeted job embedded professional development improves teachers environmental content knowledge skills establishing operating environmental education summer workshops institutes teachers developing rigorous environmental education curricula designing programs prepare teachers provide environmental education mentoring training teachers school establishing operating programs bring teachers students contact working professionals environmental fields creating initiatives incorporate environmental education teacher training programs accreditation standards promoting integration outdoor environmental education lessons regular school curriculum schedule authorizes secretary award competitive matching grants eligible partnerships following activities developing implementing state curriculum frameworks environmental education meet challenging state academic content achievement standards environmental education replicating disseminating information proven tested model environmental education programs developing implementing new approaches advancing environmental education adoption use environmental education content standards amends mathematics science_partnerships title esea include nonprofit environmental education organizations government science environmental natural resource management agencies entities eligible participate partnerships allow use funds train teachers use environmental education enhance student understanding science mathematics amends 21st century community_learning_centers title esea include environmental literacy activities school activities program funds community_learning_centers directs secretary request federal departments agencies provide information environmental literacy assistance program operate sponsor support information searchable accessible department_of_education website cross referenced united_states green ribbon school application information coordinate environmental literacy activities department_of_education environmental_protection_agency epa department_of_the_interior department_of_commerce appoint advisory_panel stakeholders advise support interagency environmental literacy planning assessment activities


Summary:
Computer Science Education and Jobs Act of 2013 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to define "computer science" as the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including the study of computing principles, computer hardware, software design, computer applications, and the impact of computers on society.

Makes computer science a core academic subject.

Includes computer science teachers in professional development activities.

Requires the Secretary of Education to give a priority in awarding advanced placement incentive program grants to entities focused on expanding access to advanced placement computer science programs.

Requires state plans for school improvement to describe how the state will consider including computer science in its academic standards, accountability system, and assessments.

Requires computer science teachers to be highly qualified by the end of the 2015-2016 school year.

Includes computer science in the program awarding grants to partnerships between states, institutions of higher education (IHEs), and high-need local educational agencies to: (1) train and recruit mathematics and science teachers, and (2) develop more rigorous science and mathematics curricula.

Authorizes the Secretary to award five-year grants to IHEs to: (1) develop courses that prepare undergraduate students to teach elementary and secondary school computer science, and (2) develop and fund teacher mentoring programs to support new computer science teachers.

Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to include informatics and computer science majors and professionals in the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (the Program recruits and prepares science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors and professionals to become mathematics and science teachers).

computer science education jobs_act amends elementary secondary education act define computer science study computers processes including study computing principles computer hardware software design computer applications impact computers society makes computer science core academic subject includes computer science teachers professional development activities requires secretary education priority awarding advanced_placement incentive program grants entities focused expanding access advanced_placement computer science programs requires state plans school improvement describe state consider including computer science academic standards accountability system assessments requires computer science teachers highly qualified end school year includes computer science program awarding grants partnerships states institutions higher education ihes high need local educational agencies train recruit mathematics science teachers develop rigorous science mathematics curricula authorizes secretary award year grants ihes develop courses prepare undergraduate students teach elementary secondary school computer science develop fund teacher mentoring programs support new computer science teachers amends national_science_foundation_authorization_act include informatics computer science majors professionals robert noyce teacher scholarship program program recruits prepares science technology engineering mathematics majors professionals mathematics science teachers


Summary: National STEM Education Tax Incentive for Teachers Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain full-time elementary and secondary school teachers of mathematics, science, engineering, or technology courses a refundable tax credit for 10% of their undergraduate tuition up to $1,000 in any taxable year. Increases such credit amount to $1,500 for teachers in schools serving disadvantaged children. Terminates such credit after the 10th taxable year for which such credit is allowed.

national stem education tax incentive teachers act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow certain time elementary secondary school teachers mathematics science engineering technology courses refundable tax credit undergraduate tuition taxable year increases credit teachers schools serving disadvantaged children terminates credit 10th taxable year credit allowed


Summary:
Computer Science Career Education Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to consortia composed of at least one local educational agency, at least one institution of higher education (IHE), and community representatives for the development and operation of four- or six-year computer science career education programs.

Requires each program to include the development of computer science programs for both secondary and postsecondary education that:

 are aligned with rigorous computer science standards for kindergarten through grade 12 computer science education; link secondary schools and IHEs through non-duplicative sequences of courses in computer science career fields; use, if appropriate and available, work-based or worksite learning in conjunction with business; use educational technology and distance learning, as appropriate, to involve all members of the consortium more fully in the development and operation of the programs; stay current with business needs, expectations, and methods; and create innovative opportunities for students that lead to student attainment of industry-recognized credentials. Requires each program to also provide: (1) professional development for teachers, (2) career and academic counseling for students, and (3) equal access to the full range of career education programs to members of underrepresented groups and special populations.

computer science career education act directs secretary education award competitive grants consortia composed local educational agency institution higher education ihe community representatives development operation year computer science career education programs requires program include development computer science programs secondary postsecondary education aligned rigorous computer science standards kindergarten grade computer science education link secondary schools ihes non duplicative courses computer science career fields use appropriate available work based worksite learning conjunction business use educational technology distance learning appropriate involve members consortium fully development operation programs stay current business needs expectations methods create innovative opportunities students lead student attainment industry recognized credentials requires program provide professional development teachers career academic counseling students equal_access range career education programs members underrepresented groups special populations


Summary:
Supporting Afterschool STEM Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish an afterschool STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) grant program awarding competitive grants to afterschool or STEM networks to:

 develop quality standards for STEM programming in afterschool programs and provide those programs with technical assistance in implementing such standards, work with state education stakeholders to define and promote appropriate measurable outcomes for afterschool programs that include STEM content, provide technical assistance to afterschool programs to start or grow their afterschool STEM efforts and define appropriate learning outcomes for such efforts, coordinate professional development for afterschool program educators, help afterschool program providers form strategic partnerships to advance STEM learning in afterschool programs, create and disseminate tool kits to afterschool programs wanting to form partnerships and incorporate STEM professionals as mentors and role models, and provide technical assistance to federally funded STEM researchers and professionals who wish to engage with afterschool programs. Defines: (1) an "afterschool program" as a structured program offered for elementary, middle, or secondary school students when school is not in session, such as before or after school, on the weekend, or during the summer; and (2) an "afterschool or STEM network" as a coalition that fosters partnerships and provides support to afterschool program providers and STEM education providers.

