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July 23, 2007, 12:00 am ET - Amendment SA 2382 proposed by Senator Kennedy.
July 23, 2007, 12:00 am ET - Amendment SA 2382 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Full Text of this Amendment
SA 2382. Mr. KENNEDY (for himself and Mr. Enzi) proposed an amendment to the bill S. 1642, to extend the authorization of programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes; as follows:
On page 561, line 12, strike ``90'' and insert ``30''.
On page 577, strike lines 20 through 22, and insert the following:
``(b) Exception.--The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to a system (or a successor system) that is necessary for the operation of programs authorized by title II, IV, or VII that were in use by the Secretary, directly or through a contractor, as of the day before the date of enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 2007.
On page 601, strike lines 5 through 12 and insert the following:
``(10) HIGH-NEED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM.--The term `high-need early childhood education program' means an early childhood education program serving children from low-income families that is located within the geographic area served by a high-need local educational agency.
On page 611, line 9, after ``learning'' insert ``, which may include the use of formative assessments, performance-based assessments, project-based assessments, or portfolio assessments, that measure higher-order thinking skills, including application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation''.
On page 611, strike lines 14 through 16 and insert the following:
``(G) use, in the case of an early childhood educator, age- and developmentally-appropriate strategies and practices for children in early education programs.
On page 614, strike lines 18 through 21 and insert the following:
``(i) State early learning standards for early childhood education programs, as appropriate, and with the relevant domains of early childhood development; and
On page 631, between lines 4 and 5, insert the following:
``(f) Allowable Use of Grant Funds.--An eligible partnership that receives a grant under this part may use grant funds provided to carry out the activities described in subsections (d) and (e) to partner with a television public broadcast station, as defined in section 397(6) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 397(6)), for the purpose of improving the quality of pre-baccalaureate teacher preparation programs. The partnership may use such funds to enhance the quality of pre-service
training for prospective teachers, including through the use of digital educational content and related services.
On page 631, line 5, strike ``(f)'' and insert ``(g)''.
On page 631, line 23, strike ``(g)'' and insert ``(h)''.
On page 632, line 6, strike ``(h)'' and insert ``(i)''.
On page 667, line 8, strike ``and''.
On page 667, strike line 10, and insert ``fied graduate program;''.
On page 667, between lines 10 and 11, insert the following:
``(Z) Kentucky State University qualified graduate program; and
``(AA) Grambling State University qualified graduate program.'';
On page 667, line 20, strike ``and''.
On page 667, line 20, after ``(Y)'' insert ``, (Z), and (AA)''.
On page 668, line 3, strike ``and (Y)'' and insert ``(Y), (Z), and (AA)''.
On page 668, line 7, strike ``(Y)'' and insert ``(AA)''.
On page 679, strike lines 12 through 23 and insert the following:
``(i) offers a single liberal arts curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree, under which students are not permitted by the institution to declare a major in a particular subject area, and those students--
``(I) study, in such years, a subject described in subparagraph (C)(i) that is at least equal to the requirements for an academic major at an institution of higher education that offers a baccalaureate degree in such subject, as certified by an appropriate official from the institution; or
``(II) are required, as part of their degree program, to undertake a rigorous course of study in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics, which consists of at least--
``(aa) 4 years of study in mathematics; and
``(bb) 3 years of study in the sciences, with a laboratory component in each of those years; and
On page 712, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:
(3) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) CARRY OVER.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this chapter may carry over any unspent grant funds from the final year of the grant period into the following year.'';
On page 716, between lines 8 and 9, insert the following:
(4) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``paid to students from State, local, institutional, or private funds under this chapter'' and inserting ``obligated to students from State, local, institutional, or private funds under this chapter, including pre-existing non-Federal financial assistance programs,'';
On page 716, between lines 16 and 17, insert the following:
(5) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) other resources recognized by the Secretary, including equipment and supplies, cash contributions from non-Federal sources, transportation expenses, in-kind or discounted program services, indirect costs, and facility usage.''.
On page 720, between lines 11 and 12, insert the following:
``(12) Fostering and improving parent and family involvement in elementary and secondary education by promoting the advantages of a college education, and emphasizing academic admission requirements and the need to take college preparation courses, through parent engagement and leadership activities.
``(13) Disseminating information that promotes the importance of higher education, explains college preparation and admissions requirements, and raises awareness of the resources and services provided by the eligible entities to eligible students, their families, and communities.
On page 767, strike lines 20 through 22 and insert the following:
SEC. 423. DEFAULT REDUCTION PROGRAM.
Section 428F (20 U.S.C. 1078-6) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by adding at the end the following: ``Upon the sale of the loan to an eligible lender, the guaranty agency, and any prior holder of the loan, shall request any consumer reporting agency to which the guaranty agency or holder, as applicable, reported the default of the loan, to remove the record of default from the borrower's credit history.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) LIMITATION.--A borrower may obtain the benefits available under this subsection with respect to rehabilitating a loan only one time per loan.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
On page 784, between lines 20 and 21, insert the following:
SEC. 451A. ALLOWANCE FOR BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
Section 462(c)(4)(D) (20 U.S.C. 1087bb(c)(4)(D)) is amended by striking ``$450'' and inserting ``$600''.
SEC. 451B. PERKINS LOAN FORBEARANCE.
Section 464 (20 U.S.C. 1087dd) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``, upon written request,'' and inserting ``, as documented in accordance with paragraph (2),'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively;
(C) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``Forbearance.--''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) For the purpose of paragraph (1), the terms of forbearance agreed to by the parties shall be documented by--
``(A) confirming the agreement of the borrower by notice to the borrower from the institution of higher education; and
``(B) recording the terms in the borrower's file.''; and
(2) in subsection (j), by striking ``(e)(3)'' and inserting ``(e)(1)(C)''.
On page 824, strike lines 13 through 16 and insert ``who has completed secondary school; or''.
On page 828, strike lines 6 through 12 and insert the following:
``(P) institutional policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement, including--
``(i) an annual disclosure that explicitly informs students that unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject the students to civil and criminal liabilities;
``(ii) a summary of the penalties for violation of Federal copyright laws;
``(iii) a description of the institution's policies with respect to unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, including disciplinary actions that are taken against students who engage in unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using the institution's information technology system; and
``(iv) a description of actions that the institution takes to prevent and detect unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material on the institution's information technology system;
On page 838, line 4, strike ``institution's''.
