Education

Pacific Islands Fulbright Scholarship Fund Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Pacific Islands Fulbright Scholarship Fund Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of State to review and report to Congress on the marginalization of Pacific Island students in the awarding of Fulbright Scholarships. Requires the Secretary to establish an annual one-year program within the J. William Fulbright Educational Exchange program providing scholarships to Pacific Islands students for study in the United States pursuant to the terms of such Exchange program.

To authorize appropriations to provide for South Pacific exchanges.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Authorizes FY2008-FY2009 appropriations for South Pacific exchanges under the educational and cultural exchange programs of the Department of State.

In observance of National Physical Education and Sports Week.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Recognizes National Physical Education and Sports Week and the central role of physical activity and sports in creating a healthy lifestyle for all children and youth. Urges communities to work with schools and key stakeholders of the community to craft and implement a local wellness plan, as required by the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, that includes goals for physical activity, nutrition education, and other school-based activities to promote physical education, as well as nutrition guidelines for foods sold in schools, implementation plans, and measures to determine effectiveness. Encourages schools to offer physical education classes to students and work with community partners to provide opportunities and safe spaces for physical activities before and after school and during the summer for all children and youth.

ENFORCE Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Engaging the Nation to Fight for Our Right to Control Entry Act or ENFORCE Act - Directs the Commissioner of the United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) to establish: (1) a National Border Neighborhood Watch Program (Program) to permit retired law enforcement officers and civilian volunteers to assist in carrying out such Program; and (2) a Border Regiment Assisting in Valuable Enforcement Force (BRAVE Force), which shall consist of retired law enforcement officers, employed to carry out the Program. Directs USCBP to provide for civilian participation. Imposes criminal penalties for federal document forgery, counterfeiting, or alteration. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide additional penalties for an alien who is illegally in the United States. Increases criminal penalties for first-time illegal entry. Provides for a field office of the Office of Investigations of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Authorizes assistance to Cameron University, Lawton, Oklahoma, for a demonstration project to assess the feasibility of establishing a nationwide e-learning training course to be used by state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers to enhance the ability of such officers to assist federal immigration officers in the enforcement of immigration laws of the United States. Citizenship Reform Act of 2007 - Provides citizenship at birth for a person born in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States only if such child was born in the United States to parents, one of whom is: (1) a U.S. national; or (2) a lawful permanent resident alien residing in the United States. Prohibits any federal agency from establishing an individual's identity, and prohibits providing any public benefits funded in whole or in part by federal funds, without specified documents. Requires independent verification of birth records provided in support of a social security application. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) work with states to establish a common data protocol for electronic birth and death registration systems; and (2) coordinate implementation of electronic verification of a person's life and death. Provides for: (1) temporary social security cards for nonimmigrants; and (2) mandatory employer and subsequent employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses. States that state and local law enforcement personnel have the inherent authority to arrest, detain, or transfer to federal custody, aliens in the United States (including detention transportation across state lines) in the enforcement of the immigration laws. Provides for individual taxpayer identification number (TIN) sharing between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Provides for fencing and security improvements along the southern U.S. border from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, including creation and control of a specified border zone. Requires a study and report on the use of technology to prevent unlawful immigration. Makes it unlawful to operate a day laborer center if the operator knows, or should know, that the center is being used to secure employment for illegal aliens. Makes it unlawful under INA to hire or refer an alien for employment knowing, or having reason to know, that the alien is unauthorized for employment. Limits higher education benefits for illegal aliens. Fairness in Immigration Litigation Act of 2007 - Revises specified immigration litigation provisions.