Includes as goals of the grant program: (1) to support the development and delivery of high-quality STEM education to populations underrepresented in STEM fields, and (2) to provide hands-on learning and exposure to STEM research facilities and businesses through in-person or virtual distance-learning experiences.

Requires the Director to provide each recipient of a STEM research grant who is under the Director's authority with information on opportunities to engage with students in out-of-school-time programs, such as through mentorships.

supporting afterschool stem act_-_requires director national_science_foundation nsf establish afterschool stem science technology engineering mathematics grant program awarding competitive grants afterschool stem networks develop quality standards stem programming afterschool programs provide programs technical assistance implementing standards work state education stakeholders define promote appropriate measurable outcomes afterschool programs include stem content provide technical assistance afterschool programs start grow afterschool stem efforts define appropriate learning outcomes efforts coordinate professional development afterschool program educators help afterschool program providers form strategic partnerships advance stem learning afterschool programs create disseminate tool kits afterschool programs form partnerships incorporate stem professionals mentors role models provide technical assistance federally funded stem researchers professionals wish engage afterschool programs defines afterschool program structured program offered elementary middle secondary school students school session school weekend summer afterschool stem network coalition fosters partnerships provides support afterschool program providers stem education providers includes goals grant program support development delivery high quality stem education populations underrepresented stem fields provide hands learning exposure stem research facilities businesses person virtual distance learning experiences requires director provide recipient stem research grant director authority information opportunities engage students school time programs


Summary:
Middle School Technical Education Program Act or the Middle School STEP Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to:

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

middle school technical education program act middle school step act_-_directs secretary education create pilot program career technical education exploration programs award grants eligible partnerships local educational agencies area career technical education schools educational service agencies organizations develop middle school career technical education exploration program transition career technical education programs study


Summary:
Fast Track to College Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching six-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) that partner with institutions of higher education (IHEs) to establish or support dual or concurrent enrollment programs, such as early college high schools, that allow secondary school students to earn credit simultaneously toward a secondary school diploma and a postsecondary degree or certificate.

Gives grant priority to applicants: (1) that propose to establish or support a dual or concurrent enrollment program for a student body at least 40% of which is impoverished; and (2) from states that provide assistance to dual or concurrent enrollment programs, such as assistance defraying the costs of higher education.

Requires applicants to make assurances that: (1) students will not be required to pay tuition or fees for postsecondary courses, and (2) those courses will be taught by faculty that meet their partner IHE's normal standards.

Authorizes the Secretary to award matching five-year grants to states to: (1) plan and implement statewide strategies to make dual or concurrent enrollment programs more accessible to students who are underrepresented in postsecondary education; (2) provide technical assistance to dual or concurrent enrollment programs; and (3) engage in outreach, assessment, and teacher training activities designed to strengthen such programs.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract for an independent evaluation of this Act's programs, and (2) provide technical assistance to LEAs and their partners and disseminate information concerning best practices in dual or concurrent enrollment programs.

fast track college act authorizes secretary education award matching year grants local educational agencies leas partner institutions higher education ihes establish support dual concurrent enrollment programs early college high schools allow secondary school students earn credit simultaneously secondary school diploma postsecondary degree certificate gives grant priority applicants propose establish support dual concurrent enrollment program student body impoverished states provide assistance dual concurrent enrollment programs assistance defraying costs higher education requires applicants assurances students required pay tuition fees postsecondary courses courses taught faculty meet partner ihe normal standards authorizes secretary award matching year grants states plan implement statewide strategies dual concurrent enrollment programs accessible students underrepresented postsecondary education provide technical assistance dual concurrent enrollment programs engage outreach assessment teacher training activities designed strengthen programs directs secretary contract independent evaluation act programs provide technical assistance leas partners disseminate information concerning best practices dual concurrent enrollment programs


Summary:
Stepping Up to STEM Education Act

Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish an Advanced Research Projects Agency for Education within the Department of Education to pursue breakthrough research and development in educational technology and to facilitate the effective use of that technology to improve student achievement.

Directs the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to state-based science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science (STEM) networks or similar organizations of STEM stakeholders to increase students' achievement in the STEM disciplines in elementary and secondary schools and in out of school and afterschool programs.

Includes among grant uses:

 testing, sharing, and scaling up STEM education research, promising practices, and exemplary programs; identifying state STEM education weaknesses and prioritizing strategies to address them; implementing rigorous career and college ready standards in STEM education; developing and implementing innovative STEM assessments that measure student progress toward those career and college ready standards; promoting and developing pre- and in-service STEM teacher training; developing STEM career pathways and workforce education and training programs that reflect 21st century workforce needs; facilitating the implementation of expanded STEM learning opportunities on school sites; and promoting, supporting, and designing programs that develop STEM content coaches and master educators in order to strengthen core competencies of the classroom practitioner. Requires grantees to conduct periodic independent evaluations of their effectiveness in accomplishing those activities.

Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) endorsing or approving any STEM curriculum designed for use in an elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education; or (2) requiring a state, local educational agency, or school to adopt a specific STEM program or instructional materials.

stem education act amends department_of_education_organization_act establish advanced_research_projects_agency education department_of_education pursue breakthrough research development educational technology facilitate effective use technology improve student achievement directs secretary education award matching grants state based science technology engineering mathematics computer science stem networks similar organizations stem stakeholders increase students achievement stem disciplines elementary secondary schools school afterschool programs includes grant uses testing sharing scaling stem education research promising practices exemplary programs identifying state stem education weaknesses prioritizing strategies address implementing rigorous career college ready standards stem education developing implementing innovative stem assessments measure student progress career college ready standards promoting developing pre- service stem teacher training developing stem career pathways workforce education training programs reflect 21st century workforce needs facilitating implementation expanded stem learning opportunities school sites promoting supporting designing programs develop stem content coaches master educators order strengthen core competencies classroom practitioner requires grantees conduct periodic independent evaluations effectiveness accomplishing activities prohibits secretary approving stem curriculum designed use elementary school secondary school institution higher education requiring state local educational agency school adopt specific stem program instructional materials


Summary:
Technology-Enabled Education Innovation Partnership Act

 Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive, renewable grants to eligible partnerships to design, implement, refine, and scale technology-enabled education innovation programs.

Defines an "eligible partnership" as a partnership composed of at least one state or local educational agency (LEA) and at least one institution of higher education or nonprofit research organization working with the state or LEA as a research and evaluation partner.

