Education

William D. Hansen, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Education, vice Frank S. Holleman III, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 23 April 2001

Teaching Children To Save Lives Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2001

Teaching Children to Save Lives Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to make grants to State agencies to award grants to local agencies and targeted schools or school districts for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in targeted localities. Requires such training to use nationally recognized training courses, and to be in public schools which include students in any of grades six through 12. Requires such grants to be used to: (1) ensure, in conjunction with local efforts, that training sites have the ability to start up; and (2) foster community partnerships among public and private organizations to help provide such training.

School Safety Fund Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2001

School Safety Fund Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to applying local educational agencies (LEAs) for school violence prevention and school safety activities in secondary schools. Authorizes LEAs to use grant funds to: (1) establish hotlines or tiplines for reporting potentially dangerous students and situations; (2) hire community police officers; (3) purchase metal detectors, surveillance cameras, and other school security equipment; (4) provide training to teachers, administrators, and other school personnel in identifying, detecting, and responding to early warning signs of troubled and potentially violent youth; (5) establish conflict resolution, counseling, mentoring, and other violence prevention and intervention programs for students; (6) hire counselors, psychologists, mental health professionals, and school social workers; and (7) carry out an activity for any other purpose that the Attorney General determines to be appropriate and consistent with the purpose of this Act.

Medical Education Trust Fund Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2001

Medical Education Trust Fund Act of 2001 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXII (Medical Education Trust Fund) establishing in the Treasury the Medical Education Trust Fund, consisting of various specified accounts. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make annual payments from the Fund to eligible medical schools and teaching hospitals applying for assistance to: (1) maintain and develop quality educational programs in an increasingly competitive health care system; and (2) meet the indirect and direct costs of graduate medical education. Outlines requirements for Fund investments and determination of payments. Amends SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) to provide for annual transfers and make specified appropriations to the Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax equal to 1.5 percent of premiums received under accident or health insurance policies (including applicable self-insured plans), and equal to 1.5 percent of the amount received for certain health-related administrative services, payable by the policy issuer and the service provider, respectively. Makes specified appropriations and transfers of such amounts collected to the Fund for allocation among the various specified accounts. Establishes the Medical Education Advisory Commission.

COPS in Schools Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2001

COPS in Schools Act of 2001 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct the Attorney General to waive the community policing program requirement of a non-Federal contribution to the costs of a program, project, or activity that hires law enforcement officers for placement in public schools.

NEED Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2001

Nursing Employment and Education Development Act (the NEED Act) - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for the nursing workforce development student loan repayment program and permit the service required by such program to be performed in a skilled nursing facility, in a home health agency, in a public health department, or in a nurse-managed health center. Provide for a Nurse Corps Scholarship program to provide scholarships to individuals seeking nursing education in exchange for service from such individuals in a critical nursing shortage area upon completion of such education, a public awareness and education campaign encouraging pursuit of the nursing profession, an area health education centers program to develop models of excellence for nurses, community nurse outreach grants, educational assistance for nurses from diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds, career ladder program grants for nurses, nurse training grants, nurse internship and residency grants, a fast-track nursing faculty loan program, a stipend and scholarship program to encourage individuals to seek advanced nursing degrees, and a National Commission on the Nursing Crisis.

A bill to provide educational opportunities for disadvantaged children, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2001

Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to States for private or public school choice vouchers for children from low-income families who are enrolled in low-performing elementary or secondary public schools. Requires each grantee State to provide scholarships (at $2,000 per year, but with continuing awards) to the parents of eligible children through a lottery system administered for all eligible schools by the State educational agency. Requires that a child eligible for such a scholarship be: (1) enrolled in an eligible public elementary or secondary school; and (2) a member a family with income not more than 200 percent of the poverty line. Allows the use of such funds for: (1) payment of tuition and fees at the school selected by the scholarship child's parents, plus reasonable transportation costs; (2) up to $500 of supplementary academic services, if the parents choose a provider (with an appropriate refund policy) which the State determines capable of rendering such services; and (3) educational programs that help the child achieve high levels of academic excellence, if the child chooses to attend a public school. Requires: (1) a grantee State to allow lawfully operating public and private elementary and secondary schools serving the area involved, including religious schools, to participate in the program; (2) participating schools or providers of supplementary academic services to comply with specified antidiscrimination requirements; and (3) national evaluation of the program by the Comptroller General. Directs specified congressional committees to identify, and report to certain congressional leaders on, wasteful Federal spending (including loopholes to revenue raising tax provisions) as a means of providing funding for this Act.