On page 838, line 5, insert ``established by the institution'' after ``policies''.
On page 838, strike lines 8 through 11, and insert the following:
``(A) any established criteria the institution uses regarding the transfer of credit earned at another institution of higher education; and
On page 887, strike lines 21 through 23, and insert the following:
``(B) that include a statement of the criteria established by the institution regarding the transfer of credit earned at another institution of higher education.'';
On page 827, between lines 20 and 21, insert the following:
(i) in subparagraph (G)--
(I) by striking ``program, and'' and inserting ``program,''; and
(II) by inserting ``, and (iv) any plans by the institution for improving the academic program of the institution'' after ``instructional personnel''; and
On page 829, line 11, strike ``and'' after the semicolon.
On page 829, strike line 13 and insert the following:
institution pursuant to subsection (i).
``(U) the retention rate of certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time, undergraduate students entering such institution.'';
On page 883, strike line 1 and all that follows through page 884, line 9 and insert the following:
``(A) success with respect to student achievement in relation to the institution's mission, which may include different standards for different institutions or programs, as established by the institution, including, as appropriate, consideration of State licensing examinations and job placement rates;'';
On page 887, line 24, strike ``and''.
On page 888, line 7, strike the second period and insert ``; and''.
On page 888, between lines 7 and 8, insert the following:
(4) in subsection (o), by adding at the end the following: ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not promulgate any regulation with respect to subsection (a)(5).''.
Strike line 24 on page 939 and all that follows through line 2 on page 940 and insert the following:
``(5) AMOUNTS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS.--All of the amounts appropriated to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be used for scholarships awarded under this subsection, except that a nonprofit organization receiving a contract under this subsection may use not more than 1 percent of such amounts for the administrative costs of the contract.''.
After line 24 on page 1032, insert the following:
SEC. 802. ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS.
Title VIII (as added by section 801) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``PART N--SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM
``SEC. 876. SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the `Secretary') shall award competitive grants to eligible entities for the purpose of improving public health preparedness through increasing the number of veterinarians in the workforce.
``(b) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), an entity shall--
``(1) be--
``(A) a public or other nonprofit school of veterinary medicine that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education pursuant to part H of title IV;
``(B) a public or nonprofit, department of comparative medicine, department of veterinary science, school of public health, or school of medicine that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education pursuant to part H of title IV and that offers graduate training for veterinarians in a public health practice area as determined by the Secretary; or
``(C) a public or nonprofit entity that--
``(i) conducts recognized residency training programs for veterinarians that are approved by a veterinary specialty organization that is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association; and
``(ii) offers postgraduate training for veterinarians in a public health practice area as determined by the Secretary; and
``(2) prepare and submit to the Secretary an application, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
``(c) Consideration of Applications.--The Secretary shall establish procedures to ensure that applications under subsection (b)(2) are rigorously reviewed and that grants are competitively awarded based on--
``(1) the ability of the applicant to increase the number of veterinarians who are trained in specified public health practice areas as determined by the Secretary;
``(2) the ability of the applicant to increase capacity in research on high priority disease agents; or
``(3) any other consideration the Secretary determines necessary.
``(d) Preference.--In awarding grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give preference to applicants that demonstrate a comprehensive approach by involving more than one school of veterinary medicine, department of comparative medicine, department of veterinary science, school of public health, school of medicine, or residency training program that offers postgraduate training for veterinarians in a public health practice area as determined by the Secretary.
``(e) Use of Funds.--Amounts received under a grant under this section shall be used by a grantee to increase the number of veterinarians in the workforce through paying costs associated with the expansion of academic programs at schools of veterinary medicine, departments of comparative medicine, departments of veterinary science, or entities offering residency training programs, or academic programs that offer postgraduate training for veterinarians or concurrent training for veterinary
students in specific areas of specialization, which costs may include minor renovation and improvement in classrooms, libraries, and laboratories.
``(f) Definition of Public Health Practice.--In this section, the term `public health practice' includes bioterrorism and emergency preparedness, environmental health, food safety and food security, regulatory medicine, diagnostic laboratory medicine, and biomedical research.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years. Amounts appropriated under this subsection shall remain available until expended.
``PART O--EARLY FEDERAL PELL GRANT COMMITMENT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
``SEC. 881. EARLY FEDERAL PELL GRANT COMMITMENT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
``(a) Demonstration Program Authority.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--The Secretary is authorized to carry out an Early Federal Pell Grant Commitment Demonstration Program under which--
``(A) the Secretary awards grants to 4 State educational agencies, in accordance with paragraph (2), to pay the administrative expenses incurred in participating in the demonstration program under this section; and
``(B) the Secretary awards Federal Pell Grants to participating students in accordance with this section.
``(2) GRANTS.--
``(A) IN GENERAL.--From amounts appropriated under subsection (h) for a fiscal year, the Secretary is authorized to award grants to 4 State educational agencies to enable the State educational agencies to pay the administrative expenses incurred in participating in a demonstration program under which 8th grade students who are eligible for a free or reduced price meal described in subsection (b)(1)(B) receive a commitment to receive a Federal
Pell Grant early in their academic careers.
``(B) EQUAL AMOUNTS.--The Secretary shall award grants under this section in equal amounts to each of the 4 participating State educational agencies.
``(b) Demonstration Project Requirements.--Each of the 4 demonstration projects assisted under this section shall meet the following requirements:
``(1) PARTICIPANTS.--
``(A) IN GENERAL.--The State educational agency shall make participation in the demonstration project available to 2 cohorts of students, which shall consist of--
``(i) 1 cohort of 8th grade students who begin the participation in academic year 2008-2009; and
``(ii) 1 cohort of 8th grade students who begin the participation in academic year 2009-2010.
