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366 records in US in 1998
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1998
Sets forth the rule (open) for the consideration of H.R. 2846 (Federal education funds for national testing).
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1998
Safe Food Action Plan Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish food safety research, education, and extension as a priority within the Department of Agriculture; and (2) designate a Food Safety Rapid Response Team within the Department. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to emphasize food safety within the Fund for Rural America. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary to establish the National Food Safety Research, Education, and Extension Program to reduce the incidence of food borne illness. Authorizes related contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements for the development and commercialization of food safety technology.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1998
Safe Food Action Plan Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish food safety research, education, and extension as a priority within the Department of Agriculture; and (2) designate a Food Safety Rapid Response Team within the Department. (Sec. 5) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to emphasize food safety within the Fund for Rural America. (Sec. 6) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary to establish the National Food Safety Research, Education, and Extension Program to reduce the incidence of food borne illness. Authorizes related contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements for the development and commercialization of food safety technology.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reading Grants Title II: Amendments to Even Start Family Literacy Programs Reading Excellence Act - Title I: Reading Grants - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish a new title XV Reading Grants program. (Sec. 101) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to State-established reading and literacy partnerships to make subgrants for local reading improvement programs and tutorial assistance programs. Provides for peer review panel evaluation of grant applications. Sets forth the requirements relating to partnership membership, contractual agreements, functions, duties, fiscal agency, pre-existing partnerships, multi-state partnerships, and performance reports. Requires partnerships that receive such grants to make competitive three-year local reading improvement subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) with one or more schools that: (1) are identified for school improvement; and (2) have a contractual association with community-based organizations of proven effectiveness with respect to reading readiness, reading instruction for children in kindergarten through third grade, and early childhood literacy. Sets forth requirements for subgrant duration, applications, agencies, priorities, authorized activities, and administrative costs. Allows subgrantees to train, on a fee-for-service basis, personnel from schools or LEAs that are not subgrant recipients, in the instructional practices based on reliable, replicable research on reading used by the recipient. Requires partnerships that receive such grants to make competitive tutorial assistance subgrants to LEAs with at least one school: (1) located in an empowerment zone or an enterprise community; or (2) identified for school improvement. Sets forth application requirements and authorized uses of such subgrants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a national assessment of programs under this Act; (2) receive recommendations from the peer review panel in developing the criteria for the assessment; and (3) submit the findings of the assessment to such panel. Requires the National Institute for Literacy to disseminate information on reliable, replicable research on reading and on subgrantee projects that have proven effective. Requires each reading and literacy partnership to: (1) evaluate subgrantees' success; (2) submit the findings of the evaluations to the Secretary and the peer review panel, who will submit a summary to the appropriate congressional committees; and (3) provide for program participation by children enrolled in private schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2001. Title II: Amendments to Even Start Family Literacy Programs - Amends ESEA to direct the Secretary to award competitive grants to States for the planning and implementation of statewide family literacy initiatives, including specified services. (Sec. 203) Requires grant recipients to: (1) provide technical assistance for the evaluation of subgrant recipient local programs; and (2) develop indicators of program quality. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary to research through grant or contract into successful family literacy services to improve the quality of existing programs and to develop models for new programs. Revises provisions for the dissemination of information.