Nurse Reinvestment Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2001

Nurse Reinvestment Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for nurse education training payments to qualified entities. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to temporarily increase the matching rate for Medicaid nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the exclusion from gross income of amounts received under the National Nursing Service Corps Scholarship Program. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop and issue public service announcements that advertise and promote the nursing profession, highlight the advantages and rewards of nursing, and encourage individuals from diverse communities and backgrounds to enter the nursing profession; and (2) award grants to designated eligible educational entities in order to increase the number of nurses. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes a National Nurse Service Corps Scholarship program that provides scholarships to individuals seeking nursing education in exchange for service by such individuals in areas with nursing shortages. Authorizes appropriations.

Women's Health Environmental Research Centers Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2001

Women's Health Environmental Research Centers Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants for the development and operation of not more than six centers to conduct multidisciplinary research on environmental factors that may be related to the development of women's health conditions. Requires each center to conduct basic and clinical research, develop training protocols, conduct training, develop model continuing education programs, and disseminate information to professionals and the public, with priority to prevention activities. Allows a center to use grant funds for stipends for health and allied health professionals in that training. Requires each center to: (1) collaborate with community organizations; and (2) use the facilities of a single institution or be formed from a consortium of institutions. Limits support to five years but allows extensions if recommended by a technical and scientific peer review group appointed by the Institute's director.

Higher Education Affordability and Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Higher Education Affordability and Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax deduction for qualified higher education tuition and related expenses. Provides that the increase in the Lifetime Learning Credit to 20 percent of $10,000 of tuition from $5,000 of tuition shall be effective starting in 2002 rather than 2003. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an annual study to examine whether the Federal income tax incentives to provide education assistance affect higher education tuition rates in order to identify if institutions of higher education are absorbing the intended savings by raising tuition rates. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the maximum Pell Grant should be increased to $4,700 to pay approximately: (1) 20 percent of the tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses of the average college; or (2) the tuition and fees of the average public college.

Standardized School Report Card Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Standardized School Report Card Act - Requires annual State and school report cards in easily understandable language with respect to elementary and secondary education. Requires each State educational agency (SEA) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to produce and widely disseminate a State report card for parents, the general public, teachers, and the Secretary of Education. Requires each school receiving assistance under ESEA, or the local educational agency (LEA) serving that school, to produce and widely disseminate such a report card for the school. Requires such State and school report cards to contain specified information regarding indicators of school performance and quality, including: (1) student performance in language arts and mathematics, and other assessed subject areas, including comparisons with students elsewhere; (2) attendance and graduation rates; (3) professional qualifications of teachers, and numbers teaching out-of-field or with emergency certification; (4) average class size; (5) school safety; (6) parental involvement; (7) annual school dropout rate; and (8) student access to technology, including computers and the Internet. Directs the Secretary to: (1) use Office of Educational Research and Improvement funds to develop a model school report card for dissemination, upon request, to a school, LEA, or SEA; and (2) award grants to enable States to published the annual State report card for each State-served elementary and secondary school receiving ESEA funds.

Flexibility to Increase IDEA Funding Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Flexibility to Increase IDEA Funding Act - Authorizes States and local educational agencies to transfer amounts from specified programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 to programs to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Public Libraries Enhancement Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Public Libraries Enhancement Act of 2001 - Amends the Library Services and Technology Act to authorize increased appropriations for FY 2002 through 2006 for State allotments. Directs the Secretary of Education to identify the increased portion of a State's allotment. Authorizes a State to use such portion as the Federal share for any of the following: (1) new library construction, existing facilities remodeling, and equipment purchase, lease, and installation; (2) acquisition of reference materials; or (3) operation of public libraries during hours of library service to the public.

