SEC.4644
SUPPORTING HIGH-ABILITY LEARNERS AND LEARNING
Section Summary
ESSA
SEC. 4644. <<NOTE: 20 USC 7294.>> SUPPORTING HIGH-ABILITY
LEARNERS AND LEARNING.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to promote and
initiate a coordinated program, to be known as the `Jacob K. Javits
Gifted and Talented Students Education Program', of evidence-based
research, demonstration projects, innovative strategies, and similar
activities designed to build and enhance the ability of elementary
schools and secondary schools nationwide to identify gifted and talented
students and meet their special educational needs.
``(b) Program Authorized.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary (after consultation with
experts in the field of the education of gifted and talented
students) shall make awards to, or enter into contracts with,
State educational agencies, local educational agencies, the
Bureau of Indian Education, institutions of higher education,
other public agencies, and other private agencies and
organizations to assist such agencies, institutions, or
organizations, or the Bureau, in carrying out programs or
projects to fulfill the purpose described in section 4641(a)(3),
including the training of personnel in the identification and
education of gifted and talented students and in the use, where
appropriate, of gifted and talented services, materials, and
methods for all students.
``(2) Application.--Each entity seeking assistance under
this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at
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such time and in such manner as the Secretary may reasonably
require. Each application shall describe how--
``(A) the proposed identification methods, as well
as gifted and talented services, materials, and methods,
can be adapted, if appropriate, for use by all students;
and
``(B) the proposed programs can be evaluated.
``(c) Uses of Funds.--Programs and projects assisted under this
section may include any of the following:
``(1) Conducting evidence-based research on methods and
techniques for identifying and teaching gifted and talented
students and for using gifted and talented programs and methods
to identify and provide the opportunity for all students to be
served, particularly low-income and at-risk students.
``(2) Establishing and operating programs and projects for
identifying and serving gifted and talented students, including
innovative methods and strategies (such as summer programs,
mentoring programs, peer tutoring programs, service learning
programs, and cooperative learning programs involving business,
industry and education) for identifying and educating students
who may not be served by traditional gifted and talented
programs.
``(3) Providing technical assistance and disseminating
information, which may include how gifted and talented programs
and methods may be adapted for use by all students, particularly
low-income and at-risk students.
``(d) Center for Research and Development.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary (after consultation with
experts in the field of the education of gifted and talented
students) shall establish a National Research Center for the
Education of Gifted and Talented Children and Youth through
grants to, or contracts with, one or more institutions of higher
education or State educational agencies, or a combination or
consortium of such institutions and agencies and other public or
private agencies and organizations, for the purpose of carrying
out activities described in subsection (c).
``(2) Director.--The National Center shall be headed by a
Director. The Secretary may authorize the Director to carry out
such functions of the National Center as may be agreed upon
through arrangements with institutions of higher education,
State educational agencies, local educational agencies, or other
public or private agencies and organizations.
``(e) Coordination.--Evidence-based activities supported under this
section--
``(1) shall be carried out in consultation with the
Institute of Education Sciences to ensure that such activities
are coordinated with and enhance the research and development
activities supported by the Institute; and
``(2) may include collaborative evidence-based activities
that are jointly funded and carried out with such Institute.
``(f) General Priority.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary
shall give highest priority to programs and projects designed to--
``(1) develop new information that--
``(A) improves the capability of schools to plan,
conduct, and improve programs to identify and serve
gifted and talented students; or
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``(B) assists schools in the identification of, and
provision of services to, gifted and talented students
(including economically disadvantaged individuals,
individuals who are English learners, and children with
disabilities) who may not be identified and served
through traditional assessment methods; or
``(2) implement evidence-based activities, defined in this
paragraph as activities meeting the requirements of section
8101(21)(A)(i).
``(g) Participation of Private School Children and Teachers.--In
making grants and entering into contracts under this section, the
Secretary shall ensure, where appropriate, that provision is made for
the equitable participation of students and teachers in private
nonprofit elementary schools and secondary schools, including the
participation of teachers and other personnel in professional
development programs serving such students.
``(h) Review, Dissemination, and Evaluation.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) use a peer-review process in reviewing applications
under this section;
``(2) ensure that information on the activities and results
of programs and projects funded under this section is
disseminated to appropriate State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and other appropriate organizations,
including private nonprofit organizations; and
``(3) evaluate the effectiveness of programs under this
section in accordance with section 8601, in terms of the impact
on students traditionally served in separate gifted and talented
programs and on other students, and submit the results of such
evaluation to Congress not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
``(i) Program Operations.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
programs under this section are administered within the Department by a
person who has recognized professional qualifications and experience in
the field of the education of gifted and talented students and who
shall--
``(1) administer and coordinate the programs authorized
under this section;
``(2) serve as a focal point of national leadership and
information on the educational needs of gifted and talented
students and the availability of educational services and
programs designed to meet such needs;
``(3) assist the Director of the Institute of Education
Sciences in identifying research priorities that reflect the
needs of gifted and talented students; and
``(4) disseminate, and consult on, the information developed
under this section with other offices within the Department.''.
NCLB Text
Previously not included in NCLB.