United States · United States Senate · 29 January 1998
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: A+ Accounts for Public and Private Schools Title II: Dollars to the Classroom Title III: Educational Opportunity and Safety for Low-Income Children Title IV: Testing and Merit Pay for Teachers Title V: Reading Excellence Subtitle A: Reading Grants Subtitle B: Amendments to Even Start Family Literacy Programs Title VI: Teacher and Student Safety Subtitle A: Student Safety and Family Choice Subtitle B: Victim and Witness Assistance Programs for Teachers and Students Subtitle C: Innovative Programs to Protect Teachers and Students Title VII: Charter School Expansion Title VIII: Full Funding for Part B of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Better Opportunities for Our Kids and Schools Act - Title I: A+ Accounts for Public and Private Schools - A+ Accounts for Public and Private Schools Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit tax-free expenditures from education individual retirement accounts for elementary and secondary education expenses (including tuition, special needs services, home schooling expenses, and transportation expenses) required for attendance at a public, private, or religious school, or for homeschooling that meets State or local requirements. (Sec. 102) Increases from $500 to $2,500, through December 31, 2002, the maximum annual contribution to such an account. Title II: Dollars to the Classroom - Requires the Secretary of Education to award directly to the States the total amount of all the funds (except those used for specified multiyear awards) that are appropriated for the Department of Education for the fiscal year for specified programs or activities under: (1) the Goals 2000: Educate America Act; (2) the Educational Research, Development, Disseminations, and Improvement Act of 1994; (3) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; and (4) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). (Sec. 201) Sets deadlines for: (1) each State to conduct a census to determine, and report to the Secretary, the number of kindergarten through grade 12 students in the State for the academic year; and (2) the Secretary to publish and disburse the amount each State will receive under this Act for the succeeding fiscal year. Sets forth: (1) a formula for determination of such award amounts, based on relative numbers of such students in each State; and (2) penalties for false information. Provides for continuation of certain multiyear awards made prior to enactment of this Act. Requires award amounts under this Act to be paid to the State Governor, who shall make them available to the individual or entity in the State responsible for the State administration of Federal education funds. Prescribes requirements for the use of such funds, earmarking not less than 95 percent for distribution to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the costs of activities or services provided in the classroom that LEAs determine appropriate, excluding associated administrative expenses, but including nonadministrative expenses associated with statewide or districtwide initiatives directly affecting classroom learning. Prohibits: (1) any Federal agency head except the Secretary from promulgating regulations under this title; and (2) the Secretary from issuing any regulations regarding the types of activities or services that may be assisted under this title. (Sec. 202) Amends ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) to require that at least 95 percent of title I funds made available to an LEA be used for costs of activities and services provided in the classroom for the fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a plan for streamlining regulations and eliminating bureaucracy so that 95 percent of such ESEA title I funds for LEAs are used for the costs of activities and services provided in the classroom; and (2) recommend to the Congress legislation containing changes to Federal law needed for such funds to be used in such manner. (Sec. 203) Requires each LEA that receives funds under this Act to provide for the participation of children enrolled in private and home schools. Title III: Educational Opportunity and Safety for Low-Income Children - Authorizes appropriations for the grants program established under this title and for program evaluation. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to eligible entities for 20 to 30 demonstration projects under which low-income parents receive education certificates for the costs of enrolling their eligible children in a choice school. Gives priority to eligible entities that: (1) are conducting a school choice program, involving public or private schools, on the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) operate a school choice program, involving public and private schools, that is authorized by Federal law. Requires 90 percent of such grants (85 percent the first year) to be used for providing education certificates to low-income parents to pay tuition, fees, allowable transportation costs, and costs of certain special programs, for their eligible children to attend a choice school. Declares that such education certificates shall be considered as aid to students, not to the choice school. Provides that such education certificates shall not be considered income to an eligible child or its parent for Federal, State, or local tax purposes, or for determining eligibility for any other Federal program. Title IV: Testing and Merit Pay for Teachers - Authorizes States to use Federal education funds to: (1) carry out an assessment of the performance of each elementary or secondary school teacher in the State; (2) establish a merit pay program for the teachers; or (3) hire elementary or secondary school teachers who are certified or licensed to teach in the State. Title V: Reading Excellence - Reading Excellence Act - Subtitle A: Reading Grants - Amends ESEA to establish a new title XV Reading Grants program. (Sec. 511) Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to State-established reading and literacy partnerships to make subgrants for local reading improvement programs and tutorial assistance programs. Provides for peer review panel evaluation of grant applications. Sets forth the requirements relating to partnership membership, contractual agreements, functions, duties, fiscal agency, pre-existing partnerships, multi-state partnerships, and performance reports. Requires partnerships that receive such grants to make competitive three-year local reading improvement subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) with one or more schools: (1) that are identified for school improvement; and (2) that have a contractual association with community-based organizations of proven effectiveness with respect to reading readiness, reading instruction for children in kindergarten through third grade, and early childhood literacy. Sets forth requirements for