``(B) STUDENTS IN EACH COHORT.--Each cohort of students shall consist of not more than 10,000 8th grade students who qualify for a free or reduced price meal under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
``(2) STUDENT DATA.--The State educational agency shall ensure that student data from local educational agencies serving students who participate in the demonstration project, as well as student data from local educational agencies serving a comparable group of students who do not participate in the demonstration project, are available for evaluation of the demonstration project, except that in no case shall such data be provided in a manner that would reveal personally identifiable information
about an individual student.
``(3) FEDERAL PELL GRANT COMMITMENT.--Each student who participates in the demonstration project receives a commitment from the Secretary to receive a Federal Pell Grant during the first academic year that the student is in attendance at an institution of higher education as an undergraduate, if the student applies for Federal financial aid (via the FAFSA or EZ FAFSA) during the student's senior year of secondary school and during succeeding years.
``(4) APPLICATION PROCESS.--The Secretary shall establish an application process to select State educational agencies to participate in the demonstration program and State educational agencies shall establish an application process to select local educational agencies within the State to participate in the demonstration project.
``(5) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY PARTICIPATION.--Subject to the 10,000 statewide student limitation described in paragraph (1), a local educational agency serving students, not less than 50 percent of whom are eligible for a free or reduced price meal under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, shall be eligible to participate in the demonstration project.
``(c) State Educational Agency Applications.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--Each State educational agency desiring to participate in the demonstration program under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require.
``(2) CONTENTS.--Each application shall include--
``(A) a description of the proposed targeted information campaign for the demonstration project and a copy of the plan described in subsection (f)(2);
``(B) a description of the student population that will receive an early commitment to receive a Federal Pell Grant under this section;
``(C) an assurance that the State educational agency will fully cooperate with the ongoing evaluation of the demonstration project; and
``(D) such other information as the Secretary may require.
``(d) Selection Considerations.--
``(1) SELECTION OF STATE EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES.--In selecting State educational agencies to participate in the demonstration program under this section, the Secretary shall consider--
``(A) the number and quality of State educational agency applications received;
``(B) the Department's capacity to oversee and monitor each State educational agency's participation in the demonstration program;
``(C) a State educational agency's--
``(i) financial responsibility;
``(ii) administrative capability;
``(iii) commitment to focusing State resources, in addition to any resources provided under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, on students who receive assistance under such part A;
``(iv) ability and plans to run an effective and thorough targeted information campaign for students served by local educational agencies eligible to participate in the demonstration project; and
``(v) ability to ensure the participation in the demonstration program of a diverse group of students, including with respect to ethnicity and gender.
``(2) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY.--In selecting local educational agencies to participate in a demonstration project under this section, the State educational agency shall consider--
``(A) the number and quality of local educational agency applications received;
``(B) the State educational agency's capacity to oversee and monitor each local educational agency's participation in the demonstration project;
``(C) a local educational agency's--
``(i) financial responsibility;
``(ii) administrative capability;
``(iii) commitment to focusing local resources, in addition to any resources provided under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, on students who receive assistance under such part A;
``(iv) ability and plans to run an effective and thorough targeted information campaign for students served by the local educational agency; and
``(v) ability to ensure the participation in the demonstration project of a diverse group of students with respect to ethnicity and gender.
``(e) Evaluation.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--From amounts appropriated under subsection (h) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve not more than $1,000,000 to award a grant or contract to an organization outside the Department for an independent evaluation of the impact of the demonstration program assisted under this section.
``(2) COMPETITIVE BASIS.--The grant or contract shall be awarded on a competitive basis.
``(3) MATTERS EVALUATED.--The evaluation described in this subsection shall--
``(A) determine the number of individuals who were encouraged by the demonstration program to pursue higher education;
``(B) identify the barriers to the effectiveness of the demonstration program;
``(C) assess the cost-effectiveness of the demonstration program in improving access to higher education;
``(D) identify the reasons why participants in the demonstration program either received or did not receive a Federal Pell Grant;
``(E) identify intermediate outcomes related to postsecondary education attendance, such as whether participants--
``(i) were more likely to take a college-prep curriculum while in secondary school;
``(ii) submitted any college applications; and
``(iii) took the PSAT, SAT, or ACT;
``(F) identify the number of individuals participating in the demonstration program who pursued an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree, or other postsecondary education;
``(G) compare the findings of the demonstration program with respect to participants to comparison groups (of similar size and demographics) that did not participate in the demonstration program; and
``(H) identify the impact on the parents of students eligible to participate in the demonstration program.
``(4) DISSEMINATION.--The findings of the evaluation shall be reported to the Secretary, who shall widely disseminate the findings to the public.
``(f) Targeted Information Campaign.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--Each State educational agency receiving a grant under this section shall, in cooperation with the participating local educational agencies within the State and the Secretary, develop a targeted information campaign for the demonstration program assisted under this section.
``(2) PLAN.--Each State educational agency receiving a grant under this section shall include in the application submitted under subsection (c) a written plan for their proposed targeted information campaign. The plan shall include the following:
``(A) OUTREACH.--A description of the outreach to students and their families at the beginning and end of each academic year of the demonstration project, at a minimum.
``(B) DISTRIBUTION.--How the State educational agency plans to provide the outreach described in subparagraph (A) and to provide the information described in subparagraph (C).
``(C) INFORMATION.--The annual provision by the State educational agency to all students and families participating in the demonstration program of information regarding--
``(i) the estimated statewide average cost of attendance for an institution of higher education for each academic year, which cost data shall be disaggregated by--
``(I) type of institution, including--
``(aa) 2-year public degree-granting institutions of higher education;
``(bb) 4-year public degree-granting institutions of higher education; and
``(cc) 4-year private degree-granting institutions of higher education;
``(II) component, including--
``(aa) tuition and fees; and
``(bb) room and board;
``(ii) Federal Pell Grants, including--
``(I) the maximum Federal Pell Grant for each award year;
``(II) when and how to apply for a Federal Pell Grant; and
``(III) what the application process for a Federal Pell Grant requires;
``(iii) State-specific college savings programs;
``(iv) State merit-based financial aid;
``(v) State need-based financial aid; and
``(vi) Federal financial aid available to students, including eligibility criteria for such aid and an explanation of the Federal financial aid programs, such as the Student Guide published by the Department of Education (or any successor to such document).