Student Loan Accountability and Disclosure Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Student Loan Accountability and Disclosure Reform Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the Act) to expand prohibitions on guaranty agencies operating under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program by prohibiting their offering specified inducements to institutions of higher education (IHE) or lenders to secure business or providing certain services for such institutions without appropriate compensation. Requires lenders to provide student loan applicants with certain written information regarding: (1) loan conditions; (2) their possible qualification for title IV assistance; (3) the method for determining the applicable interest rate; and (4) whether the loans provided exceed a student's attendance costs. Directs the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of the Treasury to review the private educational loan market to identify possible discriminatory lending practices affecting students who qualify for a simplified needs test or application process. Expands the activities disqualifying lenders from participation in the FFEL program, including: (1) offering specified inducements to IHEs; (2) performing certain uncompensated services for IHEs; and (3) entering into certain business arrangements with students or school financial aid employees. Establishes a private loan exception to the prohibition IHE certification of a student's eligibility to borrow amounts in excess of those allowable under the FFEL program. Requires limitation, suspension, or termination of an IHE's participation in title IV loan programs for noncompliance with a student loan code of conduct prohibiting IHEs or their financial aid employees from accepting certain inducements from, or entering into certain business arrangements with, lenders. Bans IHEs from designating preferred lenders; but allows lenders to submit a standard electronic template to IHEs regarding loan conditions which will then be made available to students and their parents. Terminates the authority of a school to serve as a lender or a lender to serve as a school trustee under the FFEL program.

Foreign Language Education Partnership Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Foreign Language Education Partnership Program Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to replace the program providing incentive payments to public elementary schools for foreign language instruction with a partnership program in foreign languages that provides matching incentive payments to partnerships composed of state or local educational agencies and institutions of higher education. Requires such partnerships to establish, improve, or expand model programs of foreign language learning from kindergarten through grade 12 that increase the number of high school graduates who attain advanced proficiency in at least one foreign language. Requires each model program to have a dimension allowing the student to gain an understanding of the historic, geographic, cultural, economic, and other contextual factors of countries whose people speak the language studied. Conditions a partnership's continued funding, for an initial four-year period and two additional five-year periods, on its demonstrating its program effectiveness based on nationally recognized standardized foreign language assessments. Directs the Secretary to collect annually and analyze data on such programs and disseminate aggregated program data nationally, as well as information on successful programs and practices.

Resolution honoring San Jose' State University for its 150 years of commitment to public higher education.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Honors San Jose State University in California for its 150 years of commitment to public higher education.

THE HEART DISEASE EDUCATION, ANALYSIS RESEARCH, AND TREATMENT FOR WOMEN ACT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 May 2007

PAYING FOR A COLLEGE EDUCATION: BARRIERS AND SOLUTIONS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 May 2007

Education for All Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Education for All Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to state that it is U.S. policy to work with foreign countries and international and civil society organizations to increase the global commitment to achieving universal basic education by assisting: (1) developing countries to provide all children with a quality basic education; and (2) nongovernmental and multilateral organizations working in developing countries to provide all children with a quality basic education. Directs the President to develop a comprehensive U.S. strategy to promote universal basic education by 2015. Authorizes the President to provide funds and other assistance to qualifying foreign countries to create the policies, processes, and infrastructure to develop national basic education plans. Authorizes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish an education fellowship program to increase the expertise of USAID personnel in promoting universal basic education. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish within the Department of State a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Provide Education for All in Developing Countries, who shall shall have primary responsibility for the oversight and coordination of all U.S. government resources and international activities to promote universal basic education.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Charter Schools Week, April 30, 2007, through May 4, 2007.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Acknowledges and commends charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the country for their ongoing contributions to education and the public school system. Supports the goals and ideals of the eighth annual National Charter Schools Week (April 30-May 4, 2007).

Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility, and Opportunity Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Responsibility, and Opportunity Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to local educational agencies, state and local public health agencies, and nonprofit private entities for projects to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies. Gives priority to communities with significantly above averages rates of teen pregnancy. Requires the Secretary to establish criteria to evaluate such projects. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to increase authorized appropriations for community learning centers. Authorizes appropriations for physical education programs. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize appropriations for TRIO and GEARUP programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants to public or nonprofit private entities for demonstrating innovative approaches to prevent teen pregnancies.

No Child Left Behind Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

No Child Left Behind Reform Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow states to include measures of individual or cohort growth over time in determining whether students are making adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards. Eliminates the consideration of student attendance rates. Allows schools to be given credit for performing well on measures other than test scores when calculating student achievement. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive: (1) grants to state educational agencies to develop or increase the capacity of data systems for accountability purposes; and (2) subgrants to increase the capacity of local educational agencies to upgrade, create, or manage information databases for the purpose of measuring AYP. Allows schools to target school choice and supplemental services to the students who are members of specified types of groups that fail to make AYP. Requires placement and service in the least restrictive environment for students who receive services under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act who use an option to transfer under ESEA. Revises the definition of highly qualified teacher to authorize states to: (1) use a generalist exam for middle school teachers; and (2) issue certificates that qualify teachers to teach a number of subjects in social studies or in science.