Requires at least 75% of the students participating in each technology-enabled education innovation program to be attending schools in which at least 50% of the student body is eligible for free or reduced-price lunches under the school lunch program.

Requires an independent evaluation of each innovation program by a research and evaluation collaborator.

Directs each partnership to provide a data set containing the student records of innovation program participants to a Technology-Enabled Education Innovation Partnership Coordinating Center that is created by the Secretary to: (1) conduct meta-analyses and other syntheses of such data, and (2) allow independent researchers access to the data.

Directs the Secretary to support national technology activities that provide the technology-enabled education innovation programs with information on, and technical assistance in, effectively implementing technology in schools.

Requires the Secretary to establish and oversee at least one advanced learning technology research and development center to address the priorities and grand challenges for learning technology set forth in the Department of Education's 2010 National Education Technology Plan.

technology enabled education innovation partnership act authorizes secretary education award competitive renewable grants eligible partnerships design implement refine scale technology enabled education innovation programs defines eligible partnership partnership composed state local educational agency lea institution higher education nonprofit research organization working state lea research evaluation partner requires students participating technology enabled education innovation program attending schools student body eligible free reduced price lunches school lunch program requires independent evaluation innovation program research evaluation directs partnership provide data set containing student records innovation program participants technology enabled education innovation partnership coordinating center created secretary conduct analyses data allow independent researchers access data directs secretary support national technology activities provide technology enabled education innovation programs information technical assistance effectively implementing technology schools requires secretary establish oversee advanced learning technology research development center address priorities grand challenges learning technology set forth department_of_education national education technology plan


Summary:
STEM Master Teacher Corps Act of 2015

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award competitive matching grants to consortia of local educational agencies (LEAs) or states, acting in partnership with institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations to establish a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Master Teacher Corps program.

Requires grantees to:

 select exemplary elementary and secondary school STEM teachers for membership in the STEM Master Teacher Corps; provide those teachers with compensation that supplements their base salaries, with higher compensation going to those teaching at high-need public schools; provide, and track the effectiveness of, research-based training for Corps members; provide discretionary resources for Corps members at high-need schools to use; help coordinate instructional leadership and mentoring roles for Corps members; and facilitate efforts by Corps members to inform STEM education policy at the national, state, and local levels. Gives grant priority to applicants that intend to include: (1) large numbers of teachers in the STEM Master Teacher Corps; and (2) rural schools, particularly high-need rural schools, in the area they serve.

Requires grantees to ensure that at least 75% of their STEM Master Teacher Corps are teachers at high-need schools.

Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Institute of Education Sciences, to: (1) evaluate the STEM Master Teacher Corps program; (2) identify optimal strategies for designing and advancing such program; and (3) identify best practices for developing, supporting, and retaining STEM teachers based on lessons learned from the program.

stem master teacher corps act amends elementary secondary education act direct secretary education award competitive matching grants consortia local educational agencies leas states acting partnership institutions higher education nonprofit organizations establish stem science technology engineering mathematics master teacher corps program requires grantees select exemplary elementary secondary school stem teachers membership stem master teacher corps provide teachers compensation supplements base salaries higher compensation going teaching high need public schools provide track effectiveness research based training corps members provide discretionary resources corps members high need schools use help coordinate instructional leadership mentoring roles corps members facilitate efforts corps members inform stem education policy national state local levels gives grant priority applicants intend include large numbers teachers stem master teacher corps rural schools particularly high need rural schools area serve requires grantees ensure stem master teacher corps teachers high need schools directs secretary acting director institute_of_education_sciences evaluate stem master teacher corps program identify optimal strategies designing advancing program identify best practices developing supporting retaining stem teachers based lessons learned program


Summary:
Educating Tomorrow's Engineers Act of 2015

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states to incorporate engineering design skills and practices into their academic content standards and academic achievement standards and assessments in science.

Requires states and local educational agencies (LEAs) to use grants and subgrants under the Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund program to develop and provide professional development and instructional materials for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subject areas, including computer science and engineering.

 Changes current references to the mathematics and science partnerships program to references to the STEM partnerships program, which provides funding to states, institutions of higher education, and high-need LEAs to recruit and train STEM teachers and improve STEM curricula.

Amends the 21st century community learning centers program to include STEM activities (currently, mathematics and science activities) within the before- and after-school activities funded under that program.

Amends the rural and low-income school program to include professional development in engineering education among the uses of the funds provided to rural LEAs.

Amends the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Education to support research on engineering education and use that research to provide information to the public, and technical assistance to states, on best practices and promising innovations in kindergarten through grade 12 engineering education.

 Requires the National Center for Education Research to sponsor and conduct research geared toward improving STEM, rather than just mathematics and science, teaching and learning.

educating tomorrow engineers act amends elementary secondary education act require states incorporate engineering design skills practices academic content standards academic achievement standards assessments science requires states local educational agencies leas use grants subgrants teacher principal_training recruiting_fund program develop provide professional development instructional materials science technology engineering mathematics stem subject areas including computer science engineering changes current references mathematics science_partnerships program references stem partnerships program provides funding states institutions higher education high need leas recruit train stem teachers improve stem curricula amends 21st century community_learning_centers program include stem activities currently mathematics science activities before- school activities funded program amends rural low income school program include professional development engineering education uses funds provided rural leas amends education_sciences reform_act direct secretary education support research engineering education use research provide information public technical assistance states best practices promising innovations kindergarten grade engineering education requires national_center_for_education_research sponsor conduct research improving stem mathematics science teaching learning


Summary:
Supporting Afterschool STEM Act

Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish an afterschool STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) grant program awarding competitive grants to afterschool or STEM networks to:

 develop quality standards for STEM programming in afterschool programs and provide those programs with technical assistance in implementing such standards, work with state education stakeholders to define and promote appropriate measurable outcomes for afterschool programs that include STEM content, provide technical assistance to afterschool programs to start or grow their afterschool STEM efforts and define appropriate learning outcomes for such efforts, coordinate professional development for afterschool program educators, help afterschool program providers form strategic partnerships to advance STEM learning in afterschool programs, create and disseminate tool kits to afterschool programs wanting to form partnerships and incorporate STEM professionals as mentors and role models, and provide technical assistance to federally funded STEM researchers and professionals who wish to engage with afterschool programs. Requires the Director to reserve 20% of the funds appropriated for such grant program to develop and support new afterschool or STEM networks in states or areas where they do not exist.

