[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7154 Introduced in House (IH)]
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7154
To amend title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
in order to authorize the Secretary of Education to award competitive
grants to eligible entities to recruit, select, train, and support
Expanded Learning and After-School Fellows that will strengthen
expanded learning initiatives, 21st century community learning center
programs, and after-school programs, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 26, 2008
Mr. Loebsack introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Education and Labor
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
in order to authorize the Secretary of Education to award competitive
grants to eligible entities to recruit, select, train, and support
Expanded Learning and After-School Fellows that will strengthen
expanded learning initiatives, 21st century community learning center
programs, and after-school programs, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Teaching Fellows for Expanded
Learning and After-School Act of 2008'' or the ``T-FELAS Act''.
SEC. 2. EXPANDED LEARNING AND AFTER-SCHOOL FELLOWS.
(a) Expanded Learning and After-School Fellows.--Title IV of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``PART D--EXPANDED LEARNING AND AFTER-SCHOOL FELLOWS
``SEC. 4401. PURPOSES.
``The purposes of this part are--
``(1) to recruit and select fellows, who shall be exemplary
recent graduates of 4-year institutions of higher education or
of accredited youth development programs from 2-year
institutions of higher education, with demonstrated academic
achievement, leadership skills, and community service
experience, to strengthen the quality of staff in expanded
learning initiatives, 21st century community learning center
programs, and other high-quality after-school programs;
``(2) to advance student engagement and achievement in
high-need schools through--
``(A) effective tutoring, mentoring, small group
instruction, service-learning, and enrichment; and
``(B) an emphasis on motivation, perseverance,
teamwork, youth development, and other values that are
critical to school success;
``(3) to provide intensive, comprehensive, and experiential
training to the Expanded Learning and After-School Fellows that
will--
``(A) prepare the Fellows to administer and improve
expanded learning initiatives, 21st century community
learning center programs, or after-school programs; and
``(B) offer the Fellows a promising career path in
public education and youth development; and
``(4) to enable the Expanded Learning and After-School
Fellows to pursue baccalaureate or graduate level education
during the Fellows' service under this part, which will
increase the Fellows' knowledge and skills and expand the
Fellows' opportunities for future involvement in public
education and youth development.
``SEC. 4402. DEFINITIONS.
``In this part:
``(1) 21st century community learning center program.--The
term `21st century community learning center program' means a
program that receives assistance under part B of this title.
``(2) After-school program.--The term `after-school
program' means a program that carries out a broad array of
before- and after-school activities (including activities
during summer recess periods and other vacations) that advance
student academic achievement and youth development.
``(3) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
partnership that includes--
``(A) 1 or more local educational agencies; and
``(B) 1 or more of any of the following:
``(i) A community-based organization, such
as an organization focused on after-school
learning, alternative learning, or dropout
prevention.
``(ii) An institution of higher education.
``(iii) A community learning center, as
defined in section 4201(b), that receives
assistance under part B of this title.
``(iv) Any other public or private entity.
``(4) Expanded learning initiative.--The term `expanded
learning initiative' means a program at a school that--
``(A) has a school day or school year significantly
longer than is standard in the State in which the
school is located;
``(B) requires all students at the school to
participate in the expanded school schedule, as
described in subparagraph (A), on a mandatory basis;
and
``(C) uses the expanded school schedule to
restructure the school's academic program in a manner
that--
``(i) shall include providing more time for
core academics; and
``(ii) may include providing more time for
enrichment programs, tutoring, or teacher
planning and professional development.
``(5) High-need school.--The term `high-need school' means
an elementary school or secondary school that--
``(A) is eligible to receive assistance under part
A of title I; and
``(B)(i) is served by a local educational agency
that is a member of an eligible entity, or is located
in an area served by an entity that is a member of an
eligible entity; and
``(ii) participates in an expanded learning
initiative, 21st century community learning center
program, or after-school program supported by such
eligible entity under this part.
