Education

To establish dual-language education programs in low-income communities.

United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2007

Providing Resources to Improve Dual Language Education Act of 2007 or the PRIDE Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award up to five grants to partnerships of local educational agencies (LEAs), early childhood education programs, and technical assistance providers for the implementation of dual language demonstration programs designed to enhance and assess the biliteracy, bilingualism, and multicultural skills of low-income minority and limited English proficient students from preschool through grade five. Directs the Secretary to: (1) arrange for an entity that has dual language program experience to provide technical assistance to LEA grantees and evaluate the programs funded by this Act; and (2) disseminate information on model practices implemented under such programs that are appropriate for use by early childhood education providers to improve the school readiness of limited English proficient students.

NASA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007

NASA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to mint and issue $50 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of $50 per $50 coin, and of $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $4 million to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties. Requires distribution of: (1) one-half of the next $1 million of the remaining amounts to the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Educational (D.R.E.M.E.) Science Literacy Foundation and the Challenger Center for Space Science Education; and (2) the remainder to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution for the preservation, maintenance, and display of space artifacts at the National Air and Space Museum (including the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center). Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $50 gold coins.

Veterans Pain Care Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007

Veterans Pain Care Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facility an initiative on pain care which shall include, for each individual receiving treatment at such facility: (1) an assessment for pain at the time of admission or initial treatment, and periodic assessments thereafter; and (2) appropriate pain care including, when necessary, access to specialty pain management services. Directs the Secretary to carry out within the Medical and Prosthetic Research Service of the Veterans Health Administration a program of research and training on acute and chronic pain. Requires the Secretary, under such program, to designate cooperative centers for research and education on pain, with at least one center as a lead center for research on pain attributable to central and peripheral nervous system damage commonly associated with battlefield injuries characteristic of modern warfare.

NOAA Scholarship Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007

NOAA Scholarship Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to students at institutions of higher education to recruit and prepare them for careers in the National Weather Service and in NOAA marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs. Sets forth provisions governing such Program.

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007

Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to eligible entities to provide education and training in newborn screening and congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders to health care professionals and newborn screening laboratory personnel. Adds as a condition for eligibility for grants for screening, counseling, or health care services to newborns and children having, or at risk for, heritable disorders that an entity assure that it has or is implementing guidelines and recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children. Requires the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children to: (1) make recommendations that include the heritable disorders for which all newborns should be screened; and (2) develop a model decision-matrix for newborn screening program expansion. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to: (1) establish a central clearinghouse for information on newborn screening; and (2) award grants for newborn screening educational programs and for a system to assess and coordinate treatment relating to congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to provide for: (1) quality assurance for screening laboratories; (2) population-based pilot testing for evaluating new screening tools; and (3) a national contingency plan for newborn screening in the event of a public health emergency. Requires the Secretary, acting through an Interagency Group, to: (1) collect, analyze, and make available data on certain heritable disorders; (2) operate regional centers to conduct applied epidemiological research on interventions to prevent poor health outcomes from such disorders; and (3) research and promote the prevention of poor health outcomes. Requires the Secretary to establish the Hunter Kelly Newborn Screening Research Program.

Active Duty Military Tax Relief Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007

Active Duty Military Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow certain small business owners (businesses having 100 or fewer employees) and self-employed individuals a tax credit for wages paid to members of the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces and to temporary replacement employees for such members while on active military duty; (2) treat differential wage payments made to members of the Ready Reserve as earned income for tax withholding and retirement plan purposes; (3) allow the rollover of military death gratuities to individual retirement accounts, health savings accounts, Archer medical savings accounts, and education savings accounts; (4) increase the standard tax deduction by $1,000 in 2007 and 2008 for members of the uniformed services on active duty for more than 30 days; and (5) make permanent the taxpayer election to treat combat pay as earned income for purposes of computing the earned income tax credit and tax-free retirement plan distributions to individuals called to active duty.