subgrant duration, applications, agencies, priorities, authorized activities, and administrative costs. Allows subgrantees to train, on a fee-for-service basis, personnel from schools or LEAs that are not subgrant recipients, in the instructional practices based on reliable, replicable research on reading used by the recipient. Requires partnerships that receive such grants to make competitive tutorial assistance subgrants to LEAs with at least one school: (1) located in an empowerment zone or an enterprise community; or (2) identified for school improvement. Sets forth application requirements and authorized uses of such subgrants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a national assessment of programs under this Act; (2) receive recommendations from the peer review panel in developing the criteria for the assessment; and (3) submit the findings of the assessment to such panel. Requires the National Institute for Literacy to disseminate information on reliable, replicable research on reading and on subgrantee projects that have proven effective. Requires each reading and literacy partnership to: (1) evaluate subgrantees success; (2) submit the findings of the evaluations to the Secretary and the peer review panel, who will submit a summary to the appropriate congressional committees; and (3) provide for program participation by children enrolled in private schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2001. Subtitle B: Amendments to Even Start Family Literacy Programs - Amends ESEA to direct the Secretary to award competitive grants to States for the planning and implementation of statewide family literacy initiatives, including specified services. (Sec. 523) Requires grant recipients to: (1) provide technical assistance for the evaluation of subgrant recipient local programs; and (2) develop indicators of program quality. (Sec. 525) Directs the Secretary to research through grant or contract into successful family literacy services to improve the quality of existing programs and to develop models for new programs. Revises provisions for the dissemination of information. Title VI: Teacher and Student Safety - Subtitle A: Student Safety and Family Choice - Amends the ESEA to allow students, who are program-eligible or who attend a program-eligible school, to switch schools if they have been victims of violent crimes in or on the grounds of their schools. Authorizes the LEA to use program funds to pay certain supplementary costs for such students to attend any other public or private elementary school or secondary school, including a religious school, in that State, that is selected by the student's parent. (Sec. 612) Authorizes States, State educational agencies (SEAs), or LEAs to transfer any non-Federal public funds associated with the education of a student who is a victim of a violent criminal offense while in or on the grounds of a public elementary school or secondary school served by an LEA to another LEA or to a private elementary school or secondary school, including a religious school. Subtitle B: Victim and Witness Assistance Programs for Teachers and Students - Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to authorize: (1) use of victim compensation program grant funds for compensation to students who are victims of school violence; and (2) grants for a demonstration project or for training and technical assistance services to a program that assists SEA and LEA programs designed to protect victims of and witnesses to incidents of school violence, or that supports a toll-free hotline that provides school students and teachers with confidential assistance on issues of school crime, violence, drug dealing, and threats to personal safety. Subtitle C: Innovative Programs to Protect Teachers and Students - Authorizes appropriations for the grants program established under this subtitle. (Sec. 633) Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to States, SEAs, and LEAs for innovative programs to improve unsafe elementary schools or secondary schools. Gives priority to programs that: (1) provide parent and teacher notification of about incidents of physical violence, weapon possession, or drug activity on school grounds as soon after the incident as practicable; (2) report annually to parents and teachers on the total number of incidents of physical violence, weapon possession, and drug activity on school grounds, the percentage of students missing ten or fewer days of school, with a comparison to previous annual reports; and (3) enhance school security measures. Title VII: Charter School Expansion - Charter Schools Expansion Act of 1998 - Amends ESEA to revise requirements for grants to public charter schools. (Sec. 702) Increases from three years to five years the duration of grants or subgrants for planning, design, or initial implementation of charter schools. Sets forth certain priorities for awarding grants to SEAs. Bases such priorities on requirements of State laws regarding charter schools' budget autonomy, increased numbers, and periodic review and evaluation. Includes among requirements for SEA applications a description of how the SEA will: (1) inform each charter school of available Federal programs and funds that each such school is eligible to receive; (2) ensure that each such school receives its commensurate share of Federal education funds allocated by formula; and (3) disseminate best or promising practices of charter schools to LEAs. Includes among selection criteria for awarding grants to SEAs the number of charter schools created in the State. Eliminates provisions for State revolving trust funds for charter schools. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) reserve a specified amount for national activities on behalf of such schools (including assistance in accessing private capital, and pilot projects to better understand and improve such access); and (2) (along with SEAs) ensure that each public charter school receives its full share of funding for LEAs for helping disadvantaged children meet high standards or of any other Federal educational assistance purpose. Sets forth requirements for student records transfer and for paperwork reduction. Specifies that a public charter school: (1) must have a performance contract with the authorized public chartering agency in the State; and (2) is a school to which parents choose to send their children. Extends the authorization of appropriations for FY 1998 through 2002. Title VIII: Full Funding for Part B of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act - Amends the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act to authorize specified minimum appropriations for assistance for education of all children with disabilities for FY 1999 through 2004, and necessary appropriations for each fiscal year thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1998
