Education

Asthma Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2005

Asthma Act - Authorizes additional appropriations to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to expand the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Directs the Program's coordinating committee to report concerning the scope of, and federal programs concerned with, asthma problems in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collaborate with states to expand specified asthma-related activities. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to make grants to nonprofit private entities to carry out related outreach activities. Gives grant priorities to communities disproportionately affected by asthma or underserved by health programs and in which a significant number of low-income individuals reside. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to make matching grants to states to carry out activities to assist children with respect to asthma. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies in communities with significant numbers of low-income or underserved individuals for elementary and secondary school asthma-related activities. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) hospitals and managed care plans should undertake certain efforts to increase asthma-related education and training; and (2) federal, state, and local activities should promote Public Health Service asthma diagnosis and management guidelines.

To amend title 23, United States Code, relating to the use of safety belts and child restraint systems by children, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2005

Amends Federal highway law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to transfer a specified percentage of Federal-aid highway program funds apportioned to a State to its apportionment of highway safety program funds, if the State has not enacted a child safety restraint law. Requires the State to use such transferred funds to implement a statewide comprehensive child and other passenger protection education program to promote child and other passenger safety, including education programs about proper seating positions for children in air bag-equipped motor vehicles and instruction that increases the proper use of child restraint systems.

Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2005

Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to provide for Medicare coverage of end-of-life planning consultations. Requires a service provider, Medicare Advantage organization, or prepaid or eligible organization to give effect to an advance directive executed outside the State in which it is presented, even one that does not appear to meet the formalities of execution, form, or language required by the State in which it is presented, to the same extent as such provider or organization would give effect to an advanced directive that meets such requirements. Permits a provider or organization to decline to honor such a directive if it can be reasonably demonstrated that it is not an authentic expression of the individual's wishes. Makes such advance directive requirements applicable under Medicaid, title XIX of the Social Security Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to conduct a national public education campaign to raise public awareness of the importance of planning for care near the end of life, and specified related issues. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a national, toll-free, information clearinghouse as well as clearinghouses that the public may access to find out about State-specific information regarding advance directive and end-of-life decisions. Requires General Accounting Office studies and reports on end-of-life planning issues.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 366) to amend the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 to strengthen and improve programs under that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2005

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 366) to amend the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 to strengthen and improve programs under that Act.

[ERRATA]PROVIDING QUALITY POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION: ACCESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY

United States · United States Senate · 28 April 2005

PROVIDING QUALITY POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION: ACCESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY

United States · United States Senate · 28 April 2005

Kevin F. Sullivan, of New York, to be Assistant Secretary for Communications and Outreach, Department of Education, vice Laurie Rich, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 28 April 2005

Clean Coal Power Initiative Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Clean Coal Power Initiative Act of 2005 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a clean coal power initiative under which the Secretary shall provide assistance for projects that advance efficiency, reliability, environmental performance, and cost competitiveness. Prescribes technical conditions and criteria for projects, including gasification projects. Instructs the Secretary to award competitive, merit-based grants to institutions of higher education for the establishment of centers of excellence for energy systems of the future, including clean coal technology. Prescribes guidelines for the Secretary to conduct a program of technology research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for coal and power systems, including programs to facilitate production and generation of coal-based power.

PROTECTION Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Providing Reliable Officers, Technology, Education, Community Prosecutors, and Training In Our Neighborhoods Act of 2005 or the PROTECTION Act - Modifies provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 regarding public safety and community policing ("cops on the beat" program, COPS) to authorize the Attorney General to use COPS grants to: (1) increase prosecutor presence and to enhance law enforcement access to new technologies; (2) pay overtime to existing career law enforcement officers to the extent that such overtime is devoted to community-oriented policing; and (3) promote higher education among in-service State and local law enforcement officers by reimbursing them for certain educational costs. Includes among permitted additional grant projects: (1) specialized integrity and ethics training; and (2) innovative proactive crime control and prevention programs involving school officials and religiously-affiliated organizations. Authorizes the Attorney General to use up to five percent of funds available for technical assistance and training grants in any fiscal year to States, local governments, Indian tribal governments, and other entities. Allows grants to be used to assist: (1) police departments in employing specified professional, scientific, and technological advancements; and (2) State, local, or tribal prosecutors' offices in implementation of community-based prosecution programs that build on local community-oriented policing efforts. Reserves specified funds for local governmental units with a population of less than 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to use no more than 50 percent of grant renewal funds to award grants targeted for police officer retention.