ASSESSMENT OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD'S ACTION PLAN FOR STEM EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 October 2007

Promoting Health Information Technology Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007

Promoting Health Information Technology Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology. Establishes a public-private Partnership for Health Care Improvement to recommend specific actions to achieve a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure. Provides for the adoption by the federal government of standards for the electronic exchange of health information. Establishes the American Health Information Community to provide advice to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the heads of any relevant federal agencies concerning the policy considerations related to health information technology. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the: (1) purchase of qualified health information technology systems; (2) implementation of regional or local health information plans; and (3) development of academic curricula integrating qualified health information technology systems in the clinical education of health professionals. Requires the Secretary to provide for the development and use of health care quality measures to measure the quality and efficiency of health care that patients receive. Extends health information privacy requirements to an operator of a health information electronic database. Gives individuals the right to inspect and obtain a copy of their protected health information stored in electronic format. Directs the Comptroller General to report on the circumstances in which it is necessary and workable to require that individuals be notified if their individually identifiable health information is wrongly disclosed. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to develop a Health Information Technology Resource Center.

Recognizing the importance of improving the high school graduation rate of foster youth.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007

Recognizes the importance of increasing the foster youth high school graduation rate. Expresses concern that such rate is currently too low. Supports efforts to improve such rate, including increased coordination between child welfare and educational agencies.

Supporting the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007

Supports the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in order to provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of monthly breast self-examinations and annual mammograms. Salutes the more than 2.4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States and the efforts of victims, volunteers, and professionals who combat breast cancer each day. Recognizes and applauds the national and community organizations for their work in promoting awareness about breast cancer, providing information, and offering treatment to its sufferers. Urges organizations and health practitioners to use this opportunity to promote awareness about breast cancer, to support monthly self-examinations, and to encourage annual mammograms.

Industrial Energy Efficiency Research and Development Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2007

Industrial Energy Efficiency Research and Development Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program, in cooperation with energy-intensive industries, representative industry trade associations, and institutions of higher education, to conduct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities with respect to new industrial and commercial processes, technologies, and methods to: (1) achieve improvements in energy efficiency and environmental performance; and (2) enhance the economic competitiveness of the U.S. industrial sector. Directs the Secretary to provide funding to university-based industrial research and assessment centers to: (1) identify opportunities for optimizing energy efficiency and environmental performance; (2) promote application of emerging concepts and technologies in small and medium-sized manufacturers; (3) promote the research and development for use of alternative energy sources for energy intensive industries; (4) coordinate with state research offices, and provide a clearinghouse for industrial process and energy efficiency technical assistance resources; and (5) coordinate with state-accredited technical training centers and community colleges, while ensuring appropriate services to all regions of the United States.

Military Child College Affordability Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2007

Military Child College Affordability Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit a state from charging members of the armed forces who are on active duty for more than 30 days and whose domicile or permanent duty station is in such state, and such members' dependents, more than the in-state tuition for attending a public institution of higher education (IHE) in that state. Provides that, even if such members' permanent duty station is subsequently changed to a location outside the state, they or their dependents must continue to be charged no more than the in-state tuition if they remain continuously enrolled at such IHE in the state.

Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Mendez v. Westminster decision which ended segregation of Mexican and Mexican American students in California schools, and for other purposes;.

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2007

Recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Mendez v. Westminster decision which ended segregation of Mexican and Mexican American students in California schools. Honors the Mendez family, and congratulates Sylvia Mendez for her continued efforts to keep alive the importance of this case and the impact it had on her future. Encourages the continued fight against school segregation, and the education of the people of the United States in the civil right implications of the Mendez v. Westminster case.

Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states or local educational agencies (LEAs) for the establishment or enhancement of school breakfast programs at, and through the provision of subgrants to, schools where at least 65% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches under the school lunch program. Authorizes schools to use the school breakfast subgrants to: (1) increase the quantity of local or fresh food available under their programs; (2) provide nutrition education and first-hand knowledge of food systems to students; (3) extend the period during which breakfast is available, including during the school day; (4) increase participation in their breakfast programs, including through the provision of universal free breakfasts; or (5) collaborate with institutions of higher education or other research entities in compiling data and reports on their breakfast programs. Gives priority to subgrant applicant schools at least 75% of whose students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches and which intend to use the funds to procure local produce, provide universal free breakfasts, or provide breakfast during the school day. Directs state and LEA grantees, at least 180 days before the end of a grant term, to evaluate whether it would be cost-effective for subgrantee schools to provide universal free breakfasts under the school breakfast program.

