20 USC 7119 - Activities to support the effective use of technology

Collapse to view only § 7119. Activities to support the effective use of technology

§ 7111. Purpose
§ 7112. Definitions
§ 7113. Formula grants to States
§ 7114. State use of funds
§ 7115. Allocations to local educational agencies
§ 7116. Local educational agency applications
§ 7117. Activities to support well-rounded educational opportunities
§ 7118. Activities to support safe and healthy students
§ 7119. Activities to support the effective use of technology
§ 7120. Supplement, not supplant
§ 7121. Rule of construction
§ 7122. Authorization of appropriations

§ 7111. Purpose

The purpose of this subpart is to improve students’ academic achievement by increasing the capacity of States, local educational agencies, schools, and local communities to—

(1) provide all students with access to a well-rounded education;

(2) improve school conditions for student learning; and

(3) improve the use of technology in order to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4101, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1968.)

§ 7112. Definitions

In this subpart:

(1) Blended learning

The term “blended learning” means a formal education program that leverages both technology-based and face-to-face instructional approaches—

(A) that include an element of online or digital learning, combined with supervised learning time, and student-led learning, in which the elements are connected to provide an integrated learning experience; and

(B) in which students are provided some control over time, path, or pace.

(2) Controlled substance

(3) Digital learning

The term “digital learning” means any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student’s learning experience and encompasses a wide spectrum of tools and practices, including—

(A) interactive learning resources, digital learning span (which may include openly licensed span), software, or simulations, that engage students in academic span;

(B) access to online databases and other primary source documents;

(D) online and computer-based assessments;

(E) learning environments that allow for rich collaboration and communication, which may include student collaboration with span experts and peers;

(F) hybrid or blended learning, which occurs under direct instructor supervision at a school or other location away from home and, at least in part, through online delivery of instruction with some element of student control over time, place, path, or pace; and

(G) access to online course opportunities for students in rural or remote areas.

(4) Drug

The term “drug” includes—

(A) controlled substances;

(B) the illegal use of alcohol or tobacco, including smokeless tobacco products and electronic cigarettes; and

(5) Drug and violence prevention

The term “drug and violence prevention” means—

(A) with respect to drugs, prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation referral, recovery support services, or education related to the illegal use of drugs, such as raising awareness about the consequences of drug use that are evidence-based (to the extent a State, in consultation with local educational agencies in the State, determines that such evidence is reasonably available); and

(B) with respect to violence, the promotion of school safety, such that students and school personnel are free from violent and disruptive acts, including sexual harassment and abuse, and victimization associated with prejudice and intolerance, on school premises, going to and from school, and at school-sponsored activities, through the creation and maintenance of a school environment that is free of weapons and fosters individual responsibility and respect for the rights of others.

(6) School-based mental health services provider

(7) State

(8) Stem-focused specialty school

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4102, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1969.)

§ 7113. Formula grants to States

(a) ReservationsFrom the total amount appropriated under section 7122 of this title for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve—

(1) one-half of 1 percent for allotments for payments to the outlying areas, to be distributed among those outlying areas on the basis of their relative need, as determined by the Secretary, in accordance with the purpose of this subpart;

(2) one-half of 1 percent for the Secretary of the Interior for programs under this subpart in schools operated or funded by the Bureau of Indian Education; and

(3) 2 percent for technical assistance and capacity building.

(b) State allotments

(1) Allotment

(A) In general

(B) Small State minimum

(2) Reallotment

(1) In general

(2) ContentsEach plan submitted by a State under this section shall include the following:

(A) A description of how the State educational agency will use funds received under this subpart for State-level activities.

(B) A description of how the State educational agency will ensure that awards made to local educational agencies under this subpart are in amounts that are consistent with section 7115(a)(2) of this title.

(i) review existing resources and programs across the State and will coordinate any new plans and resources under this subpart with such existing resources and programs;

(ii) monitor the implementation of activities under this subpart and provide technical assistance to local educational agencies in carrying out such activities; and

(iii) provide for equitable access for all students to the activities supported under this subpart, including aligning those activities with the requirements of other Federal laws.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4103, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1970.)