Defines: (1) an "afterschool program" as a structured program offered for elementary, middle, or secondary school students when school is not in session, such as before or after school, during recess, on the weekend, or during the summer; and (2) an "afterschool or STEM network" as a coalition that fosters partnerships and provides support to afterschool program providers and STEM education providers.

Includes as goals of the grant program: (1) to support the development and delivery of high-quality STEM education to populations underrepresented in STEM fields, and (2) to provide hands-on learning and exposure to STEM research facilities and businesses through in-person or virtual distance-learning experiences.

Requires the Director to provide each recipient of a STEM research grant who is under the Director's authority with information on opportunities to engage with students in out-of-school-time programs, such as through mentorships.

supporting afterschool stem act requires director national_science_foundation nsf establish afterschool stem science technology engineering mathematics grant program awarding competitive grants afterschool stem networks develop quality standards stem programming afterschool programs provide programs technical assistance implementing standards work state education stakeholders define promote appropriate measurable outcomes afterschool programs include stem content provide technical assistance afterschool programs start grow afterschool stem efforts define appropriate learning outcomes efforts coordinate professional development afterschool program educators help afterschool program providers form strategic partnerships advance stem learning afterschool programs create disseminate tool kits afterschool programs form partnerships incorporate stem professionals mentors role models provide technical assistance federally funded stem researchers professionals wish engage afterschool programs requires director reserve funds appropriated grant program develop support new afterschool stem networks states areas exist defines afterschool program structured program offered elementary middle secondary school students school session school weekend summer afterschool stem network coalition fosters partnerships provides support afterschool program providers stem education providers includes goals grant program support development delivery high quality stem education populations underrepresented stem fields provide hands learning exposure stem research facilities businesses person virtual distance learning experiences requires director provide recipient stem research grant director authority information opportunities engage students school time programs


Summary:
Achievement Through Technology and Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2015

Amends title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to rename part D (Achievement through Technology and Innovation) as the Achievement Through Technology and Innovation Act of 2015 or the ATTAIN Act and to reauthorize it through FY2020.

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to reserve a portion of the part D funding to provide states with technical assistance and information in adopting evidence-based best practices for using technology to transform learning.

Directs the Secretary to allot part D grants to states on the basis of each state's share of school improvement funds under part A of title I of the ESEA.

Requires state grantees to develop and implement challenging academic content and achievement standards to ensure that students are technologically literate. Declares that such standards are only for tracking technological literacy and not for assessing adequate yearly progress (AYP) under title I. Permits the assessment of student performance in gaining technology literacy through embedding assessment items in other state tests or performance-based assessments portfolios or through other valid and reliable means.

Directs states to use the bulk of their allotment to award competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to improve student learning, technology literacy, and achievement. Requires that priority be given to LEAs serving schools that have been identified as needing improvement.

Require an LEA to: (1) include a new or updated local long-range strategic educational technology plan in its subgrant application, (2) use up to 5% of its subgrant to evaluate its use of the subgrant, and (3) use its remaining subgrant to implement a plan for systemic school redesign through technology integration in at least one of its schools.

Requires the plans for systemic school redesign to include: (1) professional development activities for educators; (2) the acquisition and application of technology, in conjunction with curricular or instructional changes, to improve students' learning opportunities, academic achievement, and technical literacy; and (3) the acquisition and application of technology to identify individual student learning needs and support personalized learning.

achievement technology innovation reauthorization act amends title elementary secondary education act esea rename achievement technology innovation achievement technology innovation_act attain act reauthorize fy2020 authorizes secretary education reserve portion funding provide states technical assistance information adopting evidence based best practices technology transform learning directs secretary allot grants states basis state share school improvement funds title esea requires state grantees develop implement challenging academic content achievement standards ensure students technologically declares standards tracking technological literacy assessing adequate yearly progress ayp title permits assessment student performance gaining technology literacy assessment items state tests performance based assessments portfolios valid reliable means directs states use bulk allotment award competitive subgrants local educational agencies leas improve student learning technology literacy achievement requires priority given leas serving schools identified needing improvement require lea include new updated local long range strategic educational technology plan subgrant application use subgrant evaluate use subgrant use remaining subgrant implement plan systemic school redesign technology integration schools requires plans systemic school redesign include professional development activities educators acquisition application technology conjunction curricular instructional changes improve students learning opportunities academic achievement technical literacy acquisition application technology identify individual student learning needs support personalized learning


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on September 24, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

STEM Education Act of 2015

 (Sec. 3) Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue to award competitive, merit-reviewed grants to support: (1) research and development of innovative out-of-school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning and emerging STEM learning environments; and (2) research that advances the field of informal STEM education.

Requires supported activities to include research and development that improves understanding of learning and engagement in informal environments and design and testing of innovative STEM resources for such environments to improve STEM learning outcomes and increase engagement for elementary and secondary school students and teachers and the public.

(Sec. 4) Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to allow award of NSF Master Teaching Fellowships to mathematics and science teachers who possess a bachelor's degree in their field (currently limited to those with a master's degree).

Requires fellowship grants to be used, in the case of Master Teaching Fellowships for teachers with bachelor's degrees in their field who are working toward a master's degree, to: (1) offer academic courses leading to a master's degree and leadership training to prepare individuals to become master teachers, and (2) offer programs both during and after matriculation to enable fellows to become highly effective mathematics and science teachers and to exchange ideas with others in their fields. Limits fellowship support during such a master's degree program to one year, with a prorated amount in the case of enrollment in a part-time program.

Includes elementary or secondary school computer science teachers as mathematics and science teachers for purposes of the program of teacher recruiting and training grants known as the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.

measure amended passed senate september summary version repeated stem education act sec requires director national_science_foundation nsf continue award competitive merit reviewed grants support research development innovative school stem science technology engineering mathematics learning emerging stem learning environments research advances field informal stem education requires supported activities include research development improves understanding learning engagement informal environments design testing innovative stem resources environments improve stem learning outcomes increase engagement elementary secondary school students teachers public sec amends national_science_foundation_authorization_act allow award nsf master teaching fellowships mathematics science teachers possess bachelor degree field currently limited master degree requires fellowship grants case master teaching fellowships teachers bachelor degrees field working master degree offer academic courses leading master degree leadership training prepare individuals master teachers offer programs enable fellows highly effective mathematics science teachers exchange ideas fields limits fellowship support master degree program year prorated case enrollment time program includes elementary secondary school computer science teachers mathematics science teachers purposes program teacher recruiting training grants known robert noyce teacher scholarship program


Summary:
Afterschool for America's Children Act

Amends the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program under part B of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). (21st Century Community Learning Centers provide students with before school, after school, and summer learning programs to improve their academic performance.)