``(3) COHORTS.--The information described in paragraph (2)(C) shall be provided to 2 cohorts of students annually for the duration of the students' participation in the demonstration program. The 2 cohorts shall consist of--
``(A) 1 cohort of 8th grade students who begin the participation in academic year 2008-2009; and
``(B) 1 cohort of 8th grade students who begin the participation in academic year 2009-2010.
``(4) RESERVATION.--Each State educational agency receiving a grant under this section shall reserve not more than 15 percent of the grant funds received each fiscal year to carry out the targeted information campaign described in this subsection.
``(g) Supplement, Not Supplant.--A State educational agency shall use grant funds received under this section only to supplement the funds that would, in the absence of such funds, be made available from non-Federal sources for students participating in the demonstration program under this section, and not to supplant such funds.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.
``PART P--HENRY KUUALOHA GIUGNI KUPUNA MEMORIAL ARCHIVES
``SEC. 886. HENRY KUUALOHA GIUGNI KUPUNA MEMORIAL ARCHIVES.
``(a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary is authorized to award a grant to the University of Hawaii Academy for Creative Media for the establishment, maintenance, and periodic modernization of the Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives at the University of Hawaii.
``(b) Use of Funds.--The Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives shall use the grant funds received under this section--
``(1) to facilitate the acquisition of a secure web accessible repository of Native Hawaiian historical data rich in ethnic and cultural significance to the United States for preservation and access by future generations;
``(2) to award scholarships to facilitate access to a postsecondary education for students who cannot afford such education;
``(3) to support programmatic efforts associated with the web-based media projects of the archives;
``(4) to create educational materials, from the contents of the archives, that are applicable to a broad range of indigenous students, such as Native Hawaiians, Alaskan Natives, and Native American Indians;
``(5) to develop outreach initiatives that introduce the archival collections to elementary schools and secondary schools;
``(6) to develop supplemental web-based resources that define terms and cultural practices innate to Native Hawaiians;
``(7) to rent, lease, purchase, maintain, or repair educational facilities to house the archival collections;
``(8) to rent, lease, purchase, maintain, or repair computer equipment for use by elementary schools and secondary schools in accessing the archival collections;
``(9) to provide pre-service and in-service teacher training to develop a core group of kindergarten through grade 12 teachers who are able to provide instruction in a way that is relevant to the unique background of indigenous students, such as Native Hawaiians, Alaskan Natives, and Native American Indians, in order to--
``(A) facilitate greater understanding by teachers of the unique background of indigenous students; and
``(B) improve student achievement; and
``(10) to increase the economic and financial literacy of postsecondary education students through the dissemination of best practices used at other institutions of higher education regarding debt and credit management and economic decision-making.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''.
On page 1036, strike lines 8 through 15 and insert the following:
``(2) If, pursuant to the agreement established under paragraph (1), either the Secretary or the Rochester Institute of Technology terminates the agreement, the Secretary shall consider proposals from other institutions of higher education and enter into an agreement with one of those institutions for the establishment and operation of a National Technical Institution for the Deaf.''; and
On page 1038, line 15, strike ``2007'' and insert ``2008''.
On page 900, line 1, strike ``(a) Authorizations.--'' and insert ``(a) Authorizations.--There are''.
On page 674, lines 20 and 21, strike ``paragraph (4) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C))'' and insert ``paragraph (5)''.
On page 675, lines 6 and 7, strike ``paragraph (5) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C))'' and insert ``paragraph (6)''.
On page 675, line 9, strike ``(5)'' and insert ``(6)''.
On page 579, between lines 11 and 12, insert the following:
SEC. 110A. STATE HIGHER EDUCATION INFORMATION SYSTEM PILOT PROGRAM.
Part C of title I of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended by this title) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 135. STATE HIGHER EDUCATION INFORMATION SYSTEM PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to carry out a pilot program to assist not more than 5 States to develop State-level postsecondary student data systems to--
``(1) improve the capacity of States and institutions of higher education to generate more comprehensive and comparable data, in order to develop better-informed educational policy at the State level and to evaluate the effectiveness of institutional performance while protecting the confidentiality of students' personally identifiable information; and
``(2) identify how to best minimize the data-reporting burden placed on institutions of higher education, particularly smaller institutions, and to maximize and improve the information institutions receive from the data systems, in order to assist institutions in improving educational practice and postsecondary outcomes.
``(b) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term `eligible entity' means--
``(1) a State higher education system; or
``(2) a consortium of State higher education systems, or a consortium of individual institutions of higher education, that is broadly representative of institutions in different sectors and geographic locations.
``(c) Competitive Grants.--
``(1) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.--The Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to not more than 5 eligible entities to enable the eligible entities to--
``(A) design, test, and implement systems of postsecondary student data that provide the maximum benefits to States, institutions of higher education, and State policymakers; and
``(B) examine the costs and burdens involved in implementing a State-level postsecondary student data system.
``(2) DURATION.--A grant awarded under this section shall be for a period of not more than 3 years.
``(d) Application Requirements.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary determines is necessary, including a description of--
``(1) how the eligible entity will ensure that student privacy is protected and that individually identifiable information about students, the students' achievements, and the students' families remains confidential in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g); and
``(2) how the activities funded by the grant will be supported after the 3-year grant period.
``(e) Use of Funds.--A grant awarded under this section shall be used to--
``(1) design, develop, and implement the components of a comprehensive postsecondary student data system with the capacity to transmit student information within States;
``(2) improve the capacity of institutions of higher education to analyze and use student data;
``(3) select and define common data elements, data quality, and other elements that will enable the data system to--
``(A) serve the needs of institutions of higher education for institutional research and improvement;
``(B) provide students and the students' families with useful information for decision-making about postsecondary education;
``(C) provide State policymakers with improved information to monitor and guide efforts to improve student outcomes and success in higher education;
``(4) estimate costs and burdens at the institutional level for the reporting system for different types of institutions; and
``(5) test the feasibility of protocols and standards for maintaining data privacy and data access.
``(f) Evaluation; Reports.--Not later than 6 months after the end of the projects funded by grants awarded under this section, the Secretary shall--
``(1) conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the pilot program authorized by this section; and
``(2) report the Secretary's findings, as well as recommendations regarding the implementation of State-level postsecondary student data systems to the authorizing committees.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''.