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide grants to local educational agencies to encourage girls to pursue studies and careers in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a program for Getting Our Girls Ready for the 21st Century (Go Girl). Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to, and contracts and cooperative agreements with, local educational agencies to provide subgrants to elementary and secondary schools for services that: (1) encourage the ongoing interest of girls in science, mathematics, and technology; and (2) prepare girls to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees and careers in those fields.

National Forest Protection and Restoration Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

National Forest Protection and Restoration Act of 2001 - Prohibits commercial logging and timber sales (with specified exceptions) on Federal public lands, with a two-year phase-out for existing contracts. Provides for payment of relinquished contracts. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to each: (1) establish a National Heritage Restoration Corps to restore (and monitor) such lands to their natural pre-logging condition; (2) develop National Heritage Restoration Plans and related standards for regional ecological restoration and monitoring. Sets forth provisions respecting forest fire and hazardous fuel reduction. Provides for worker retraining of eligible persons whose jobs have been lost due to terminated timber and logging contracts. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make training grants, including grants for job search and relocation. Sets forth fund allocation provisions, including amounts for an Environmental Protection Agency investigation of non-wood paper and construction alternatives. Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to make permanent certain education, transportation, and public purpose payments to States and counties containing Federal land. Authorizes a private right of action for violations of this Act.

Mentoring for Success Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Mentoring for Success Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to establish and support mentoring programs and activities designed to link children with greatest need with responsible adults and to achieve specified goals. Makes eligible for such grants: (1) local educational agencies; (2) nonprofit community-based organizations; or (3) partnerships between such an agency and such an organization. Requires selection of at least one grant recipient in each State for which there is a qualified applicant. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to the Secretary and to Congress on successful school-based mentoring programs.

To provide for fairness and accuracy in high stakes educational decisions for students.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Establishes certain requirements relating to the use of large-scale standardized tests by State and local educational agencies (SEAs and LEAs) that receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Prohibits performance on a large-scale test from being the sole determinant of any decision about an individual student's retention, graduation, tracking, or within-class ability grouping. Allows such test performance to be considered in making such decision only if specified criteria are met. Requires evaluations of the impact of standardized tests used in high stakes decisions on students' education and educational outcomes, particularly on individuals and subgroups disaggregated by socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, limited English proficiency, disability, and gender, to be carried out by: (1) SEAs receiving ESEA funds; (2) LEAs receiving ESEA funds located in States that do not do such evaluations; and (3) the Secretary of Education.

Elementary and Secondary Counseling Improvement Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Elementary and Secondary Counseling Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to local educational agencies to establish or expand elementary and secondary school counseling programs.

National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Science (NSF) for FY 2002 through 2005, with specific allocations for Research and Related Activities, Education and Human Resources, Major Research Equipment, Salaries and Expenses, and the Office of Inspector General. Requires NSF, in allocating resources made available for Research and Related Activities, to give priority to increasing average grant size and duration. Prohibits the Director of NSF from using more than $10,000 in each fiscal year for official consultation, representation, or other extraordinary expenses. Requires NSF to assess and report to Congress on: (1) the Major Research Instrumentation Program; and (2) precollege and undergraduate programs of NSF that are focused on increasing the numbers of individuals pursuing careers in science, mathematics, and engineering who are from segments of the population underrepresented in these career fields. Prohibits the application of the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act of 1995 with respect to specified NSF reports.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase the per resident payment floor for direct graduate medical education payments under the Medicare Program.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000, to increase from 85 percent to100 percent of the locality adjusted national average per resident amount the payment floor for direct graduate medical education payments under the Medicare program.

District of Columbia College Access Improvement Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

District of Columbia College Access Act Technical Corrections Act of 2001 - Revises eligibility requirements for tuition assistance under the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999 to allow individuals graduating from secondary schools before 1998 and individuals enrolling more than three years after graduating from secondary schools to be eligible for such assistance. Requires the individuals to meet the citizenship and immigration status requirements described in the Higher Education Act of 1965.