Requires the Centers to provide students' families with opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children's education.

Includes Indian tribes or organizations among the local public or private entities that are eligible for grants from states to establish the Centers.

Allows states to use a portion of the part B funds allotted to them by the Secretary of Education to: (1) assist those Centers in aligning their before school, after school, and summer learning programs with the state's academic standards; and (2) ensure that those Centers partner with nonprofit organizations in the community that have had success in carrying out, or working with, those programs.

Requires states to: (1) award grants only to local entities that propose to serve students who primarily attend schools that are eligible for schoolwide programs under part A of title I of the ESEA, and (2) give priority to applicants that propose to serve students that attend schools that have been identified as needing improvement.

Requires states to use a rigorous peer review process in reviewing grant applications.

Prohibits the Secretary or states from giving funding priority to applicants that propose to use the funds to extend the regular school day.

Allows states to renew a grant under part B based on the grantee's performance during the original grant period.

Includes among the activities grants may fund: (1) core academic subject education activities, including those that allow students to recover or attain credits; (2) services for the disabled; (3) activities and programs that support global education and competence; (4) programs that support a healthy, active lifestyle; (5) literacy education programs; and (6) programs that build science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills and support innovative STEM teaching methods.

Requires students' academic performance and overall success to be taken into account in evaluating the performance of the Centers.

Reauthorizes the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program through FY2021.

afterschool america children act amends 21st century community_learning_centers program title elementary secondary education act esea 21st century community_learning_centers provide students school school summer learning programs improve academic performance requires centers provide students families opportunities active meaningful engagement children education includes indian tribes organizations local public private entities eligible grants states establish centers allows states use portion funds allotted secretary education assist centers aligning school school summer learning programs state academic standards ensure centers partner nonprofit organizations community success carrying working programs requires states award grants local entities propose serve students primarily attend schools eligible schoolwide programs title esea priority applicants propose serve students attend schools identified needing improvement requires states use rigorous peer_review process reviewing grant applications prohibits secretary states giving funding priority applicants propose use funds extend regular school day allows states renew grant based grantee performance original grant period includes activities grants fund core academic subject education activities including allow students recover attain credits services disabled activities programs support global education competence programs support healthy active lifestyle literacy education programs programs build science technology engineering mathematics stem skills support innovative stem teaching methods requires students academic performance overall success taken account evaluating performance centers reauthorizes 21st century community_learning_centers program fy2021


Summary:
STEM Support for Teachers in Education and Mentoring (STEM) Act or the STEM 2 Act

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award competitive planning grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, or institutions of higher education (IHEs) to develop effective state or tribal science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) networks that coordinate STEM education efforts by: (1) facilitating communication and collaboration among public and private STEM stakeholders, and (2) identifying STEM occupational skills needed in the future.

Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, local educational agencies (LEAs), IHEs, or nonprofit organizations to develop, implement, and evaluate STEM education training programs for teachers and administrators in elementary, middle, and secondary schools and for preservice teachers in postsecondary schools.

Requires the Secretary to award competitive grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, LEAs, public charter schools, IHEs, or nonprofit organizations to support curriculum development, assessments, or related activities that enable states to adopt new mathematics and science academic standards.

Requires the Secretary to establish a national panel to identify and recommend the most effective STEM curricula models for kindergarten through grade 12.

stem support teachers education mentoring stem act stem act amends elementary secondary education act direct secretary education award competitive planning grants states indian tribes tribal organizations nonprofit organizations institutions higher education ihes develop effective state tribal science technology engineering mathematics stem networks coordinate stem education efforts facilitating communication collaboration public private stem stakeholders identifying stem occupational skills needed future directs secretary award competitive grants states indian tribes tribal organizations local educational agencies leas ihes nonprofit organizations develop implement evaluate stem education training programs teachers administrators elementary middle secondary schools preservice teachers postsecondary schools requires secretary award competitive grants states indian tribes tribal organizations leas public charter schools ihes nonprofit organizations support curriculum development assessments related activities enable states adopt new mathematics science academic standards requires secretary establish national panel identify recommend effective stem curricula models kindergarten grade


Summary:
Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act

Directs the Secretary of Education to award National Classified School Employee of the Year Awards to classified public school employees within certain occupational specialties who provide exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through higher education.

Requires the Secretary to choose an awardee each year, out of nominations received from each state, from one of the following occupational specialties: (1) paraprofessional services, (2) clerical and administrative services, (3) transportation services, (4) food and nutrition services, (5) custodial and maintenance services, (6) security services, (7) health and student services, (8) technical services, and (9) skilled trades.

recognizing achievement classified school employees act directs secretary education award national classified school employee year awards classified public school employees certain occupational specialties provide exemplary service students prekindergarten higher education requires secretary choose awardee year nominations received state following occupational specialties paraprofessional services clerical administrative services transportation services food nutrition services custodial maintenance services security services health student services technical services skilled trades


Summary:
Fitness Integrated Into Teaching Kids Act or the FIT Kids Act

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize and amend the Carol M. White Physical Education Program. The program is administered by the Department of Education (ED) and awards grants to local educational agencies, community-based organizations, and states to initiate, expand, and improve physical education programs for kindergarten through 12th grade students.

Of the funds appropriated for the program, ED must reserve a portion to award competitive grants for states to implement comprehensive programs based on: (1) scientifically valid research, and (2) an analysis of need that considers indicators in a state system measuring conditions related to physical fitness, physical education, student health, and nutrition.

A state applying for a competitive grant must submit: (1) an analysis of needs in the areas of physical activity, physical education, fitness, and nutrition; (2) a plan for improvement; and (3) a description of how the state will implement a measurement system, coordinate with other state and federal programs, assist local educational agencies, and award subgrants.

States receiving competitive grants must: (1) reserve no more than 5% of the funds for administration, technical assistance, professional development for teachers, and a measurement system; and (2) use the remaining funds for competitive subgrants.