(As printed in the Congressional Record for the Senate on Jul 23, 2007.)
On page 561, line 12, strike ``90'' and insert ``30''.
On page 577, strike lines 20 through 22, and insert the following:
``(b) Exception.--The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to a system (or a successor system) that is necessary for the operation of programs authorized by title II, IV, or VII that were in use by the Secretary, directly or through a contractor, as of the day before the date of enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 2007.
On page 601, strike lines 5 through 12 and insert the following:
``(10) HIGH-NEED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM.--The term `high-need early childhood education program' means an early childhood education program serving children from low-income families that is located within the geographic area served by a high-need local educational agency.
On page 611, line 9, after ``learning'' insert ``, which may include the use of formative assessments, performance-based assessments, project-based assessments, or portfolio assessments, that measure higher-order thinking skills, including application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation''.
On page 611, strike lines 14 through 16 and insert the following:
``(G) use, in the case of an early childhood educator, age- and developmentally-appropriate strategies and practices for children in early education programs.
On page 614, strike lines 18 through 21 and insert the following:
``(i) State early learning standards for early childhood education programs, as appropriate, and with the relevant domains of early childhood development; and
On page 631, between lines 4 and 5, insert the following:
``(f) Allowable Use of Grant Funds.--An eligible partnership that receives a grant under this part may use grant funds provided to carry out the activities described in subsections (d) and (e) to partner with a television public broadcast station, as defined in section 397(6) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 397(6)), for the purpose of improving the quality of pre-baccalaureate teacher preparation programs. The partnership may use such funds to enhance the quality of pre-service
training for prospective teachers, including through the use of digital educational content and related services.
On page 631, line 5, strike ``(f)'' and insert ``(g)''.
On page 631, line 23, strike ``(g)'' and insert ``(h)''.
On page 632, line 6, strike ``(h)'' and insert ``(i)''.
On page 667, line 8, strike ``and''.
On page 667, strike line 10, and insert ``fied graduate program;''.
On page 667, between lines 10 and 11, insert the following:
``(Z) Kentucky State University qualified graduate program; and
``(AA) Grambling State University qualified graduate program.'';
On page 667, line 20, strike ``and''.
On page 667, line 20, after ``(Y)'' insert ``, (Z), and (AA)''.
On page 668, line 3, strike ``and (Y)'' and insert ``(Y), (Z), and (AA)''.
On page 668, line 7, strike ``(Y)'' and insert ``(AA)''.
On page 679, strike lines 12 through 23 and insert the following:
``(i) offers a single liberal arts curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree, under which students are not permitted by the institution to declare a major in a particular subject area, and those students--
``(I) study, in such years, a subject described in subparagraph (C)(i) that is at least equal to the requirements for an academic major at an institution of higher education that offers a baccalaureate degree in such subject, as certified by an appropriate official from the institution; or
``(II) are required, as part of their degree program, to undertake a rigorous course of study in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics, which consists of at least--
``(aa) 4 years of study in mathematics; and
``(bb) 3 years of study in the sciences, with a laboratory component in each of those years; and
On page 712, between lines 2 and 3, insert the following:
(3) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) CARRY OVER.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this chapter may carry over any unspent grant funds from the final year of the grant period into the following year.'';
On page 716, between lines 8 and 9, insert the following:
(4) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``paid to students from State, local, institutional, or private funds under this chapter'' and inserting ``obligated to students from State, local, institutional, or private funds under this chapter, including pre-existing non-Federal financial assistance programs,'';
On page 716, between lines 16 and 17, insert the following:
(5) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) other resources recognized by the Secretary, including equipment and supplies, cash contributions from non-Federal sources, transportation expenses, in-kind or discounted program services, indirect costs, and facility usage.''.
On page 720, between lines 11 and 12, insert the following:
``(12) Fostering and improving parent and family involvement in elementary and secondary education by promoting the advantages of a college education, and emphasizing academic admission requirements and the need to take college preparation courses, through parent engagement and leadership activities.
``(13) Disseminating information that promotes the importance of higher education, explains college preparation and admissions requirements, and raises awareness of the resources and services provided by the eligible entities to eligible students, their families, and communities.
On page 767, strike lines 20 through 22 and insert the following:
SEC. 423. DEFAULT REDUCTION PROGRAM.
Section 428F (20 U.S.C. 1078-6) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by adding at the end the following: ``Upon the sale of the loan to an eligible lender, the guaranty agency, and any prior holder of the loan, shall request any consumer reporting agency to which the guaranty agency or holder, as applicable, reported the default of the loan, to remove the record of default from the borrower's credit history.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) LIMITATION.--A borrower may obtain the benefits available under this subsection with respect to rehabilitating a loan only one time per loan.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
On page 784, between lines 20 and 21, insert the following:
SEC. 451A. ALLOWANCE FOR BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
Section 462(c)(4)(D) (20 U.S.C. 1087bb(c)(4)(D)) is amended by striking ``$450'' and inserting ``$600''.
SEC. 451B. PERKINS LOAN FORBEARANCE.
Section 464 (20 U.S.C. 1087dd) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``, upon written request,'' and inserting ``, as documented in accordance with paragraph (2),'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively;
(C) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``Forbearance.--''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) For the purpose of paragraph (1), the terms of forbearance agreed to by the parties shall be documented by--
``(A) confirming the agreement of the borrower by notice to the borrower from the institution of higher education; and
``(B) recording the terms in the borrower's file.''; and
(2) in subsection (j), by striking ``(e)(3)'' and inserting ``(e)(1)(C)''.
On page 824, strike lines 13 through 16 and insert ``who has completed secondary school; or''.
On page 828, strike lines 6 through 12 and insert the following:
``(P) institutional policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement, including--
``(i) an annual disclosure that explicitly informs students that unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject the students to civil and criminal liabilities;
``(ii) a summary of the penalties for violation of Federal copyright laws;
``(iii) a description of the institution's policies with respect to unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, including disciplinary actions that are taken against students who engage in unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using the institution's information technology system; and
``(iv) a description of actions that the institution takes to prevent and detect unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material on the institution's information technology system;
On page 838, line 4, strike ``institution's''.