FOCUS Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Focus On Committed and Underpaid Staff for Children's Sake Act - FOCUS Act - Establishes: (1) the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program; and (2) the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allot funds to eligible states (and Indian tribes and tribal organizations) for distribution directly, or at state option through local governments, to pay the federal share of the cost of making grants to eligible child care providers under both such programs. Healthy Early Education Workforce Grant Program Act - Authorizes the Secretary to allot funds to eligible states (and Indian tribes and tribal organizations) to pay for the federal share of the cost of providing access to affordable health benefits coverage for: (1) eligible child care providers; and (2) at state option, the spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of such providers. Directs the Secretary to conduct an evaluation of several such funded state programs representing various approaches to increasing the rate of coverage for child care providers.

Public Private Vocational Partnership Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Public Private Vocational Partnership Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain corporations who employ interns enrolled full-time in vocational programs in secondary schools or community colleges a business tax credit for donations of tangible personal property to such schools and colleges. Bases the credit on the fair market value of the property donated and the number of months such interns are employed by the taxpayer.

Congratulating all of the individuals and organizations on the 15th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope that have helped make Hubble one of the most important astronomical instruments in history.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Recognizes that results from the Hubble Space Telescope (the Hubble) have made extraordinary contributions to scientific research and education, and congratulates, on the 15th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble, all of the individuals and organizations that have helped make it one of the most important astronomical instruments in history.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: MEETING THE HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHER CRITERIA FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

United States · United States Senate · 27 April 2005

Pathways for All Students to Succeed Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Pathways for All Students to Succeed Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to establish a program that will provide grants to State educational agencies (SEAs), and direct grants or subgrants through SEAs to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs), to establish literacy and mathematics skills programs to improve overall reading, writing, and mathematics performance among students in middle school and secondary school. Requires LEAs receiving a literary or mathematics subgrant to hire literacy or mathematics coaches (at least one such coach for every 20 teachers) to work with classroom teachers to carry out specified related activities. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program of grants to SEAs and, through them, subgrants to LEAs that: (1) enables a secondary school receiving assistance under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 (ESEA) to hire a sufficient number of academic counselors (at least one for 150 students) to develop personal six-year plans defining career and education goals for each student at the school, including those with limited English proficiency; (2) involves parents in the development and implementation of such plans; and (3) provides academic counselors and staff at the schools receiving grants under this Act the opportunity to coordinate with other programs and services, including those supported by Federal funds, to ensure that students have access to the resources and services necessary to fulfill their personal plans. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to SEAs and, through them, subgrants to LEAs to promote school improvement and student achievement, through certain programs and activities, in schools identified as needing improvement under specified provisions of ESEA as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to SEAs to develop or increase the capacity of data systems for assessment and accountability purposes, including collection of graduation rates.

Education for Retirement Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Education for Retirement Security Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities to provide financial education programs to mid-life and older individuals who reside in local communities in order to: (1) enhance their financial and retirement knowledge; and (2) reduce financial abuse and fraud, including telemarketing, mortgage, and pension fraud, among them. Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to one or more eligible entities to: (1) create and make available instructional materials and information that promote financial education; and (2) provide training and other related assistance regarding the establishment of financial education programs.

Veterinary Workforce Expansion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Veterinary Workforce Expansion Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities to improve public health preparedness through increasing the number of veterinarians in the workforce. Defines "eligible entities" as accredited public or nonprofit schools of veterinary medicine, departments of comparative medicine, departments of veterinary science, schools of public health, or schools of medicine that offer training for veterinarians in a public health practice area. Requires the Secretary to give preference to applicants that demonstrate a comprehensive approach by involving more than one eligible entity. Allows grantees to use funds to: (1) pay the costs associated with construction, the acquisition of equipment, and other capital costs relating to the expansion of existing schools or departments; and (2) pay the capital costs associated with the expansion of academic programs that offer postgraduate training for veterinarians or concurrent training for veterinary students in specific areas of specialization.

Youth Financial Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Youth Financial Education Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to allot grants to state educational agencies to provide funds to local educational agencies and public schools for personal financial literacy education programs for students in kindergarten through grade 12, and for professional development programs to prepare teachers and administrators for such financial education. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to or contract with an entity with substantial financial education experience for a national clearinghouse for instructional materials and information on model financial education programs and best practices.