States receiving grants must also: establish a statewide physical education requirement, implement a measurement system, provide a public report including data from the measurement system, award subgrants using specified criteria, use the measurement system to assist subgrantees in addressing needs, provide professional development for teachers, and monitor subgrants.

fitness integrated teaching kids act fit kids act bill amends elementary secondary education act reauthorize amend white physical education program program administered department_of_education awards grants local educational agencies community based organizations states initiate expand improve physical education programs kindergarten 12th grade students funds appropriated program reserve portion award competitive grants states implement comprehensive programs based scientifically valid research analysis need considers indicators state system measuring conditions related physical fitness physical education student health nutrition state applying competitive grant submit analysis needs areas physical activity physical education fitness nutrition plan improvement description state implement measurement system coordinate state federal programs assist local educational agencies award subgrants states receiving competitive grants reserve funds administration technical assistance professional development teachers measurement system use remaining funds competitive subgrants states receiving grants establish statewide physical education requirement implement measurement system provide public report including data measurement system award subgrants specified criteria use measurement system assist subgrantees addressing needs provide professional development teachers monitor subgrants


Summary:
Computer Science in STEM Act of 2015

This bill amends the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 to include computer science in that Act's definition of "STEM" as the academic and professional disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Department of Education (ED) must award states: (1) two-year formula grants to develop comprehensive plans to strengthen elementary and secondary computer science education, and (2) competitive five-year matching grants to implement the improvements proposed in their comprehensive plans.

Proposed improvements must include: (1) challenging and grade-appropriate academic content standards for computer science, (2) grade-appropriate assessments of computer science learning, (3) programs to increase disadvantaged students' access to computer science courses, (4) computer science teacher training programs, (5) improved teacher certification or licensure requirements and processes, (6) programs to ensure that computer science courses are considered an integral part of the secondary school curriculum, (7) effective computer science curricula, and (8) computer science distance learning programs.

States must partner with institutions of higher education (IHEs) and local educational agencies in implementing such measures.

Favors implementation grant applicants that emphasize serving low-performing schools and increasing the participation in computer science by students underrepresented in computing.

The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize ED to award five-year grants to IHEs to: (1) develop courses that prepare undergraduate students to teach elementary and secondary school computer science, and (2) develop and fund teacher mentoring programs to support new computer science teachers.

The bill amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to include informatics and computer science majors and professionals in the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (the Program recruits and prepares science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors and professionals to become mathematics and science teachers).

computer science stem act bill amends america competes reauthorization act include computer science act definition stem academic professional disciplines science technology engineering mathematics department_of_education award states year formula_grants develop comprehensive plans strengthen elementary secondary computer science education competitive year matching grants implement improvements proposed comprehensive plans proposed improvements include challenging grade appropriate academic content standards computer science grade appropriate assessments computer science learning programs increase disadvantaged students access computer science courses computer science teacher training programs improved teacher certification licensure requirements processes programs ensure computer science courses considered integral secondary school curriculum effective computer science curricula computer science distance learning programs states partner institutions higher education ihes local educational agencies implementing measures favors implementation grant applicants emphasize serving low performing schools increasing participation computer science students underrepresented computing bill amends elementary secondary education act authorize award year grants ihes develop courses prepare undergraduate students teach elementary secondary school computer science develop fund teacher mentoring programs support new computer science teachers bill amends national_science_foundation_authorization_act include informatics computer science majors professionals robert noyce teacher scholarship program program recruits prepares science technology engineering mathematics majors professionals mathematics science teachers


Summary:
STEM K to Career Act

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to require the Department of Education to forgive student loan obligations of borrowers employed as full-time teachers of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in elementary or secondary schools in which the number of low-income children exceeds a certain percentage.

Portions of the student loan debt, including interest, will be forgiven on the basis of years of service, with 100% forgiven for five years of teacher service.

 The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an increased tax deduction for expenses by elementary and secondary school teachers for STEM education supplies; (2) a tax credit for the employment of STEM interns; and (3) a tax credit for employment of individuals who participated in an apprenticeship program in a STEM field, with the amount determined according to the degree of completion of a program.

 Beginning with FY2016, an institution of higher education must use at least 7% of federal work-study funds granted under HEA to compensate students employed in STEM fields.

stem career act bill amends higher education act hea require department_of_education forgive student loan obligations borrowers employed time teachers science technology engineering mathematics stem elementary secondary schools number low income children exceeds certain percentage portions student loan debt including interest forgiven basis years service forgiven years teacher service bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow increased tax deduction expenses elementary secondary school teachers stem education supplies tax credit employment stem interns tax credit employment individuals participated apprenticeship program stem field determined according degree completion program beginning fy2016 institution higher education use federal work study funds granted hea compensate students employed stem fields


Summary:
Building Understanding, Investment, Learning, and Direction Career and Technical Education Act of 2015 or the BUILD Career and Technical Education Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Education to award competitive two-year grants to local educational agencies to support career and technical education exploration programs that provide middle and high school students with experiential learning opportunities that are connected to their education and career pathways.

Grant funds must be used for: (1) leasing, purchasing, upgrading, or adapting equipment related to program activities; (2) staff expenses in coordinating or implementing program activities; (3) consultation services that are directly aligned to program goals; (4) professional development programs that are aligned to program goals; (5) minor remodeling to accommodate program equipment; and/or (6) program evaluation.

The bill requires each grantee to develop a plan to evaluate specified outcomes.

building understanding investment learning direction career technical education act build career technical education act bill directs department_of_education award competitive year grants local educational agencies support career technical education exploration programs provide middle high school students experiential learning opportunities connected education career pathways grant funds leasing purchasing upgrading adapting equipment related program activities staff expenses coordinating implementing program activities consultation services directly aligned program goals professional development programs aligned program goals minor remodeling accommodate program equipment program evaluation bill requires grantee develop plan evaluate specified outcomes


Summary:
Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Department of Education to award competitive grants to educational organizations to carry out proposed or existing Holocaust education programs.

Grants may not be used to supplant nonfederal funds the grantees would otherwise have used for Holocaust education programs.

holocaust education assistance_act bill amends elementary secondary education act authorize department_of_education award competitive grants educational organizations carry proposed existing holocaust education programs grants supplant nonfederal funds grantees holocaust education programs


Summary: This bill prohibits the National Science Foundation from obligating any amounts for the Polar Learning and Responding Climate Change Educational Partnership. (The Partnership uses novel educational approaches to engage adult learners and inform public understanding and response to climate change.)

bill prohibits national_science_foundation obligating amounts polar learning responding climate change educational partnership partnership uses novel educational approaches engage adult learners inform public understanding response climate change


Summary:
Strengthen and Unite Communities with Civics Education and English Development Act of 2015

This bill amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act to: (1) award grants to states for integrated English literacy, U.S. history, and civics education programs; and (2) expand certain federally funded adult education and literacy activities to include such programs.

