USC Subchapter I

in effect

20 U.S.C. § 2321 Reservations and State allotment

(a) Reservations and State allotment(1) ReservationsFrom the amount appropriated under section 2307 of this title for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve—(A) 0.13 percent to carry out section 2325 of this title; and (B) 1.50 percent to carry out section 2326 of this title, of which—(i) 1.25 percent of the sum shall be available to carry out section 2326(b) of this title; and (ii) 0.25 percent of the sum shall be available to carry out section 2326(h) of this title. (2) Foundational grant(A) In generalFrom the remainder of the amount appropriated under section 2307 of this title and not reserved under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allot to a State for the fiscal year an amount equal to the amount the State received in fiscal year 2018. (B) Ratable reductionIf for any fiscal year the amount appropriated for allotments under this section is insufficient to satisfy the provisions of subparagraph (A), the payments to all States under such subparagraph shall be ratably reduced. (3) Additional fundsSubject to paragraph (4), from the additional funds remaining from the amount appropriated under section 2307 of this title and not expended under paragraphs (1) and (2) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allot to a State for the fiscal year—(A) an amount that bears the same ratio to 50 percent of the sum being allotted as the product of the population aged 15 to 19, inclusive, in the State in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made and the State’s allotment ratio bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all the States; (B) an amount that bears the same ratio to 20 percent of the sum being allotted as the product of the population aged 20 to 24, inclusive, in the State in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made and the State’s allotment ratio bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all the States; (C) an amount that bears the same ratio to 15 percent of the sum being allotted as the product of the population aged 25 to 65, inclusive, in the State in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made and the State’s allotment ratio bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all the States; and (D) an amount that bears the same ratio to 15 percent of the sum being allotted as the amounts allotted to the State under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) for such years bears to the sum of the amounts allotted to all the States under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) for such year. (4) Minimum allotment for years with additional funds(A) In generalSubject to subparagraph (B), for a fiscal year for which there are additional funds described in paragraph (3), no State shall receive for such fiscal year under paragraph (3) less than 1/2 of 1 percent of the additional funds available for such fiscal year. Amounts necessary for increasing such payments to States to comply with the preceding sentence shall be obtained by ratably reducing the amounts to be paid to other States. (B) Special ruleIn the case of a qualifying State, the minimum allotment under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year for the qualifying State shall be the lesser of—(i) 1/2 of 1 percent of the additional funds available for such fiscal year; and (ii) the product of—(I) 1/3 of the additional funds; multiplied by (II) the quotient of—(aa) the qualifying State’s ratio described in subparagraph (C) for the fiscal year for which the determination is made; divided by (bb) the sum of all such ratios for all qualifying States for the fiscal year for which the determination is made. (C) RatioFor purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii)(II)(aa), the ratio for a qualifying State for a fiscal year shall be 1.00 less the quotient of—(i) the amount the qualifying State is allotted under paragraph (3) for the fiscal year; divided by (ii) 1/2 of 1 percent of the amount appropriated under paragraph (3) for the fiscal year for which the determination is made. (D) DefinitionsIn this paragraph, the term “qualifying State” means a State (except the United States Virgin Islands) that, for the fiscal year for which a determination under this paragraph is made, would receive, under the allotment formula under paragraph (3) (without the application of this paragraph), an amount that would be less than the amount the State would receive under subparagraph (A) for such fiscal year. (b) ReallotmentIf the Secretary determines that any amount of any State’s allotment under subsection (a) for any fiscal year will not be required for such fiscal year for carrying out the activities for which such amount has been allotted, the Secretary shall make such amount available for reallotment. Any such reallotment among other States shall occur on such dates during the same year as the Secretary shall fix, and shall be made on the basis of criteria established by regulation. No funds may be reallotted for any use other than the use for which the funds were appropriated. Any amount reallotted to a State under this subsection for any fiscal year shall remain available for obligation during the succeeding fiscal year and shall be deemed to be part of the State’s allotment for the year in which the amount is obligated. (c) Allotment ratio(1) In generalThe allotment ratio for any State shall be 1.00 less the product of—(A) 0.50; and (B) the quotient obtained by dividing the per capita income for the State by the per capita income for all the States (exclusive of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands), except that—(i) the allotment ratio in no case shall be more than 0.60 or less than 0.40; and (ii) the allotment ratio for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands shall be 0.60. (2) PromulgationThe allotment ratios shall be promulgated by the Secretary for each fiscal year between October 1 and December 31 of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made. Allotment ratios shall be computed on the basis of the average of the appropriate per capita incomes for the 3 most recent consecutive fiscal years for which satisfactory data are available. (3) Definition of per capita incomeFor the purpose of this section, the term “per capita income” means, with respect to a fiscal year, the total personal income in the calendar year ending in such year, divided by the population of the area concerned in such year. (4) Population determinationFor the purposes of this section, population shall be determined by the Secretary on the basis of the latest estimates available to the Department of Education. (d) Definition of StateFor the purpose of this section, the term “State” means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.

20 U.S.C. § 2322 Within State allocation

(a) In generalFrom the amount allotted to each State under section 2321 of this title for a fiscal year, the eligible agency shall make available—(1) not less than 85 percent for distribution under section 2351 or 2352 of this title, of which not more than 15 percent of the 85 percent may be used in accordance with subsection (c); (2) not more than 10 percent to carry out State leadership activities described in section 2344 of this title, of which—(A) an amount equal to not more than 2 percent of the amount allotted to the State under section 2321 of this title for the fiscal year shall be made available to serve individuals in State institutions, such as State correctional institutions, juvenile justice facilities, and educational institutions that serve individuals with disabilities; (B) not less than $60,000 and not more than $150,000 shall be available for services that prepare individuals for non-traditional fields; and (C) an amount shall be made available for the recruitment of special populations to enroll in career and technical education programs, which shall be not less than the lesser of—(i) an amount equal to 0.1 percent; or (ii) $50,000; and (3) an amount equal to not more than 5 percent, or $250,000, whichever is greater, for administration of the State plan, which may be used for the costs of—(A) developing the State plan; (B) reviewing local applications; (C) monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness; (D) assuring compliance with all applicable Federal laws; (E) providing technical assistance; and (F) supporting and developing State data systems relevant to the provisions of this chapter. (b) Matching requirementEach eligible agency receiving funds made available under subsection (a)(3) shall match, from non-Federal sources and on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the funds received under subsection (a)(3). (c) ReserveFrom amounts made available under subsection (a)(1) to carry out this subsection, an eligible agency may award grants to eligible recipients for career and technical education activities described in section 2355 of this title—(1) in—(A) rural areas; (B) areas with high percentages of CTE concentrators or CTE participants; (C) areas with high numbers of CTE concentrators or CTE participants; and (D) areas with disparities or gaps in performance as described in section 2323(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II) of this title; and (2) in order to—(A) foster innovation through the identification and promotion of promising and proven career and technical education programs, practices, and strategies, which may include programs, practices, and strategies that prepare individuals for nontraditional fields; or (B) promote the development, implementation, and adoption of programs of study or career pathways aligned with State-identified high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations or industries.

