SEC. 2233

NATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Section Summary

ESSA Update

``SEC. 2233. <<NOTE: 20 USC 6663.>> NATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

    ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to promote new and
existing evidence-based strategies to encourage innovative American
history, civics and government, and geography instruction, learning
strategies, and professional development activities and programs for
teachers, principals, or other school leaders, particularly such
instruction, strategies, activities, and programs that benefit low-
income students and underserved populations.
    ``(b) In General.--From the amounts reserved by the Secretary under
section 2231(b)(2), the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive
basis, to eligible entities for the purposes of expanding, developing, 
implementing, evaluating, and disseminating for voluntary use, 
innovative, evidence-based approaches or professional development
programs in American history, civics and government, and geography, 
which--
            ``(1) shall--
                    ``(A) show potential to improve the quality of
                student achievement in, and teaching of, American
                history, civics and government, or geography, in
                elementary schools and secondary schools; and
                    ``(B) demonstrate innovation, scalability, 
                accountability, and a focus on underserved populations; 
                and
            ``(2) may include--
                    ``(A) hands-on civic engagement activities for
                teachers and students; and
                    ``(B) programs that educate students about the
                history and principles of the Constitution of the United
                States, including the Bill of Rights.

    ``(c) Program Periods and Diversity of Projects.--
            ``(1) In general.--A grant awarded by the Secretary to an
        eligible entity under this section shall be for a period of not
        more than 3 years.
            ``(2) Renewal.--The Secretary may renew a grant awarded
        under this section for 1 additional 2-year period.
            ``(3) Diversity of projects.--In awarding grants under this
        section, the Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent
        practicable, grants are distributed among eligible entities that
        will serve geographically diverse areas, including urban, 
        suburban, and rural areas.

    ``(d) Applications.--In order to receive a grant under this section, 
an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time and in such manner as the Secretary may reasonably require.

[[Page 129 STAT. 1948]]

    ``(e) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term `eligible entity' 
means an institution of higher education or other nonprofit or for-
profit organization with demonstrated expertise in the development of
evidence-based approaches with the potential to improve the quality of
American history, civics and government, or geography learning and
teaching.

NCLB Text

Previously not included in NCLB.