On page 838, line 5, insert ``established by the institution'' after ``policies''.
On page 838, strike lines 8 through 11, and insert the following:
``(A) any established criteria the institution uses regarding the transfer of credit earned at another institution of higher education; and
On page 887, strike lines 21 through 23, and insert the following:
``(B) that include a statement of the criteria established by the institution regarding the transfer of credit earned at another institution of higher education.'';
On page 827, between lines 20 and 21, insert the following:
(i) in subparagraph (G)--
(I) by striking ``program, and'' and inserting ``program,''; and
(II) by inserting ``, and (iv) any plans by the institution for improving the academic program of the institution'' after ``instructional personnel''; and
On page 829, line 11, strike ``and'' after the semicolon.
On page 829, strike line 13 and insert the following:
institution pursuant to subsection (i).
``(U) the retention rate of certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time, undergraduate students entering such institution.'';
On page 883, strike line 1 and all that follows through page 884, line 9 and insert the following:
``(A) success with respect to student achievement in relation to the institution's mission, which may include different standards for different institutions or programs, as established by the institution, including, as appropriate, consideration of State licensing examinations and job placement rates;'';
On page 887, line 24, strike ``and''.
On page 888, line 7, strike the second period and insert ``; and''.
On page 888, between lines 7 and 8, insert the following:
(4) in subsection (o), by adding at the end the following: ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not promulgate any regulation with respect to subsection (a)(5).''.
Strike line 24 on page 939 and all that follows through line 2 on page 940 and insert the following:
``(5) AMOUNTS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS.--All of the amounts appropriated to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be used for scholarships awarded under this subsection, except that a nonprofit organization receiving a contract under this subsection may use not more than 1 percent of such amounts for the administrative costs of the contract.''.
After line 24 on page 1032, insert the following:
SEC. 802. ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS.
Title VIII (as added by section 801) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``PART N--SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM
``SEC. 876. SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the `Secretary') shall award competitive grants to eligible entities for the purpose of improving public health preparedness through increasing the number of veterinarians in the workforce.
``(b) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), an entity shall--
``(1) be--
``(A) a public or other nonprofit school of veterinary medicine that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education pursuant to part H of title IV;
``(B) a public or nonprofit, department of comparative medicine, department of veterinary science, school of public health, or school of medicine that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education pursuant to part H of title IV and that offers graduate training for veterinarians in a public health practice area as determined by the Secretary; or
``(C) a public or nonprofit entity that--
``(i) conducts recognized residency training programs for veterinarians that are approved by a veterinary specialty organization that is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association; and
``(ii) offers postgraduate training for veterinarians in a public health practice area as determined by the Secretary; and
``(2) prepare and submit to the Secretary an application, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
``(c) Consideration of Applications.--The Secretary shall establish procedures to ensure that applications under subsection (b)(2) are rigorously reviewed and that grants are competitively awarded based on--
``(1) the ability of the applicant to increase the number of veterinarians who are trained in specified public health practice areas as determined by the Secretary;
``(2) the ability of the applicant to increase capacity in research on high priority disease agents; or
``(3) any other consideration the Secretary determines necessary.
``(d) Preference.--In awarding grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give preference to applicants that demonstrate a comprehensive approach by involving more than one school of veterinary medicine, department of comparative medicine, department of veterinary science, school of public health, school of medicine, or residency training program that offers postgraduate training for veterinarians in a public health practice area as determined by the Secretary.
``(e) Use of Funds.--Amounts received under a grant under this section shall be used by a grantee to increase the number of veterinarians in the workforce through paying costs associated with the expansion of academic programs at schools of veterinary medicine, departments of comparative medicine, departments of veterinary science, or entities offering residency training programs, or academic programs that offer postgraduate training for veterinarians or concurrent training for veterinary
students in specific areas of specialization, which costs may include minor renovation and improvement in classrooms, libraries, and laboratories.
``(f) Definition of Public Health Practice.--In this section, the term `public health practice' includes bioterrorism and emergency preparedness, environmental health, food safety and food security, regulatory medicine, diagnostic laboratory medicine, and biomedical research.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years. Amounts appropriated under this subsection shall remain available until expended.
``PART O--EARLY FEDERAL PELL GRANT COMMITMENT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
``SEC. 881. EARLY FEDERAL PELL GRANT COMMITMENT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
``(a) Demonstration Program Authority.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--The Secretary is authorized to carry out an Early Federal Pell Grant Commitment Demonstration Program under which--
``(A) the Secretary awards grants to 4 State educational agencies, in accordance with paragraph (2), to pay the administrative expenses incurred in participating in the demonstration program under this section; and
``(B) the Secretary awards Federal Pell Grants to participating students in accordance with this section.
``(2) GRANTS.--
``(A) IN GENERAL.--From amounts appropriated under subsection (h) for a fiscal year, the Secretary is authorized to award grants to 4 State educational agencies to enable the State educational agencies to pay the administrative expenses incurred in participating in a demonstration program under which 8th grade students who are eligible for a free or reduced price meal described in subsection (b)(1)(B) receive a commitment to receive a Federal
Pell Grant early in their academic careers.
``(B) EQUAL AMOUNTS.--The Secretary shall award grants under this section in equal amounts to each of the 4 participating State educational agencies.
``(b) Demonstration Project Requirements.--Each of the 4 demonstration projects assisted under this section shall meet the following requirements:
``(1) PARTICIPANTS.--
``(A) IN GENERAL.--The State educational agency shall make participation in the demonstration project available to 2 cohorts of students, which shall consist of--
``(i) 1 cohort of 8th grade students who begin the participation in academic year 2008-2009; and
``(ii) 1 cohort of 8th grade students who begin the participation in academic year 2009-2010.
``(B) STUDENTS IN EACH COHORT.--Each cohort of students shall consist of not more than 10,000 8th grade students who qualify for a free or reduced price meal under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
``(2) STUDENT DATA.--The State educational agency shall ensure that student data from local educational agencies serving students who participate in the demonstration project, as well as student data from local educational agencies serving a comparable group of students who do not participate in the demonstration project, are available for evaluation of the demonstration project, except that in no case shall such data be provided in a manner that would reveal personally identifiable information
about an individual student.