Education for All Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Education for All Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to state that it is U.S. policy to work with foreign countries and international and civil society organizations to increase the global commitment to achieving universal basic education by assisting: (1) developing countries to provide all children with a quality basic education; and (2) nongovernmental and multilateral organizations working in developing countries to provide all children with a quality basic education. Directs the President to develop a comprehensive U.S. strategy to promote universal basic education by 2015. Authorizes the President to provide funds and other assistance to qualifying foreign countries to create the policies, processes, and infrastructure to develop national basic education plans. Authorizes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish an education fellowship program to increase the expertise of USAID personnel in promoting universal basic education. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish within the Department of State a Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Provide Education for All in Developing Countries, who shall shall have primary responsibility for the oversight and coordination of all U.S. government resources and international activities to promote universal basic education.

To amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to conform the District charter to revisions made by the Council of the District of Columbia relating to public education.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to revise the District of Columbia's charter (to conform to revisions made by the Council of the District of Columbia relating to public education). Repeals the grant of authority to the Mayor and the District Council to establish the annual budget for the District's Board of Education, which also prohibits the Mayor and Council from specifying the amounts of and purposes for which funds may be expended. Repeals: (1) the authority of the Board to govern D.C. public schools; and (2) provisions for election of the Board.

Equal Opportunity Protection and Civil Rights Restoration Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Equal Opportunity Protection and Civil Rights Restoration Act of 2007 - Prohibits discrimination or preferences in federal employment and contracting and other federal programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex. Prohibits requiring or encouraging any federal contractor or subcontractor to so discriminate or grant a preference. Prohibits states and private entities that receive federal financial assistance from so discriminating or granting a preference in connection with any contract or subcontract, employment, or admission to any educational institution. Prohibits construing this Act to prohibit or limit: (1) any act designed to benefit historically Black colleges or universities; or (2) any action under a federal law or treaty relating to the Indian tribes. Declares that this Act does not prohibit or limit employment classifications based on sex if sex is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to normal operation or the classification is applied regarding an armed forces member. Allows any aggrieved person to obtain, in a civil action, appropriate relief (including back pay) from the violator, including from a government entity. Requires awarding a prevailing plaintiff attorney's fees as part of the costs.

Supporting the goals and ideals of the Intermediate Space Challenge in Mojave, California.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Supports the goals and ideals of the Intermediate Space Challenge in Mojave, California. Commends the volunteers who run the Intermediate Space Challenge and the Mojave Air and Space Port for opening its facility to the young leaders of the future in science and engineering fields. Encourages teachers and school administrators across the country to implement similar programs to stimulate students and infuse them with a love of engineering, mathematics, and science.

A resolution recognizing April 30, 2007, as "National Healthy Schools Day".

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2007

Recognizes April 30, 2007, as National Healthy Schools Day.

Lead-Free Drinking Water Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2007

Lead-Free Drinking Water Act of 2007 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review and revise the national primary drinking water regulation for lead to provide the maximum feasible protection for individuals affected by lead contamination, particularly vulnerable populations (e.g., infants, children, and pregnant and lactating women). Requires the revised regulation to establish: (1) a maximum contaminant level for lead in drinking water as measured at the tap; or (2) a drinking water treatment technique that meets specified criteria. Directs community water systems or nontransient noncommunity water systems to: (1) annually replace a percentage of non-lead free service lines until all such lines are replaced; (2) provide notice in English and other appropriate languages to individuals and entities that may be exposed to lead contamination in the drinking water supply; (3) provide water lead test results to tested residences; (4) establish a public education program on lead in drinking water; and (5) provide water filters to residences, schools, and day care facilities. Requires the head of each federal agency to conduct water supply testing in federally-owned or occupied buildings. Directs each water system to test drinking water for lead contamination within one year. Requires the Administrator to revise monitoring requirements under the national primary drinking water regulation to incorporate specified criteria. Prohibits the use of lead pipes and plumbing equipment that is not lead free in public water systems or facilities that provide drinking water. Requires the Administrator to: (1) issue regulations to require states to establish programs to test and remediate lead contamination in school drinking water; and (2) carry out such programs in non-participating states.

Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2007

Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to establish programs related to mental health services for children and adolescents, to include: (1) entering into contracts with qualified individuals to pay educational loans in exchange for providing mental health services to children and adolescents; (2) awarding scholarships to students who agree to work as child and adolescent mental health service professionals after graduation or completion of residency or fellowship; (3) awarding competitive grants to higher education institutions to establish or expand internship or other field placement programs for students receiving specialized training or clinical experience in child and adolescent mental health; (4) awarding grants to state-licensed mental heath organizations to pay for programs for preservice or in-service training of paraprofessional child and adolescent mental health workers; and (5) awarding grants to higher education institutions to establish or expand graduate child and adolescent mental health programs. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to adjust the graduate medical education program to: (1) exclude a reasonable number of residents or fellows in child and adolescent psychiatry when calculating the maximum number of residents in the field of allopathic or osteopathic medicine for which the hospital may be paid; and (2) extend the period of board eligibility for residents and fellows in child and adolescent psychiatry. Directs the Administrator to study and report to Congress on the distribution of, and need for, child mental health service professionals and on a comparison of such distribution and need on a state-by-state basis.

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 · 30 April 2007

Acknowledges and commends charter schools and their students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the country for their ongoing contributions to education and the public school system. Supports the eighth annual National Charter Schools Week.

THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT'S IMPACT ON INDIAN EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 28 April 2007

School Accountability Improvements Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

School Accountability Improvements Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to exempt teachers who teach multiple subjects in certain small middle or secondary schools from being required to be highly qualified in each of their subjects if they: (1) are highly qualified in at least one; and (2) demonstrate highly effective teaching skills on a state performance assessment. Allows states to use a growth model in calculating whether students are making adequately yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards if the state plan ensures their attainment of proficiency within certain periods of time. Gives schools which are identified as needing improvement an extra year to make AYP before being required to allow student transfers. Limits the transfer option to students who do not meet proficiency standards. Permits local educational agencies (LEAs) identified as needing improvement to provide supplemental educational services themselves. Allows schools identified as needing improvement due to an underperforming disabled or limited English proficient (LEP) student subgroup to limit their improvement plan to such failing subgroup. Eliminates the requirement that schools be restructured and LEAs face corrective action because of such a subgroup's underperformance, if AYP can be shown using a growth model that counts students who are on track to attain proficiency by their final year in secondary school. Requires AYP measurements of certain schools providing Native language instruction to kindergarten through second grade children in states with no AYP assessment in such language to exclude grade three results and employ a growth model requiring progress toward proficiency by seventh grade. Allows partnerships receiving subgrants for preparing, recruiting, and training teachers and principals to include parent teacher organizations and use funds for activities enhancing parental involvement.

Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury and Health Programs Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should have the capacity and expertise to provide veterans who have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with health care, rehabilitation, and community integration. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop individualized plans for the rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans with TBI, and to provide each plan to the individual before their discharge from inpatient care. Requires: (1) the involvement of family members in plan development; and (2) the Secretary to periodically evaluate plan effectiveness. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with non-VA facilities to provide veterans' TBI intervention, rehabilitative treatment, and reintegration services when the Secretary is unable to provide such services or for veterans who reside at such a distance from a VA facility as to make plan implementation impracticable. Requires the Secretary to establish a program on research, education, and clinical care to provide intensive neuro-rehabilitation to veterans with severe TBI, including veterans in a minimally conscious state who would otherwise receive nursing home care. Directs the Secretary to conduct a five-year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing assisted living services to veterans with TBI to enhance their rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration. Requires the Secretary to include research on TBI under ongoing VA research programs.

Campus Law Enforcement Emergency Response Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Campus Law Enforcement Emergency Response Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution of higher education (IHE) participating in any program under title IV (Student Assistance) to include information concerning its law enforcement emergency response program and the occurrence of campus law enforcement emergencies in the annual campus security report it must provide to current and prospective students and employees. Requires such an IHE to: (1) test annually its law enforcement emergency response program; and (2) inform those on campus of any school law enforcement emergency within 30 minutes of discovering it. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to IHEs or consortia of IHEs, or enter into competitive contracts with IHEs, consortia, and other organizations, to develop, implement, operate, improve, test, or disseminate campus law enforcement emergency response programs. Defines "campus" for purposes of this Act to include property controlled by recognized student organizations, off-campus school-related property, and certain public property used by and adjacent to the school.