§ 7114. State use of funds

(a) In generalEach State that receives an allotment under section 7113 of this title for a fiscal year shall—

(1) reserve not less than 95 percent of the allotment to make allocations to local educational agencies under section 7115 of this title;

(2) reserve not more than 1 percent of the allotment for the administrative costs of carrying out its responsibilities under this subpart, including public reporting on how funds made available under this subpart are being expended by local educational agencies, including the degree to which the local educational agencies have made progress toward meeting the objectives and outcomes described in section 7116(e)(1)(E) of this title; and

(3) use the amount made available to the State and not reserved under paragraphs (1) and (2) for activities described in subsection (b).

(b) State activitiesEach State that receives an allotment under section 7113 of this title shall use the funds available under subsection (a)(3) for activities and programs designed to meet the purposes of this subpart, which may include—

(1) providing monitoring of, and training, technical assistance, and capacity building to, local educational agencies that receive an allotment under section 7115 of this title;

(2) identifying and eliminating State barriers to the coordination and integration of programs, initiatives, and funding streams that meet the purposes of this subpart, so that local educational agencies can better coordinate with other agencies, schools, and community-based services and programs; or

(3) supporting local educational agencies in providing programs and activities that—

(A) offer well-rounded educational experiences to all students, as described in section 7117 of this title, including female students, minority students, English learners, children with disabilities, and low-income students who are often underrepresented in critical and enriching subjects, which may include—

(i)(I) high-quality courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer science;(II) activities and programs in music and the arts;(III) foreign languages;(IV) accelerated learning programs that provide—(aa) postsecondary level courses accepted for credit at institutions of higher education, including dual or concurrent enrollment programs, and early college high schools; or(bb) postsecondary level instruction and examinations that are accepted for credit at institutions of higher education, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs;(V) American history, civics, economics, geography, social studies, or government education;(VI) environmental education; or(VII) other courses, activities, and programs or other experiences that contribute to a well-rounded education; or

(ii) reimbursing low-income students to cover part or all of the costs of accelerated learning examination fees, as described in clause (i)(IV);

(B) foster safe, healthy, supportive, and drug-free environments that support student academic achievement, as described in section 7118 of this title, which may include—

(i) coordinating with any local educational agencies or consortia of such agencies implementing a youth PROMISE plan to reduce exclusionary discipline, as described in section 7118(5)(F) of this title;

(ii) supporting local educational agencies to—(I) implement mental health awareness training programs that are evidence-based (to the extent the State determines that such evidence is reasonably available) to provide education to school personnel regarding resources available in the community for students with mental illnesses and other relevant resources relating to mental health or the safe de-escalation of crisis situations involving a student with a mental illness; or(II) expand access to or coordinate resources for school-based counseling and mental health programs, such as through school-based mental health services partnership programs;

(iii) providing local educational agencies with resources that are evidence-based (to the extent the State determines that such evidence is reasonably available) addressing ways to integrate health and safety practices into school or athletic programs; and

(iv) disseminating best practices and evaluating program outcomes relating to any local educational agency activities to promote student safety and violence prevention through effective communication as described in section 7118(5)(C)(iv) of this title; and

(i) providing technical assistance to local educational agencies to improve the ability of local educational agencies to—(I) identify and address technology readiness needs, including the types of technology infrastructure and access available to the students served by the local educational agency, including computer devices, access to school libraries, Internet connectivity, operating systems, software, related network infrastructure, and data security;(II) use technology, consistent with the principles of universal design for learning, to support the learning needs of all students, including children with disabilities and English learners; and(III) build capacity for principals, other school leaders, and local educational agency administrators to support teachers in using data and technology to improve instruction and personalize learning;

(ii) supporting schools in rural and remote areas to expand access to high-quality digital learning opportunities;

(iii) developing or using strategies that are innovative or evidence-based (to the extent the State determines that such evidence is reasonably available) for the delivery of specialized or rigorous academic courses and curricula through the use of technology, including digital learning technologies and assistive technology, which may include increased access to online dual or concurrent enrollment opportunities, career and technical courses, and programs leading to a recognized postsecondary credential (as defined in section 3102 of title 29);

(iv) disseminating promising practices related to technology instruction, data security, and the acquisition and implementation of technology tools and applications, including through making such promising practices publicly available on the website of the State educational agency;

(v) providing teachers, paraprofessionals, school librarians and media personnel, specialized instructional support personnel, and administrators with the knowledge and skills to use technology effectively, including effective integration of technology, to improve instruction and student achievement, which may include coordination with teacher, principal, and other school leader preparation programs; and

(vi) making instructional span widely available through open educational resources, which may include providing tools and processes to support local educational agencies in making such resources widely available.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4104, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1971.)