Expanded Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Expanded Education Act - Amends title I of the the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create a new part I (Expanded Education) program awarding grants to states for the conduct of separate expanded day, week, or year pilot programs. Requires that for each of the expanded day and week programs at least: (1) 20 schools in each small state and 50 schools in each large state participate; (2) 50% of each participating school's student population consist of low-income students; (3) one entire grade in each participating school be involved in the program. Requires each expanded day and week program to: (1) increase student proficiency in reading and language arts, and mathematics; (2) provide education in new areas or directions, so that it is not wholly remedial; and (3) include sufficient recreational, social, or extra-curricular cultural activities. Allows each participating state to conduct expanded year programs through one or a combination of three school-based models: (1) two to be conducted by participating schools, institutions of higher education (IHE), or nonprofit organizations in schools at least 50% of whose students are low-income students, but differing in whether they require the mandatory participation of at least one entire grade or allow the voluntary participation of at least two grades at participating schools; and (2) one requiring the state to establish a voluntary summer learning institute for low-income students at an IHE to be run by the IHE or a nonprofit organization. Requires each expanded year program to: (1) provide education in new areas or directions, or increase student expertise; (2) emphasize non-remedial work; and (3) include sufficient recreational, social, or extra-curricular cultural activities.

Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Advancing FASD Research, Prevention, and Services Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention and Services Program to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a research agenda for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD); (2) facilitate surveillance, public health research, and prevention of FASD; and (3) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to states and other entities to provide services for individuals with FASD, to educate court, law enforcement, and adoption officials on how to treat and support individuals with FASD, and to provide transitional services for individuals affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. Requires: (1) the Secretary to provide for continuation of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; and (2) the Comptroller General to evaluate and make recommendations regarding appropriate federal FASD activities. Includes within the grant program for services to individuals with FASD: (1) respite care for caretakers of such individuals, (2) recruitment and training of mentors for such individuals; and (3) educational and supportive services to families of such individuals. Requires the Secretary of Education to direct the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to implement screening procedures and introduce curricula for educating children with FASD. Requires the Attorney General to direct the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to: (1) educate officials on how to treat individuals with FASD; (2) study the inadequacies of the current system for dealing with such individuals; and (3) develop transitional programs for such individuals who are released from incarceration.

Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Servicemember Student Loan Interest Relief Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide that no interest shall accrue on student loans under the Federal Direct Loan program for individuals who are serving on active duty or performing National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency. Limits receipt of such benefit to 60 months. Requires the Secretary of Education to offer direct consolidation loans to eligible service members who want to avoid the accrual of interest on existing loans.

College Access and Opportunity Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

College Access and Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize appropriations for HEA programs. Establishes a single definition of institutions of higher education (IHEs) for purposes of their participation in all HEA programs, including title IV student aid programs. Allows IHEs to enroll students who are also enrolled in secondary school. Revises higher education consumer information and public accountability requirements. Imposes educational loan disclosure requirements on lenders and IHEs. Replaces the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants for States and Partnerships program under title II with a new Teacher Quality Partnership grant program for partnerships of high-need local educational agencies (LEAs), high-need schools, IHEs, and public or private educational organizations. Repeals part B (Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology) of title II. Creates a new title II: (1) Teacher Incentive Fund program to assist states, LEAs, and nonprofit organizations in implementing comprehensive performance-based compensation systems for teachers and principals; and (2) National Teacher Corps grant program to recruit, select, train, and support college graduates as new teachers for high-need LEAs. Revises and reauthorizes title III Institutional Aid programs providing grants to IHEs serving high percentages of minority and low-income students. Revises and reauthorizes title IV Student Assistance programs. Increases the maximum Pell grant and allows year-round grants. Makes homeless or unaccompanied youth eligible to participate in the TRIO and Gear UP programs. Turns the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship program into: (1) scholarship and loan forgiveness programs for mathematics and science students; and (2) an adjunct teacher corps program to recruit and place secondary school mathematics, science, and critical foreign language teachers. Repeals the Learning Anywhere Partnerships program. Provides student loan forgiveness under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program for service in areas of national need. Prohibits certain business arrangements and inducements between lenders, guaranty agencies, and IHEs. Requires the development of simplified paper and electronic student aid application forms. Increases the institutional and financial aid information which IHEs must provide to current and prospective students. Establishes a college affordability demonstration program for innovations in the delivery of higher education and student aid that reduce costs for students and IHEs. Requires all IHEs (currently, only for-profit IHEs) to have at least 10% of their revenues from sources other than title IV funds. Revises IHE accreditation requirements. Revises and reauthorizes the title V Developing Institutions grant program for Hispanic-serving institutions. Establishes a new grant program for graduate programs at such institutions. Revises and reauthorizes title VI International Education programs. Establishes under title VI: (1) a grant program for partnerships of IHEs and LEAs that establish articulated programs of study in critical-need foreign languages; and (2) an independent International Higher Education Advisory Board within the Department of Education. Revises and reauthorizes title VII Graduate and Post-Secondary Improvement programs. Establishes a new Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education program providing scholarships to the family members of veterans and military personnel. Eliminates the Urban Community Service grant program. Revises and reauthorizes various programs under the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 and the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978. Reauthorizes the Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural program under the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. Reauthorizes the Tribal Economic Development and Technology Related Education Assistance Act of 1990. Reauthorizes appropriations under the Navajo Community College Act and the (Higher) Education Amendments of 1992 for construction grants and Olympic Scholarships, respectively.

Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) to revise requirements and reauthorize appropriations for: (1) WIA title I, workforce investment systems for job training and employment services; and (2) WIA title II, adult basic skills and family literacy education programs (renamed as the Adult Education, Basic Skills, and Family Literacy Education Act). Revises and reauthorizes workforce investment systems with respect to: (1) state and local planning, allocation, work force investment board membership, and performance accountability; (2) one-stop centers; (3) consolidated funding for adult program activities, including job training, dislocated worker retraining, the employment service system, and reemployment grants; (4) training programs for both out-of-school and in-school youth, including challenge grants; and (5) national job training programs, including the Job Corps and programs for Native Americans, migrant and seasonal farmworkers, and veterans. Exempts religious organizations, with respect to their employment of individuals of a particular religion, from WIA nondiscrimination requirements. Sets forth provisions for the approval of state Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) plans for the carrying out of certain workforce development activities. Repeals Wagner-Peyser Act provisions relating to the U.S. Employment Service. Revises requirements and reauthorizes appropriations for: (1) vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and (2) the Helen Keller National Center Act.

GRADUATES Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Getting Retention and Diplomas Up Among Today's Enrolled Students Act or the GRADUATES Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to establish a Secondary School Innovation Fund program awarding competitive matching grants to partnerships, which must include at least one state or local educational agency, for the implementation of innovative strategies to improve the achievement of at-risk students in secondary schools. Permits partnerships to award subgrants to schools for the implementation of such strategies. Lists activities, one or more of which grantees or subgrantees must implement, that include: (1) creating multiple pathways that offer students a range of educational options aligned with their needs and interests and preparing them for postsecondary education and the workforce; (2) creating expanded learning time opportunities, such as arts, service, higher, and work-based education; (3) improving student transitions from middle school to high school or from high school to postsecondary education and the workforce; (4) increasing the autonomy and flexibility of secondary schools; (5) improving rural education through educational technology; (6) redesigning middle schools; and (7) improving teaching and increasing academic rigor at the secondary school level. Requires the Secretary to disseminate best practices in improving secondary school student achievement.

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to enable local educational agencies to use amounts received from the Fund for the Improvement of Education for innovative programs to increase learning in financial literacy.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow local educational agencies to use amounts received under part A (Innovative Programs) of title V for programs to increase students' financial literacy through classroom learning or after school programs.

Methamphetamine Prevention Enhancement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Methamphetamine Prevention Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to establish a Drug-Free Workplace Information Clearinghouse. Requires the Clearinghouse Director to: (1) serve as a resource for employers maintaining or attempting to establish a drug-free workplace policy; (2) provide assistance to employers and employees in resolving complaints, grievances, and requests for information regarding drug-free workplaces and in understanding rights and responsibilities under federal employment laws pertaining to drug-free workplace policies; and (3) conduct an educational campaign for employers on federal drug-free workplace standards or guidelines and on federal assistance available to employers to establish or maintain a drug-free workplace. Requires the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to: (1) make grants to medical associations, health care providers, and health care facilities to conduct training for health care providers on recognizing the signs of methamphetamine addiction and recognizing vulnerable populations for purposes of preventing and treating such addiction; (2) conduct an educational campaign on the public health effects of methamphetamine addiction; and (3) make grants to schools, community organizations, and local governmental entities to establish or maintain a methamphetamine awareness project consisting of after-school or extracurricular activities in which students learn about the dangers of methamphetamine through hands-on advertising or video production exercises.

Mandarin Language Teaching Grant Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Mandarin Language Teaching Grant Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to state school districts to institute Mandarin language classes for elementary and secondary school and adult education students.