Immigrant Accountability Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Immigrant Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act establish a points-based process for qualifying aliens unlawfully in the United States as of January 7, 2004, to be granted permanent resident status. Provides that a qualifying alien applicant: (1) who has passed security and criminal checks shall be issued a conditional resident orange card under which the alien shall be granted employment authorization pending final permanent resident status adjudication; and (2) with an orange card who has earned at least 65% of the base points under this Act shall have his or her status adjusted to permanent resident. Requires an alien adjusting to permanent resident status to: (1) satisfy physical presence and admissibility requirements; (2) pay appropriate fees, fines, and taxes; (3) demonstrate basic citizenship skills; and (4) register for selective service if otherwise required. (States that an alien may be required to undergo a medical examination.) Sets forth the following base point categories: (1) U.S. employment; (2) U.S. presence; (3) education; (4) family relations; (5) English language ability; and (6) contributions to society. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) status adjustment for spouses and children; (2) grounds of inadmissibility; (3) confidentiality of information; (4) penalties for false application information; (5) public benefits; and (6) removal. Makes orange card holders eligible for Army or Air Force enlistment.

Preparing, Recruiting, and Retaining Education Professionals Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Preparing, Recruiting, and Retaining Education Professionals Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to reauthorize and revise title II part A requirements for teacher quality enhancement grants for states and partnerships (II-A). Revises state grant, partnership grant, and recruitment grant requirements to include requirements relating to: (1) early childhood education; (2) exemplary, highly competent, and highly qualified teachers as these are defined under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (3) teacher mentoring; (4) professional development; (5) parental involvement; and (6) high-need schools and local educational agencies. Revises requirements for peer review panel grant evaluation and for teacher preparation program accountability. Requires states to submit teacher quality plans. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to institutions of higher education that are II-A partner institutions to create Academies for Faculty Excellence.

A bill to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act and Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to establish a biofuel pilot program to offer crop insurance to producers of experimental biofuel crops and a program to make loans and loan guarantees to producers of experimental biofuel crops.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to establish a crop insurance pilot program for experimental biofuel crops (nonpetroleum fuel source or nonpetroleum lubricant use). Amends the Farm Security and Reinvestment Act to: (1) direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide loans and loan guarantees to producers of experimental biofuel crops; and (2) authorize the Secretary to make grants to research facilities and institutions of higher education for studies of such crops as animal feed and research on harvesting and planting techniques for such crops.

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools to be implemented on a voluntary basis only. Directs that such policy address: (1) a parental obligation to provide the school with information regarding a student's food allergy and risk of anaphylaxis; (2) creation of an individual health care plan tailored to each student with a documented risk for anaphylaxis; (3) communication strategies between schools and emergency medical services; (4) strategies to reduce the risk of exposure in classrooms and common areas; (5) food allergy management training of school personnel; and (6) authorization and training of school personnel to administer epinephrine when the school nurse is not immediately available. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist local educational agencies in implementing such food allergy management guidelines.

College Saver's Credit Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

College Saver's Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow certain middle-income individual taxpayers age 18 or older a refundable tax credit for 50% of their contributions to a qualified tuition program (tax-exempt college savings plan), up to an annual limit of $2,000; and (2) require the distribution of financial education materials to participants in a qualified tuition program. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on the participation of individuals in qualified tuition programs.

Southwest Regional Border Authority Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Southwest Regional Border Authority Act - Establishes the Southwest Regional Border Authority. Requires the Authority to: (1) develop plans and programs for the economic development of the Southwest border region (specified counties in California, New Mexico, and Texas); (2) conduct and sponsor investigations, research, and studies of the resources of the region; (3) sponsor up to 10 authorized demonstration projects; (4) enhance the capacity of and support for local development districts; (5) review, study, and recommend appropriate modifications to federal, state, and local development programs for the region; and (6) encourage private investment in the region. Authorizes the Authority to approve grants for regional infrastructure development and improvement, technology development and deployment, community development and entrepreneurship, and education and workforce development. Provides funding. Requires the Authority to allocate at least 60% of the amounts authorized under this Act for programs and projects to serve the needs of distressed counties and isolated areas of distress within counties along the U.S.-Mexican border. Authorizes the Authority to increase the federal share to up to 90% of a project's total cost (to aid communities that could not otherwise meet matching funds requirements). Requires the Authority to make grants to local development districts for administrative expenses. Directs: (1) the Authority to designate distressed counties, economically strong counties, attainment counties, competitive counties, and isolated areas of distress within the region; and (2) each affected state to submit to the Authority an annual development plan for the appropriate state area within the region.