§ 7115. Allocations to local educational agencies

(a) Allocations to local educational agencies

(1) In general

(2) Minimum local educational agency allocation

(3) Consortia

(b) Ratable reduction

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4105, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1974.)

§ 7116. Local educational agency applications

(a) EligibilityTo be eligible to receive an allocation under section 7115(a) of this title, a local educational agency shall—

(1) submit an application, which shall contain, at a minimum, the information described in subsection (e), to the State educational agency at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the State educational agency may reasonably require; and

(2) complete a needs assessment in accordance with subsection (d).

(b) Consortium

(1) In general

(2) Continued consultation

(d) Needs assessment

(1) In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2) and prior to receiving an allocation under this subpart, a local educational agency or consortium of such agencies shall conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of the local educational agency or agencies proposed to be served under this subpart in order to examine needs for improvement of—

(A) access to, and opportunities for, a well-rounded education for all students;

(B) school conditions for student learning in order to create a healthy and safe school environment; and

(C) access to personalized learning experiences supported by technology and professional development for the effective use of data and technology.

(2) Exception

(3) Frequency of needs assessment

(e) Contents of local applicationEach application submitted under this section by a local educational agency, or a consortium of such agencies, shall include the following:

(1) DescriptionsA description of the activities and programming that the local educational agency, or consortium of such agencies, will carry out under this subpart, including a description of—

(A) any partnership with an institution of higher education, business, nonprofit organization, community-based organization, or other public or private entity with a demonstrated record of success in implementing activities under this subpart;

(B) if applicable, how funds will be used for activities related to supporting well-rounded education under section 7117 of this title;

(C) if applicable, how funds will be used for activities related to supporting safe and healthy students under section 7118 of this title;

(D) if applicable, how funds will be used for activities related to supporting the effective use of technology in schools under section 7119 of this title; and

(E) the program objectives and intended outcomes for activities under this subpart, and how the local educational agency, or consortium of such agencies, will periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this section based on such objectives and outcomes.

(2) AssurancesEach application shall include assurances that the local educational agency, or consortium of such agencies, will—

(A) prioritize the distribution of funds to schools served by the local educational agency, or consortium of such agencies, that—

(i) are among the schools with the greatest needs, as determined by such local educational agency, or consortium;

(ii) have the highest percentages or numbers of children counted under section 6333(c) of this title;

(iii) are identified for comprehensive support and improvement under section 6311(c)(4)(D)(i) of this title;

(iv) are implementing targeted support and improvement plans as described in section 6311(d)(2) of this title; or

(v) are identified as a persistently dangerous public elementary school or secondary school under section 7912 of this title;

(B) comply with section 7881 of this title (regarding equitable participation by private school children and teachers);

(C) use not less than 20 percent of funds received under this subpart to support one or more of the activities authorized under

(D) use not less than 20 percent of funds received under this subpart to support one or more activities authorized under section 7118 of this title;

(E) use a portion of funds received under this subpart to support one or more activities authorized under section 7119(a) of this title, including an assurance that the local educational agency, or consortium of local educational agencies, will comply with section 7119(b) of this title; and

(F) annually report to the State for inclusion in the report described in section 7114(a)(2) of this title how funds are being used under this subpart to meet the requirements of subparagraphs (C) through (E).

(f) Special rule

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4106, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1974.)

§ 7117. Activities to support well-rounded educational opportunities

(a) In generalSubject to section 7116(f) of this title, each local educational agency, or consortium of such agencies, that receives an allocation under section 7115(a) of this title shall use a portion of such funds to develop and implement programs and activities that support access to a well-rounded education and that—

(1) are coordinated with other schools and community-based services and programs;

(2) may be conducted in partnership with an institution of higher education, business, nonprofit organization, community-based organization, or other public or private entity with a demonstrated record of success in implementing activities under this section; and

(3) may include programs and activities, such as—

(A) college and career guidance and counseling programs, such as—

(i) postsecondary education and career awareness and exploration activities;

(ii) training counselors to effectively use labor market information in assisting students with postsecondary education and career planning; and

(iii) financial literacy and Federal financial aid awareness activities;

(B) programs and activities that use music and the arts as tools to support student success through the promotion of constructive student engagement, problem solving, and conflict resolution;

(C) programming and activities to improve instruction and student engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer science, (referred to in this section as “STEM subjects”) such as—

(i) increasing access for students through grade 12 who are members of groups underrepresented in such subject fields, such as female students, minority students, English learners, children with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students, to high-quality courses;