Savings for Working Families Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Savings for Working Families Act of 2005 - Allows certain low-income individuals between age 18 and 61 to establish tax-exempt individual development accounts (IDAs) to pay for certain qualified expenses, including education expenses, first-time homebuyer costs, and business capitalization or expansion costs. Sets forth rules for the establishment, maintenance, and termination of IDAs. Permits tax-free withdrawals from IDAs for qualified expenses, but requires IDA beneficiaries to complete one or more financial education courses prior to making an IDA withdrawal. Allows certain financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, and Indian tribes to sponsor and administer IDAs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow such entities a business-related tax credit for the cost of administering IDAs and for making matching contributions to IDAs in parallel accounts. Provides that IDA amounts shall be disregarded for purposes of determining eligibility for assistance under certain means-tested federal programs.

TANF Financial Education Promotion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

TANF Financial Education Promotion Act of 2005 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require a State to specify in its State plan how it intends to establish goals and take action to promote financial education among parents and caretakers receiving TANF assistance through collaboration with community-based organizations, financial institutions, and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture. Defines financial education as education that promotes an understanding of consumer, economic, and personal finance concepts, including the basic principles involved with earning, budgeting, spending, saving, investing, and taxation. Designates financial education a work activity for TANF purposes.

A resolution congratulating charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Acknowledges and commends charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education and improving and strengthening our public school system. Supports the sixth annual National Charter Schools Week. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to conduct appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to demonstrate support for charter schools during this weeklong celebration in communities throughout the United States.

Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make: (1) grants to schools that have made formal decisions to discontinue use of a derogatory or discriminatory name or depiction as a team name, mascot, or nickname, to assist them in replacing uniforms or other materials and in altering facilities, including walls, floors, and signs; and (2) school construction or renovation grants to Indian schools and to schools that received discontinuation grants. Establishes within the Department of Education a Committee on Indian Relations. Includes among Committee duties providing cultural proficiency training at schools receiving discontinuation grants to effect positive and long-term change regarding any derogatory or discriminatory name or depiction. Declares a name or depiction to be derogatory or discriminatory if: (1) the name is Indians, Redskins, Braves, or Chiefs; or (2) the Committee determines, after notice and comment, that the name or depiction is derogatory or discriminatory on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, or Indian or Native Alaskan tribal affiliation.

Recognizing the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the National Safe Boating Council for their efforts to promote National Safe Boating Week.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Supports: (1) initiatives for recreational boating safety education and accident prevention to minimize the number of annual recreational boating fatalities; and (2) the goals of National Safe Boating Week. Recognizes the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the National Safe Boating Council for their efforts each year during May to highlight the importance of safe recreational boating.

Flexibility for Champion Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

Flexibility for Champion Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (ESEA), to direct the Secretary of Education to grant to any State a waiver of all ESEA provisions related to adequate yearly progress (AYP) if that State: (1) establishes academic content standards and tests in specified subjects at specified grades; (2) makes available to the public all such testing results, in the aggregate and disaggregated by certain groups of students, for each local educational agency (LEA) and school; (3) sets pass-rate goals for each LEA and school; (4) determines conditions under which students with disabilities and limited-English-proficient students take State tests or alternative assessments, provided this complies with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); (5) holds LEAs and schools accountable for meeting pass-rate goals, including determining consequences for schools and LEAs that fail to meet such goals, and addresses achievement gaps on State tests affecting certain groups of students; and (6) determines goals for secondary school graduation rates.

A bill to expand eligibility for governmental markers for marked graves of veterans at private cemeteries.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

Amends the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 to make veterans buried in private cemeteries who died on or after November 1, 1990, (currently on or after September 11, 2001) eligible for governmental markers for marked graves. States that such amendment shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 502 of such Act.

Flexibility for Champion Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

Flexibility for Champion Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (ESEA), to direct the Secretary of Education to grant to any State a waiver of all ESEA provisions related to adequate yearly progress (AYP) if that State: (1) establishes academic content standards and tests in specified subjects at specified grades; (2) makes available to the public all such testing results, in the aggregate and disaggregated by certain groups of students, for each local educational agency (LEA) and school; (3) sets pass-rate goals for each LEA and school; (4) determines conditions under which students with disabilities and limited-English-proficient students take State tests or alternative assessments, provided this complies with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); (5) holds LEAs and schools accountable for meeting pass-rate goals, including determining consequences for schools and LEAs that fail to meet such goals, and addresses achievement gaps on State tests affecting certain groups of students; and (6) determines goals for secondary school graduation rates.