After School Education and Anti-Crime Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

After School Education and Anti-Crime Act of 2001 - Amends the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act to extend the maximum grant duration to five years. Revises grant application provisions to require: (1) information demonstrating that the grant recipient will provide a certain minimum portion of annual cost of assisted activities from sources other than such grants, with a certain maximum portion of such costs allowed to be from funds provided by the Secretary of Education under other Federal programs; and (2) assurance of maintenance of the recipient's fiscal effort from non-Federal sources. Allows the use of grant funds to establish or expand community learning centers. Allows such centers to provide one or more of specified listed activities, including after-school programs that include at least two of the following: mentoring programs, academic assistance, recreational activities, or technology training. Authorizes centers to include drug, alcohol, and gang prevention activities, health and nutrition counseling, and job skills preparation activities. Requires at least two-thirds of appropriated funds under such Act to be used for after-school programs. Directs local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, or consortia, in carrying out center activities, to: (1) request volunteers from business and academic communities, and law enforcement organizations, to serve as mentors or to assist in other ways; (2) ensure that youth in the local community participate in designing the after-school activities; (3) develop creative methods of conducting outreach to youth in the community; (4) request donations of computer equipment and other materials and equipment; and (5) work with State and local park and recreation agencies so that activities carried out by the agencies prior to this Act's enactment are not duplicated. Includes in the meaning of community learning center LEA operation of such a center in a school in conjunction with law enforcement organizations such as the Police Athletic and Activity League.

Freedom to Learn Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Freedom to Learn Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to allow State and local educational agencies to establish and implement uniform policies with respect to discipline and order applicable to all children within their jurisdiction to ensure safety and an appropriate educational atmosphere in their schools.

Providing Resources and Education for Kids Act (Pre-K)

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Providing Resources and Education for Kids Act (Pre-K) - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide grants to applicant State educational agencies to make subgrants to local educational agencies to establish or expand prekindergarten early learning programs, which meet specified requirements, for children ages five and younger.

Quality Remedial Education Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Quality Remedial Education Act of 2001 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to local educational agencies that, in partnership with community or technical colleges, help to create effective quality remedial education programs in reading, writing, or mathematics.

Building, Renovating, Improving, and Constructing Kids' Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Building, Renovating, Improving, and Constructing Kids' Schools Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make amounts in the Treasury stabilization fund available to States for loans for school construction bond interest payments and related support. Requires States to use at least 50 percent of such funds for loans to enable State, regional, or local entities to make annual interest payments on certain qualified school construction bonds they issue. Allows States to use up to 50 percent of such funds to support State revolving fund programs or other State-administered programs that assist such entities to pay for certain construction, rehabilitation, repair, or acquisition costs, with priority for projects for schools with the greatest need. Sets forth requirements for loan repayment and interest rate. Exempts a State from repayment and interest rate accrual before January 1, 2007, unless the amount appropriated to carry out assistance for education of all children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for any fiscal year before FY 2007 is sufficient to fully fund such assistance for the fiscal year at the originally promised level, which would provide to each State 40 percent of the average per-pupil expenditure for providing special education and related services for each child with a disability in the State. Directs the Secretaries of the Treasury and of Education to ensure that funds are used only to pay for the interest on qualified school construction bonds or for certain other costs. Denies the Secretaries authority to approve or disapprove school construction plans assisted under this Act, except to ensure that funds are used only to supplement, and not supplant, the amount of school construction, rehabilitation, and repair in the State that would have occurred in the absence of such funds.

Child Care Worker Incentive Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Child Care Worker Incentive Act of 2001 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to establish a national child care provider scholarship program. Requires: (1) the scholarship applicant's demonstrated commitment to a child care career; (2) cost sharing by the applicant and employer; and (3) the employer's agreement to provide increased financial incentives to the employee upon completion of the education or training.

To amend the Head Start Act to authorize the appropriation of $11,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2002.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Amends the Head Start Act to authorize the appropriation of a specified amount for FY 2002 for Head Start programs (while continuing the authorization of appropriations for such programs in such amounts as may be necessary for FY 2003).

