Sec. 10311. PREK-12 STEM EDUCATION
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## SEC. 10311 PREK-12 STEM EDUCATION **[**[42 U.S.C. 18991](/us/usc/t42/s18991)**]** ###
(a)National Academies Study Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies to conduct a study to— ####
(1)review the research literature and identify research gaps regarding the interconnected factors that foster and hinder successful implementation of promising, evidence-based PreK-12 STEM education innovations at the local, regional, and national level; ####
(2)present a compendium of promising, evidence-based PreK-12 STEM education practices, models, programs, and technologies; ####
(3)identify barriers to widespread and sustained implementation of such innovations; and ####
(4)make recommendations to the Foundation, the Department of Education, the National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education, State and local educational agencies, and other relevant stakeholders on measures to address such barriers. ###
(b)Supporting PreK-12 Informal STEM Opportunities Section 3 of the STEM Education Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 1862q) is amended by adding at the end the following: > > ### “(c) PreK-12 Informal STEM > > > #### “(1) In general > > The Director of the National Science Foundation shall make awards, through existing programs where appropriate to institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations (or consortia of such intuitions or organizations) on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis for research on effective approaches to engaging students in PreK-12, including students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM and rural students. > > > #### “(2) Purposes > > The purposes of this subsection are to— > > > ##### “(A) > > provide effective, compelling, and engaging means for teaching and reinforcing fundamental STEM concepts to PreK-12 students; > > > ##### “(B) > > expand the STEM workforce pipeline by increasing the number of youth in the United States exposed to STEM from an early age and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM-related fields; and > > > ##### “(C) > > broaden participation of groups historically underrepresented in STEM and rural students, in the STEM workforce. > > > #### “(3) Use of funds > > > ##### “(A) In general > > Awards made under this subsection shall support research and development on innovative before-school, after-school, out-of-school, or summer activities that are designed to encourage interest, engagement, and skills development in STEM, including for students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM and rural students. > > > ##### “(B) Permitted activities > > The research and development activities described in subparagraph
(A)may include— > > > ###### “(i) > > the provision of programming described in such subparagraph for the purpose of research described in such subparagraph; > > > ###### “(ii) > > the use of a variety of engagement methods, including cooperative and hands-on learning; > > > ###### “(iii) > > exposure of students to role models in the fields of STEM and near-peer mentors; > > > ###### “(iv) > > training of informal learning educators, youth-serving professionals, and volunteers who lead informal STEM programs in using evidence-based methods consistent with the target student population being served; > > > ###### “(v) > > education of students on the relevance and significance of STEM careers, provision of academic advice and assistance, and activities designed to help students make real-world connections to STEM content; > > > ###### “(vi) > > the preparation of students to attend events, competitions, and academic programs that provide content expertise and encourage career exposure in STEM, which may include the purchase of parts and supplies needed to prepare for participation in such competitions; > > > ###### “(vii) > > activities designed to engage parents and families of students in PreK-12 in STEM; > > > ###### “(viii) > > innovative strategies to engage students, such as using leadership skills and outcome measures to impart youth with the confidence to pursue STEM coursework and academic study; > > > ###### “(ix) > > coordination with STEM-rich environments, including other nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations, out-of- classroom settings, institutions of higher education, vocational facilities, corporations, museums, or science centers; and > > > ###### “(x) > > the acquisition of instructional materials or technology-based tools to conduct applicable award activity. > > > #### “(4) Application > > An applicant seeking funding under this subsection shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as may be required by the Director. Applications that include or partner with a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that has extensive experience and expertise in increasing the participation of students in PreK-12 in STEM are encouraged. At a minimum, the application shall include the following: > > > ##### “(A) > > A description of the target audience to be served by the research activity or activities for which such funding is sought. > > > ##### “(B) > > A description of the process for recruitment and selection of students to participate in such activities. > > > ##### “(C) > > A description of how such activity or activities may inform programming that engages students in PreK-12 in STEM. > > > ##### “(D) > > A description of how such activity or activities may inform programming that promotes student academic achievement in