20 U.S.C. § 2323 Accountability

(a) PurposeThe purpose of this section is to establish and support State and local performance accountability systems, comprised of the activities described in this section, to assess the effectiveness of the State and the eligible recipients of the State in achieving statewide progress in career and technical education, and to optimize the return of investment of Federal funds in career and technical education activities. (b) State determined performance measures(1) In generalEach eligible agency, with input from eligible recipients, shall establish State determined performance measures for a State that consist of—(A) the core indicators of performance described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2); and (B) a State determined level of performance described in paragraph (3)(A) for each core indicator of performance. (2) Indicators of performance(A) Core indicators of performance for CTE concentrators at the secondary levelEach eligible agency shall identify in the State plan core indicators of performance for CTE concentrators at the secondary level that are valid and reliable, and that include, at a minimum, measures of each of the following:(i) The percentage of CTE concentrators who graduate high school, as measured by—(I) the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (defined in section 7801 of this title); and (II) at the State’s discretion, the extended-year adjusted cohort graduation rate defined in such section 7801. (ii) CTE concentrator proficiency in the challenging State academic standards adopted by the State under section 6311(b)(1) of this title, as measured by the academic assessments described in section 6311(b)(2) of this title. (iii) The percentage of CTE concentrators who, in the second quarter after exiting from secondary education, are in postsecondary education or advanced training, military service or a service program that receives assistance under title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511 et seq.), are volunteers as described in section 2504(a) of title 22, or are employed. (iv) Indicators of career and technical education program quality as follows:(I) That shall include at least 1 of the following:(aa) The percentage of CTE concentrators graduating from high school having attained a recognized postsecondary credential. (bb) The percentage of CTE concentrators graduating from high school having attained postsecondary credits in the relevant career and technical education program or program of study earned through a dual or concurrent enrollment program or another credit transfer agreement. (cc) The percentage of CTE concentrators graduating from high school having participated in work-based learning. (II) That may include any other measure of student success in career and technical education that is statewide, valid, and reliable, and comparable across the State. (v) The percentage of CTE concentrators in career and technical education programs and programs of study that lead to non-traditional fields. (B) Core indicators of performance for CTE concentrators at the postsecondary levelEach eligible agency shall identify in the State plan core indicators of performance for CTE concentrators at the postsecondary level that are valid and reliable, and that include, at a minimum, measures of each of the following:(i) The percentage of CTE concentrators who, during the second quarter after program completion, remain enrolled in postsecondary education, are in advanced training, military service, or a service program that receives assistance under title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511 et seq.), are volunteers as described in section 2504(a) of title 22, or are placed or retained in employment. (ii) The percentage of CTE concentrators who receive a recognized postsecondary credential during participation in or within 1 year of program completion. (iii) The percentage of CTE concentrators in career and technical education programs and programs of study that lead to non-traditional fields. (C) Alignment of performance indicatorsIn developing core indicators of performance under subparagraphs (A) and (B), an eligible agency shall, to the greatest extent possible, align the indicators so that substantially similar information gathered for other State and Federal programs, or for any other purpose, may be used to meet the requirements of this section. (3) State determined levels of performance(A) State determined levels of performance for core indicators of performance(i) In general(I) Levels determined by the eligible agencyEach eligible agency, with input from eligible recipients, shall establish in the State plan submitted under section 2342 of this title, for each year covered by the State plan, State determined levels of performance for each of the core indicators described under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2) for career and technical education activities authorized under this subchapter. The level of performance for a core indicator shall be the same for all CTE concentrators in the State. (II) Technical assistanceThe Secretary may assist an eligible agency in establishing the State determined levels of performance under this subparagraph only at the request of that eligible agency. (III) RequirementsSuch State determined levels of performance shall, at a minimum—(aa) be expressed in a percentage or numerical form, so as to be objective, quantifiable, and measurable; (bb) require the State to continually make meaningful progress toward improving the performance of all career and technical education students, including the subgroups of students described in section 6311(h)(1)(C)(ii) of this title, and special populations, as described in section 2302(48) of this title; and (cc) have been subject to the public comment process described in subparagraph (B), and the eligible agency has provided a written response; (dd) when being adjusted pursuant to clause (ii), take into account how the levels of performance involved compare with the State levels of performance established for other States, considering factors including the characteristics of actual (as opposed to anticipated) CTE concentrators when the CTE concentrators entered the program, and the services or instruction to be provided; (ee) when being adjusted pursuant to clause (ii), be higher than the average actual performance of the 2 most recently completed program years, except in the case of unanticipated circumstances that require revisions in accordance with clause (iii); and (ff) take into account the extent to which the State determined levels of performance advance the eligible agency’s goals, as set forth in the State plan. (ii) Allowable adjustment of State determined levels of performance for subsequent yearsPrior to the third program year covered by the State plan, each eligible agency may revise the State determined levels of performance for any of the core indicators of performance for the subsequent program years covered by the State plan, and submit the revised State determined levels of performance to the Secretary. If the eligible agency adjusts any levels of performance, the eligible agency shall adjust those levels in accordance with clause (i), and address written comments of stakeholders as described in subparagraph (B). The Secretary shall approve those revised levels of performance if those levels meet the requirements described in subclause (III) of clause (i). The State determined adjusted levels of performance identified under this clause shall be considered to be the State determined levels of performance for the State for such years and shall be incorporated into the State plan. (iii) Unanticipated circumstancesIf unanticipated circumstances arise in a State or changes occur related to improvements in data or measurement approaches, the eligible agency, at the end of the program year, may revise the State determined levels of performance required under this subparagraph. After public comment, as described in subparagraph (B), the eligible agency shall submit such revised levels of performance to the Secretary with evidence supporting the revision. The Secretary shall approve any such revision if that revision meets the requirements of clause (ii). (B) Public comment(i) In generalEach eligible agency shall develop the levels of performance under subparagraph (A) in consultation with the stakeholders identified in section 2342(c)(1)(A) of this title. (ii) Written commentsNot less than 60 days prior to submission of the State plan, the eligible agency shall provide such stakeholders with the opportunity to provide written comments to the eligible agency, which shall be included in the State plan, regarding how the levels of performance described under subparagraph (A)—(I) meet the requirements of the law; (II) support the improvement of performance of all CTE concentrators, including subgroups of students, as described in section 6311(h)(1)(C)(ii) of this title, and special populations, as described in section 2302(48) of this title; and (III) support the needs of the local education and business community. (iii) Eligible agency responseEach eligible agency shall provide, in the State plan, a written response to the comments provided by stakeholders under clause (ii). (C) State report(i) In generalEach eligible agency that receives an allotment under section 2321 of this title shall annually prepare and submit to the Secretary a report regarding—(I) the progress of the State in achieving the State determined levels of performance on the core indicators of performance; and (II) the actual levels of performance for all CTE concentrators, and for each of the subgroups of students, as described in section 6311(h)(1)(C)(ii) of this title, and special populations, as described in section 2302(48) of this title. (ii) DataExcept as provided in subparagraph (E), each eligible agency that receives an allotment under section 2321 of this title shall—(I) disaggregate data for each of the indicators of performance under paragraph (2)—(aa) for subgroups of students, as described in section 6311(h)(1)(C)(ii) of this title, and special populations, as described in section 2302(48) of this title, that are served under this chapter; and (bb) by the career and technical education programs or programs of study of the CTE concentrators, except that in a case in which reporting by such program or program of study is impractical, the data may be disaggregated by the career clusters of the CTE concentrators, if appropriate; (II) identify and quantify any disparities or gaps in performance on the State determined levels of performance under subparagraph (A) between any such subgroup or special population and the performance of all CTE concentrators served by the eligible agency under this chapter, which shall include a quantifiable description of the progress each such subgroup or special population of students served by the eligible agency under this chapter has made in meeting the State determined levels of performance; and (III) for CTE concentrators described in paragraph (2)(A)(iii) and paragraph (2)(B)(i), disaggregate data, to the extent such data is available, by each of the following:(aa) Individuals enrolled in postsecondary education (disaggregated by postsecondary award level, including certificate, associate, or baccalaureate degree). (bb) Individuals in advanced training. (cc) Individuals in military service or a service program that receives assistance under title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511 et seq.) or volunteers as described in section 2504(a) of title 22. (dd) Individuals in employment (including those individuals who are employed in a high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand sector or occupation). (iii) NonduplicationThe Secretary shall ensure that each eligible agency does not report duplicative information under this section. (iv) Information disseminationThe Secretary shall—(I) make the information contained in such reports available to the general public through a variety of formats, including electronically through the Internet; (II) disseminate State-by-State comparisons of the information contained in such reports; and (III) provide the appropriate committees of Congress with copies of such reports. (D) State dissemination of actual levels of performanceAt the end of each program year, the eligible agency shall disseminate the actual levels of performance described in subparagraph (C)(i)(II)—(i) widely, including to students, parents, and educators; (ii) through a variety of formats, including electronically through the Internet; and (iii) in user-friendly formats and languages that are easily accessible, as determined by the eligible agency. (E) Rules for reporting dataThe disaggregation of data under this paragraph shall not be required when the number of students in a category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information or when the results would reveal personally identifiable information about an individual student. (4) Local levels of performance(A) Local levels of performance for core indicators of performance(i) In generalEach eligible recipient shall agree to accept the State determined levels of performance for each year of the plan established under paragraph (3) as local levels of performances, or negotiate with the State to reach agreement on new local levels of performance, for each of the core indicators of performance described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2) for career and technical education activities authorized under this subchapter. The levels of performance established under this subparagraph shall, at a minimum—(I) be expressed in a percentage or numerical form, consistent with the form expressed in the State determined levels, so as to be objective, quantifiable, and measurable; (II) require the eligible recipient to continually make meaningful progress toward improving the performance of all CTE concentrators, including subgroups of students described in section 6311(h)(1)(C)(ii) of this title and special populations, as described in section 2302(48) of this title; (III) when being adjusted as described in clause (iii), be higher than the average actual performance levels of the previous 2 program years, except in a case in which unanticipated circumstances arise with respect to the eligible recipient and that eligible recipient meets the requirements for revisions under clause (iv); (IV) when being adjusted as described in clause (iii), take into account how the local levels of performance compare with the local levels of performance established for other eligible recipients, considering factors including the characteristics of actual (as opposed to anticipated) CTE concentrators at the time those CTE concentrators entered the program, and the services or instruction to be provided; and (V) set the local levels of performance using valid and reliable data that measures—(aa) the differences within the State in actual economic conditions (including differences in unemployment rates and job losses or gains in particular industries); and (bb) the abilities of the State and the eligible recipient to collect and access valid, reliable, and cost-effective data. (ii) Identification in the local applicationEach eligible recipient shall identify, in the local application submitted under section 2354 of this title, levels of performance for each of the core indicators of performance for each of the program years covered by the local application. (iii) Allowable adjustments of local levels of performance for subsequent yearsPrior to the third program year covered by the local application, the eligible recipient may, if the eligible recipient reaches an agreement with the eligible agency, adjust the local levels of performance for any of the core indicators of performance for the subsequent program years covered by the local application, in accordance with that agreement and with this subparagraph. The local adjusted levels of performance agreed to under this clause shall be considered to be the local levels of performance for the eligible recipient for such years and shall be incorporated into the local application. (v) 11 So in original. There is no cl. (iv). RevisionsIf unanticipated circumstances arise, or changes occur related to improvements in data or measurement approaches, the eligible recipient may request that the local levels of performance agreed to under clauses (i) and (iii) be revised. The eligible agency shall issue objective criteria and methods for making such revisions. (B) Local report(i) Content of reportEach eligible recipient that receives an allocation described in section 2322 of this title shall annually prepare and submit to the eligible agency a report, which shall include the data on the actual performance levels described in clause (ii), including the progress of such recipient in achieving the local levels of performance on the core indicators of performance. (ii) DataExcept as provided in clauses (iii) and (iv), each eligible recipient that receives an allocation described in section 2322 of this title shall—(I) disaggregate data for each of the indicators of performance under paragraph (2) for the subgroups of students described in section 6311(h)(1)(C)(ii) of this title and section 2302(48) of this title that are served under this chapter; (II) identify and quantify any disparities or gaps in performance, as described in paragraph 3(C)(ii)(II), between any such category of students as described in subclause (I) (including special populations) and the performance of all CTE concentrators served by the eligible recipient under this chapter. (III) disaggregate data by the career and technical education programs or programs of study of the CTE concentrators, except that in a case in which reporting by such program or program of study is impractical, the data may be disaggregated by the career clusters of the CTE concentrators, if appropriate; and (IV) for CTE concentrators described in paragraph (2)(A)(iii) and paragraph (2)(B)(i), disaggregate data, to the extent such data is available, by each of the following:(aa) Individuals enrolled in postsecondary education (disaggregated by postsecondary award level, including certificate, associate, or baccalaureate degree). (bb) Individuals in advanced training. (cc) Individuals in military service or a service program that receives assistance under title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511 et seq.) or volunteers as described in section 2504(a) of title 22. (dd) Individuals in employment (including those individuals who are employed in a high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand sector or occupation). (iii) NonduplicationThe eligible agency shall ensure, in a manner that is consistent with the actions of the Secretary under paragraph (3)(C)(iii), that each eligible recipient does not report duplicative information under this section. (iv) Rules for reporting of dataThe disaggregation of data under this paragraph shall not be required when the number of students in a category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information or when the results would reveal personally identifiable information about an individual student. (v) AvailabilityThe report described in clause (i) shall be made available by the eligible recipient through a variety of formats, including electronically through the Internet, to students, parents, educators, and the public, and the information contained in such report shall be in a format that is understandable and uniform, and to the extent practicable, provided in a language that students, parents, and educators can understand.