WE CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Working to Encourage Community Action and Responsibility in Education Act or the WE CARE Act - Amends title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states and local educational agencies (LEAs) to assess the nonacademic factors affecting student academic performance and work with other public, private, nonprofit, and community-based entities to address those factors. Requires the annual report cards issued by states and LEAs to include additional performance data, including information on their efforts to increase community and parental involvement in students' education. Establishes a new program requiring the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to LEAs for the development and implementation of community involvement policies that leverage the resources, services, and opportunities available from public, private, nonprofit, and community-based partners to address students' academic and nonacademic needs and thereby support their attainment of state academic performance standards.

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to enable local educational agencies to use amounts received from the Fund for the Improvement of Education for innovative programs to increase learning in nutrition and exercise.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow local educational agencies to use amounts received under part A (Innovative Programs) of title V for programs to increase nutrition and exercise education that focuses on illness prevention and is provided in classroom or after school settings.

Vision Preservation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Vision Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to expand and intensify programs to increase awareness of vision problems. Directs the Secretary to expand and intensify: (1) activities to establish a solid scientific base of knowledge on the prevention, control, and rehabilitation of vision problems and related disabilities; (2) research within CDC on the prevention and management of vision loss; and (3) programs targeted to prevent vision loss, treat eye and vision conditions, and rehabilitate people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted in underserved and minority communities. Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations to enable the Secretary to introduce core performance measures on eye health by incorporating vision screening and examination standards into state programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations for vision rehabilitation professional development.

Expressing the sense of Congress that secondary schools should consider starting school after 9:00 in the morning.

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Expresses the sense of Congress that secondary schools should begin classes after nine o'clock in the morning.

ASPIRE Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2007

America Saving for Personal Investment, Retirement, and Education Act of 2007 or the ASPIRE Act of 2007 - 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, 2007, 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, each KIDS Account shall be treated in the same manner as a Roth IRA. Applies Roth IRA requirements separately to KIDS accounts. Provides for: (1) distributions for higher education expenses; and (2) privately managed KIDS accounts. Subjects the Board to the same 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.

NANOTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 October 2007

Preparing America's Seniors for the Digital Television Transition of [sic] Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007

Preparing America's Seniors for the Digital Television Transition of [ sic ] Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), commencing not later than January 1, 2008, or 60 days after enactment, to enter into a partnership with the Administration on Aging and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to create a comprehensive nationwide public education campaign that provides information and assistance to older individuals to ensure that such individuals receive uninterrupted television service during the transition from analog to digital television that is to occur on February 17, 2009, and to mitigate the likelihood of success of fraudulent schemes relating to such transition that may target such older individuals. Provides for an advisory board which shall include representatives from minorities, the disabled, non-native English speakers, tribal groups, and other vulnerable populations. Sets forth: (1) public notification (and labeling and advertising, as appropriate) requirements for full power commercial television broadcast licensees, noncommercial broadcasters, multichannel video programming distributors, electronic retailers, and manufacturers; and (2) penalties for noncompliance. Provides for grants for provide public education outreach and installation assistance to older individuals and other vulnerable populations. Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to revise the program specifications of the digital-to-analog converter box program, including requiring a standard application to receive a coupon.

Educational Advisor and Contractor Integrity Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007

Educational Advisor and Contractor Integrity Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to establish a screening process to address conflicts of interest on the part of individuals being considered for service on advisory committees used in the Act's administration. Authorizes the Secretary to grant an exemption to individuals that have a conflict of interest if: (1) the conflict does not compromise the integrity, in fact or appearance, of the committee's efforts; (2) the conflict can be sufficiently mitigated; and (3) reasonable efforts were made to identify alternate conflict-free individuals. Considers such advisory committee members to be special government employees for purposes of the federal criminal code. Directs the Secretary to: (1) work with the Office of Government Ethics to develop policies and procedures to address conflicts of interest on the part of advisory committee members, including the adoption of an alternative confidential financial disclosure form for such members; and (2) seek advice, before convening an advisory group, from the Committee Management Secretariat within the General Services Administration (GSA) as to the applicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Requires the Secretary to screen potential providers of technical assistance under the Act for conflicts of interest and implement a process for continually monitoring whether technical assistance providers are appropriately implementing required conflicts of interest policies and procedures.