Smokeless Tobacco Warning Label Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Smokeless Tobacco Warning Label Act - Amends the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 to revise smokeless tobacco product warning label requirements. Includes among alternative warning statements: (1) "Smokeless Tobacco Is Addictive"; and (2) "This Product Contains Cancer Causing Chemicals." States that the Secretary of Health and Human Services may by rule revise such required statements.

Nurse Reinvestment Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Nurse Reinvestment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop and issue public service announcements that advertise and promote the nursing profession, highlight the advantages and rewards of nursing, and encourage individuals from diverse communities and backgrounds to enter the nursing profession; and (2) award grants to designated eligible entities in order to increase the number of nurses. Establishes a fast-track nursing school faculty training program. Establishes a National Nurse Service Corps Scholarship program that provides scholarships to individuals seeking nursing education in exchange for service by such individuals in areas with nursing shortages. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the exclusion from gross income of accounts received under the National Nursing Service Corps Scholarship Program. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for nurse education training payments to qualified entities. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to temporarily increase the matching rate for Medicaid nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs.

Congressional Hunger Fellows Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2001

Congressional Hunger Fellows Act of 2001 - Establishes the Congressional Hunger Fellows Program and the Congressional Hunger Fellows Trust Fund in order to establish Bill Emerson and Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowships, respectively, to address hunger and other humanitarian needs in the United States and internationally.

Fair Pay Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2001

Fair Pay Act of 2001 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. (Allows payment of different wages under seniority systems, merit systems, systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production, or differentials based on bona fide factors that the employer demonstrates are job-related or further legitimate business interests.) Prohibits the discharge of or any other discrimination against an individual for opposing any act or practice made unlawful by this Act, or for assisting in an investigation or proceeding under it. Directs courts, in any action brought under this Act for violation of such prohibition, to allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows any such action to be maintained as a class action. Requires employers subject to such prohibition to: (1) preserve records which document and support the method, system, calculations, and other bases used by the employer in establishing, adjusting, and determining the wages paid to their employees, for periods of time prescribed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); and (2) make reports to the EEOC. Directs the EEOC to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement this Act; (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of this Act; and (3) include a separate evaluation and appraisal regarding the implementation of this Act in its annual report to the Congress. Makes conforming amendments relating to congressional and executive branch employees to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 and the Presidential and Executive Office Accountability Act.

Child Protection Services Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2001

Child Protection Services Improvement Act - States that Congress strongly encourages State agencies to make the resources obtained under this Act available to the nonprofit private sector contracted providers in their State who face the same challenges as the State. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to applicant States to improve the quality of child welfare services by increasing the quality and capacity of their child welfare workforce or by increasing the coordination of their child welfare services. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program for eligible individual applicants employed in child welfare work to repay certain educational loans.

Fair Pay Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2001

Fair Pay Act of 2001 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. (Allows payment of different wages under seniority systems, merit systems, systems that measure earnings by quantity or quality of production, or differentials based on bona fide factors that the employer demonstrates are job-related or further legitimate business interests.) Prohibits the discharge of or any other discrimination against an individual for opposing any act or practice made unlawful by this Act, or for assisting in an investigation or proceeding under it. Directs courts, in any action brought under this Act for violation of such prohibition, to allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs. Allows any such action to be maintained as a class action. Requires employers subject to such prohibition to: (1) preserve records which document and support the method, system, calculations, and other bases used by the employer in establishing, adjusting, and determining the wages paid to their employees, for periods of time prescribed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); and (2) make reports to the EEOC. Directs the EEOC to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement this Act; (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of this Act; and (3) include a separate evaluation and appraisal regarding the implementation of this Act in its annual report to the Congress. Makes conforming amendments relating to congressional and executive branch employees to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 and the Presidential and Executive Office Accountability Act.