20 U.S.C. § 2324 National activities

(a) Program performance information(1) In generalThe Secretary shall, in consultation with the Director, collect performance information about, and report on, the condition of career and technical education and on the effectiveness of State and local programs, services, and activities carried out under this subchapter in order to provide the Secretary and Congress, as well as Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies, with information relevant to improvement in the quality and effectiveness of career and technical education. The Secretary shall report annually to Congress on the Secretary’s aggregate analysis of performance information collected each year pursuant to this subchapter from eligible agencies under section 2323(b)(3)(C) of this title, including an analysis of performance data regarding special populations. (2) CompatibilityThe Secretary shall, to the extent feasible, ensure that the performance information system is compatible with other Federal information systems. (3) AssessmentsAs a regular part of its assessments, the National Center for Education Statistics shall collect and report information on career and technical education for a nationally representative sample of students. Such assessment may include international comparisons in the aggregate. (b) Reasonable costThe Secretary shall take such action as may be necessary to secure at reasonable cost the information required by this subchapter. To ensure reasonable cost, the Secretary, in consultation with the National Center for Education Statistics and the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education shall determine the methodology to be used and the frequency with which such information is to be collected. (c) Single plan for research, development, dissemination, evaluation, and assessment(1) In generalThe Secretary shall, directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, carry out research, development, dissemination, evaluation and assessment, capacity building, and technical assistance with regard to the career and technical education programs under this chapter. The Secretary shall develop a single plan for such activities. (2) PlanSuch plan shall—(A) identify the career and technical education activities described in paragraph (1) that the Secretary will carry out under this section; (B) describe how the Secretary, acting through the Director, will evaluate such career and technical education activities in accordance with subsection (d)(2); and (C) include such other information as the Secretary, in consultation with the Director, determines to be appropriate. (d) Advisory panel; evaluation; reports(1) Independent advisory panel(A) In generalThe Secretary, acting through the Director, shall appoint an independent advisory panel to advise the Secretary on the implementation of the evaluation described in paragraph (2) and the plan developed under subsection (c), including the issues to be addressed and the methodology of the studies involved to ensure that the evaluation adheres to the highest standards of quality. (B) MembersThe advisory panel shall consist of—(i) educators, administrators, State directors of career and technical education, and chief executives, including those with expertise in the integration of academic and career and technical education; (ii) experts in evaluation, research, and assessment; (iii) representatives of labor organizations and businesses, including small businesses, economic development entities, and workforce investment entities; (iv) parents; (v) career guidance and academic counseling professionals; (vi) other individuals and qualified intermediaries with relevant expertise, which may include individuals with expertise in addressing inequities in access to, and in opportunities for, academic and technical skill attainment; (vii) representatives of Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations; and (viii) representatives of special populations. (C) Independent analysisThe advisory panel shall transmit to the Secretary, the Director, the relevant committees of Congress, and the Library of Congress an independent analysis of the findings and recommendations resulting from the evaluation described in paragraph (2). (D) Chapter 10 of title 5Chapter 10 of title 5 shall not apply to the panel established under this paragraph. (2) Evaluation(A) In generalFrom amounts made available under subsection (f), the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall provide for the conduct of a series of research and evaluation initiatives for each year for which funds are appropriated to carry out this chapter, which are aligned with the plan in subsection (c)(2), of career and technical education programs under this chapter, including the implementation of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, to the extent practicable, through studies and analyses conducted independently through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements that are awarded on a competitive basis. Whenever possible, data used for the evaluation for a fiscal year shall be data from the most recent fiscal year for which such data are available, and from the 5-year period preceding that fiscal year. (B) ContentsThe evaluation required under subparagraph (A) shall include descriptions and evaluations of—(i) the extent and success of the integration of challenging State academic standards adopted under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)] and career and technical education for students participating in career and technical education programs, including a review of the effect of such integration on the academic and technical proficiency achievement of such students, including—(I) the number of such students that receive a regular high school diploma, as such term is defined under section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 7801] or a State-defined alternative diploma described in section 8101(25)(A)(ii)(I)(bb) of such Act; (II) the number of such students that are high school students that receive a recognized postsecondary credential; and (III) the number of such students that are high school students that earn credit toward a recognized postsecondary credential; (ii) the extent to which career and technical education programs and programs of study prepare students, including special populations, for subsequent employment in high-skill, high-wage occupations (including those in which mathematics and science skills are critical, which may include computer science), or for participation in postsecondary education; (iii) employer involvement in, benefit from, and satisfaction with, career and technical education programs and programs of study and career and technical education students’ preparation for employment; (iv) efforts to expand access to career and technical education programs of study for all students; (v) innovative approaches to work-based learning programs that increase participation and alignment with employment in high-growth industries, including in rural and low-income areas; (vi) the effectiveness of different delivery systems and approaches for career and technical education, including comprehensive high schools, technical high schools, area technical centers, career academies, community and technical colleges, early college high schools, pre-apprenticeship programs, voluntary after-school programs, and individual course offerings, including dual or concurrent enrollment program courses, as well as communication strategies for promoting career and technical education opportunities involving teachers, school counselors, and parents or other guardians; (vii) the extent to which career and technical education programs supported by this chapter are grounded on evidence-based research; (viii) the impact of the amendments to this chapter made under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, including comparisons, where appropriate, of—(I) the use of the comprehensive needs assessment under section 2354(c) of this title; (II) the implementation of programs of study; and (III) coordination of planning and program delivery with other relevant laws, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.]; (ix) changes in career and technical education program accountability as described in section 2323 of this title and any effects of such changes on program delivery and program quality; (x) changes in student enrollment patterns; and (xi) efforts to reduce disparities or performance gaps described in section 2323(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II) of this title. (C) Reports(i) In generalThe Secretary, in consultation with the Director, shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress—(I) not later than 2 years after July 31, 2018, an interim report regarding the evaluation and summary of research activities carried out under this section that builds on studies and analyses existing as of such date; (II) not later than 4 years after July 31, 2018, a final report summarizing the studies and analyses that relate to the evaluation and summary of research activities carried out under this section; and (III) a biennial update to such final report for succeeding years. (ii) ProhibitionNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the reports required by this subsection shall not be subject to any review outside the Department of Education before their transmittal to the relevant committees of Congress and the Secretary, but the President, the Secretary, the Director, and the independent advisory panel established under paragraph (1) may make such additional recommendations to Congress with respect to the assessment as the President, the Secretary, the Director, or the panel determine to be appropriate. (iii) DisseminationIn addition to submitting the reports required under clause (i), the Secretary shall disseminate the results of the evaluation widely and on a timely basis in order to increase the understanding among State and local officials and educators of the effectiveness of programs and activities supported under the 11 So in original. Probably should be “this”. chapter and of the career and technical education programs and programs of study that are most likely to produce positive educational and employment outcomes. (3) Collection of State information and report(A) In generalThe Secretary may collect and disseminate information from States regarding State efforts to meet State determined levels of performance described in section 2323(b) of this title, as long as such information does not reveal any personally identifiable information. (B) ReportThe Secretary shall gather any information collected pursuant to subparagraph (A) and submit a report to the relevant committees in Congress. (4) Research(A) In generalFrom amounts made available under subsection (f), the Secretary, after consultation with the Director, the Commissioner for Education Research, and the States, and with input from the independent advisory panel established under subsection (d)(1)(A), shall award a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, on a competitive basis, to an institution of higher education or to a consortium of one or more institutions of higher education and one or more private nonprofit organizations or agencies, to carry out one or more of the activities described in subparagraph (B). (B) Grant activitiesAn institution or consortium receiving a grant under this paragraph shall use grant funds to carry out one or more of the following activities:(i) Evidence-based research and evaluation for the purpose of developing, improving, and identifying the most successful methods for—(I) eliminating inequities in access to, and in opportunities for, learning, skill development, or effective teaching in career and technical education programs; and (II) addressing the education, employment, and training needs of CTE participants, including special populations, in career and technical education programs or programs of study. (ii) Research on, and evaluation of, the impact of changes made by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, including State-by-State comparisons, where appropriate, of—(I) the use of the needs assessment under section 2354(c) of this title; (II) the implementation of programs of study; (III) how States have implemented provisions of the 1 chapter, including both fiscal and programmatic elements; (IV) career and technical education funding and finance models; and (V) coordination with other relevant laws, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.], and the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.]