``SEC. 4403. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
``(a) In General.--From amounts appropriated under section 4409 for
a fiscal year, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive
basis, to eligible entities to enable the eligible entities to recruit,
select, train, and support Expanded Learning and After-School Fellows
who shall--
``(1) establish, expand, or improve expanded learning
initiatives, 21st century community learning center programs,
or after-school programs in high-need schools; and
``(2) provide additional support during the school day to
teachers in such high-need schools.
``(b) Fiscal Agent.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under
this part shall designate a local educational agency, or a community-
based organization, participating in the eligible entity as the fiscal
agent for purposes of the grant.
``(c) Minimum Grant.--A grant awarded under this part shall be, for
each year of the grant, in an amount of not less than the product of
$15,000 multiplied by the number of Expanded Learning and After-School
Fellows that the eligible entity intends to support for the year, based
on the eligible entity's application under section 4404 for the first
year of the grant and updated for each subsequent year of the grant.
``(d) Length of Grant.--A grant awarded under this part shall be
for a period of 3 years.
``(e) Broad Geographic Distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure
that grants awarded under this part are distributed among diverse
geographical regions, including rural, suburban, and urban areas.
``(f) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this part shall be
construed to prohibit an eligible entity that has received a grant
under this part from applying for subsequent grants under this part.
``SEC. 4404. APPLICATION.
``(a) In General.--An eligible entity desiring to receive a grant
under this part shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require.
``(b) Application Contents.--The application described in
subsection (a) shall include the following:
``(1) A description of the process through which the
eligible entity will recruit and select exemplary recent
graduates of 4-year institutions of higher education or of
accredited youth development programs from 2-year institutions
of higher education, to serve as Expanded Learning and After-
School Fellows in high-need schools, using--
``(A) a national recruitment strategy, in the case
of an eligible entity that submits an application to
serve multiple schools in 2 or more States; or
``(B) a robust local recruitment strategy, in the
case of an eligible entity not described in
subparagraph (A).
``(2) A description of how the eligible entity, in
assigning Expanded Learning and After-School Fellows to high-
need schools, will give priority to high-need schools with the
highest proportion of students from low-income families.
``(3) A description of how the eligible entity will ensure
that each Expanded Learning and After-School Fellow will be
placed in a full-time position that meets the requirements of
section 4407(a).
``(4) A description of the high-need schools in which the
Expanded Learning and After-School Fellows will be placed.
``(5) A description of how the eligible entity will--
``(A) provide intensive, comprehensive, and
experiential preservice training to the Expanded
Learning and After-School Fellows supported by the
eligible entity under this part;
``(B) support the Fellows; and
``(C) provide ongoing professional development
activities for the Fellows, including--
``(i) regular observations of, and feedback
on, the Fellows' performance; and
``(ii) ongoing training and support.
``(6) A description of how the eligible entity will meet
any matching requirement under section 4406(b).
``(7)(A) A description of the minimum number of hours per
day, per week, and per year, that each expanded learning
initiative, 21st century community learning center program, or
after-school program supported by the eligible entity under
this part will be open to students; and
``(B) a daily, weekly, and annual calendar showing the
typical schedule and hours of operation of each such initiative
or program.
``(8) A description of the alignment between a high-need
school's curriculum and each such initiative or program.
``(9) A description of the self-evaluation plan the
eligible entity will use to evaluate the quality and impact of
each such initiative or program.
``SEC. 4405. PRIORITY.