Ready to Learn, Ready to Teach Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2001

Ready to Learn, Ready to Teach Act of 2001 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise title III (Technology for Education) part C as Ready-to-Learn Digital Television. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible public telecommunications entities to: (1) develop educational programming, and related support materials and services, for preschool and elementary school children; (2) develop programming and digital content designed for nationwide distribution over public television stations' digital broadcasting channels and the Internet, containing Ready-to-Learn-based children's programming and resources for parents and caregivers; and (3) disseminate and distribute such programs to the widest possible appropriate audience by the most appropriate distribution technologies. Establishes the New Century Program for Distributed Teacher Professional Development. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to a nonprofit telecommunications entity, or partnership of such entities, for a national telecommunications-based program designed to assist elementary school and secondary school teachers in preparing all students in core curriculum areas to achieve State content standards. Establishes a Digital Education Content Collaborative. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive matching grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, eligible local public television communications entities to develop, produce, and distribute educational and instructional video programming based on State standards and designed for use by kindergarten through grade 12 schools.

Native American Languages Act Amendments Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2001

Native American Languages Act Amendments Act of 2001 - Amends the Native American Languages Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to provide funds to Native American Language Educational Organizations (Organizations), Native American Language Colleges, Indian tribal governments, organizations that demonstrate potential to become Organizations, or a consortia of such organizations, colleges, or tribal governments to establish Native American Language Nest programs (site-based education programs conducted through a Native American language) for students below the age of seven and their families. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds to such Organizations, colleges, or governments to operate, expand, and increase Native American Language Survival Schools throughout the United States and its territories for Native American children and Native American language-speaking children. Requires the Secretary to provide funds to establish three specified demonstration programs that will provide assistance to Schools and Nests at: (1) Ka Haka 'Ula O Ke'elikolani College of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, in consortium with the 'Aha Punana Leo, Inc., and with other entities if deemed appropriate by such college; (2) Piegan Institute of Browning, Montana; and (3) the Alaska Native Language Center of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, in consortium with other entities deemed appropriate by such center. Authorizes such programs to: (1) establish endowments for furthering their activities relative to the study and preservation of Native American languages; and (2) use funds to provide for the rental, purchase, construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities.

To repeal the 50 percent limitation on courses offered through telecommunications for student financial assistance programs.

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2001

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal certain limitations on student financial assistance with respect to courses offered through telecommunications.

Helping Children Succeed by Fully Funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2001

Helping Children Succeed by Fully Funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to authorize and make appropriations for FY 2002 through 2007 for IDEA part B programs of assistance for education of all children with disabilities.

Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2001

Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 2001- Directs the Attorney General, through the Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Affairs, to make a grant annually to the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement (if the Center's Executive Director makes certain certifications) to be used to develop an education and training program for criminal justice or law enforcement agencies in rural areas. Includes among program purposes: (1) the development and delivery of management, forensic, and computer education and training for employees of such agencies; and (2) the delivery of assistance (in a consulting capacity) to criminal justice agencies in the development and coordination of programs, training, and research relating to crime in rural areas. Permits the Center to use grant funds to enhance the program, including: (1) by providing educational opportunities for rural law enforcement agencies; and (2) through coordination with institutions of higher education to encourage and deliver programs of study with those institutions for employees of such agencies. Directs the Center to establish eight regional centers comprised of specified States. Requires that all funds for such regional centers be distributed by, and each regional center submit a budget request to, the Center.

Urging the House of Representatives to support events such as the "Increase the Peace Day".

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2001

Urges schools across the United States to participate in Increase the Peace Day events (April 20).

Supporting a National Charter Schools Week.

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2001

Acknowledges and commends the charter school movement for its contribution to improving our Nation's public school system. Expresses the sense of Congress that a National Charter Schools Week should be established.

Empowering Parents Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 30 March 2001

Empowering Parents Act of 2001 - Enhancing Public Education Through Choice Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish Public School Choice Programs. Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs), including those serving the lowest performing schools, to enable them to implement programs of universal public school choice. Gives priority to those SEAs and LEAs that: first, serve the lowest performing schools; second, serve the highest percentage of students in poverty; and third, form partnerships for interdistrict approaches to such programs. Public Charter Schools Equity Act - Amends ESEA to establish a program for credit enhancement initiatives to promote public charter school facility acquisition, construction, and renovation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any interest paid on loans by public charter schools. Amends ESEA to direct the Secretary to make competitive Grants for Public Charter School Facilities to States for the Federal share of the cost of programs in which the States make per-pupil payments to public charter schools to help finance school facilities.

