§ 7381n. Summer institutes
(a)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Eligible partner
The term “eligible partner” means—
(2)
Summer institute
The term “summer institute” means an institute, operated during the summer, that—
(C)
includes, as a component, a program that provides direct interaction between students and faculty, including personnel of 1 or more National Laboratories who have scientific expertise;
(b)
Summer institute programs authorized
(1)
Programs at the National Laboratories
The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall establish or expand programs of summer institutes at each of the National Laboratories to provide additional training to strengthen the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching skills of teachers employed at public schools for kindergarten through grade 12, in accordance with the activities authorized under paragraphs (3) and (4).
(2)
Programs with eligible partners
(A)
In general
The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall identify and provide assistance as described in subparagraph (C) to eligible partners to establish or expand programs of summer institutes that provide additional training to strengthen the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teaching skills of teachers employed at public schools for kindergarten through grade 12, in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4).
(B)
Selection criteria
In identifying eligible partners under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall require that partner institutions describe—
(i)
how the partner institution has the capability to administer the program in accordance with this section, which may include a description of any existing programs at the institution of the applicant that are targeted at education of science and mathematics teachers and the number of teachers graduated annually from the programs; and
(3)
Required activities
Funds authorized under this section shall be used for—
(A)
creating opportunities for enhanced and ongoing professional development for teachers that improves the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content knowledge of the teachers;
(4)
Additional uses of funds
Funds authorized under this section may be used for—
(B)
expenses associated with scientific and engineering staff at the National Laboratories assisting in providing training to teachers at summer institutes;
(c)
Priority
To the maximum extent practicable, the Director shall ensure that each summer institute program authorized under subsection (b) provides training to—
(d)
Coordination and consultation
The Director shall consult and coordinate with the Secretary of Education and the Director of the National Science Foundation regarding the implementation of the programs authorized under subsection (b).
(e)
Evaluation and accountability plan
(1)
In general
The Director shall develop an evaluation and accountability plan for the activities funded under this section that measures the impact of the activities.
(f)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—