Arts Education Advancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

Arts Education Advancement Act of 2005 - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 to require, when appropriations for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) exceed a certain level, that all of the excess funds be used for the arts education program. (Current law requires the use of only half such excess NEA funds for arts education, and allows the NEA to use a greater amount for other purposes before such set-aside for arts education is triggered.) Requires half the funds for the arts education program in any fiscal year to be used in formal systems of elementary and secondary education.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 2006. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance, including for defense working capital funds, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, the Defense Health Program, and chemical agents and munitions destruction; and (4) active and reserve military personnel, including end strengths. Extends certain bonus, special, and incentive pay authorities. Provides bonus repayment requirements with respect to unserved periods. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) active and reserve military personnel, including a special pay incentive for Selected Reserve personnel qualified in a critical military skill or unit, and bonuses for certain military medical officers; (2) military justice, including establishing an unlimited period for prosecution of murder or rape, extending the period for prosecution of child abuse cases, and establishing the offense of stalking; (3) acquisition policy and management, including the revitalization of DOD laboratories; (4) DOD organization and management, including exempting operational files of the Defense Intelligence Agency from public disclosure laws; (5) budget and financial matters; (6) transportation-related matters, including authority to transport family members incident to the repatriation of military personnel or civilians held captive, and a reserve civilian mariners pilot program; (7) DOD civilian personnel, including a science, mathematics, and research for transformation (SMART) defense education program, and a priority placement program for displaced civilian employees; and (8) matters relating to other nations, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism. Authorizes U.S. military personnel and DOD civilian employees to provide assistance relating to the detection and clearance of landmines and explosive remnants of war. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 - Authorizes the Secretaries of Defense and the military departments to acquire real property and carry out specified military construction projects. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; and (3) National Guard and reserve forces facilities.

Education for Public Service Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

Education for Public Service Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise certain student loan income contingent repayment plan requirements with respect to public service employees and married borrowers. Provides public service employees with a shortened maximum student loan repayment period before receiving debt forgiveness under an income contingent repayment plan. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from prescribing such a repayment period exceeding 15 years (instead of the usual 25 years) in the case of those borrowers who, after electing such a plan, have been full-time public service employees for at least eight years, whether or not continuously. Revises income contingent student loan repayment schedules for married borrowers to attribute to the borrower one-half (rather than all) of the combined adjusted gross income of the borrower and the borrower's spouse.

To ensure that the total amount of funds awarded to a State under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for each of fiscal years 2005 and 2006 is not less than the total amount of funds awarded to the State under such part for fiscal year 2003.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

Requires the total amount of funds awarded to a State under part A (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) of title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for each of FY 2005 and 2006 to be not less than the total amount of funds awarded to the State under part A for FY 2003. Directs the Secretary of Education to pay a supplementary amount to any State that did not receive such required minimum hold-harmless amount in FY 2005.

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 April 2005

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: IMPROVEMENT THROUGH INTEGRATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 21 April 2005

Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management to administer a separate health insurance program for non-Federal employees who are either self-employed or employees of a small business with fewer than 100 employees. Allows the Office to contract with carriers to provide health insurance under this Act. Requires rates charged to reasonably and equitably reflect the costs of the benefits provided. Requires a carrier to determine the amount of premiums to assess for coverage based on a community rate that may be annually adjusted based on geographic area, family status, and age. Permits the Office to reimburse a carrier for costs that exceed premiums received by a specified percentage. Requires a carrier to make payments to a contingency reserve fund established by the Office if the carrier's costs are lower than expected by a specified percentage. Allows the Office to use such funds to provide assistance to carriers that experience unanticipated financial hardships. Requires the Office to establish a reinsurance fund to provide payments to carriers that experience a catastrophic claim (a claim over $50,000) for benefits provided to an individual enrolled under this Act. Allows a participating employer to offer supplemental coverage options to employees for excepted benefits that are not subject to the Public Health Service Act requirements for health plans. Authorizes the Office to contract with entities to administer this health program regionally. Allows certain benefits to be offered to Medicare beneficiaries. Requires the Office to implement a public education campaign regarding this health insurance program. Allows a refundable tax credit for health insurance expenses of small employers who pay a specific percentage of employee expenses under such a health plan.

