View all text of Subchapter V [§ 893 - § 893c]
§ 893a. NOAA ocean and atmospheric science education programs
(a) In general
(b) Educational program goalsThe education programs developed by NOAA shall, to the extent applicable—
(1) carry out and support research based programs and activities designed to increase student interest and participation in STEM;
(2) improve public literacy in STEM;
(3) employ proven strategies and methods for improving student learning and teaching in STEM;
(4) provide curriculum support materials and other resources that—
(A) are designed to be integrated with comprehensive STEM education;
(B) are aligned with national science education standards;
(C) are designed considering the unique needs of underrepresented groups, translating such materials and other resources;
(D) promote the adoption and implementation of high-quality education practices that build toward college and career-readiness; and
(E) are promoted widely, especially among individuals identified in sections 1885a and 1885b of title 42; and
(5) create and support opportunities for enhanced and ongoing professional development for teachers using best practices that improves the STEM span and knowledge of the teachers, including through programs linking STEM teachers with STEM educators at the higher education level.
(c) NOAA science education plan
(d) MetricsIn executing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration science education plan under subsection (c), the Administrator shall maintain a comprehensive system for evaluating the Administration’s educational programs and activities. In so doing, the Administrator shall ensure that such education programs have measurable objectives and milestones as well as clear, documented metrics for evaluating programs. For each such education program or portfolio of similar programs, the Administrator shall—
(1) encourage the collection of evidence as relevant to the measurable objectives and milestones; and
(2) ensure that program or portfolio evaluations focus on educational outcomes and not just inputs, activities completed, or the number of participants.
(e) Construction
(f) STEM defined
(Pub. L. 110–69, title IV, § 4002, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 600; Pub. L. 111–358, title III, § 302, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3997; Pub. L. 114–329, title III, § 314, Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3015.)