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools to be implemented on a voluntary basis only. Directs that such policy address: (1) the documentation of student allergies and the development of an individual health care plan for each such student; (2) communication with emergency medical services, school staff, parents, and students; (3) reduction of exposure to causative agents of food allergies; (4) food allergy management training; and (5) administration of epinephrine. Allows the Secretary to award grants to assist local educational agencies in implementing such food allergy management guidelines.

To amend title 32, United States Code, to provide members of the National Guard additional time to transition to civilian life when they return from active duty in support of contingency operations or homeland defense missions.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Provides that if a member of the National Guard serves on active duty for one year or more in support of a contingency operation or homeland defense mission, that member shall be given the option of serving on full-time National Guard duty for up to 90 days upon being relieved from that active duty, in order to ease the transition to civilian life. Allows reintegration (transition) programs for such members to include: (1) mandatory decompression time; (2) education and employment workshops; (3) financial counseling; (4) health and welfare briefings; and (5) disaster mitigation or emergency response duties.

Comprehensive Learning Assessment for Students and Schools (CLASS) Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Comprehensive Learning Assessment for Students and Schools (CLASS) Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise requirements affecting adequate yearly progress (AYP) assessments of students against state academic performance standards. Allows AYP longitudinal growth calculations and the averaging of school data in a manner designed to stabilize school-building results from year to year. Identifies a school as needing improvement, corrective action, or restructuring only on the basis of the unsatisfactory AYP of a particular group of students in the same academic subject for the requisite period of time. Requires multiple measures of student academic achievement. Requires academic achievement standards to calculate AYP within a continuum of achievement by children within advanced, proficient, and basic achievement levels. Allows states to use the results of subsequent assessments of students who take more than one assessment for the same grade and subject. Limits the provision of supplemental services and transfers to those students who fall within a group whose underperformance results in the school's failure to make AYP. Requires state assessments to be aligned with curriculum and instruction so their effectiveness may be assessed. Requires alternate standards and assessments for disabled children aligned with the child's individualized education program. Allows states to measure the AYP of limited English proficient (LEP) children by including children that have attained English proficiency and excluding LEP children who have resided in the country for less than three years. Allows states to set separate starting points for measuring the AYP of each student group.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through various federal agencies, to develop a national Shaken Baby Syndrome public health campaign. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a National Action Plan and effective strategies to increase awareness of opportunities to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome; and (2) coordinate the Plan and strategies with evidence-based strategies and efforts that support families with infants and other young children. Directs the Secretary to carry out communication, education, and training about Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, including efforts to communicate with the general public, such as by: (1) disseminating effective prevention practices and techniques to parents and caregivers; (2) producing evidence-based educational and information materials; and (3) carrying out Shaken Baby Syndrome training. Requires the Secretary to work to ensure that the parents and caregivers of children are connected to effective supports through the coordination of existing programs and networks or the establishment of new programs, including a 24-hour phone hotline and the development of an Internet website for round-the-clock support. Establishes a Shaken Baby Awareness Advisory Council to develop recommendations: (1) regarding the National Action Plan and effective strategies; and (2) related to support services for families and caregivers of young children.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives of the importance of providing a voice for the many victims (and families of victims) involved in missing persons cases and unidentified human remains cases.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Expresses the commitment of the House of Representatives to giving victims involved in missing persons and unidentified human remains cases a voice. Calls for: (1) continuing federal funding for DNA testing and the Combined DNA Index System; (2) greater cooperation between law enforcement agencies; (3) more comprehensive training and education for law enforcement agencies involved in missing person and unidentified human remains cases; (4) providing medical examiners and coroners with greater access to federal databases to compare evidence; and (5) efforts to raise awareness among victim service providers and the general public about the use of DNA and the Combined DNA Index System to identify the unidentified dead.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through various federal agencies, to develop a national Shaken Baby Syndrome public health campaign. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a National Action Plan and effective strategies to increase awareness of opportunities to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome; and (2) coordinate the Plan and strategies with evidence-based strategies and efforts that support families with infants and other young children. Directs the Secretary to carry out communication, education, and training about Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, including efforts to communicate with the general public, such as by: (1) disseminating effective prevention practices and techniques to parents and caregivers; (2) producing evidence-based educational and information materials; and (3) carrying out Shaken Baby Syndrome training. Requires the Secretary to work to ensure that the parents and caregivers of children are connected to effective supports through the coordination of existing programs and networks or the establishment of new programs, including a 24-hour phone hotline and the development of an Internet website for round-the-clock support. Establishes a Shaken Baby Awareness Advisory Council to develop recommendations: (1) regarding the National Action Plan and effective strategies; and (2) related to support services for families and caregivers of young children.