Healthy Workforce Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007

Healthy Workforce Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a 50% tax credit for the costs of providing employees with a qualified wellness program. Defines "qualified wellness program" as a program that is certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and that consists of a health awareness and education component, a behavioral change component, and a supportive environment component. Terminates such credit after 2017. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to institute an outreach program to inform businesses about the availability of such wellness program tax credit.

Facilitating Outstanding Classrooms Using Size reduction Act (FOCUS Act)

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007

Facilitating Outstanding Classrooms Using Size reduction Act (FOCUS Act) - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to award formula grants to states for allocation to their local educational agencies (LEAs) to: (1) reduce class size, particularly in the early elementary grades, by using highly qualified teachers; and (2) create a continuum of small classes from kindergarten through third grade for all their students. Permits LEAs to use such funds to recruit highly qualified teachers, test new teachers, and provide professional development that enables teachers to teach effectively in their content areas. Requires 80% of an LEA's allocation to be based on its proportion of the state's low-income students, with the remainder based on its proportion of the state's enrolled students. Requires LEAs that receive allocations to provide written notice to the parent of each child who is taught for two or more consecutive weeks by a substitute teacher or a teacher who is not highly qualified. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for an independent evaluation of this Act's effectiveness in reducing class size and improving teaching in small classrooms; and (2) develop and maintain, through the National Center for Education Statistics, a database that accurately calculates class size for every school, school district, and state. Amends the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 to require the National Center for Education Research, in the Institute of Education Sciences, to develop and maintain a web-based National Clearinghouse on Class Size to inform the public regarding class size reduction research, resources, and best practices.

A resolution recognizing the efforts and contributions of outstanding Hispanic scientists in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007

Recognizes efforts to educate, support, and provide hope for the Hispanic community, including efforts to: (1) honor outstanding Hispanic scientists in the United States at the annual National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Gala; and (2) organize a "Meet the Hispanic Scientist Day." Congratulates the 2007 National Hispanic Scientist of the Year (Dr. Louis A. Martin-Vega), designated by the Museum of Science & Industry, for ongoing dedication to improving the quality of, and access to, science and engineering research and education.

Office of Correctional Public Health Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007

Office of Correctional Public Health Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of Correctional Public Health (OCPH) within the Office of Public Health and Science. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of OCPH, to carry out public health activities for individuals who are: (1) employed in the field of corrections as employees in federal, state, or local penal or correctional institutions; (2) incarcerated in such institutions; (3) employed as parole or probation officers; or (4) under parole or probation supervision. Includes among such activities disease prevention, health promotion, service delivery, research, and health professions education activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants to states to provide for correctional populations screenings, immunizations, and treatment for hepatitis A, B, and C and other infectious diseases. Requires a portion of each grant to be expended to carry out such activities at penal or correctional facilities that are not facilities in which individuals serve terms of imprisonment, including remand facilities.

Proven Programs for the Future of Education Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2007

Proven Programs for the Future of Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide that in all competitive grants awarded by the Department of Education to states or local educational agencies (LEAs) or by states to LEAs under the Act, 10% of the competitive preference points may be awarded to states and LEAs that propose to use research-proven programs, if appropriate. Requires reading instruction under the Reading First program to be research-proven or, at a minimum, meet the current requirement that it be scientifically-based. Defines "research-proven reading programs" as those that are deemed to be such programs by a Department of Education review panel and are evaluated in at least two studies, both of which meet specified minimum criteria that require the use of control groups.

Education Research & Development To Improve Achievement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2007

Education Research & Development To Improve Achievement Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award grants to research and development entities to develop, evaluate, and encourage the replication of innovations in core activities under title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Act, including: (1) instruction in mathematics, reading or language arts, and science; (2) school improvement and restructuring; (3) supplemental educational services; and (4) the Reading First program.

Emergency Contraception Education Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Emergency Contraception Education Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop and disseminate to the public information on emergency contraception, including, at a minimum, a description of emergency contraception and an explanation of the use, safety, efficacy, and availability of such contraception. Requires that the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to develop and disseminate to health care providers, including pharmacists, information on emergency contraception that includes, at a minimum: (1) information describing the use, safety, efficacy, and availability of emergency contraception; (2) a recommendation regarding its use in appropriate cases; and (3) information explaining how to obtain copies of information from the CDC.

