Sec. 202. NASA education programs
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/bill/113/s/2757/is/section-202·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
It is the sense of Congress that— NASA is well-positioned to leverage its workforce and facilities, together with the excitement induced by space exploration, in providing students and educators with authentic STEM experiences; whereas the Nation’s STEM programs have traditionally focused on mathematics and the sciences, NASA’s aeronautics and space exploration mission allows it a unique ability to engage students in engineering and technology development; and NASA’s education and outreach programs have made a significant contribution to the Nation’s K–12 education efforts.
The Administrator shall continue to provide education and outreach activities, including opportunities for experiential learning, designed to improve interest and proficiency among students and educators in mathematics and the sciences, as well as in engineering and technology development. Before finalizing any reorganization of NASA education programs, the Administrator shall consider the long-term research and workforce needs of each mission directorate. The Administrator shall ensure that NASA education programs have measurable objectives and milestones, as well as clear, documented metrics for evaluating programs.
The Administrator, for each NASA education program or portfolio of similar programs, shall— encourage the collection of evidence as relevant to the measurable objectives and milestones; and ensure that program or portfolio evaluations focus on educational outcomes and not just inputs, activities completed, or the number of participants. The Administrator or the Administrator's designee shall ensure— through participation in the National Science and Technology Council Committee on STEM Education, that— best practices developed through NASA education programs, including proven methods in areas such as engineering education and outreach to underrepresented groups, are considered in the development, updating, and implementation of the Federal 5-year STEM education strategic plan; and NASA education programs reflect best practices and educational research developed within other Federal agencies; and NASA leverages its limited education resources by collaborating with external organizations in adapting or replicating successful NASA STEM education efforts.