School Safety Enhancements Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

School Safety Enhancements Act of 2007 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) allow the placement and use of surveillance equipment in schools under the matching grant program for public elementary and secondary school security; (2) allow the use of grant funds to establish hotlines or tiplines for reporting potentially dangerous students and situations and for making capital improvements to make school facilities more secure; (3) set the federal matching share of program costs at 80%; and (4) revise application requirements for school security grants. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Secretary of Education to establish an interagency task force to develop and promulgate advisory school safety guidelines. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each institution of higher education participating in any program under title IV (Student Assistance) of that Act to: (1) conduct an annual campus safety assessment in consultation with local law enforcement officials; and (2) develop and implement a campus emergency response plan that addresses a comprehensive set of emergency situations, including natural disasters, law enforcement emergencies, and terrorism.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and improve certain authorities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Sets $19 million as the maximum amount per fiscal year for reimbursement to states and local agencies administering veterans' education benefits. Extends through FY2007 a pilot program of on-job training for veterans' claims adjudicators. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to waive, for public interest purposes on a case-by-case basis, the residency requirement for a Director for Veterans' Employment and Training. Includes veterans of the Global War on Terror within an ongoing veterans' unemployment study. Amends the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 to extend through 2009 an increase in benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-job training.

Supporting the goals and ideals of a Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of a Lyme Disease Awareness Month and for education and research efforts with respect to tick-borne diseases.

No Child Left Behind Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

No Child Left Behind Reform Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow states to include measures of individual or cohort growth over time in determining whether students are making adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards. Eliminates the consideration of student attendance rates. Allows schools to be given credit for performing well on measures other than test scores when calculating student achievement. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive: (1) grants to state educational agencies to develop or increase the capacity of data systems for accountability purposes; and (2) subgrants to increase the capacity of local educational agencies to upgrade, create, or manage information databases for the purpose of measuring AYP. Allows schools to target school choice and supplemental services to the students who are members of specified types of groups that fail to make AYP. Requires placement and service in the least restrictive environment for students who receive services under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act who use an option to transfer under ESEA. Revises the definition of highly qualified teacher to authorize states to: (1) use a generalist exam for middle school teachers; and (2) issue certificates that qualify teachers to teach a number of subjects in social studies or in science.

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2007 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise requirements for health care programs and services for Indians, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Provides for: (1) expanded coverage for qualified Indians in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under title XXI of the Social Security Act (SSA), as well as Medicare under SSA title XVIII and Medicaid under SSA title XIX; and (2) related payments to Indian Health Programs and Urban Indian Organizations operating in the state. Replaces the Urban Health Programs Branch with a Division of Urban Indian Health. Requires the Indian Health Service to be administered by an Assistant Secretary for Indian Health (currently, it is administered by a Director). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Indian Health Service and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to consolidate certain existing programs into a new program of comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, treatment, and aftercare for Indian tribes. Establishes the National Bipartisan Indian Health Care Commission to: (1) establish a study committee to study the extent of Indian health services needs; (2) review and analyze the study committee's report; and (3) make recommendations to Congress regarding the delivery of federal health care services to Indians. Provides for the confidentiality of medical quality assurance records created by or for any Indian Health Program or a health program of an urban Indian organization as part of a medical quality assurance program. Reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (as amended by this Act) through FY2017. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to direct the Secretary to establish the Native American Health and Wellness Foundation. Amends related SSA provisions to conform with this Act.