Positive Behavior for Effective Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Positive Behavior for Effective Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow states to allocate school improvement funds under title I of the ESEA for coordinated, early intervention services for all students. Includes among such services, schoolwide positive behavior support, defined as a systematic approach to embed proven practices for early intervention services in order to achieve important social outcomes and increase student learning, while preventing problem behaviors. Requires improvements in schoolwide learning climates, including schoolwide positive behavior supports, to be a target of: (1) technical assistance provided by states to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools, and by LEAs to schools identified as needing improvement; (2) schoolwide programs that allow LEAs to consolidate educational funds to upgrade the entire educational program of schools that serve a high proportion of low-income families; (3) professional development funding; (4) funding under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities program; and (5) elementary and secondary school counseling programs. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish, within the Department of Education, an Office of Specialized Instructional Support Services to oversee, implement, and ensure adequate evaluation of, the provision of specialized instructional support services in schools by school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other qualified professionals.

A resolution recognizing that the occurrence of prostate cancer in African American men has reached epidemic proportions and urging Federal agencies to address that health crisis by designating funds for education, awareness outreach, and research specifically focused on how that disease affects African American men.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Recognizes that prostate cancer has created a health crisis for African American men. Urges federal agencies to designate additional funds for research and education, awareness, and early detection efforts at the grassroots levels to end that crisis.

To provide for the use and distribution of the funds awarded to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in Minnesota Chippewa Tribe v. United States, Docket Nos. 19 and 188, United States Court of Federal Claims.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to distribute the funds awarded to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in Minnesota Chippewa Tribe v. United States, Docket Nos. 19 and 188 in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims together with all interest and investment income accrued on deposit in trust account JA1041696 in equal shares to each of the following constituent bands of the Tribe: (1) the Bois Forte Band; (2) the Fond du Lac Band; (3) the Grand Portage Band; (4) the Leech Lake Band; (5) the Mille Lacs Band; and (6) the White Earth Band. Requires that the shares of such Bands be made available for use in the manner determined by the governing body of each Band, except that at least 20% of such funds shall be set aside for social and economic development, education, reservation infrastructure needs, and other governmental purposes.

Safety of Seniors Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) oversee and support national education campaigns focusing on reducing falls among older adults, on preventing repeat falls, and on educating health professionals about falls risk, assessment, and prevention; and (2) award grants for local and state education campaigns. Directs the Secretary to conduct and support research to: (1) improve the identification of older adults who have a high risk of falling; (2) improve data collection and analysis to identify fall risk and protective factors; (3) design, implement, and evaluate the most effective fall prevention and medication management interventions; (4) tailor strategies to reduce falls to specific populations of older adults; (5) maximize the dissemination of proven, effective fall prevention interventions; (6) improve the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of elderly fall victims; and (7) assess the risks of falls occurring in various settings. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct research concerning barriers to the adoption of proven interventions, approaches to reduce falls among high-risk older adults living in long-term care facilities, and strategies in home modifications; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of community programs; (3) provide for a website to serve as an information clearinghouse; (4) oversee and support demonstration projects designed to reduce the risk of falls in frail older adults emphasizing projects that foster collaboration between health care providers and the aging services network or residential and institutional settings; and (5) report to Congress on the effects of falls on health care costs, the potential for reducing falls, and the most effective strategies for reducing associated health care costs.

Honoring the 26th anniversary of Northern Ireland's first integrated school and further encouraging continued innovation to achieve a shared future in education in Northern Ireland that would deliver much higher standards of skills.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007

Honors the 26th anniversary of Northern Ireland's first integrated school. Recognizes that a shared future in education in Northern Ireland will produce a higher quality education which plays a powerful and positive role in creating a more confident society with greater sharing between its communities. Reiterates support for the successful May 8, 2007, devolution which will present an opportunity for Northern Ireland to work toward a shared future in education.

Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007

Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of State, with respect to each country containing a significant population of Iraqi refugees or internally displaced persons including Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Lebanon, to provide bilateral assistance or funding to international aid organizations and nongovernmental organizations for humanitarian assistance, including adequate food, shelter, clean drinking water, sanitation, health care, education, and security. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a program to assist Jordanian border police, immigration officers, and other individuals responsible for Jordanian border security in the security screening of Iraqi refugees. Authorizes special immigrant status for an alien (and accompanying or joining spouse and children) who: (1) is a national of Iraq; (2) was employed by, or worked for or with, the U.S. government, U.S. companies, or nongovernmental organizations in Iraq on or after March 19, 2003, for at least one year; and (3) fears reprisal, persecution, injury, or death to the alien or the alien's family due to such employment. Directs the Secretary of State to provide such alien with protection or immediate removal from Iraq. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide for expedited processing of Iraqi refugees, with priority for Iraqis who: (1) were employed by the U.S. government, U.S. companies, or nongovernmental organizations; or (2) are members of vulnerable refugee populations, including Iraqis from ethnically mixed families and Iraqis who are members of religious or other minority groups. Directs the Secretary of State to work with the international community to assist Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons.