International Military Education and Training Accountability Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2001

International Military Education and Training Accountability Act of 2001 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the Secretary of State to include as part of required reports on human rights, development assistance, and security assistance whether any foreign military or defense ministry civilian participant in international military education and training (IMET) activities under this Act was involved in any violation of internationally recognized human rights. Requires a specified report regarding foreign participants in IMET activities to include any such violations.

A bill to provide signing and mastery bonuses and mentoring programs for math and science teachers.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2001

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish grant programs to provide: (1) signing bonuses for middle or secondary school mathematics or science teachers who agree to teach in public schools in high-need areas for four years; and (2) mentor teachers to train, support, and mentor novice teachers of mathematics or science in public elementary or secondary schools.

A bill to modify provisions relating to the Gun-Free Schools Act.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2001

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 (GFSA). Extends GFSA coverage to: (1) possession of a weapon at a school (as well as bringing a weapon to a school); and (2) any setting under the control and supervision of the local educational agency (excluding a locked vehicle on school property in which a weapon is lawfully stored). Requires all modifications of expulsions to be put in writing. Requires reporting, not only of expulsions, but of: (1) all weapons incidents; (2) each modification of an expulsion; and (3) the level of education of the students expelled.

Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2001

21st Century Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act - Increases, for FY 2002 through 2004, the rates of veterans' basic educational assistance. Prohibits any rate increase during such period based on adjustments to the Consumer Price Index.

Education Savings and School Excellence Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2001

Education Savings and School Excellence Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to education individual retirement accounts (education IRAs) to: (1) increase maximum annual contribution limits to $2,000 per beneficiary; (2) permit tax-free expenditures for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses at a public, private, or religious school; (3) waive age limitations for contributions on behalf of a special needs beneficiary; (4) limit contribution reductions based on adjusted gross income to individual contributors (permits entity contributions regardless of income); (5) permit annual contributions to be made up to such year's tax filing date (not including extensions); (6) exempt excess contributions from the additional ten percent tax provided such contribution and interest earned are returned within six months after the end of the tax year for which the contribution was made; and (7) coordinate education IRA distributions with the HOPE and Lifetime Earning Credit qualified tuition programs. Collegiate Learning and Student Savings (CLASS) Act - Permits private higher educational institutions, in addition to currently permitted State institutions, to establish qualified tuition programs. Excludes from gross income such program distributions used for qualified higher education expenses. Provides that one rollover per year of amounts from one qualified tuition program to another for the benefit of the same beneficiary shall not be considered a distribution. Includes first cousins as family members for purposes of qualified tuition programs. Revises the definition of "qualified higher education expenses," including the exclusion of sport- or hobby-related courses unless taken as part of a degree program or to improve job skills. Makes the exclusion from gross income of employer provided educational assistance permanent. Repeals the current dollar limitation on the deduction for interest on educational loans provision and replace it with a limitation on such deduction based on modified adjusted gross income. Repeals the 60-month limitation period on the allowance of the interest deduction on such loans. Eliminates the two percent floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions for the qualified professional development expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers. Excludes from gross income certain amounts received under the National Health Corps Scholarship Program, the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program, the National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program, or similar State program.

Education Technology Equity Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2001

Education Technology Equity Act of 2001 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to: (1) reserve half of one percent of funds authorized under this Act for FY 2002 through 2006 for grants to Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia; (2) reserve one percent of such funds for the Secretary of the Interior to carry out programs for Indian children; and (3) allocate the remainder of such funds to States according to a formula based in part on eligibility under the national school lunch program. Requires each State educational agency seeking a grant under this Act to submit an application providing assurances that the State will provide technical assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) in developing a comprehensive system for the acquisition and use of technology and technology-enhanced curricula, instruction, and administrative support services. Requires each LEA seeking a grant to submit an application which includes: (1) the student to computer ratios; (2) the Internet connectivity of schools to be served; and (3) a plan for the acquisition and use of technology. Requires each LEA receiving a grant to use such funds to purchase computers for classrooms and related activities (teacher training, computer maintenance and support, home computer use by students).