STEM. > > > ##### “(E) > > An evaluation plan that includes, at a minimum, the use of outcome-oriented measures to determine the impact and efficacy of programming being researched. > > > #### “(5) Evaluations > > Each recipient of an award under this subsection shall provide, at the conclusion of every year during which the award funds are received, a report in a form prescribed by the Director. > > > #### “(6) Encourage applications > > In making awards under this subsection, the Director shall encourage applications which, for the purpose of the activity or activities funded through the award, are from or include eligible nonprofit programs serving students that attend elementary schools or secondary schools (including high schools) that— > > > ##### “(A) > > are implementing comprehensive support and improvement activities or targeted support and improvement activities under paragraph
(1)or
(2)of section 1111(d) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(d)); or > > > ##### “(B) > > serve high percentages of students who are eligible for a free or reduced-price lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) (which, in the case of a high school, may be calculated using comparable data from the schools that feed into the high school). > > > #### “(7) Accountability and dissemination > > > ##### “(A) Evaluation required > > The Director shall evaluate the activities established under this subsection. Such evaluation shall— > > > ###### “(i) > > use a common set of benchmarks and tools to assess the results of research conducted under such awards; and > > > ###### “(ii) > > to the extent practicable, integrate the findings of the research resulting from the activity or activities funded through the award with the current research on serving students with respect to the pursuit of degrees or careers in STEM, including underrepresented and rural students, in PreK-12. > > > ##### “(B) Report on evaluations > > Not later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation under subparagraph (A), the Director shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that includes— > > > ###### “(i) > > the results of the evaluation; and > > > ###### “(ii) > > any recommendations for administrative and legislative action that could optimize the effectiveness of the program under this subsection. > > > #### “(8) Coordination > > In carrying out this subsection, the Director shall, for purposes of enhancing program effectiveness and avoiding duplication of activities, consult, and coordinate with other relevant Federal agencies.” > . ###
(c)[Log 907 S2522] National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot ####
(1)Purpose It is the purpose of this subsection to elevate the profession of STEM teaching by establishing a National STEM Teacher Corps pilot program to recognize outstanding STEM teachers in our Nation’s classrooms, rewards them for their accomplishments, elevates their public profile, and creates rewarding career paths to which all STEM teachers can aspire, both to prepare future STEM researchers and to create a scientifically literate public. ####
(2)Definitions In this subsection: #####
(A)Administrator The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the National STEM Teacher Corps. #####
(B)Eligible entity The term “eligible entity” means— ######
(i)an institution of higher education; or ######
(ii)a consortium consisting of an institution of higher education and one or more of the following: ######
(I)A State educational agency (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)). ######
(II)A local educational agency (as defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)). ######
(III)An education nonprofit Association. ######
(IV)A cross sector STEM organization. ######
(V)A private entity, including a STEM-related business. #####
(C)High-need school The term “high-need school” has the meaning given the term in section 2211(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6631(b)). #####
(D)Professional development The term “professional Development” has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). #####
(E)Corps alliance The term “Corps Alliance” means a regionally or topically based award under this subsection. #####
(F)National stem teacher corps advisory board The term “National STEM Teacher Corps Advisory Board” means the Advisory Board for the National STEM Teacher Corps established under paragraph (5). ####
(3)Establishment of national stem teacher corps The Director may, subject to the availability of appropriations, establish within the Foundation, a National STEM Teacher Corps 10-year pilot program to be administered by the Administrator, who shall be appointed by the Director. As appropriate, the Director may use existing NSF programs to establish and execute this program. ####
(4)Duties of the administrator The Administrator shall— #####
(A)create a process and standards for selection of eligible applicants to become members of the National STEM Teacher Corps, including— ######
(i)uniform selection criteria that includes— ######
(I)deep knowledge of STEM content and pedagogy; ######
(II)a passion for STEM subjects and dedication to teaching, evidence of leadership skills, and potential for continued career growth as an educator; and ######
(III)demonstrated experience increasing STEM student achievement and STEM participation rates for all students, particularly those from rural and high-need schools; and ######
(ii)a uniform selection process, including a comprehensive application that includes recommendations and other relevant professional information; #####