TMA, Abstinence Education, and QI Programs Extension Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007

TMA, Abstinence Education, and QI Programs Extension Act of 2007 - Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, as amended, to extend transitional medical assistance (TMA) and the abstinence education program through December 31, 2007. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend through December 2007: (1) the qualifying individual (QI) program; and (2) a specified allocation of funds for state coverage of Medicare cost-sharing for additional low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for FY2008-FY2012, to provide for the application to asset eligibility determinations under the Medicaid program of the automated, secure, web-based asset verification request and response process being applied for determining eligibility for Supplemental Security Income benefits under a specified demonstration project authorized by SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 to delay for six months, from September 30, 2007, through March 31, 2008, the effective date of the requirement to use tamper-resistant prescription pads to prescribe covered outpatient drugs under the Medicaid program. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to provide additional funding for the Medicare Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative Fund. Limits the implementation for FY2008-FY2009 of prospective documentation and coding adjustments (made in response to the implementation of the Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG) system under the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient hospital services).

Restore Patriotism to University Campuses Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2007

Restore Patriotism to University Campuses Act - Forbids the provision of certain federal funds by grant or contract to Columbia University of New York City or any subelement of such school because it allowed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak on its campus. Exempts student financial aid funds from such prohibition.

American Flag Display Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007

American Flag Display Protection Act - Prohibits an elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education from receiving federal funds by grant or contract if the school has a policy or practice preventing students from respectfully displaying or wearing a representation of the U.S. flag in a manner at least equal in quality and scope to their right to respectfully display or wear any other representation.

Rural Students College, Career, and Community Readiness Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007

Rural Students College, Career, and Community Readiness Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to up to two nonprofit organizations to conduct higher education and career readiness demonstration projects. Requires grantees to partner with rural local educational agencies and schools to enroll a cohort of seventh grade students and a cohort of ninth grade students into the demonstration projects, which are to provide such students with approximately 25 hours of informational and educational services in each grade through grade 12 that prepare them for higher education and a successful career.

Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2007

Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and with the involvement of other federal agencies, state and local health departments, and an advisory committee, to establish and operate a Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify, expand, and coordinate among existing data and surveillance systems, surveys, registries, and other federal public health and environmental infrastructure; (2) provide for public access to an electronic national database that accepts data from the State Environmental Public Health Network (established by this Act), subject to privacy requirements; (3) prepare and periodically publish a Coordinated Environmental Public Health Network Status Report and a Coordinated Network Health and Environment Report; (4) operate and maintain National Environmental Health Rapid Response Services; (5) provide technical assistance; and (6) develop minimum standards and procedures for data collection and reporting. Authorizes: (1) states to apply for grants to implement pilot projects to develop State Environmental Public Health Network enhancements and programs; and (2) the Secretary to award grants to at least five accredited schools or programs of public health for Centers of Excellence. Directs the Secretary: (1) to award John H. Chafee Public Health Scholarships to eligible students enrolled in accredited schools of public health or medicine; and (2) through the CDC Director, to enter into cooperative agreements to train and place applied epidemiology fellows in state and local health departments and to expand CDC biomonitoring data collection.

Border Security and Elimination of Sanctuary for Illegal Aliens Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2007

Border Security and Elimination of Sanctuary for Illegal Aliens Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the worsening crisis of illegal immigration must be solved. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) increase incentives to recruit Border Patrol agents through repayment of higher education loans; (2) establish a retention program; and (3) make construction of border fencing a priority. Authorizes the Secretary to deploy newly-developed technology along the land and maritime borders. Requires that a state or local law enforcement agency that arrests an alien unlawfully in the United States for any reason shall notify United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement respecting such arrest and provide the identity of the arrested person. Provides for: (1) such person's expedited removal from the United States, and (2) criminal penalties and expedited removal for a subsequent unlawful presence. Makes inadmissible to the United States an alien who has been unlawfully present in the United States and who attempts to illegally enter or reenter the United States. (Under current law, such person must be unlawfully in the United States for an aggregate period exceeding one year.)