``(3) FEDERAL PELL GRANT COMMITMENT.--Each student who participates in the demonstration project receives a commitment from the Secretary to receive a Federal Pell Grant during the first academic year that the student is in attendance at an institution of higher education as an undergraduate, if the student applies for Federal financial aid (via the FAFSA or EZ FAFSA) during the student's senior year of secondary school and during succeeding years.
``(4) APPLICATION PROCESS.--The Secretary shall establish an application process to select State educational agencies to participate in the demonstration program and State educational agencies shall establish an application process to select local educational agencies within the State to participate in the demonstration project.
``(5) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY PARTICIPATION.--Subject to the 10,000 statewide student limitation described in paragraph (1), a local educational agency serving students, not less than 50 percent of whom are eligible for a free or reduced price meal under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, shall be eligible to participate in the demonstration project.
``(c) State Educational Agency Applications.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--Each State educational agency desiring to participate in the demonstration program under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require.
``(2) CONTENTS.--Each application shall include--
``(A) a description of the proposed targeted information campaign for the demonstration project and a copy of the plan described in subsection (f)(2);
``(B) a description of the student population that will receive an early commitment to receive a Federal Pell Grant under this section;
``(C) an assurance that the State educational agency will fully cooperate with the ongoing evaluation of the demonstration project; and
``(D) such other information as the Secretary may require.
``(d) Selection Considerations.--
``(1) SELECTION OF STATE EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES.--In selecting State educational agencies to participate in the demonstration program under this section, the Secretary shall consider--
``(A) the number and quality of State educational agency applications received;
``(B) the Department's capacity to oversee and monitor each State educational agency's participation in the demonstration program;
``(C) a State educational agency's--
``(i) financial responsibility;
``(ii) administrative capability;
``(iii) commitment to focusing State resources, in addition to any resources provided under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, on students who receive assistance under such part A;
``(iv) ability and plans to run an effective and thorough targeted information campaign for students served by local educational agencies eligible to participate in the demonstration project; and
``(v) ability to ensure the participation in the demonstration program of a diverse group of students, including with respect to ethnicity and gender.
``(2) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY.--In selecting local educational agencies to participate in a demonstration project under this section, the State educational agency shall consider--
``(A) the number and quality of local educational agency applications received;
``(B) the State educational agency's capacity to oversee and monitor each local educational agency's participation in the demonstration project;
``(C) a local educational agency's--
``(i) financial responsibility;
``(ii) administrative capability;
``(iii) commitment to focusing local resources, in addition to any resources provided under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, on students who receive assistance under such part A;
``(iv) ability and plans to run an effective and thorough targeted information campaign for students served by the local educational agency; and
``(v) ability to ensure the participation in the demonstration project of a diverse group of students with respect to ethnicity and gender.
``(e) Evaluation.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--From amounts appropriated under subsection (h) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve not more than $1,000,000 to award a grant or contract to an organization outside the Department for an independent evaluation of the impact of the demonstration program assisted under this section.
``(2) COMPETITIVE BASIS.--The grant or contract shall be awarded on a competitive basis.
``(3) MATTERS EVALUATED.--The evaluation described in this subsection shall--
``(A) determine the number of individuals who were encouraged by the demonstration program to pursue higher education;
``(B) identify the barriers to the effectiveness of the demonstration program;
``(C) assess the cost-effectiveness of the demonstration program in improving access to higher education;
``(D) identify the reasons why participants in the demonstration program either received or did not receive a Federal Pell Grant;
``(E) identify intermediate outcomes related to postsecondary education attendance, such as whether participants--
``(i) were more likely to take a college-prep curriculum while in secondary school;
``(ii) submitted any college applications; and
``(iii) took the PSAT, SAT, or ACT;
``(F) identify the number of individuals participating in the demonstration program who pursued an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree, or other postsecondary education;
``(G) compare the findings of the demonstration program with respect to participants to comparison groups (of similar size and demographics) that did not participate in the demonstration program; and
``(H) identify the impact on the parents of students eligible to participate in the demonstration program.
``(4) DISSEMINATION.--The findings of the evaluation shall be reported to the Secretary, who shall widely disseminate the findings to the public.
``(f) Targeted Information Campaign.--
``(1) IN GENERAL.--Each State educational agency receiving a grant under this section shall, in cooperation with the participating local educational agencies within the State and the Secretary, develop a targeted information campaign for the demonstration program assisted under this section.
``(2) PLAN.--Each State educational agency receiving a grant under this section shall include in the application submitted under subsection (c) a written plan for their proposed targeted information campaign. The plan shall include the following:
``(A) OUTREACH.--A description of the outreach to students and their families at the beginning and end of each academic year of the demonstration project, at a minimum.
``(B) DISTRIBUTION.--How the State educational agency plans to provide the outreach described in subparagraph (A) and to provide the information described in subparagraph (C).
``(C) INFORMATION.--The annual provision by the State educational agency to all students and families participating in the demonstration program of information regarding--
``(i) the estimated statewide average cost of attendance for an institution of higher education for each academic year, which cost data shall be disaggregated by--
``(I) type of institution, including--
``(aa) 2-year public degree-granting institutions of higher education;
``(bb) 4-year public degree-granting institutions of higher education; and
``(cc) 4-year private degree-granting institutions of higher education;
``(II) component, including--
``(aa) tuition and fees; and
``(bb) room and board;
``(ii) Federal Pell Grants, including--
``(I) the maximum Federal Pell Grant for each award year;
``(II) when and how to apply for a Federal Pell Grant; and
``(III) what the application process for a Federal Pell Grant requires;
``(iii) State-specific college savings programs;
``(iv) State merit-based financial aid;
``(v) State need-based financial aid; and
``(vi) Federal financial aid available to students, including eligibility criteria for such aid and an explanation of the Federal financial aid programs, such as the Student Guide published by the Department of Education (or any successor to such document).
``(3) COHORTS.--The information described in paragraph (2)(C) shall be provided to 2 cohorts of students annually for the duration of the students' participation in the demonstration program. The 2 cohorts shall consist of--
``(A) 1 cohort of 8th grade students who begin the participation in academic year 2008-2009; and
``(B) 1 cohort of 8th grade students who begin the participation in academic year 2009-2010.