. (iii) Evidence-based research and analyses that provide longitudinal information with respect to career and technical education programs and programs of study and student achievement. (iv) The implementation of, evaluation of, or evidence-based research of, innovative methods that support high-quality implementation of career and technical education programs and programs of study and student achievement related to career and technical education, including—(I) creating or expanding dual or concurrent enrollment program activities and early college high schools; (II) awarding of academic credit or academic alignment for industry recognized credentials, competency-based education, or work-based learning; (III) making available open, searchable, and comparable information on the quality of industry recognized credentials, including the related skills or competencies, attainment by CTE concentrators, related employment and earnings outcomes, labor market value, and use by employers; or (IV) initiatives to facilitate the transition of sub-baccalaureate career and technical education students into baccalaureate degree programs, including barriers affecting rural students and special populations. (C) ReportThe institution or consortium receiving a grant under this paragraph shall annually prepare a report containing information about the key research findings of such entity under this paragraph and shall submit copies of the report to the Secretary and the Director. The Secretary shall submit copies of the report to the relevant committees of Congress, the Library of Congress, and each eligible agency. (D) DisseminationThe institution or consortium receiving a grant under this paragraph shall conduct dissemination and training activities based on the research carried out under this paragraph on a timely basis, including through dissemination networks and, as appropriate and relevant, technical assistance providers within the Department. (e) Innovation and modernization(1) Grant programTo identify, support, and rigorously evaluate evidence-based and innovative strategies and activities to improve and modernize career and technical education and align workforce skills with labor market needs as part of the State plan under section 2342 of this title and local application under section 2354 of this title and the requirements of this subsection, the Secretary may use not more than 20 percent of the amounts appropriated under subsection (f) to award grants to eligible entities, eligible institutions, or eligible recipients to carry out the activities described in paragraph (7). (2) Non-Federal match(A) Matching funds requiredExcept as provided under subparagraph (B), to receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity, eligible institution, or eligible recipient shall, through cash or in-kind contributions, provide matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the funds provided under such grant. (B) ExceptionThe Secretary may waive the matching fund requirement under subparagraph (A) if the eligible entity, eligible institution, or eligible recipient demonstrates exceptional circumstances. (3) ApplicationTo receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity, eligible institution, or eligible recipient shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including, at a minimum—(A) an identification and designation of the agency, institution, or school responsible for the administration and supervision of the program assisted under this paragraph; (B) a description of the budget for the project, the source and amount of the matching funds required under paragraph (2)(A), and how the applicant will continue the project after the grant period ends, if applicable; (C) a description of how the applicant will use the grant funds, including how such funds will directly benefit students, including special populations, served by the applicant; (D) a description of how the program assisted under this subsection will be coordinated with the activities carried out under section 2344 or 2355 of this title; (E) a description of how the career and technical education programs or programs of study to be implemented with grant funds reflect the needs of regional, State, or local employers, as demonstrated by the comprehensive needs assessment under section 2354(c) of this title; (F) a description of how the program assisted under this subsection will be evaluated and how that evaluation may inform the report described in subsection (d)(2)(C); and (G) an assurance that the applicant will—(i) provide information to the Secretary, as requested, for evaluations that the Secretary may carry out; and (ii) make data available to third parties for validation, in accordance with applicable data privacy laws, including section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g, commonly known as the “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974”). (4) PriorityIn awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to applications from eligible entities, eligible institutions, or eligible recipients that will predominantly serve students from low-income families. (5) Geographic diversity(A) In generalIn awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall award no less than 25 percent of the total available funds for any fiscal year to eligible entities, eligible institutions, or eligible recipients proposing to fund career and technical education activities that serve—(i) a local educational agency with an urban-centric district locale code of 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary; (ii) an institution of higher education primarily serving the one or more areas served by such a local educational agency; (iii) a consortium of such local educational agencies or such institutions of higher education; (iv) a partnership between—(I) an educational service agency or a nonprofit organization; and (II) such a local educational agency or such an institution of higher education; or (v) a partnership between—(I) a grant recipient described in clause (i) or (ii); and (II) a State educational agency. (B) ExceptionNotwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall reduce the amount of funds made available under such clause if the Secretary does not receive a sufficient number of applications of sufficient quality. (6) Duration(A) In generalGrants awarded under this subsection shall be for a period of not more than 3 years. (B) ExtensionThe Secretary may extend such grants for not more than 1 additional 2-year period if the grantee demonstrates to the Secretary that the grantee is achieving the grantee’s program objectives and, as applicable, has improved education outcomes for career and technical education students, including special populations. (7) Uses of fundsAn eligible entity, eligible institution, or eligible recipient that is awarded a grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds to create, develop, implement, replicate, or take to scale evidence-based, field-initiated innovations to modernize and improve effectiveness and alignment of career and technical education and to improve student outcomes in career and technical education, and rigorously evaluate such innovations, through one or more of the following activities:(A) Designing and implementing courses or programs of study aligned to labor market needs in new or emerging fields and working with industry to upgrade equipment, technology, and related curriculum used in career and technical education programs, which is needed for the development, expansion, and implementation of State-approved career and technical education programs of study, including—(i) the development or acquisition of instructional materials associated with the equipment and technology purchased by an eligible entity, eligible institution, or eligible recipient through the grant; or (ii) efforts to expand, develop, or implement programs designed to increase opportunities for students to take rigorous courses in coding or computer science subject areas, and support for statewide efforts to increase access and implementation of coding or computer science courses in order to meet local labor market needs in occupations that require skills in those subject areas. (B) Improving career and technical education outcomes of students served by eligible entities, eligible institutions, or eligible recipients through activities such as—(i) supporting the development and enhancement of innovative delivery models for career and technical education related work-based learning, including school-based simulated work sites, mentoring, work site visits, job shadowing, project-based learning, and skills-based and paid internships; (ii) increasing the effective use of technology within career and technical education programs and programs of study; (iii) supporting new models for integrating academic content at the secondary and postsecondary level in career and technical education; or (iv) integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, including computer science education, with career and technical education. (C) Improving the transition of students—(i) from secondary education to postsecondary education or employment through programs, activities, or services that may include the creation, development, or expansion of dual or concurrent enrollment programs, articulation agreements, credit transfer agreements, and competency-based education; or (ii) from the completion of one postsecondary program to another postsecondary program that awards a recognized postsecondary credential. (D) Supporting the development and enhancement of innovative delivery models for career and technical education. (E) Working with industry to design and implement courses or programs of study aligned to labor market needs in new or emerging fields. (F) Supporting innovative approaches to career and technical education by redesigning the high school experience for students, which may include evidence-based transitional support strategies for students who have not met postsecondary education eligibility requirements. (G) Creating or expanding recruitment, retention, or professional development activities for career and technical education teachers, faculty, school leaders, administrators, specialized instructional support personnel, career guidance and academic counselors, and paraprofessionals, which may include—(i) providing resources and training to improve instruction for, and provide appropriate accommodations to, special populations; (ii) externships or site visits with business and industry; (iii) the integration of coherent and rigorous academic content standards and career and technical education curricula, including through opportunities for appropriate academic and career and technical education teachers to jointly develop and implement curricula and pedagogical strategies; (iv) mentoring by experienced teachers; (v) providing resources or assistance with meeting State teacher licensure and credential requirements; or (vi) training for career guidance and academic counselors at the secondary level to improve awareness of postsecondary education and postsecondary career options, and improve the ability of such counselors to communicate to students the career opportunities and employment trends. (H) Improving CTE concentrator employment outcomes in non-traditional fields. (I) Supporting the use of career and technical education programs and programs of study in a coordinated strategy to address identified employer needs and workforce shortages, such as shortages in the early childhood, elementary school, and secondary school education workforce. (J) Providing integrated student support that addresses the comprehensive needs of students, such as incorporating accelerated and differentiated learning opportunities supported by evidence-based strategies for special populations. (K) Establishing an online portal for career and technical education students, including special populations, preparing for postsecondary career and technical education, which may include opportunities for mentoring, gaining financial literacy skills, and identifying career opportunities and interests, and a platform to establish online savings accounts to be used exclusively for postsecondary career and technical education programs and programs of study. (L) Developing and implementing a pay for success initiative. (8) EvaluationEach eligible entity, eligible institution, or eligible recipient receiving a grant under this subsection shall provide for an independent evaluation of the activities carried out using such grant and submit to the Secretary an annual report that includes—(A) a description of how funds received under this paragraph were used; (B) the performance of the eligible entity, eligible institution, or eligible recipient with respect to, at a minimum, the performance indicators described under section 2323 of this title, as applicable, and disaggregated by—(i) subgroups of students described in section 1111(c)(2)(B) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6311(c)(2)(B)]; (ii) special populations; and (iii) as appropriate, each career and technical education program and program of study; and (C) a quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of the project carried out under this paragraph. (f) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—(1) $7,651,051 for fiscal year 2019; (2) $7,758,166 for fiscal year 2020; (3) $7,866,780 for fiscal year 2021; (4) $7,976,915 for fiscal year 2022; (5) $8,088,592 for fiscal year 2023; and (6) $8,201,832 for fiscal year 2024.

20 U.S.C. § 2325 Assistance for the outlying areas

(a) Outlying areasFrom funds reserved pursuant to section 2321(a)(1)(A) of this title, the Secretary shall—(1) make a grant in the amount of $660,000 to Guam; (2) make a grant in the amount of $350,000 to each of American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and (3) make a grant of $160,000 to the Republic of Palau, subject to subsection (b). (b) RestrictionThe Republic of Palau shall cease to be eligible to receive funding under this section upon entering into an agreement for an extension of United States educational assistance under the Compact of Free Association, unless otherwise provided in such agreement.