ASPIRE Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

America Saving for Personal Investment, Retirement, and Education Act of 2005, or the ASPIRE Act of 2005 - Establishes a KIDS Account Fund in the Treasury. Establishes within the Fund a Kids Investment and Development Savings Account (KIDS Account). Makes eligible to contribute to such account, and to receive a matching Federal contribution, any U.S. citizen born after December 31, 2006, and under 18 years of age, whose modified adjusted gross income is below the applicable national median adjusted gross income amount. Creates the KIDS Account Fund Board to establish a default investment program under which, in a manner similar to a lifecycle investment program, sums in each KIDS Account are allocated to investment funds in the KIDS Account Fund based on the amount of time before the account holder attains the age of 18. States that, for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, each KIDS Account shall be treated in the same manner as a Roth IRA. Subjects the Board to the same statutory composition requirements, duties, and responsibilities as the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, to develop programs to promote the financial literacy of account holders of KIDS Accounts.

National Park Centennial Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

National Park Centennial Act - Establishes the National Park Centennial Fund in the Treasury. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers to designate overpayments and contributions for the benefit of the National Park System. Allocates such amounts to the Fund (along with necessary amounts from the General Fund to the extent that such amounts are inadequate in any fiscal year) for expenditure by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes appropriations for a public awareness campaign about the Fund and the ability of taxpayers to make tax-related contributions. Requires a specified percentage of Fund deposits to be used: (1) for the elimination of the backlog of unmet needs in the national parks as identified in the Facility Condition Index of the National Park Service (NPS); (2) to protect natural resources within the parks; and (3) to protect cultural resources within the parks. Requires a majority of such percentages to be distributed to those national parks that have completed comprehensive business plans under the Business Plan Initiative of the NPS. Directs the Government Accountability Office annually to submit a report on the National Park System to specified congressional committees. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide grants to elementary and secondary schools for cooperative agreements with the NPS providing distance learning and onsite education programs.

Climate Change Technology Deployment and Infrastructure Credit Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Climate Change Technology Deployment and Infrastructure Credit Act of 2005 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to direct the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a national strategy to promote greenhouse gas intensity reducing technologies and practices developed through research and development programs conducted by National Laboratories, other Federal research facilities, universities, and the private sector. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish: (1) an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Climate Change Technology (Committee) to coordinate Federal climate change activities and programs; (2) the Climate Change Technology Program; and (3) Climate Change Technology Working Group. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the Department of Commerce the Climate Change Science Program. Directs the Committee to develop and propose standards and best practices for calculating, monitoring, and analyzing greenhouse gas intensity. Directs the Secretary to make financial assistance available to eligible project developers and project owners to supplement private sector financing for eligible projects. Instructs the Secretary to establish a Energy Climate Credit Board to implement the greenhouse gas intensity reducing technology deployment program. Sets forth parameters regarding Board assistance, determination of eligibility and project selection.

Child Medication Safety Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Child Medication Safety Act of 2005 - Requires States, as a condition of receiving funds under any program or activity administered by the Secretary of Education, to develop and implement policies and procedures prohibiting school personnel from requiring a child, as a condition of attending school or receiving services, to obtain a prescription for a controlled substance or a psychotropic drug. Provides that nothing in such requirement shall be construed to create a Federal prohibition against teachers and other school personnel consulting or sharing classroom-based observations with parents or guardians regarding a student's academic performance or behavior in the classroom or school, or regarding the need for evaluation for special education or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Reading Failure Prevention Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Reading Failure Prevention Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to States to establish statewide programs for screening children between the ages of five and seven for the prevention of reading failure. Requires a State to agree to use the grant to: (1) develop and implement a program that screens such children for traits that indicate dyslexia or other risk of reading failure; and (2) provide adequate professional development for personnel who administer screening programs under this Act.