 This bill establishes the Office of Citizenship and Immigrant Integration to form national goals, assess and coordinate policies, and assist with other efforts related to new Americans. The office may award grants to states to form and operate State New American Councils to, among other activities: (1) develop, implement, or enhance plans to introduce new immigrants to a state; and (2) disseminate best practices pertaining to English acquisition and civics education.

The bill also establishes, as part of the general business credit, a tax credit for employer-provided adult English literacy and basic education programs. For the taxable year, the employer's credit is an amount equal to 20% of qualified education program expenses, or no more than $1,000 per full-time employee participating in the program.

In addition, the bill establishes the Presidential Award for Business Leadership in Promoting United States Citizenship to recognize businesses and other organizations, and a citizen award program to recognize naturalized citizens who have made an outstanding contribution to the United States.

strengthen communities civics education english development act bill amends adult_education family literacy act award grants states integrated english literacy history civics education programs expand certain federally funded adult_education literacy activities include programs bill establishes office_of_citizenship immigrant integration form national goals assess coordinate policies assist efforts related new americans office award grants states form operate state new american councils activities develop implement enhance plans introduce new immigrants state disseminate best practices pertaining english acquisition civics education bill establishes general business credit tax credit employer provided adult english literacy basic education programs taxable year employer credit equal qualified education program expenses time employee participating program addition bill establishes presidential_award_for_business_leadership promoting united_states citizenship recognize businesses organizations citizen award program recognize naturalized citizens outstanding contribution united_states


Summary:
Sandra Day O'Connor Civic Learning Act of 2015

This bill amends part C (Innovation for Teacher Quality) of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to repeal the We the People civic education program and replace it with a competitive grant program to promote civic learning and engagement, American history, geography, and economics.

The bill authorizes the Department of Education to award grants to nonprofit educational organizations to develop and implement such programs through instruction, professional development, and evaluation activities that promote equity, innovation, scalability, and accountability.

day civic learning act bill amends innovation teacher quality title elementary secondary education act repeal people civic education program replace competitive grant program promote civic learning engagement american history geography economics bill authorizes department_of_education award grants nonprofit educational organizations develop implement programs instruction professional development evaluation activities promote equity innovation accountability


Summary:
Planetary Leadership Utilizing Teaching and Observations Act or the PLUTO Act

This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to use observations, measurements, data, and discoveries derived from the New Horizons mission to:

 enhance public awareness and appreciation for space exploration and engage the public in the process of scientific discovery; communicate the importance of planetary science to students and teachers; advance domestic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education; promote mutually beneficial international scientific partnerships; and facilitate future progress in planetary science.

leadership utilizing teaching observations act act bill directs national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa use observations measurements data discoveries derived new mission enhance public awareness appreciation space exploration engage public process scientific discovery communicate importance science students teachers advance domestic science technology engineering mathematics stem education promote mutually beneficial international scientific partnerships facilitate future progress science


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

 Directs the Department of Education to:

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

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


Summary:
STEM Education Opportunity Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) individual taxpayers a deduction from gross income for STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) higher education expenses; and (2) a business-related tax credit for contributions of STEM property (e.g., computer equipment and software, microscopes, and lab equipment), services, and training made to an elementary or secondary school to promote education in the biological sciences, mathematics, earth and physical sciences, computer and information science, engineering, geosciences, and social and behavioral sciences. The bill defines "STEM higher education expenses" to include any expenses incurred by an individual attending an institution of higher education who is majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress a report detailing: (1) the efficacy of this Act in increasing higher education enrollment in the fields of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology; and (2) any effect this Act has had on the price of higher education tuition in such fields.

stem education opportunity act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow individual taxpayers deduction gross income stem science technology engineering mathematics higher education expenses business related tax credit contributions stem property computer equipment software lab equipment services training elementary secondary school promote education biological sciences mathematics earth physical sciences computer information science engineering geosciences social behavioral sciences bill defines stem higher education expenses include expenses incurred individual attending institution higher education science technology engineering mathematics government_accountability_office submit congress report detailing efficacy act increasing higher education enrollment fields mathematics science engineering technology effect act price higher education tuition fields


Summary:
Digital Learning Act of 2015

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a digital learning equity demonstration program that awards grants for developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies and methods to increase students' home access to the Internet and digital learning resources. This may include such practices as: (1) providing a targeted distribution of technology, such as a modem, that provides out-of-school Internet access to eligible students; (2) educating and training students, parents, and educators regarding the appropriate use of that technology outside of the classroom; and (3) evaluating the effectiveness of relevant strategies and methods.

The Federal Communications Commission must complete and publicly disseminate the finding of a national study on the educational trends and behaviors associated with access to digital learning resources outside of the classroom.

digital learning act bill amends elementary secondary education act establish digital learning equity demonstration program awards grants developing implementing evaluating strategies methods increase students home access internet digital learning resources include practices providing targeted distribution technology provides school internet access eligible students educating training students parents educators appropriate use technology outside classroom evaluating effectiveness relevant strategies methods federal_communications_commission complete publicly disseminate finding national study educational trends behaviors associated access digital learning resources outside classroom


Summary:
Diversity in Science Technology and Nurturing Capable Educators Act or the DISTANCE Act

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Department of Education (ED) to award competitive merit-based scholarships to students who are pursuing bachelor's degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with concurrent certification as kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school teachers.

It requires scholarship recipients to work for at least five academic years as a full-time STEM teacher at a public or private kindergarten or elementary or secondary school during the seven-year period beginning within one year after they complete their studies.

It awards scholarships for one academic year of study at a time, but makes them renewable on an annual basis if their recipients meet certain measures of academic progress.

Scholarship recipients may enter into agreements with ED that provide them with a bonus in exchange for performing their service in a high-need local educational agency for a period equivalent to the period for which they receive the bonus.

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize ED to award competitive matching grants to up to 50 institutions of higher education to establish, strengthen, and operate four-year undergraduate degree programs that enable students to concurrently: (1) earn a STEM bachelor's degree; and (2) be certified to teach kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school.