20 U.S.C. § 2326 Native American programs

(a) DefinitionsIn this section:(1) Alaska NativeThe term “Alaska Native” means a Native as such term is defined in section 1602 of title 43. (2) Bureau-funded schoolThe term “Bureau-funded school” has the meaning given the term in section 2021 of title 25. (3) Native HawaiianThe term “Native Hawaiian” means any individual any of whose ancestors were natives, prior to 1778, of the area which now comprises the State of Hawaii. (4) Native Hawaiian organizationThe term “Native Hawaiian organization” has the meaning given the term in section 7517 of this title. (b) Program authorized(1) AuthorityFrom funds reserved under section 2321(a)(1)(B)(i) of this title, the Secretary shall make grants to or enter into contracts with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Alaska Native entities to carry out the authorized programs described in subsection (c), except that such grants or contracts shall not be awarded to secondary school programs in Bureau-funded schools. (2) Indian Tribes and Tribal organizationsThe grants or contracts described in this section that are awarded to any Indian Tribe or Tribal organization shall be subject to the terms and conditions of section 5321 of title 25 and shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of sections 5345, 5346, and 5347 of title 25, which are relevant to the programs administered under this subsection. (3) Special authority relating to secondary schools operated or supported by the Bureau of Indian EducationAn Indian Tribe, a Tribal organization, or an Alaska Native entity, that receives funds through a grant made or contract entered into under paragraph (1) may use the funds to provide assistance to a secondary school operated or supported by the Bureau of Indian Education to enable such school to carry out career and technical education programs. (4) MatchingIf sufficient funding is available, the Bureau of Indian Education shall expend an amount equal to the amount made available under this subsection, relating to programs for Indians, to pay a part of the costs of programs funded under this subsection. During each fiscal year the Bureau of Indian Education shall expend not less than the amount expended during the prior fiscal year on career and technical education programs, services, and technical activities administered directly by, or under contract with, the Bureau of Indian Education, except that in no year shall funding for such programs, services, and activities be provided from accounts and programs that support other Indian education programs. The Secretary and the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education shall prepare jointly a plan for the expenditure of funds made available and for the evaluation of programs assisted under this subsection. Upon the completion of a joint plan for the expenditure of the funds and the evaluation of the programs, the Secretary shall assume responsibility for the administration of the program, with the assistance and consultation of the Bureau of Indian Education. (5) RegulationsIf the Secretary promulgates any regulations applicable to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall—(A) confer with, and allow for active participation by, representatives of Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and individual Tribal members; and (B) promulgate the regulations under subchapter III of chapter 5 of title 5, commonly known as the “Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990”. (6) ApplicationAny Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or Bureau-funded school eligible to receive assistance under this subsection may apply individually or as part of a consortium with another such Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or Bureau-funded school. (c) Authorized activities(1) Authorized programsFunds made available under this section shall be used to carry out career and technical education programs consistent with the purpose of this chapter. (2) Special ruleNotwithstanding section 2302(5)(A)(iii) of this title, funds made available under this section may be used to provide preparatory, refresher, and remedial education services that are designed to enable students to achieve success in career and technical education programs or programs of study. (3) Stipends(A) In generalFunds received pursuant to grants or contracts awarded under subsection (b) may be used to provide stipends to students who are enrolled in career and technical education programs and who have acute economic needs which cannot be met through work-study programs. (B) AmountStipends described in subparagraph (A) shall not exceed reasonable amounts as prescribed by the Secretary. (d) Grant or contract applicationIn order to receive a grant or contract under this section, an organization, Tribe, or entity described in subsection (b) shall submit an application to the Secretary that shall include an assurance that such organization, Tribe, or entity shall comply with the requirements of this section. (e) Restrictions and special considerationsThe Secretary may not place upon grants awarded or contracts entered into under subsection (b) any restrictions relating to programs other than restrictions that apply to grants made to or contracts entered into with States pursuant to allotments under section 2321(a) of this title. The Secretary, in awarding grants and entering into contracts under this section, shall ensure that the grants and contracts will improve career and technical education programs, and shall give special consideration to—(1) programs that involve, coordinate with, or encourage Tribal economic development plans; and (2) applications from tribally controlled colleges or universities that—(A) are accredited or are candidates for accreditation by a nationally recognized accreditation organization as an institution of postsecondary career and technical education; or (B) operate career and technical education programs that are accredited or are candidates for accreditation by a nationally recognized accreditation organization, and issue certificates for completion of career and technical education programs. (f) Consolidation of fundsEach organization, Tribe, or entity receiving assistance under this section may consolidate such assistance with assistance received from related programs in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.). (g) Nonduplicative and nonexclusive servicesNothing in this section shall be construed—(1) to limit the eligibility of any organization, Tribe, or entity described in subsection (b) to participate in any activity offered by an eligible agency or eligible recipient under this subchapter; or (2) to preclude or discourage any agreement, between any organization, Tribe, or entity described in subsection (b) and any eligible agency or eligible recipient, to facilitate the provision of services by such eligible agency or eligible recipient to the population served by such eligible agency or eligible recipient. (h) Native Hawaiian programsFrom the funds reserved pursuant to section 2321(a)(1)(B)(ii) of this title, the Secretary shall award grants to or enter into contracts with community-based organizations primarily serving and representing Native Hawaiians to plan, conduct, and administer programs, or portions thereof, which are authorized by and consistent with the provisions of this section for the benefit of Native Hawaiians.

20 U.S.C. § 2327 Tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions

(a) Grant programSubject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall make grants under this section, to provide basic support for the education and training of Indian students, to tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions that are not receiving Federal assistance as of the date on which the grant is provided under—(1) title I of the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1802 et seq.); or (2) the Navajo Community College Act (Public Law 92–189; 85 Stat. 646). (b) Uses of grantsAmounts made available under this section shall be used for career and technical education programs for Indian students and for the institutional support costs of the grant, including the expenses described in subsection (e). (c) Amount of grants(1) In generalIf the sums appropriated for any fiscal year for grants under this section are not sufficient to pay in full the total amount which approved applicants are eligible to receive under this section for such fiscal year, the Secretary shall first allocate to each such applicant who received funds under this part for the preceding fiscal year an amount equal to 100 percent of the product of the per capita payment for the preceding fiscal year and such applicant’s Indian student count for the current program year, plus an amount equal to the actual cost of any increase to the per capita figure resulting from inflationary increases to necessary costs beyond the institution’s control. (2) Per capita determinationFor the purposes of paragraph (1), the per capita payment for any fiscal year shall be determined by dividing the amount available for grants to tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions under this section for such program year by the sum of the Indian student counts of such institutions for such program year. The Secretary shall, on the basis of the most accurate data available from the institutions, compute the Indian student count for any fiscal year for which such count was not used for the purpose of making allocations under this section. (3) Indirect costsNotwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, the Secretary shall not require the use of a restricted indirect cost rate for grants issued under this section. (d) ApplicationsTo be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institution that is not receiving Federal assistance under title I of the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1802 et seq.) or the Navajo Community College Act (Public Law 92–189; 85 Stat. 646) shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (e) Expenses(1) In generalThe Secretary shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, provide for each program year to each tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institution having an application approved by the Secretary, an amount necessary to pay expenses associated with—(A) the maintenance and operation of the program, including development costs, costs of basic and special instruction (including special programs for individuals with disabilities and academic instruction), materials, student costs, administrative expenses, boarding costs, transportation, student services, daycare and family support programs for students and their families (including contributions to the costs of education for dependents), and student stipends; (B) capital expenditures, including operations and maintenance, and minor improvements and repair, and physical plant maintenance costs, for the conduct of programs funded under this section; (C) costs associated with repair, upkeep, replacement, and upgrading of the instructional equipment; and (D) institutional support of career and technical education. (2) AccountingEach institution receiving a grant under this section shall provide annually to the Secretary an accurate and detailed accounting of the institution’s operating and maintenance expenses and such other information concerning costs as the Secretary may reasonably require. (f) Other programs(1) In generalExcept as specifically provided in this chapter, eligibility for assistance under this section shall not preclude any tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institution from receiving Federal financial assistance under any program authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.], or under any other applicable program for the benefit of institutions of higher education or career and technical education. (2) Prohibition on alteration of grant amountThe amount of any grant for which tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions are eligible under this section shall not be altered because of funds allocated to any such institution from funds appropriated under section 13 of title 25. (3) Prohibition on contract denialNo tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institution for which an Indian Tribe has designated a portion of the funds appropriated for the Tribe from funds appropriated under section 13 of title 25, may be denied a contract for such portion under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act [25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.] (except as provided in that Act), or denied appropriate contract support to administer such portion of the appropriated funds. (g) Complaint resolution procedureThe Secretary shall establish (after consultation with tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions) a complaint resolution procedure for grant determinations and calculations under this section for tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions. (h) DefinitionsIn this section:(1) Indian; Indian TribeThe terms “Indian” and “Indian Tribe” have the meanings given the terms “Indian” and “Indian tribe”, respectively, in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801). (2) Indian student count(A) In generalThe term “Indian student count” means a number equal to the total number of Indian students enrolled in each tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institution, as determined in accordance with subparagraph (B). (B) Determination(i) EnrollmentFor each academic year, the Indian student count shall be determined on the basis of the enrollments of Indian students as in effect at the conclusion of—(I) in the case of the fall term, the third week of the fall term; and (II) in the case of the spring term, the third week of the spring term. (ii) CalculationFor each academic year, the Indian student count for a tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institution shall be the quotient obtained by dividing—(I) the sum of the credit hours of all Indian students enrolled in the tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institution (as determined under clause (i)); by (II) 12. (iii) Summer termAny credit earned in a class offered during a summer term shall be counted in the determination of the Indian student count for the succeeding fall term. (iv) Students without secondary school degrees(I) In generalA credit earned at a tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institution by any Indian student that has not obtained a secondary school degree (or the recognized equivalent of such a degree) shall be counted toward the determination of the Indian student count if the institution at which the student is enrolled has established criteria for the admission of the student on the basis of the ability of the student to benefit from the education or training of the institution. (II) PresumptionThe institution shall be presumed to have established the criteria described in subclause (I) if the admission procedures for the institution include counseling or testing that measures the aptitude of a student to successfully complete a course in which the student is enrolled. (III) Credits toward secondary school degreeNo credit earned by an Indian student for the purpose of obtaining a secondary school degree (or the recognized equivalent of such a degree) shall be counted toward the determination of the Indian student count under this clause. (v) Continuing education programsAny credit earned by an Indian student in a continuing education program of a tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institution shall be included in the determination of the sum of all credit hours of the student if the credit is converted to a credit hour basis in accordance with the system of the institution for providing credit for participation in the program. (i) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—(1) $9,762,539 for fiscal year 2019; (2) $9,899,215 for fiscal year 2020; (3) $10,037,804 for fiscal year 2021; (4) $10,178,333 for fiscal year 2022; (5) $10,320,829 for fiscal year 2023; and (6) $10,465,321 for fiscal year 2024.