Nanotechnology in the Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Nanotechnology in the Schools Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a nanotechnology in the schools program awarding grants to public or charter secondary schools offering advanced science courses and to institutions of higher education, for the purchase of nanotechnology equipment and software and the provision of nanotechnology education to students and teachers.

Fair Pay Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Fair Pay Act of 2007 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. (Allows payment of different wages under seniority systems, merit systems, systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production, or differentials based on bona fide factors that the employer demonstrates are job-related or further legitimate business interests.) Prohibits the discharge of, or any other discrimination against, an individual for opposing any act or practice made unlawful by this Act or for assisting in an investigation or proceeding under it. Directs courts, in any action brought under this Act for violation of such prohibition, to allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows any such action to be maintained as a class action. Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement this Act; and (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of this Act. Makes conforming amendments, relating to congressional and executive branch employees, to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 and the Presidential and Executive Office Accountability Act.

Sudanese Diaspora Loan Forgiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Sudanese Diaspora Loan Forgiveness Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish education loan forgiveness programs for Sudanese citizens who have become naturalized U.S. citizens or who are lawfully residing in the United States if they commit to returning to Southern Sudan for five or more years to help repair damage to infrastructure caused by the Sudanese civil war.

Part-time Student Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Part-time Student Assistance Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide access and assistance to increase college attendance and completion by part-time students. Increases the earnings exempt from student aid need determinations for academic year 2007-2008 by exempting earnings of up to: (1) $9,000 for dependent students; and (2) $12,000 for independent students with no dependents (other than spouse). Establishes a revised table that increases the amount of earnings for independent students with dependents (other than spouse) that are exempt. Provides for inflationary adjustments to such earnings exemptions in subsequent academic years. Exempts earned income credits from the calculation of income. Revises and expands a program (child care access means parents in school) which provides grants to institutions of higher education for child care assistance for low-income students. Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a year-round Pell grant pilot program. Authorizes a demonstration program to create a holistic approach to addressing the needs of part-time students. Allows such program to: (1) be at up to 150 associate's and bachelor's degree-granting institutions; and (2) include grants, leveraging funds from nonfederal sources, comprehensive child care, and better tailored remedial course programs.

Right Start Child Care and Education Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Right Start Child Care and Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rates and maximum allowable amount of the tax credit for employer-provided child care; (2) increase the dollar limit on the child care tax credit; and (3) allow a $2,000 tax credit for child care providers who hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child care, or a related degree and who provide at least 1,200 hours of child care services in a taxable year.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Community College Month.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Supports the goals and ideals of National Community College Month. Congratulates the Nation's community colleges, and their students, governing boards, faculty, and staff, for their contributions to education and workforce development, and for their vital role in ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the Nation.

Supporting home ownership and responsible lending.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that legislation should be enacted that protects buyers who have been victims of unscrupulous mortgage brokers and lenders. Urges that such legislation: (1) include an anti-predatory lending provision that bans unfair and deceptive practices; (2) require lenders to evaluate a borrower's ability to pay over the life of the loan (at the fully indexed rate for the fully amortized amount); (3) establish federal regulations regarding licensing, education, and experience requirements for mortgage brokers and loan officers in non-bank companies; (4) require that disclosures be written in plain language and prominently displayed in a manner that is visually clear and effectively communicates the intended information to the potential borrower; (5) reduce or eliminate prepayment penalties; (6) notify potential home buyers of lenders or brokers with high foreclosure rates; and (7) mandate pre-loan counseling.

Graduation Promise Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2007

Graduation Promise Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for differentiated high school improvement systems targeting support to schools with low student achievement and graduation rates after the school fails for two consecutive years to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) pursuant to state academic performance standards. Requires state grantees to establish comprehensive school performance indicators and minimum annual improvement benchmarks for use, in addition to current AYP measures, in analyzing school performance and determining the improvement category into which a school is placed. Directs LEA subgrantees to convene a local school improvement team for each school placed in an improvement category that will use performance indicators to conduct a school needs assessment and develop a multiyear school improvement plan tailored to the school's need categorization. Permits LEAs to use funds to improve feeder middle schools. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to: (1) LEAs, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education to develop and implement, or replicate, effective school models for struggling students and dropouts; and (2) states to adjust their policies to allow for educational innovations that improve high school graduation rates while ensuring rigorous education content standards and assessments, if such states implement differentiated high school improvement systems and statewide longitudinal student data systems.