``In awarding a grant under this part, the Secretary shall give
priority to an eligible entity that--
``(1) agrees to recruit and engage community mentors and
volunteers to participate in an expanded learning initiative,
21st century community learning center program, or after-school
program supported by the eligible entity under this part;
``(2) has a demonstrated record of effectiveness in the
administration of expanded learning initiatives, 21st century
community learning center programs, or after-school programs,
which record shall, to the extent practicable, include
documented evidence of a positive impact on--
``(A) student academic achievement, promotion, and
attendance;
``(B) character and the social skills necessary for
future employment; and
``(C) other measures of student success;
``(3) offers skill development and applied learning to
students attending an expanded learning initiative, 21st
century community learning center program, or after-school
program supported by the eligible entity under this part
through relevant, real-world experiences emphasizing hands-on
projects and small group activities;
``(4) offers academic support and assistance to help such
students meet grade level academic achievement standards;
``(5) engages Expanded Learning and After-School Fellows
under this part to serve for full-time, 2-year terms;
``(6) will ensure that each school, participating in such
initiative or program, makes the program available to all
students who are in the grades targeted by the initiative or
program;
``(7) demonstrates capacity to manage a grant under this
part and to recruit, retain, and develop the skills of Expanded
Learning and After-School Teaching Fellows; and
``(8) coordinates with an institution of higher education
to provide a baccalaureate or master's degree program in
education to the Expanded Learning and After-School Fellows
supported by the eligible entity under this part during the
period of the Fellows' service.
``SEC. 4406. AGREEMENT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary and each eligible entity receiving
a grant under this part shall enter into an agreement under which the
eligible entity shall agree--
``(1) to use grant funds under this part--
``(A) to recruit and select exemplary recent
graduates of 4-year institutions of higher education or
of accredited youth development programs from 2-year
institutions of higher education, who have demonstrated
academic achievement, leadership skills, and community
service experience to serve as Expanded Learning and
After-School Fellows in accordance with this part;
``(B) to place and support each Expanded Learning
and After-School Fellow in a full-time position that
meets the requirements of section 4407(a);
``(C) to provide intensive, comprehensive, and
experiential training to the Expanded Learning and
After-School Fellows that will--
``(i) train and prepare the Fellows in
methods of youth development that include--
``(I) skills to build positive
relationships with youth;
``(II) methods that involve and
empower youth; and
``(III) ways to interact with and
relate to youth, to support
developmental asset building;
``(ii) prepare the Fellows to administer an
expanded learning initiative, 21st century
community learning center program, or after-
school program; and
``(iii) offer the Fellows a promising
career path in public education and youth
development;
``(D) to serve a substantial number and percentage
of students from low-income families through the
expanded learning initiatives, 21st century community
learning center programs, or after-school programs
supported by the eligible entity under this part; and
``(E) to administer the program activities
described in the grant application under section 4404;
and
``(2) to satisfy any matching requirement under subsection
(b).
``(b) Matching Requirement.--
``(1) In general.--As part of the agreement described in
subsection (a), the Secretary may require an eligible entity to
agree to provide an amount of non-Federal funds, not to exceed
100 percent of the grant award under this part, to aid in
carrying out the eligible entity's activities under this part,
which amount shall be determined in accordance with paragraph
(2).
``(2) Sliding scale of matching funds.--The Secretary shall
determine the amount of the matching funds to be provided by
the eligible entity under this subsection based on a sliding
scale that takes into account--
``(A) the relative poverty of the population to be
served by the eligible entity; and
``(B) the eligible entity's ability to obtain
matching funds.
``(3) In-kind contributions.--The Secretary shall allow an
eligible entity subject to a matching requirement under this
subsection to provide not more than \1/2\ of the amount of the
matching funds through in-kind contributions.
``SEC. 4407. EXPANDED LEARNING AND AFTER-SCHOOL FELLOWS.
``(a) Position Requirements.--An Expanded Learning and After-School
Fellow under this part shall serve in a full-time position in a high-
need school that meets the following requirements:
``(1)(A) Not less than 50 percent, nor more than 70
percent, of the Fellow's working hours shall be dedicated to
establishing, expanding, improving, or administering an
expanded learning initiative, 21st century community learning
center program, or after-school program in the high-need school
supported by the eligible entity under this part; and
``(B) not less than 30 percent, nor more than 50 percent,
of the Fellow's working hours shall be dedicated to providing
additional support or assistance to teachers of the grades
targeted by the initiative or program in the high-need school
during the school day.