``(4) RESERVATION.--Each State educational agency receiving a grant under this section shall reserve not more than 15 percent of the grant funds received each fiscal year to carry out the targeted information campaign described in this subsection.
``(g) Supplement, Not Supplant.--A State educational agency shall use grant funds received under this section only to supplement the funds that would, in the absence of such funds, be made available from non-Federal sources for students participating in the demonstration program under this section, and not to supplant such funds.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.
``PART P--HENRY KUUALOHA GIUGNI KUPUNA MEMORIAL ARCHIVES
``SEC. 886. HENRY KUUALOHA GIUGNI KUPUNA MEMORIAL ARCHIVES.
``(a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary is authorized to award a grant to the University of Hawaii Academy for Creative Media for the establishment, maintenance, and periodic modernization of the Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives at the University of Hawaii.
``(b) Use of Funds.--The Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives shall use the grant funds received under this section--
``(1) to facilitate the acquisition of a secure web accessible repository of Native Hawaiian historical data rich in ethnic and cultural significance to the United States for preservation and access by future generations;
``(2) to award scholarships to facilitate access to a postsecondary education for students who cannot afford such education;
``(3) to support programmatic efforts associated with the web-based media projects of the archives;
``(4) to create educational materials, from the contents of the archives, that are applicable to a broad range of indigenous students, such as Native Hawaiians, Alaskan Natives, and Native American Indians;
``(5) to develop outreach initiatives that introduce the archival collections to elementary schools and secondary schools;
``(6) to develop supplemental web-based resources that define terms and cultural practices innate to Native Hawaiians;
``(7) to rent, lease, purchase, maintain, or repair educational facilities to house the archival collections;
``(8) to rent, lease, purchase, maintain, or repair computer equipment for use by elementary schools and secondary schools in accessing the archival collections;
``(9) to provide pre-service and in-service teacher training to develop a core group of kindergarten through grade 12 teachers who are able to provide instruction in a way that is relevant to the unique background of indigenous students, such as Native Hawaiians, Alaskan Natives, and Native American Indians, in order to--
``(A) facilitate greater understanding by teachers of the unique background of indigenous students; and
``(B) improve student achievement; and
``(10) to increase the economic and financial literacy of postsecondary education students through the dissemination of best practices used at other institutions of higher education regarding debt and credit management and economic decision-making.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''.
On page 1036, strike lines 8 through 15 and insert the following:
``(2) If, pursuant to the agreement established under paragraph (1), either the Secretary or the Rochester Institute of Technology terminates the agreement, the Secretary shall consider proposals from other institutions of higher education and enter into an agreement with one of those institutions for the establishment and operation of a National Technical Institution for the Deaf.''; and
On page 1038, line 15, strike ``2007'' and insert ``2008''.
On page 900, line 1, strike ``(a) Authorizations.--'' and insert ``(a) Authorizations.--There are''.
On page 674, lines 20 and 21, strike ``paragraph (4) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C))'' and insert ``paragraph (5)''.
On page 675, lines 6 and 7, strike ``paragraph (5) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C))'' and insert ``paragraph (6)''.
On page 675, line 9, strike ``(5)'' and insert ``(6)''.
On page 579, between lines 11 and 12, insert the following:
SEC. 110A. STATE HIGHER EDUCATION INFORMATION SYSTEM PILOT PROGRAM.
Part C of title I of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended by this title) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 135. STATE HIGHER EDUCATION INFORMATION SYSTEM PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to carry out a pilot program to assist not more than 5 States to develop State-level postsecondary student data systems to--
``(1) improve the capacity of States and institutions of higher education to generate more comprehensive and comparable data, in order to develop better-informed educational policy at the State level and to evaluate the effectiveness of institutional performance while protecting the confidentiality of students' personally identifiable information; and
``(2) identify how to best minimize the data-reporting burden placed on institutions of higher education, particularly smaller institutions, and to maximize and improve the information institutions receive from the data systems, in order to assist institutions in improving educational practice and postsecondary outcomes.
``(b) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term `eligible entity' means--
``(1) a State higher education system; or
``(2) a consortium of State higher education systems, or a consortium of individual institutions of higher education, that is broadly representative of institutions in different sectors and geographic locations.
``(c) Competitive Grants.--
``(1) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.--The Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to not more than 5 eligible entities to enable the eligible entities to--
``(A) design, test, and implement systems of postsecondary student data that provide the maximum benefits to States, institutions of higher education, and State policymakers; and
``(B) examine the costs and burdens involved in implementing a State-level postsecondary student data system.
``(2) DURATION.--A grant awarded under this section shall be for a period of not more than 3 years.
``(d) Application Requirements.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary determines is necessary, including a description of--
``(1) how the eligible entity will ensure that student privacy is protected and that individually identifiable information about students, the students' achievements, and the students' families remains confidential in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g); and
``(2) how the activities funded by the grant will be supported after the 3-year grant period.
``(e) Use of Funds.--A grant awarded under this section shall be used to--
``(1) design, develop, and implement the components of a comprehensive postsecondary student data system with the capacity to transmit student information within States;
``(2) improve the capacity of institutions of higher education to analyze and use student data;
``(3) select and define common data elements, data quality, and other elements that will enable the data system to--
``(A) serve the needs of institutions of higher education for institutional research and improvement;
``(B) provide students and the students' families with useful information for decision-making about postsecondary education;
``(C) provide State policymakers with improved information to monitor and guide efforts to improve student outcomes and success in higher education;
``(4) estimate costs and burdens at the institutional level for the reporting system for different types of institutions; and
``(5) test the feasibility of protocols and standards for maintaining data privacy and data access.
``(f) Evaluation; Reports.--Not later than 6 months after the end of the projects funded by grants awarded under this section, the Secretary shall--
``(1) conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the pilot program authorized by this section; and
``(2) report the Secretary's findings, as well as recommendations regarding the implementation of State-level postsecondary student data systems to the authorizing committees.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''.
(As printed in the Congressional Record for the Senate on Jul 23, 2007.)