Z's to A's Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2001

Z's to A's Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to local educational agencies that agree to begin school for secondary students after nine o'clock in the morning.

CARE Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2001

Community Solutions Act of 2001 - Title I: Charitable Giving Incentives Package - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a non-itemizer a deduction for charitable contributions. (Sec. 102) Permits tax-free distributions from an individual retirement account made directly to a qualified charity. (Sec. 103) Sets forth a rule for determining the amount of the deduction allowable for a charitable contribution of food inventory. (Sec. 104) Exempts a business entity from civil liability relating to any injury or death that results from the use of equipment, facilities (including tours of such facilities), or vehicles donated by such entity to a nonprofit organization, subject to stated exceptions. Title II: Expansion of Charitable Choice - Charitable Choice Act of 2001 - Includes religious organizations as nongovernmental providers, provided that no Federal, State, or local government funds or other assistance that is received by a religious organization aids the religion, for purposes of programs concerning the: (1) prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency and the improvement of the juvenile justice system; (2) prevention of crime; (3) Federal housing laws; (4) the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (title I only); (5) Older Americans Act of 1965; (6) Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990; (7) Community Development Block Grant Program established under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; (8) intervention in and prevention of domestic violence; (9) hunger relief activities of such organizations; (10) Job Access and Reverse Commute grant program; or (11) activities necessary to assist students in obtaining the recognized equivalents of secondary school diplomas and activities relating to non-school-hours programs. States that the receipt by a religious organization of Federal, State, or local government funds is not and should not be perceived as an endorsement by the government of religion or the organization's religious beliefs or practices. Permits a religious organization, in order to aid in the preservation of its religious character and notwithstanding any other provision of law, to require that its employees adhere to the religious practices of the organization. Requires the appropriate Federal, State, or local governmental entity funding any of the above described programs, if a program beneficiary objects to the religious character of the organization from which the beneficiary receives, or would receive, assistance to provide to such beneficiary assistance that: (1) is an alternative, including a nonreligious alternative, that is accessible to the individual; and (2) has a value that is not less than the value of the assistance that the beneficiary would have received from such religious organization. Prohibits discrimination by a religious organization receiving such program assistance against a beneficiary on the basis of religion, a religious belief, or a refusal to hold a religious belief. Title III: Individual Development Accounts - Provides for the establishment of individual development accounts (IDAs) for taxpayers with incomes of up to $20,000 ($25,000 for heads of households and for $40,000 on a joint return) from which expenses may be made for: (1) qualified higher education expenses; (2) qualified first-time homebuyer costs; (3) qualified business capitalization or expansion costs; (4) qualified rollovers; or (5) a qualified final distribution. Provides that an IDA programs shall consist of two components: (1) an IDA to which an eligible individual may contribute cash; and (2) a parallel account to which all matching funds shall be deposited. Defines a "parallel account"as a separate, parallel individual or pooled account for all matching funds and earnings dedicated to an IDA owner as part of a qualified IDA program, the sole owner of which is a qualified financial institution, a qualified nonprofit organization, or an Indian tribe. Requires the qualified financial institution, qualified nonprofit organization, or Indian tribe to deposit all matching funds for each IDA into a parallel account at a qualified financial institution, a qualified nonprofit organization, or an Indian tribe. Establishes an IDA tax credit for a qualified financial institution equal to the IDA investment provided. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) structure and administration of IDA programs; (2) procedures for opening and maintaining an IDA and qualifying for matching funds; (3) deposits by qualified IDA programs; (4) withdrawal procedures; (5) certification and termination of qualified IDA programs; (6) reporting, monitoring, and evaluation (and authorization of appropriations for such activities and implementing the IDA program); and (7) the disregarding of account funds for purposes of certain means-tested Federal programs.