20 U.S.C. § 2341 State administration

(a) Eligible agency responsibilitiesThe responsibilities of an eligible agency under this subchapter shall include—(1) coordination of the development, submission, and implementation of the State plan, and the evaluation of the program, services, and activities assisted under this subchapter, including preparation for non-traditional fields; (2) consultation with the Governor and appropriate agencies, groups, and individuals including teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, paraprofessionals, school leaders, authorized public chartering agencies and charter school leaders (consistent with State law), employers, representatives of business (including small businesses), labor organizations, eligible recipients, local program administrators, State and local officials, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations present in the State, parents, students, and community organizations; (3) convening and meeting as an eligible agency (consistent with State law and procedure for the conduct of such meetings) at such time as the eligible agency determines necessary to carry out the eligible agency’s responsibilities under this subchapter, but not less than 4 times annually; and (4) the adoption of such procedures as the eligible agency considers necessary to—(A) implement State level coordination with the activities undertaken by the State boards under section 3111 of title 29; and (B) make available to the one-stop delivery system under section 3151 of title 29 within the State a listing of all school dropout, postsecondary education, and adult programs assisted under this subchapter. (b) ExceptionExcept with respect to the responsibilities set forth in subsection (a), the eligible agency may delegate any of the other responsibilities of the eligible agency that involve the administration, operation, or supervision of activities assisted under this subchapter, in whole or in part, to 1 or more appropriate State agencies.

20 U.S.C. § 2342 State plan

(a) State plan(1) In generalEach eligible agency desiring assistance under this subchapter for any fiscal year shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a State plan for a 4-year period, consistent with subsection (b) and paragraph (5), together with such annual revisions as the eligible agency determines to be necessary, except that, during the period described in section 2303 of this title, each eligible agency may submit a transition plan that shall fulfill the eligible agency’s obligation to submit a State plan under this section for the first fiscal year following July 31, 2018. (2) RevisionsEach eligible agency—(A) may submit such annual revisions of the State plan to the Secretary as the eligible agency determines to be necessary; and (B) shall, after the second year of the 4-year period, conduct a review of activities assisted under this subchapter and submit any revisions of the State plan that the eligible agency determines necessary to the Secretary. (3) Hearing processThe eligible agency shall conduct public hearings in the State, after appropriate and sufficient notice, for the purpose of affording all segments of the public and interested organizations and groups (including teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, paraprofessionals, school leaders, authorized public chartering agencies and charter school leaders (consistent with State law), employers, labor organizations, parents, students, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations that may be present in the State, and community organizations), an opportunity to present their views and make recommendations regarding the State plan. A summary of such recommendations and the eligible agency’s response to such recommendations shall be included in the State plan. (4) Public commentEach eligible agency shall make the State plan publicly available for public comment for a period of not less than 30 days, by electronic means and in an easily accessible format, prior to submission to the Secretary for approval under this subsection. In the plan the eligible agency files under this subsection, the eligible agency shall provide an assurance that public comments were taken into account in the development of the State plan. (5) Optional submission of subsequent plansAn eligible agency may, after the first 4-year State plan is submitted under this section, submit subsequent 4-year plans not later than 120 days prior to the end of the 4-year period covered by the preceding State plan or, if an eligible agency chooses not to submit a State plan for a subsequent 4-year period, the eligible agency shall submit, and the Secretary shall approve, annual revisions to the State determined levels of performance in the same manner as revisions submitted and approved under section 2323(b)(3)(A)(ii) of this title. (b) Options for submission of State plan(1) Combined planThe eligible agency may submit a combined plan that meets the requirements of this section and the requirements of section 3113 of title 29. (2) Notice to SecretaryThe eligible agency shall inform the Secretary of whether the eligible agency intends to submit a combined plan described in paragraph (1) or a single plan. (c) Plan development(1) In generalThe eligible agency shall—(A) develop the State plan in consultation with—(i) representatives of secondary and postsecondary career and technical education programs, including eligible recipients and representatives of 2-year minority-serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities and tribally controlled colleges or universities in States where such institutions are in existence, adult career and technical education providers, and charter school representatives in States where such schools are in existence, which shall include teachers, faculty, school leaders, specialized instructional support personnel, career and academic guidance counselors, and paraprofessionals; (ii) interested community representatives, including parents, students, and community organizations; (iii) representatives of the State workforce development board established under section 3111 of title 29 (referred to in this section as the “State board”); (iv) members and representatives of special populations; (v) representatives of business and industry (including representatives of small business), which shall include representatives of industry and sector partnerships in the State, as appropriate, and representatives of labor organizations in the State; (vi) representatives of agencies serving out-of-school youth, homeless children and youth, and at-risk youth, including the State Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths established or designated under section 11432(d)(3) of title 42; (vii) representatives of Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations located in, or providing services in, the State; and (viii) individuals with disabilities; and (B) consult the Governor of the State, and the heads of other State agencies with authority for career and technical education programs that are not the eligible agency, with respect to the development of the State plan. (2) Activities and proceduresThe eligible agency shall develop effective activities and procedures, including access to information needed to use such procedures, to allow the individuals and entities described in paragraph (1) to participate in State and local decisions that relate to development of the State plan. (3) Consultation with the GovernorThe consultation described in paragraph (1)(B) shall include meetings of officials from the eligible agency and the Governor’s office and shall occur—(A) during the development of such plan; and (B) prior to submission of the plan to the Secretary. (d) Plan contentsThe State plan shall include—(1) a summary of State-supported workforce development activities (including education and training) in the State, including the degree to which the State’s career and technical education programs and programs of study are aligned with and address the education and skill needs of the employers in the State identified by the State board; (2) the State’s strategic vision and set of goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce (including special populations) and for meeting the skilled workforce needs of employers, including in existing and emerging in-demand industry sectors and occupations as identified by the State, and how the State’s career and technical education programs will help to meet these goals; (3) a strategy for any joint planning, alignment, coordination, and leveraging of funds—(A) between the State’s career and technical education programs and programs of study with the State’s workforce development system, to achieve the strategic vision and goals described in paragraph (2), including the core programs defined in section 3102 of title 29 and the elements related to system alignment under section 3112(b)(2)(B) of title 29; and (B) for programs carried out under this subchapter with other Federal programs, which may include programs funded under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.] and the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.]; (4) a description of the career and technical education programs or programs of study that will be supported, developed, or improved at the State level, including descriptions of—(A) the programs of study to be developed at the State level and made available for adoption by eligible recipients; (B) the process and criteria to be used for approving locally developed programs of study or career pathways, including how such programs address State workforce development and education needs and the criteria to assess the extent to which the local application under section 2352 of this title will—(i) promote continuous improvement in academic achievement and technical skill attainment; (ii) expand access to career and technical education for special populations; and (iii) support the inclusion of employability skills in programs of study and career pathways; (C) how the eligible agency will—(i) make information on approved programs of study and career pathways (including career exploration, work-based learning opportunities, early college high schools, and dual or concurrent enrollment program opportunities) and guidance and advisement resources, available to students (and parents, as appropriate), representatives of secondary and postsecondary education, and special populations, and to the extent practicable, provide that information and those resources in a language students, parents, and educators can understand; (ii) facilitate collaboration among eligible recipients in the development and coordination of career and technical education programs and programs of study and career pathways that include multiple entry and exit points; (iii) use State, regional, or local labor market data to determine alignment of eligible recipients’ programs of study to the needs of the State, regional, or local economy, including in-demand industry sectors and occupations identified by the State board, and to align career and technical education with such needs, as appropriate; (iv) ensure equal access to approved career and technical education programs of study and activities assisted under this chapter for special populations; (v) coordinate with the State board to support the local development of career pathways and articulate processes by which career pathways will be developed by local workforce development boards, as appropriate; (vi) support effective and meaningful collaboration between secondary schools, postsecondary institutions, and employers to provide students with experience in, and understanding of, all aspects of an industry, which may include work-based learning such as internships, mentorships, simulated work environments, and other hands-on or inquiry-based learning activities; and (vii) improve outcomes and reduce performance gaps for CTE concentrators, including those who are members of special populations; and (D) how the eligible agency may include the opportunity for secondary school students to participate in dual or concurrent enrollment programs, early college high school, or competency-based education; (5) a description of the criteria and process for how the eligible agency will approve eligible recipients for funds under this chapter, including how—(A) each eligible recipient will promote academic achievement; (B) each eligible recipient will promote skill attainment, including skill attainment that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential; and (C) each eligible recipient will ensure the comprehensive needs assessment under section 2354(c) of this title takes into consideration local economic and education needs, including, where appropriate, in-demand industry sectors and occupations; (6) a description of how the eligible agency will support the recruitment and preparation of teachers, including special education teachers, faculty, school principals, administrators, specialized instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals to provide career and technical education instruction, leadership, and support, including professional development that provides the knowledge and skills needed to work with and improve instruction for special populations; (7) a description of how the eligible agency will use State leadership funds under section 2344 of this title; (8) a description of how funds received by the eligible agency through the allotment made under section 2321 of this title will be distributed—(A) among career and technical education at the secondary level, or career and technical education at the postsecondary and adult level, or both, including how such distribution will most effectively provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the workplace; and (B) among any consortia that may be formed among secondary schools and eligible institutions, and how funds will be distributed among the members of the consortia, including the rationale for such distribution and how it will most effectively provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the workplace; (9) a description of the eligible agency’s program strategies for special populations, including a description of how individuals who are members of special populations—(A) will be provided with equal access to activities assisted under this chapter; (B) will not be discriminated against on the basis of status as a member of a special population; (C) will be provided with programs designed to enable individuals who are members of special populations to meet or exceed State determined levels of performance described in section 2323 of this title, and prepare special populations for further learning and for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations; (D) will be provided with appropriate accommodations; and (E) will be provided instruction and work-based learning opportunities in integrated settings that support competitive, integrated employment; (10) a description of the procedure the eligible agency will adopt for determining State determined levels of performance described in section 2323 of this title, which, at a minimum, shall include—(A) a description of the process for public comment under section 2323(b)(3)(B) of this title as part of the development of the State determined levels of performance under section 2323(b) of this title; (B) an explanation of the State determined levels of performance; and (C) a description of how the State determined levels of performance set by the eligible agency align with the levels, goals, and objectives of other Federal and State laws; (11) a description of how the eligible agency will address disparities or gaps in performance, as described in section 2323(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II) of this title, in each of the plan years, and if no meaningful progress has been achieved prior to the third program year, a description of the additional actions the eligible agency will take to eliminate these disparities or gaps; (12) describes 11 So in original. Probably should be “a description of”. how the eligible agency will involve parents, academic and career and technical education teachers, administrators, faculty, career guidance and academic counselors, local business (including small businesses), labor organizations, and representatives of Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, as appropriate, in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of such career and technical education programs; and 22 So in original. The word “and” probably should not appear. (13) assurances that—(A) the eligible agency will comply with the requirements of this chapter and the provisions of the State plan, including the provision of a financial audit of funds received under this chapter, which may be included as part of an audit of other Federal or State programs; (B) none of the funds expended under this chapter will be used to acquire equipment (including computer software) in any instance in which such acquisition results in a direct financial benefit to any organization representing the interests of the acquiring entity or the employees of the acquiring entity, or any affiliate of such an organization; (C) the eligible agency will use the funds to promote preparation for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations and non-traditional fields, as identified by the eligible agency; (D) the eligible agency will use the funds provided under this chapter to implement career and technical education programs and programs of study for individuals in State correctional institutions, including juvenile justice facilities; and (E) the eligible agency will provide local educational agencies, area career and technical education schools, and eligible institutions in the State with technical assistance, including technical assistance on how to close gaps in student participation and performance in career and technical education programs; and (14) a description of the opportunities for the public to comment in person and in writing on the State plan under this subsection. (e) Consultation(1) In generalThe eligible agency shall develop the portion of each State plan relating to the amount and uses of any funds proposed to be reserved for adult career and technical education, postsecondary career and technical education, and secondary career and technical education after consultation with—(A) the State agency responsible for supervision of community colleges, technical institutes, other 2-year postsecondary institutions primarily engaged in providing postsecondary career and technical education, or, where applicable, institutions of higher education that are engaged in providing postsecondary career and technical education as part of their mission; (B) the State agency responsible for secondary education; and (C) the State agency responsible for adult education. (2) Objections of State agenciesIf a State agency other than the eligible agency finds that a portion of the final State plan is objectionable, that objection shall be filed together with the State plan. The eligible agency shall respond to any objections of such State agency in the State plan submitted to the Secretary. (3) Joint signature authorityA Governor shall have 30 days prior to the eligible agency submitting the State plan to the Secretary to sign such plan. If the Governor has not signed the plan within 30 days of delivery by the eligible agency to the Governor, the eligible agency shall submit the plan to the Secretary without such signature. (f) Plan approval(1) In generalNot later than 120 days after the eligible agency submits its State plan, the Secretary shall approve such State plan, or a revision of the plan under subsection (a)(2) (including a revision of State determined levels of performance in accordance with section 2323(b)(3)(A)(iii) of this title), if the Secretary determines that the State has submitted in its State plan State determined levels of performance that meet the criteria established in section 2323(b)(3) of this title, including the minimum requirements described in section 2323(b)(3)(A)(i)(III) of this title, unless the Secretary—(A) determines that the State plan does not meet the requirements of this chapter, including the minimum requirements as described in section 2323(b)(3)(A)(i)(III) of this title; and (B) meets the requirements of paragraph (2) with respect to such plan. (2) DisapprovalThe Secretary—(A) shall have the authority to disapprove a State plan only if the Secretary—(i) determines how the State plan fails to meet the requirements of this chapter; and (ii) provides to the eligible agency, in writing, notice of such determination and the supporting information and rationale to substantiate such determination; and (B) shall not finally disapprove a State plan, except after making the determination and providing the information described in subparagraph (A), and giving the eligible agency notice and an opportunity for a hearing.