``(2) Not less than 10 of the Fellow's working hours per
week shall be dedicated to directly serving such initiative or
program in the high-need school during times when the school is
not in session, such as before or after school or during
vacation days or the summer recess.
``(3) The Fellow shall serve in the position for not less
than 30 weeks per year, and the term of service of the position
shall be sufficient to qualify the Fellow for a national
service educational award for part-time or full-time national
service, as applicable, described in subtitle D of title I of
the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12601
et seq.), consistent with sections 139(b) and 146(b) of such
Act (42 U.S.C. 12593(b), 12602(b)).
``(b) Educational Award for Fellows.--An Expanded Learning and
After-School Fellow under this part shall be eligible for the national
service educational award if the Fellow meets the requirements of such
sections 139(b) and 146(b).
``SEC. 4408. EVALUATION.
``(a) Annual Report.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under
this part shall prepare and submit to the Secretary an annual report
that includes--
``(1) data on the number and quality of the Expanded
Learning and After-School Fellows in each expanded learning
initiative, 21st century community learning center program, or
after-school program supported by the eligible entity under
this part;
``(2) comprehensive data on--
``(A) the background of the Expanded Learning and
After-School Fellows chosen by the eligible entity
under this part;
``(B) the training the Fellows received;
``(C) the high-need schools in which the Fellows
were placed;
``(D) the professional development provided to the
Fellows;
``(E) the rate of retention of the Fellows in the
expanded learning initiatives, 21st century community
learning center programs, or after-school programs in
which the Fellows are placed and in the field of public
education; and
``(F) the achievement levels and academic progress
of the students served by an expanded learning
initiative, 21st century community learning center
program, or after-school program supported by the
eligible entity under this part, including indicators
such as school and program attendance, school grades,
and the number and type of disciplinary infractions
during the regular school day; and
``(3) an evaluation of the satisfaction of the initiative
or program providers and the principals, teachers, parents, and
students served by each such initiative or program.
``(b) Study.--Not less often than once every 3 years, the Secretary
shall provide for an external study of the grants awarded under this
part that shall--
``(1) include multiple high-need schools served by expanded
learning initiatives, 21st century community learning center
programs, and after-school programs supported by a grant under
this part; and
``(2) examine the achievement levels and academic progress
of the students served by such initiatives and programs.
``(c) Best Practices.--The Secretary shall provide to the Federal
Youth Development Council established under the Tom Osborne Federal
Youth Coordination Act (Public Law 109-365; 120 Stat. 2594), the best
practices of eligible entities receiving grants under this part
regarding expanded learning initiatives, 21st century community
learning center programs, and after-school programs, and the Federal
Youth Development Council shall make the best practices available to
the public through the Internet.
``SEC. 4409. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part
$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2009,
$90,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $110,000,000 for fiscal year 2011,
$130,000,000 for fiscal year 2012, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year
2013.''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 4304 the following:
``Part D--Expanded Learning and After-School Fellows
``Sec. 4401. Purposes.
``Sec. 4402. Definitions.
``Sec. 4403. Program authorized.
``Sec. 4404. Application.
``Sec. 4405. Priority.
``Sec. 4406. Agreement.
``Sec. 4407. Expanded Learning and After-School Fellows.
``Sec. 4408. Evaluation.
``Sec. 4409. Authorization of appropriations.''.
SEC. 3. EDUCATIONAL AWARDS.
(a) Authority To Provide Approved National Service Positions.--
Section 121(a) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12571(a)) is amended by inserting ``(and, for the purpose of
providing national service positions under subsection (c), eligible
entities under part D of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965)'' before ``for the purpose of''.
(b) National Service Position Eligible for National Service
Educational Award.--Section 123 of the National and Community Service
Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12573) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
(2) by inserting before paragraph (8) the following:
``(7) A position involving service as an Expanded Learning
and After-School Fellow under part D of title IV of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.''.