Teaching Fellows Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Teaching Fellows Act of 2005 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make competitive matching grants to States for Teaching and Partnership Fellows programs of scholarships for prospective public school teachers. Provides for scholarships: (1) under the Teaching program for high school seniors and second-year college students to encourage them to enter the teaching field and become career educators; and (2) under the Partnership program for individuals, such as teaching assistants and others currently in the education field, to complete a bachelor's degree with a State license or certification in education through partnerships among associate-and-bachelor-degree-granting institutions. Requires scholarship recipients to repay specified amounts if they do not fulfill certain obligations to teach in their State's public elementary or secondary schools, under such Federal Teaching and Partnership Fellows program.

Health Professionals Substance Abuse Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Health Professionals Substance Abuse Education Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide support and continue grants to specified organizations to train health professionals to: (1) recognize substance abuse in their patients or patients' family members; (2) intervene, treat, or refer for treatment those individuals who are affected by substance abuse; (3) identify and assist children of substance abusing parents; (4) serve as advocates and resources for community-based substance abuse prevention programs; and (5) address the non-therapeutic use of prescription medications. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage community colleges and other academic institutes to offer academic credit for classes offered by the Addiction Technology Transfer Centers; (2) conduct a process and outcome evaluation of the programs and activities carried out under this Act; and (3) establish and administer a substance abuse faculty fellowship program. Requires the Secretary to establish centers of excellence at U.S. medical centers or universities to: (1) initiate, promote, and implement training, research, and clinical activities related to targeted issues or special areas of focus; and (2) provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in curriculum development, course development, clinical practice, research and translation of research into practice, and policy analysis and formulation.

Public Interest Lawyer Assistance and Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Public Interest Lawyer Assistance and Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a student loan forgiveness program for any borrower who agrees to complete three years of service as a public interest lawyer. Directs the Secretary, under such program, to: (1) repay up to $20,000 of such borrower's obligation on a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B (Federal Family Education Loan Program) or D (Federal Perkins Loans) of title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA); and (2) provide for deferment of repayment of such loans by such borrower while employed as a public interest lawyer. Excludes from such program Federal PLUS loans (to parents) and Federal consolidation loans under part B or comparable loans made under part D. Allows certain amounts under consolidation loans to qualify for such program. Treats an individual as serving as a public interest lawyer eligible to apply for such program after completion of a year of service as a practicing attorney in: (1) local, State, or Federal government; (2) a tax-exempt organization; or (3) a judicial clerkship. Provides such loan repayment on a first-come, first-serve basis, and subject to the availability of appropriations and to any limitations imposed by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to create or designate an administering entity for such program within the Department of Education.

ASPIRE Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

America Saving for Personal Investment, Retirement, and Education Act of 2005, or the ASPIRE Act of 2005 - Establishes a KIDS Account Fund in the Treasury. Establishes within the Fund a Kids Investment and Development Savings Account (KIDS Account). Makes eligible to contribute to such account, and to receive a matching Federal contribution, any U.S. citizen born after December 31, 2006, and under 18 years of age, whose modified adjusted gross income is below the applicable national median adjusted gross income amount. Creates the KIDS Account Fund Board to establish a default investment program under which, in a manner similar to a lifecycle investment program, sums in each KIDS Account are allocated to investment funds in the KIDS Account Fund based on the amount of time before the account holder attains the age of 18. States that, for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, each KIDS Account shall be treated in the same manner as a Roth IRA. Subjects the Board to the same statutory composition requirements, duties, and responsibilities as the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, to develop programs to promote the financial literacy of account holders of KIDS Accounts.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to simplify the determination and deduction of interest on qualified education loans.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) treat education loan origination fees as tax deductible interest; (2) allow for accrual of interest on education loans; and (3) provide for the allocation of student loan payments to interest, fees, and principal.

Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Ninth Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Makes amounts available for expenses, including staff salaries, of the following committees of the House of Representatives in the 109th Congress: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Budget; (4) Education and the Workforce; (5) Energy and Commerce; (6) Financial Services; (7) Government Reform; (8) Homeland Security; (9) House Administration; (10) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; (11) International Relations; (12) Judiciary; (13) Resources; (14) Rules; (15) Science; (16) Small Business; (17) Standards of Official Conduct; (18) Transportation and Infrastructure; (19) Veterans' Affairs; and (20) Ways and Means. Sets forth first and second session limitations on such amounts.

EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE: WHAT IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S ROLE?