It awards those grants one fiscal year at a time, but makes them renewable on an annual basis for up to five years.

diversity science technology capable educators act distance act bill amends elementary secondary education act direct department_of_education award competitive merit based scholarships students pursuing bachelor degrees science technology engineering mathematics stem concurrent certification kindergarten elementary secondary school teachers requires scholarship recipients work academic years time stem teacher public private kindergarten elementary secondary school seven year period beginning year complete studies awards scholarships academic year study time makes renewable annual basis recipients meet certain measures academic progress scholarship recipients enter agreements provide bonus exchange performing service high need local educational agency period equivalent period receive bonus bill amends higher education act authorize award competitive matching grants institutions higher education establish strengthen operate year undergraduate degree programs enable students concurrently earn stem bachelor degree certified teach kindergarten elementary secondary school awards grants fiscal year time makes renewable annual basis years


Summary:
Charter School Accountability Act of 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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


Summary:
Next Generation High Schools Act

This bill requires the Department of Education to award competitive, five-year grants to local educational agencies or charter schools that partner with specified institutions and intermediaries to provide high school students with challenging academic and career-related learning opportunities. Applicants must assure that school improvement funds will be allocated to eligible high schools in amounts that are proportionate to those schools' share of low-income students.

"Eligible high schools" are those that: (1) serve a population of students of which at least 65% are from low-income families; (2) have a graduation rate at or below 67%, excepting new high schools; (3) do not receive school improvement funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; and (4) are identified by their state as low-performing.

Grantees must use grant funds to:

 develop and implement partnerships to help schools prepare students to apply academic concepts to real world challenges; implement an early warning indicator system in eligible high schools and feeder middle schools to identify struggling students; offer support and credit recovery opportunities for struggling students at the grantee's secondary schools or in other appropriate settings; provide drop-out recovery or re-entry programs; offer evidence-based programs and supports related to the transition from middle school to high school; and provide high school leaders, staff, students, and families with information concerning graduation requirements, postsecondary admission requirements, the availability of financial assistance, labor markets, and other programs and services to improve the prospects of traditionally underserved students.

generation high schools act bill requires department_of_education award competitive year grants local educational agencies charter schools partner specified institutions intermediaries provide high school students challenging academic career related learning opportunities applicants assure school improvement funds allocated eligible high schools amounts proportionate schools share low income students eligible high schools serve population students low income families graduation rate excepting new high schools receive school improvement funds elementary secondary education act identified state low performing grantees use grant funds develop implement partnerships help schools prepare students apply academic concepts real world challenges implement early warning indicator system eligible high schools feeder middle schools identify struggling students offer support credit recovery opportunities struggling students grantee secondary schools appropriate settings provide drop recovery entry programs offer evidence based programs supports related transition middle school high school provide high school leaders staff students families information concerning graduation requirements postsecondary admission requirements availability financial assistance labor markets programs services improve prospects traditionally underserved students


Summary:
Enhancing Education Through Technology Act of 2015

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to modify grant funding related to education technology and innovation.

The Department of Education shall award matching grants to states to strengthen state and local technological infrastructure and professional learning that supports digital learning.

Grant funds are allocated among states in proportion to each state's share of school improvement funds under the ESEA.

States must use at least 90% of their grant funds to award subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs), which shall use: (1) at least 40% of those funds to support the acquisition of technology that addresses their technology infrastructure and access needs; and (2) at least 40% of those funds to provide digital age professional learning opportunities for teachers, principals, school leaders, paraprofessionals, library and media personnel, specialized instructional support personnel, technology coordinators, and administrators.

To carry out grant and subgrant activities, including the purchase of technology, states may form purchasing consortia with other states, and LEAs may form purchasing consortia with other LEAs.

enhancing education technology act bill amends elementary secondary education act esea modify grant funding related education technology innovation department_of_education shall award matching grants states strengthen state local technological infrastructure professional learning supports digital learning grant funds allocated states proportion state share school improvement funds esea states use grant funds award subgrants local educational agencies leas shall use funds support acquisition technology addresses technology infrastructure access needs funds provide digital age professional learning opportunities teachers principals school leaders paraprofessionals library media personnel specialized instructional support personnel technology coordinators administrators carry grant subgrant activities including purchase technology states form purchasing consortia states leas form purchasing consortia leas


Summary:
416d65726963612043616e20436f6465 Act of 2015 or the America Can Code Act of 2015

This bill amends the America COMPETES Act to include computer programming language that is critical to the national security and economic competitiveness of the United States as a "critical foreign language," the study of which is included in the teacher education programs and Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programs funded under that Act.

The bill also amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 to provide for: (1) state plans to include coding and computer programming instruction within the career and technical programs of study for which states receive assistance under that Act, and (2) the inclusion of coding and computer programming instruction within the federally-assisted tech prep programs that prepare participants in a career field by providing them with at least two years of secondary education followed by at least two years of postsecondary education or participation in an apprenticeship program.

The Department of Education shall convene a task force to explore: (1) mechanisms for the development of draft curricula for elementary and secondary computer programming and coding education; (2) a mechanism to collect and share best elementary and secondary school computer programming and coding practices among educators; and (3) a national strategy to ensure competitiveness in emerging science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, such as computer programming and coding. The task force must establish an information portal that directs users to coordinated and systematic information on promoting coding and computer programming in elementary and secondary schools.

act america code act bill amends america competes act include computer programming language critical national security economic competitiveness united_states critical foreign language study included teacher education programs advanced_placement international_baccalaureate programs funded act bill amends carl perkins career technical education act provide state plans include coding computer programming instruction career technical programs study states receive assistance act inclusion coding computer programming instruction federally assisted tech prep programs prepare participants career field providing years secondary education followed years postsecondary education participation apprenticeship program department education shall convene task_force explore mechanisms development draft curricula elementary secondary computer programming coding education mechanism collect share best elementary secondary school computer programming coding practices educators national strategy ensure competitiveness emerging science technology engineering mathematics stem fields computer programming coding task_force establish information portal directs users coordinated systematic information promoting coding computer programming elementary secondary schools


Summary:
This bill authorizes the Department of Education to provide grants for public awareness education programs on the history of the treatment of Italian Americans during World War II.

In awarding such grants, priority shall be given to Italian American historical and cultural organizations.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

bill authorizes department_of_education provide grants public awareness education programs history treatment americans world war awarding grants priority shall given american historical cultural organizations