(c) Reservation of Approved Positions.--Section 129 of the National
and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12581) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``The Corporation'' and inserting
the following:
``(1) VISTA volunteers and civilian community corps
participants.--The Corporation''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Fellows.--The Corporation shall ensure that each
individual selected by an eligible entity during a fiscal year
as an Expanded Learning and After-School Fellow under part D of
title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
shall receive the national service educational award described
in subtitle D if the individual satisfies the eligibility
requirements for the award. Funds for approved national service
positions required by this paragraph for a fiscal year shall be
deducted from the funds appropriated under section
501(a)(2)(B).''; and
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) by inserting before ``The Corporation'' the
following:
``(1) In general.--''; and
(B) by striking the second sentence and inserting
the following:
``(2) Adjustments.--The Corporation is authorized to make
necessary and reasonable adjustments to the program rules--
``(A) relating to Fellows described in subsection
(b)(2), if appropriations under section 501(a)(2)(B)
are insufficient to provide the maximum allowable
national service educational awards under subtitle D
for all those Fellows who are eligible for such an
award; and
``(B) relating to participants (other than such
Fellows), if appropriations under section 501(a)(2)(A)
are insufficient to provide the maximum allowable
national service educational awards under subtitle D
for all those participants who are eligible for such an
award.''.
(d) Term of Service.--Section 139(b) of the National and Community
Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12593(b)) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(4) Multiple terms of service.--An individual who serves
for a term of 2 years as an Expanded Learning and After-School
Fellow under part D of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 and satisfies the eligibility
requirements described in paragraph (1) or (2) for each year of
the term shall--
``(A) for purposes of this subsection, be
considered to have served for 2 terms of 1 year; and
``(B) receive a national service educational award
under subsection (a) or (b), as appropriate, of section
147 for each of the 2 terms of service.''.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 501(a)(2) of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12681(a)(2)) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``(except as provided
in subparagraph (B))'' after ``subtitle D of title I'';
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) National service positions for expanded
learning and after-school fellows.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to provide national
service educational awards under subtitle D of title
I--
``(i) for 3,333 Expanded Learning and
After-School Fellows under part D of title IV
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965, such sums as may be necessary for
fiscal year 2008;
``(ii) for 4,667 of those Fellows, such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009;
``(iii) for 6,000 of those Fellows, such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2010;
``(iv) for 7,333 of those Fellows, such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2011;
``(v) for 8,667 of those Fellows, such sums
as may be necessary for fiscal year 2012; and
``(vi) for 10,000 of those Fellows, such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year
2013.''.
(f) Recording of Obligations and Placement of Funds in Reserve
Account.--Section 1 of the Strengthen AmeriCorps Program Act (42 U.S.C.
12605) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(A)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end
and inserting ``or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) approves a position involving
service as an Expanded Learning and After-
School Fellow under part D of title IV of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965,
as an approved service position under such
section 123; and''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1)(B)(ii), by inserting ``(including
section 501(a)(2)(B))'' after ``section 501(a)(2)''.
SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) In General.--It is the sense of Congress that Congress should
appropriate sufficient funds--
(1) under section 4409 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (as added by section 2) for a fiscal
year, to enable the number of fellows described in subsection
(b) to serve in the program established in part D of title IV
of such Act (as so added) for that fiscal year; and
(2) under section 501(a)(2)(B) of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990 (as added by section 3) for that
fiscal year, to provide national service educational awards
described in that section for those fellows for that service.
(b) Number of Fellows.--For purposes of subsection (a), the number
of fellows described in this subsection is--
(1) for fiscal year 2008, 3,333 fellows;
(2) for fiscal year 2009, 4,667 fellows;
(3) for fiscal year 2010, 6,000 fellows;
(4) for fiscal year 2011, 7,333 fellows;
(5) for fiscal year 2012, 8,667 fellows; and
(6) for fiscal year 2013, 10,000 fellows.
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