(ii) supporting the participation of low-income students in nonprofit competitions related to STEM subjects (such as robotics, science research, invention, mathematics, computer science, and technology competitions);

(iii) providing hands-on learning and exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and supporting the use of field-based or service learning to enhance the students’ understanding of the STEM subjects;

(iv) supporting the creation and enhancement of STEM-focused specialty schools;

(v) facilitating collaboration among school, after-school program, and informal program personnel to improve the integration of programming and instruction in the identified subjects; and

(vi) integrating other academic subjects, including the arts, into STEM subject programs to increase participation in STEM subjects, improve attainment of skills related to STEM subjects, and promote well-rounded education;

(D) efforts to raise student academic achievement through accelerated learning programs described in section 7114(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV) of this title, such as—

(i) reimbursing low-income students to cover part or all of the costs of accelerated learning examination fees, if the low-income students are enrolled in accelerated learning courses and plan to take accelerated learning examinations; or

(ii) increasing the availability of, and enrollment in, accelerated learning courses, accelerated learning examinations, dual or concurrent enrollment programs, and early college high school courses;

(E) activities to promote the development, implementation, and strengthening of programs to teach traditional American history, civics, economics, geography, or government education;

(F) foreign language instruction;

(G) environmental education;

(H) programs and activities that promote volunteerism and community involvement;

(I) programs and activities that support educational programs that integrate multiple disciplines, such as programs that combine arts and mathematics; or

(J) other activities and programs to support student access to, and success in, a variety of well-rounded education experiences.

(b) Special rule

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4107, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1977.)

§ 7118. Activities to support safe and healthy studentsSubject to section 7116(f) of this title, each local educational agency, or consortium of such agencies, that receives an allocation under section 7115(a) of this title shall use a portion of such funds to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive programs and activities that—

(1) are coordinated with other schools and community-based services and programs;

(2) foster safe, healthy, supportive, and drug-free environments that support student academic achievement;

(3) promote the involvement of parents in the activity or program;

(4) may be conducted in partnership with an institution of higher education, business, nonprofit organization, community-based organization, or other public or private entity with a demonstrated record of success in implementing activities described in this section; and

(5) may include, among other programs and activities—

(A) drug and violence prevention activities and programs that are evidence-based (to the extent the State, in consultation with local educational agencies in the State, determines that such evidence is reasonably available) including—

(i) programs to educate students against the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, smokeless tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes; and

(ii) professional development and training for school and specialized instructional support personnel and interested community members in prevention, education, early identification, intervention mentoring, recovery support services and, where appropriate, rehabilitation referral, as related to drug and violence prevention;

(B) in accordance with sections 7101 and 7121 of this title—

(i) school-based mental health services, including early identification of mental health symptoms, drug use, and violence, and appropriate referrals to direct individual or group counseling services, which may be provided by school-based mental health services providers; and

(ii) school-based mental health services partnership programs that—(I) are conducted in partnership with a public or private mental health entity or health care entity; and(II) provide comprehensive school-based mental health services and supports and staff development for school and community personnel working in the school that are—(aa) based on trauma-informed practices that are evidence-based (to the extent the State, in consultation with local educational agencies in the State, determines that such evidence is reasonably available);(bb) coordinated (where appropriate) with early intervening services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.); and(cc) provided by qualified mental and behavioral health professionals who are certified or licensed by the State involved and practicing within their area of expertise;

(i) integrate health and safety practices into school or athletic programs;

(ii) support a healthy, active lifestyle, including nutritional education and regular, structured physical education activities and programs, that may address chronic disease management with instruction led by school nurses, nurse practitioners, or other appropriate specialists or professionals to help maintain the well-being of students;

(iii) help prevent bullying and harassment;

(iv) improve instructional practices for developing relationship-building skills, such as effective communication, and improve safety through the recognition and prevention of coercion, violence, or abuse, including teen and dating violence, stalking, domestic abuse, and sexual violence and harassment;

(v) provide mentoring and school counseling to all students, including children who are at risk of academic failure, dropping out of school, involvement in criminal or delinquent activities, or drug use and abuse;

(vi) establish or improve school dropout and re-entry programs; or

(vii) establish learning environments and enhance students’ effective learning skills that are essential for school readiness and academic success, such as by providing integrated systems of student and family supports;

(D) high-quality training for school personnel, including specialized instructional support personnel, related to—

(i) suicide prevention;