20 U.S.C. § 2343 Improvement plans

(a) State program improvement(1) PlanIf a State fails to meet at least 90 percent of the State determined level of performance for any of the core indicators of performance described in 2323(b)(2) 11 So in original. Probably should be preceded by “section”. of this title for all CTE concentrators, the eligible agency shall develop and implement a program improvement plan (that includes an analysis of the performance disparities or gaps identified under section 2323(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II) of this title, and actions that will be taken to address such gaps) in consultation with the appropriate agencies, individuals, and organizations during the first program year succeeding the program year for which the eligible agency failed to so meet the State determined level of performance for any of the core indicators of performance. (2) Technical assistanceIf the Secretary determines that an eligible agency is not properly implementing the eligible agency’s responsibilities under section 2342 of this title, or is not making substantial progress in meeting the purposes of this section, including after implementation of the improvement plan described in paragraph (1),,22 So in original. based on the State determined levels of performance, the Secretary shall work with the eligible agency to implement the improvement activities consistent with the requirements of this chapter. (3) Subsequent action(A) In generalThe Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, withhold from an eligible agency all, or a portion, of the eligible agency’s allotment under paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 2322(a) of this title if the eligible agency—(i) fails to implement an improvement plan as described in paragraph (1); or (ii) with respect to any specific core indicator of performance that was identified in a program improvement plan under paragraph (1), fails to meet at least 90 percent of a State determined level of performance for such core indicator for 2 consecutive years after the eligible agency has been identified for improvement under such paragraph. (B) Waiver for exceptional circumstancesThe Secretary may waive the sanction in subparagraph (A) due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, such as a natural disaster or a precipitous and unforeseen decline in the financial resources of the State. (4) Funds resulting from reduced allotmentsThe Secretary shall use funds withheld under paragraph (3) for a State served by an eligible agency to provide technical assistance, to assist in the development of an improved State improvement plan, or for other improvement activities consistent with the requirements of this chapter for such State. (5) Adjustments prohibitedAn eligible agency shall not be eligible to adjust performance levels while executing an improvement plan under this section. (b) Local program improvement(1) Local evaluationEach eligible agency shall evaluate annually, using the local levels of performance described in section 2323(b)(4) of this title, the career and technical education activities of each eligible recipient receiving funds under this subchapter. (2) PlanIf, after reviewing the evaluation in paragraph (1), the eligible agency determines that an eligible recipient failed to meet at least 90 percent of an agreed upon local level of performance for any of the core indicators of performance described in section 2323(b)(4) of this title for all CTE concentrators, the eligible recipient shall develop and implement a program improvement plan (that includes an analysis of the performance disparities or gaps identified under section 2323(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II) of this title, and actions that will be taken to address such gaps) in consultation with local stakeholders described in section 2354(d)(1) of this title, the eligible agency, and appropriate agencies, individuals, and organizations during the first program year succeeding the program year for which the eligible recipient failed to so meet any of the local levels of performance for any of the core indicators of performance. (3) Technical assistanceIf the eligible agency determines that an eligible recipient is not properly implementing the eligible recipient’s responsibilities under section 2354 of this title, or is not making substantial progress in meeting the purposes of this chapter, based on the local levels of performance, the eligible agency shall work with the eligible recipient to implement improvement activities consistent with the requirements of this chapter. (4) Subsequent action(A) In generalThe eligible agency may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, withhold from the eligible recipient all, or a portion, of the eligible recipient’s allotment under this subchapter if the eligible recipient—(i) fails to implement an improvement plan as described in paragraph (2); or (ii) with respect to any specific core indicator of performance that was identified in a program improvement plan under paragraph (2), fails to meet at least 90 percent of the local level of performance for such core indicator for 2 consecutive years after the eligible recipient has been identified for improvement under such paragraph. (B) Waiver for exceptional circumstancesIn determining whether to impose sanctions under subparagraph (A), the eligible agency may waive imposing sanctions—(i) due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, such as a natural disaster or a precipitous and unforeseen decline in the financial resources of the eligible recipient; (ii) based on the impact on the eligible recipient’s reported performance of the small size of the career and technical education program operated by the eligible recipient; or (iii) in response to a public request from an eligible recipient, if the eligible agency determines that the requirements described in clause (i) or (ii) have been met. (5) Funds resulting from reduced allotmentsThe eligible agency shall use funds withheld under paragraph (4) from an eligible recipient to provide (through alternative arrangements) services and activities to students within the area served by such recipient to meet the purposes of this chapter. (6) Adjustments prohibitedAn eligible recipient shall not be eligible to adjust performance levels while executing an improvement plan under this section.