(B)promote the National STEM Teacher Corps and elevate best practices that emerge from the National STEM Teacher Corps to a national audience; #####
(C)evaluate the operation and effectiveness of the Corps alliances; and #####
(D)evaluate the overall and long-term impact of the National STEM Teacher Corps by— ######
(i)documenting, monitoring, and assessing the program outcomes or impact on the STEM careers of participants; and ######
(ii)documenting, monitoring, and assessing the program outcomes for the STEM education profession nationwide, particularly for rural and high-need schools. ####
(5)National stem teacher corps advisory board #####
(A)Establishment There is established a National STEM Teacher Corps Advisory Board to advise the Director on matters pertaining to the National STEM Teacher Corps for the length of the pilot program. #####
(B)Composition ######
(i)In general The membership of the National STEM Teacher Corps Advisory Board shall— ######
(I)be appointed by the Director; ######
(II)include a representative from each of the following: School leaders, STEM researchers, STEM education researchers, Business leaders, PreK-12 STEM educators, and Students pursuing a postsecondary STEM degree; and ######
(III)be geographically diverse. ######
(ii)Existing committee The Director may assign the duties of the National STEM Teacher Corps Advisory Board to another advisory committee of the Foundation. ####
(6)Duties of the corps alliances Subject to the availability of appropriated funds, the Administrator may make awards on a competitive, merit-review basis, to establish Corps alliances at eligible entities. Activities carried out by such alliances shall include— #####
(A)engaging local partners, which may include local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, STEM organizations, or education nonprofit organizations, to— ######
(i)develop and serve the community of National STEM Teacher Corps members within the region or topic area, in coordination with local partners to carry out day-to-day activities; ######
(ii)coordinate professional development activities, including activities led by National STEM Teacher Corps members; ######
(iii)connect National STEM Teacher Corps members with existing educator professional development programs and coordinate members’ involvement as cooperating teachers or mentors; ######
(iv)seek opportunities to involve teachers who are not members of the National STEM Teacher Corps to participate in National STEM Teacher Corps activities; and ######
(v)build partnerships with existing education organizations and other efforts by State educational agencies and local educational agencies that operate programs relevant to the National STEM Teacher Corps and its activities; #####
(B)recruiting eligible applicants, with a focus on recruiting diverse STEM educators to advance equity based on race, ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, age, disability status, geography, and language ability; #####
(C)screening, interviewing, and selecting members of the National STEM Teacher Corps using procedures and standards provided by the Administrator; #####
(D)coordinating the online network that supports all National STEM Teacher Corps members in the region or topic area; #####
(E)convening occasional meetings of National STEM Teacher Corps members in a region or topic area; #####
(F)creating opportunities for the professional growth of National STEM Teacher Corps members, with a focus on increasing STEM student achievement and STEM participation rates for all students, particularly those from rural and high-need schools; and #####
(G)supporting the retention and success of National STEM Teacher Corps members in the region or topic area. ####
(7)Duties of members of the national stem teacher corps An applicant that is selected by a Corps alliance to be a member of the National STEM Teacher Corps shall— #####
(A)serve a 4-year term with a possibility of reappointment; #####
(B)receive an annual stipend in an amount not less than $10,000; and #####
(C)have substantial responsibilities, including— ######
(i)working with other members of the National STEM Teacher Corps to develop and improve innovative teaching practices, including practices such as inquiry-based learning; ######
(ii)participating in professional development in innovative teaching methodology and mentorship; and ######
(iii)continuing to excel in teaching the member’s own students, with a focus on advancing equity by spending additional time teaching and coaching underserved students to increase STEM student achievement and STEM participation rates for students from rural and high-need schools. ####
(8)Evaluation The Director, acting through the Administrator, shall submit a report to Congress after the third year of the pilot program that includes— #####
(A)an assessment, drawing on the evaluations the Administrator shall conduct under subparagraphs
(C)and
(D)of paragraph (4), and other sources of information, of the effectiveness of the pilot program in recruiting and retaining high-quality STEM teachers in the selected regions or topic areas, particularly in high-need and rural schools; and #####
(B)if deemed effective, a proposal to Congress for permanent implementation of the pilot program. ####
(9)Sunset The authority to carry out this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act. ####
(10)Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2032 to carry out this subsection.
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Sec. 10311
PREK-12 STEM EDUCATION
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