(ii) effective and trauma-informed practices in classroom management;

(iii) crisis management and conflict resolution techniques;

(iv) human trafficking (defined, for purposes of this subparagraph, as an act or practice described in paragraph (9) or (10) 1

1 See References in Text note below.

of section 7102 of title 22);

(v) school-based violence prevention strategies;

(vi) drug abuse prevention, including educating children facing substance abuse at home; and

(vii) bullying and harassment prevention;

(E) in accordance with sections 7101 and 7121 of this title, child sexual abuse awareness and prevention programs or activities, such as programs or activities designed to provide—

(i) age-appropriate and developmentally-appropriate instruction for students in child sexual abuse awareness and prevention, including how to recognize child sexual abuse and how to safely report child sexual abuse; and

(ii) information to parents and guardians of students about child sexual abuse awareness and prevention, including how to recognize child sexual abuse and how to discuss child sexual abuse with a child;

(F) designing and implementing a locally-tailored plan to reduce exclusionary discipline practices in elementary and secondary schools that—

(i) is consistent with best practices;

(ii) includes strategies that are evidence-based (to the extent the State, in consultation with local educational agencies in the State, determines that such evidence is reasonably available); and

(iii) is aligned with the long-term goal of prison reduction through opportunities, mentoring, intervention, support, and other education services, referred to as a “youth PROMISE plan”; or

(G) implementation of schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports, including through coordination with similar activities carried out under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), in order to improve academic outcomes and school conditions for student learning;

(H) designating a site resource coordinator at a school or local educational agency to provide a variety of services, such as—

(i) establishing partnerships within the community to provide resources and support for schools;

(ii) ensuring that all service and community partners are aligned with the academic expectations of a community school in order to improve student success; and

(iii) strengthening relationships between schools and communities; or

(I) pay for success initiatives aligned with the purposes of this section.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4108, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1978.)

§ 7119. Activities to support the effective use of technology

(a) Uses of fundsSubject to section 7116(f) of this title, each local educational agency, or consortium of such agencies, that receives an allocation under section 7115(a) 1

1 See References in Text note below.

of this title shall use a portion of such funds to improve the use of technology to improve the academic achievement, academic growth, and digital literacy of all students, including by meeting the needs of such agency or consortium that are identified in the needs assessment conducted under section 7116(d) of this title (if applicable), which may include—

(1) providing educators, school leaders, and administrators with the professional learning tools, devices, span, and resources to—

(A) personalize learning to improve student academic achievement;

(B) discover, adapt, and share relevant high-quality educational resources;

(C) use technology effectively in the classroom, including by administering computer-based assessments and blended learning strategies; and

(D) implement and support school- and district-wide approaches for using technology to inform instruction, support teacher collaboration, and personalize learning;

(2) building technological capacity and infrastructure, which may include—

(A) procuring span and ensuring span quality; and

(B) purchasing devices, equipment, and software applications in order to address readiness shortfalls;

(3) developing or using effective or innovative strategies for the delivery of specialized or rigorous academic courses and curricula through the use of technology, including digital learning technologies and assistive technology;

(4) carrying out blended learning projects, which shall include—

(A) planning activities, which may include development of new instructional models (including blended learning technology software and platforms), the purchase of digital instructional resources, initial professional development activities, and one-time information technology purchases, except that such expenditures may not include expenditures related to significant construction or renovation of facilities; or

(B) ongoing professional development for teachers, principals, other school leaders, or other personnel involved in the project that is designed to support the implementation and academic success of the project;

(5) providing professional development in the use of technology (which may be provided through partnerships with outside organizations) to enable teachers and instructional leaders to increase student achievement in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer science; and

(6) providing students in rural, remote, and underserved areas with the resources to take advantage of high-quality digital learning experiences, digital resources, and access to online courses taught by effective educators.

(b) Special rule

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4109, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1981.)

§ 7120. Supplement, not supplant

Funds made available under this subpart shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, non-Federal funds that would otherwise be used for activities authorized under this subpart.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4110, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1982.)

§ 7121. Rule of construction

Nothing in this subpart may be construed to—

(1) authorize activities or programming that encourages teenage sexual activity; or

(2) prohibit effective activities or programming that meet the requirements of section 7906 of this title.

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4111, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1982.)

§ 7122. Authorization of appropriations

(a) In general

(b) Forward funding

(Pub. L. 89–10, title IV, § 4112, as added Pub. L. 114–95, title IV, § 4101, Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1982.)