Dollars to the Classroom Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to award the total amount of certain applicable education funding directly to the States. (Sec. 2) Requires such direct awarding of all the funds (except those used for specified multiyear awards) that are appropriated for the Department of Education for the fiscal year for programs or activities under specified provisions of: (1) the Goals 2000: Educate America Act; (2) the Educational Research, Development, Disseminations, and Improvement Act of 1994; (3) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (4) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); and (5) the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Sets deadlines for: (1) each State to conduct a census to determine, and report to the Secretary, the number of kindergarten through grade 12 students in the State for the academic year; and (2) the Secretary to publish and disburse the amount each State will receive under this Act for the succeeding fiscal year. Sets forth: (1) a formula for determination of such award amounts, based on relative numbers of such students in each State; and (2) penalties for false information. Provides for continuation of certain multiyear awards made prior to enactment of this Act. Requires award amounts under this Act to be paid to the State Governor, who shall make them available to the individual or entity in the State responsible for the State administration of Federal education funds. Prescribes requirements for the use of such funds, earmarking not less than 95 percent for distribution to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the costs of activities or services provided in the classroom that LEAs determine appropriate, excluding associated administrative expenses, but including nonadministrative expenses associated with statewide or districtwide initiatives directly affecting classroom learning. Prohibits: (1) any head of a Federal department or agency other than the Secretary from promulgating regulations under this Act; and (2) the Secretary from issuing any regulation regarding the type of classroom activities or services that may be assisted under this Act. (Sec. 3) Amends ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) to require the use of at least 95 percent of title I funds for an LEA for a fiscal year according to the requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a plan for streamlining regulations and eliminating bureaucracy so that 95 percent of such ESEA title I funds for LEAs are used for the costs of activities and services provided in the classroom; and (2) recommend to Congress legislation containing changes to Federal law needed for the use of such funds. (Sec. 4) Requires each LEA that receives funds under this Act to provide for the participation of children enrolled in private and home schools.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1998
Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 - Revises and extends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA). (Sec. 2) Provides for establishment of: (1) linkages between State vocational rehabilitation programs and workforce investment activities carried out under the Workforce Investment Partnership Act of 1998 (WIPA); and (2) special responsibilities for the Secretary of Education for coordination of all activities with respect to individuals with disabilities within and across programs administered by the Federal Government. (Sec. 3) Revises RA general provisions. Requires the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA, which is in the Office of the Secretary of Education) and the Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to reserve specified funds to carry out certain activities for outreach to minorities. (Sec. 4) Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services programs. Revises requirements for State Vocational Rehabilitation Services plans, individual eligibility, individualized rehabilitation employment plans, vocational rehabilitation services scope, group services, non-Federal shares for establishment of programs, State Rehabilitation Councils, evaluation standards and performance indicators, and monitoring and review. Maintains formulas for State allotments for Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services, but eliminates provisions for certain additional allotments and payments to States. Revises reallotment provisions. Revises the formula for reservation of funds for American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Revises requirements for title I payments to States. Requires a State Governor to redesignate the agency conducting the client assistance program under certain conditions. Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for such program. Eliminates RA title I (current part C) provisions for Innovation and Expansion Grants. Increases to 60 months the maximum effective duration of an approved application for an American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services grant. Revises requirements for vocational rehabilitation services client information. Directs the Secretaries of Education and of Health and Human Services to enter into a memorandum of understanding to exchange data of mutual importance that concern clients of designated State agencies, including data maintained either by the RSA or by the Social Security Administration from its Summary Earnings and Records and Master Beneficiary Records. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide the RSA Commissioner with labor market information that facilitates evaluation of the Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services program and allows comparison of the progress of individuals with disabilities who are assisted under such program in securing, retaining, regaining, and advancing in employment with the progress made by individuals who are assisted under specified WIPA provisions. (Sec. 5) Revises RA title II (Research and Training). Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) expenses of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (Institute), including certain expenses of the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council; and (2) research and other covered activities. Requires the Institute's Director to: (1) include, in an education program for the public, information on assistive technology services and devices, and disseminate engineering information about them; (2) provide for development and dissemination of models to address consumer-driven information needs related to assistive technology devices and services; and (3) publish for public comment drafts of five-year plans outlining and explaining priorities for rehabilitation research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities, and consider public comments before submitting the final form of such a plan to the appropriate congressional committees. Eliminates grant or contract assistance for: (1) a pediatric rehabilitation research program; (2) a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center in the Pacific Basin; and (3) a center for research and training concerning the delivery of rehabilitation services to rural areas. (Sec. 6) Revises RA title III (Professional Development and Special Projects and Demonstrations). Directs the Secretary to ensure that all title III grants and contracts are awarded on a competitive basis. Revises and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for training programs. Requires (current law authorizes) the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for personnel training. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts for training: (1) regarding related Federal statutes; (2) personnel providing services to individuals with disabilities under WIPA (jointly funded with the Department of Labor); or (3) leading to an academic degree or certificate in various rehabilitation-related areas. Continues requirements for training grants for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other higher education institutions with minority enrollments of at least 50 percent. Includes hard-of-hearing individuals (as well as deaf or deaf-blind individuals) among those for whom interpreters may be trained under a discretionary grant program. Eliminates: (1) discretionary technical assistance to State rehabilitation agencies and community rehabilitation programs; (2) various grants and contracts relating to vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities; (3) loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs; and (4) comprehensive rehabilitation centers. Revises and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) special demonstration programs; (2) migrant and seasonal farmworkers programs; and (3) recreational programs. Eliminates certain title III discretionary grants for: (1) reader services for blind individuals; and (2) interpreter services for deaf individuals. Authorizes the Commissioner to require title III grant recipients to submit information to measure project outcomes and performance. (Sec. 7) Amends RA title IV (National Council on Disability) to revise the deadline for the Council's annual progress report on national disability policy. Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for the Council. (Sec. 8) Revises RA title V (Rights and Advocacy). Directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (the Access Board) to promulgate regulations for Federal agency procurement of electronic and information technology that allows individuals with disabilities to produce and have access to information and data in manner comparable to that of individuals without disabilities. Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for title V with respect to protection and advocacy of individual rights. Reserves for a grant to the eligible system serving the American Indian consortium a certain portion of such funds in excess of a specified amount. Applies certain limitations under the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997 to the use of allotments or grants under these RA provisions for protection and advocacy of individual rights. (Sec. 9) Amends RA title VI (Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities) (the Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Act). Eliminates current part A (Community Service Pilot Programs for Individuals with Disabilities). Sets forth a new part A (Projects in Telecommuting and Self-Employment for Individuals with Disabilities). Directs the Commissioner to award competitive, one-time, time-limited grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to establish and operate: (1) projects in telecommuting for individuals with disabilities; and (2) projects in self-employment for individuals with disabilities. Authorizes the Commissioner to establish procedures for dual-purpose applications. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2004. Revises and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) part B (Projects with Industry); (2) part C (Supported Employment Services for Individuals with the Most Significant Disabilities). ("Most significant" replaces the term "severe" disabilities.) (Sec. 10) Amends RA title VII (Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living). Revises and extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Individuals with Significant Disabilities, including provisions for Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living; and (2) Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind. (Sec. 11) Amends the Helen Keller National Center Act to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the Helen Keller National Center for Youths and Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind and the Center's Federal Endowment Fund. Directs the Center to establish and maintain a national registry of individuals who are deaf-blind. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2000 for such registry. (Sec. 12) Amends a specified Joint Resolution of the Congress to allow the President's Committee on National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week to solicit, as well as accept, certain donations. (Sec. 13) Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to provide that the Federal Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to peer review panels established by the Secretary to evaluate applications for financial assistance awarded on a competitive basis. (Sec. 14) Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress recommended legislation containing technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: School Lunch and Related Programs Title II: School Breakfast and Related Programs Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 - Title I: School Lunch and Related Programs - Amends the National School Lunch Act to extend through FY 2003 various programs and authorizations of appropriations, including those for: (1) grants to integrate food and nutrition projects with elementary school curricula; (2) the summer food service program for children; (3) the commodity distribution program; (4) the child and adult care food program; (5) pilot projects; (6) training, technical assistance, and the food service management institute; (7) compliance and accountability; (8) an information clearinghouse; and (9) guidance and grants for accommodating special dietary needs of children with disabilities. Title II: School Breakfast and Related Programs - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to extend through FY 2003 various programs and authorizations of appropriations, including those for: (1) State administrative expenses; (2) the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC); and (3) nutrition education and training.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1998