United States · United States Senate · 20 April 2005

American History Achievement Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

American History Achievement Act - Amends the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (NAEPAA) to direct the Commissioner for Education Statistics to give a priority to conducting national assessments of student achievement in history at least once every four years in grades 4, 8, and 12. Requires the Commissioner to conduct trial State academic assessments, in at least ten geographically diverse States, of student achievement in: (1) U.S. history in grades 8 and 12; and (2) civics in grades 8 and 12. Directs the National Assessment of Educational Progress governing board to select the participating States.

Nuclear Fees Reauthorization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

Nuclear Fees Reauthorization Act of 2005 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to: (1) repeal the sunset date for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) user fees and annual charges; and (2) revise the formula governing annual charges collected from licensees and certificate holders. Amends Federal bankruptcy law to except from creditors claims and bankruptcy procedures such funds, assets, or private insurance premiums as are held to comply with NRC decontamination and decommissioning requirements for a nuclear power reactor until such requirements have been satisfactorily completed. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide that requirements governing transmissions of license applications to the Attorney General for antitrust review do not apply to a commercial, industrial, or medical license to construct or operate a utilization or production facility if the application is filed on or after, or is pending on, the date of enactment of this Act. States that the NRC shall not give any consideration to the need for, or any alternative to, the facility to be licensed when conducting any environmental review in connection with a license application or renewal. Prescribes guidelines for an NRC license to export highly enriched uranium to specified countries for medical isotope production. Prescribes procedural guidelines governing NRC: (1) cost recovery from government agencies; (2) conflicts of interest relating to contracts and other arrangements; and (3) hearing procedures. Prescribes guidelines for NRC: (1) support to university nuclear safety, security, and environmental protection programs; (2) payment of promotional items and expenses; (3) scholarship and fellowship program in critical skill areas; (4) partnership program with certain institutions of higher education; and (5) elimination of pension offset for certain rehired federal retirees.

Diabetic Food Complication and Lower Extremity Amputation Reduction Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

Diabetic Foot Complication and Lower Extremity Amputation Reduction Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible multidisciplinary health care programs for: (1) providing a high-risk, underserved population with screening, education, and evidence-based medical treatment regarding diabetic foot complications that may lead to lower extremity amputations; and (2) evaluating the quality, cost effectiveness, parity, and patient satisfaction of medical interventions in the prevention of diabetic foot complications and lower extremity amputations.

America's Better Classroom Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

America's Better Classroom Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified public school modernization bonds. Includes within the definition of "qualified public school modernization bonds" bonds for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of a public school facility or for the acquisition of land for such facility (qualified school construction bonds) and bonds to finance certain academic programs below the postsecondary level in empowerment zones or enterprise communities (qualified zone academy bonds). Establishes a national limitation on the amount of bonds designated as public school construction bonds and zone academy bonds and provides for the allocation of bond amounts among the States according to a specified formula. Limits the term of such bonds to 15 years and terminates the authority for issuance of such bonds after September 30, 2010. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to apply certain labor standards to public school construction projects financed by this Act. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require States to establish employment and training programs relating to the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities.

To direct the Secretary of Education to revise regulations to increase the percentage of proficient and advanced level scores based on alternate assessments and alternate achievement standards for purposes of calculating adequate yearly progress, to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to decrease the percentage of students who meet or exceed the proficient level of academic achievement on State assessments required to calculate adequate yearly progress, to direct the Secretary of Education to expand to two years the exclusion for second year limited English proficiency students from adequate yearly progress calculations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

Directs the Secretary of Education to revise certain regulations to increase, from one to three percent, the number of proficient and advanced level scores based on alternate assessments and alternate achievement standards for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities that may be counted in calculating adequate yearly progress (AYP) for schools, local educational agencies, and States, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (ESEA-NCLBA). Amends ESEA-NCLBA to lower from ten to seven percent the amount of the decrease, in the percentage in a school year from the preceding school year, of students in any of specified groups who did not meet or exceed the proficient level of academic achievement on the State assessments, which is required under certain conditions for a school to be considered to have made AYP. Requires the Secretary to issue policy guidance directing that the assessment results of first-year and second-year limited English proficiency students who are recently resettled refugees and who take the reading-language arts assessment are not required to be included in AYP determinations, even if such students have been enrolled in the school or district for one or two full academic years.

COMBATING TERRORISM THROUGH EDUCATION: THE NEAR EAST AND SOUTH ASIAN EXPERIENCE

United States · United States Senate · 19 April 2005