Safe Food Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish food safety research, education, and extension as a priority within the Department of Agriculture; and (2) designate a Food Safety Rapid Response Team within the Department. (Sec. 5) Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to emphasize food safety within the Fund for Rural America. (Sec. 6) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary to establish the National Food Safety Research, Education, and Extension Program to reduce the incidence of food borne illness. Authorizes related contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements for the development and commercialization of food safety technology.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1998
Civil Rights Commission Act of 1998 - Amends the Civil Rights Commission Act of 1983 to extend the termination date of the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Authorizes appropriations to carry out that Act. Sets a four-year term of office for the Commission's staff director and requires the Commission to annually review the staff director's performance. Includes the Commission in the term "agency" for purposes of the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, the Government in the Sunshine Act, and the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Requires the Commission to prepare an annual financial statement and have the statement audited by an independent external auditor. Shortens Commission Members' terms of office to four years. Requires the Commission to implement the General Accounting Office's recommendations regarding revision of the Commission's Administrative Instructions and structural regulations and to establish a management information system. Requires the Commission to report regarding: (1) enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; (2) religious freedom in public schools; (3) the crisis of young African-American males; and (4) the civil rights implications of regulatory obstacles confronting minority entrepreneurs. Declares that the purpose of advisory committees constituted by the Commission is to conduct fact finding and develop findings or recommendations. Requires any report by an advisory committee to be fairly balanced in the viewpoints represented.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1998
Child Care Availability Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide one-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish programs to provide care to children who are less than the age of compulsory school attendance. Requires LEAs, as a condition of eligibility, to submit grant applications that: (1) demonstrate a need for child care services in their jurisdictions; (2) assure that at least half the funds necessary to operate a proposed child care program will be obtained from nonpublic sources; and (3) assure that grant funds will not be used for the purchase, construction, or renovation of any building or facility. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1998
Higher Education Reporting Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the higher education tuition information return requirement for educational institutions and certain related businesses; and (2) require certain institution-identifying information to be provided by the taxpayer in order to claim the tuition credit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1998
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the situation in Kosova must be resolved before the outer wall of sanctions against Serbia is lifted and Serbia is able to return to the international community; (2) the human rights of the people of Kosova must be restored; (3) the United States should support the legitimate claims of such people to determine their own political future; (4) a solution to the conflict can only be achieved through dialogue, not violence; (5) the March 22, 1998, elections in Kosova should be permitted to proceed without interference by the Belgrade authorities and, if conducted freely and fairly, the United States should recognize the results; (6) international observers should be returned to Kosova and monitors should be dispatched to observe such elections; (7) the elected Government of Kosova should be permitted to meet and exercise its legitimate mandate as elected representatives of the people; (8) all individuals whose employment was terminated based on their ethnicity should be reinstated; (9) the agreement on education in Kosova should be implemented immediately; (10) the students of the University of Pristina have the full support of the United States as they peacefully demonstrate to return to classes; (11) efforts of the international Contact Group in support of a resolution of the conflict are to be commended; and (12) the President should appoint a special envoy to aid in negotiating a resolution to the crisis in Kosova.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Urges the Department of Education, States, and local education agencies to work together to ensure that at least 95 percent of all funds appropriated for Department-administered elementary and secondary education programs is spent for children in their classrooms.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1998
Teacher Excellence in America Challenge Act of 1997 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to replace current State and local Programs for Teacher Excellence with a Teacher Excellence in America Challenge program under which the Secretary of Education may award competitive grants to professional development partnerships for 80 percent of the cost of providing teacher preparation, induction, classroom experience, and professional development opportunities to prospective, beginning, and veteran teachers while improving the education of students in the classroom. Provides for such professional development partnerships among institutions of higher education, elementary schools or secondary schools, local educational agencies (LEAs), State educational agencies, teacher organizations, and nonprofit organizations. Requires that priority be given to partnerships serving elementary schools, secondary schools, or LEAs that serve high percentages of children from families below the poverty line. Lists activities for which partnerships shall use such grants, excluding construction, renovation, or repair of any school or facility. Sets forth requirements for grant applications and partnership assurances. Directs the Secretary to reserve a certain amount of funds under this Act for national evaluation and information dissemination activities. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals the following HEA programs: (1) National Teacher Academies; (2) Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarships; (3) the Teacher Corps; (4) the Class Size Demonstration Grant program; (5) Middle School Teaching Demonstration Programs; (6) New Teaching Careers programs (for minority teacher recruitment); and (7) Programs for Special Populations, including the National Mini Corps Program, Foreign Language Instruction, Small State Teaching Initiative, Faculty Development Grants, and Early Childhood Education Training.