20 U.S.C. § 2344 State leadership activities

(a) General authorityFrom amounts reserved under section 2322(a)(2) of this title, each eligible agency shall—(1) conduct State leadership activities to improve career and technical education, which shall include support for—(A) preparation for non-traditional fields in current and emerging professions, programs for special populations, and other activities that expose students, including special populations, to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations; (B) individuals in State institutions, such as State correctional institutions, including juvenile justice facilities, and educational institutions that serve individuals with disabilities; (C) recruiting, preparing, or retaining career and technical education teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, or paraprofessionals, such as preservice, professional development, or leadership development programs; and (D) technical assistance for eligible recipients; and (2) report on the effectiveness of such use of funds in achieving the goals described in section 2342(d)(2) of this title and the State determined levels of performance described in section 2323(b)(3)(A) of this title, and reducing disparities or performance gaps as described in section 2323(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II) of this title. (b) Permissible uses of fundsThe State leadership activities described in subsection (a) may include—(1) developing statewide programs of study, which may include standards, curriculum, and course development, and career exploration, guidance, and advisement activities and resources; (2) approving locally developed programs of study that meet the requirements established in section 2342(d)(4)(B) of this title; (3) establishing statewide articulation agreements aligned to approved programs of study; (4) establishing statewide industry or sector partnerships among local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, adult education providers, Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations that may be present in the State, employers, including small businesses, and parents, as appropriate to—(A) develop and implement programs of study aligned to State and local economic and education needs, including, as appropriate, in-demand industry sectors and occupations; (B) facilitate the establishment, expansion, and integration of opportunities for students at the secondary level to—(i) successfully complete coursework that integrates rigorous and challenging technical and academic instruction aligned with the challenging State academic standards adopted by the State under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)]; and (ii) earn a recognized postsecondary credential or credit toward a recognized postsecondary credential, which may be earned through a dual or concurrent enrollment program or early college high school, at no cost to the student or the student’s family; and (C) facilitate work-based learning opportunities (including internships, externships, and simulated work environments) into programs of study; (5) for teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals providing career and technical education instruction, support services, and specialized instructional support services, high-quality comprehensive professional development that is, to the extent practicable, grounded in evidence-based research (to the extent a State determines that such evidence is reasonably available) that identifies the most effective educator professional development process and is coordinated and aligned with other professional development activities carried out by the State (including under title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.] and title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 1021 et seq.]), including programming that—(A) promotes the integration of the challenging State academic standards adopted by the State under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(1)] and relevant technical knowledge and skills, including programming jointly delivered to academic and career and technical education teachers; (B) prepares career and technical education teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals to provide appropriate accommodations for students who are members of special populations, including through the use of principles of universal design for learning, multi-tier systems of supports, and positive behavioral interventions and support; and (C) increases the ability of teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals providing career and technical education instruction to stay current with industry standards and earn an industry-recognized credential or license, as appropriate, including by assisting those with relevant industry experience in obtaining State teacher licensure or credential requirements; (6) supporting eligible recipients in eliminating inequities in student access to—(A) high-quality programs of study that provide skill development; and (B) effective teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals; (7) awarding incentive grants to eligible recipients—(A) for exemplary performance in carrying out programs under this chapter, which awards shall be based on—(i) eligible recipients exceeding the local level of performance on a core indicator of performance established under section 2323(b)(4)(A) of this title in a manner that reflects sustained or significant improvement; (ii) eligible recipients effectively developing connections between secondary education and postsecondary education and training; (iii) the integration of academic and technical standards; (iv) eligible recipients’ progress in closing achievement gaps among subpopulations who participate in programs of study; or (v) other factors relating to the performance of eligible recipients under this chapter as the eligible agency determines are appropriate; or (B) if an eligible recipient elects to use funds as permitted under section 2355(c) of this title; (8) providing support for—(A) the adoption and integration of recognized postsecondary credentials and work-based learning into programs of study, and for increasing data collection associated with recognized postsecondary credentials and employment outcomes; or (B) consultation and coordination with other State agencies for the identification and examination of licenses or certifications that—(i) pose an unwarranted barrier to entry into the workforce for career and technical education students; and (ii) do not protect the health, safety, or welfare of consumers; (9) the creation, implementation, and support of pay for success initiatives leading to a recognized postsecondary credential; (10) support for career and technical education programs for adults and out-of-school youth concurrent with their completion of their secondary school education in a school or other educational setting; (11) the creation, evaluation, and support of competency-based curricula; (12) support for the development, implementation, and expansion of programs of study or career pathways in areas declared to be in a state of emergency under section 5191 of title 42; (13) partnering with qualified intermediaries to improve training, the development of public-private partnerships, systems development, capacity-building, and scalability of the delivery of high-quality career and technical education; (14) improvement of career guidance and academic counseling programs that assist students in making informed academic and career and technical education decisions, including academic and financial aid counseling; (15) support for the integration of employability skills into career and technical education programs and programs of study; (16) support for programs and activities that increase access, student engagement, and success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields (including computer science, coding, and architecture), support for the integration of arts and design skills, and support for hands-on learning, particularly for students who are members of groups underrepresented in such subject fields, such as female students, minority students, and students who are members of special populations; (17) support for career and technical student organizations, especially with respect to efforts to increase the participation of students in nontraditional fields and students who are members of special populations; (18) support for establishing and expanding work-based learning opportunities that are aligned to career and technical education programs and programs of study; (19) integrating and aligning programs of study and career pathways; (20) supporting the use of career and technical education programs and programs of study aligned with State, regional, or local high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations identified by the State workforce development board described in section 3111 of title 29 or local workforce development boards; (21) making all forms of instructional content widely available, which may include use of open educational resources; (22) developing valid and reliable assessments of competencies and technical skills and enhancing data systems to collect and analyze data on secondary and postsecondary academic and employment outcomes; (23) support for accelerated learning programs, as described in section 4104(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 7114(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV)], in the case of any such program that is part of a career and technical education program of study; (24) support for career academies to implement a postsecondary education and workforce-ready curriculum at the secondary education level that integrates rigorous academic, technical, and employability contents through career and technical education programs and programs of study that address needs described in the comprehensive needs assessment under section 2354(c) of this title; and (25) other State leadership activities that improve career and technical education. (c) Restriction on uses of fundsAn eligible agency that receives funds under section 2322(a)(2) of this title may not use any of such funds for administrative costs, unless expressly authorized under subsection (a).

20 U.S.C. § 2351 Distribution of funds to secondary education programs

(a) Distribution rulesExcept as provided in section 2353 of this title and as otherwise provided in this section, each eligible agency shall distribute the portion of funds made available under section 2322(a)(1) of this title to carry out this section to local educational agencies within the State as follows:(1) Thirty percentThirty percent shall be allocated to such local educational agencies in proportion to the number of individuals aged 5 through 17, inclusive, who reside in the school district served by such local educational agency for the preceding fiscal year compared to the total number of such individuals who reside in the school districts served by all local educational agencies in the State for such preceding fiscal year, as determined on the basis of the most recent satisfactory—(A) data provided to the Secretary by the Bureau of the Census for the purpose of determining eligibility under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.]; or (B) student membership data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics through the Common Core of Data survey system. (2) Seventy percentSeventy percent shall be allocated to such local educational agencies in proportion to the number of individuals aged 5 through 17, inclusive, who reside in the school district served by such local educational agency and are from families below the poverty level for the preceding fiscal year, as determined on the basis of the most recent satisfactory data used under section 1124(c)(1)(A) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6333(c)(1)(A)], compared to the total number of such individuals who reside in the school districts served by all the local educational agencies in the State for such preceding fiscal year. (3) AdjustmentsEach eligible agency, in making the allocations under paragraphs (1) and (2), shall adjust the data used to make the allocations to—(A) reflect any change in school district boundaries that may have occurred since the data were collected; and (B) include local educational agencies without geographical boundaries, such as charter schools and secondary schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. (b) Waiver for more equitable distributionThe Secretary may waive the application of subsection (a) in the case of any eligible agency that submits to the Secretary an application for such a waiver that—(1) demonstrates that a proposed alternative formula more effectively targets funds on the basis of poverty (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with section 9902(2) of title 42) to local educational agencies within the State than the formula described in subsection (a); and (2) includes a proposal for such an alternative formula. (c) Minimum allocation(1) In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), a local educational agency shall not receive an allocation under subsection (a) unless the amount allocated to such agency under subsection (a) is greater than $15,000. A local educational agency may enter into a consortium with other local educational agencies for purposes of meeting the minimum allocation requirement of this paragraph. (2) WaiverThe eligible agency shall waive the application of paragraph (1) in any case in which the local educational agency—(A)(i) is located in a rural, sparsely populated area; or (ii) is a public charter school operating secondary school career and technical education programs or programs of study; and (B) demonstrates that the local educational agency is unable to enter into a consortium for purposes of providing activities under this part. (3) RedistributionAny amounts that are not allocated by reason of paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) shall be redistributed to local educational agencies that meet the requirements of paragraph (1) or (2) in accordance with the provisions of this section. (d) Limited jurisdiction agencies(1) In generalIn applying the provisions of subsection (a), no eligible agency receiving assistance under this subchapter shall allocate funds to a local educational agency that serves only elementary schools, but shall distribute such funds to the local educational agency or regional educational agency that provides secondary school services to secondary school students in the same attendance area. (2) Special ruleThe amount to be allocated under paragraph (1) to a local educational agency that has jurisdiction only over secondary schools shall be determined based on the number of students that entered such secondary schools in the previous year from the elementary schools involved. (e) Allocations to area career and technical education schools and educational service agencies(1) In generalEach eligible agency shall distribute the portion of funds made available under section 2322(a)(1) of this title for any fiscal year by such eligible agency for career and technical education activities at the secondary level under this section to the appropriate area career and technical education school or educational service agency in any case in which the area career and technical education school or educational service agency, and the local educational agency concerned—(A) have formed or will form a consortium for the purpose of receiving funds under this section; or (B) have entered into or will enter into a cooperative arrangement for such purpose. (2) Allocation basisIf an area career and technical education school or educational service agency meets the requirements of paragraph (1), then the amount that would otherwise be distributed to the local educational agency shall be allocated to the area career and technical education school, the educational service agency, and the local educational agency based on each school, agency or entity’s relative share of students who are attending career and technical education programs (based, if practicable, on the average enrollment for the preceding 3 years). (3) Appeals procedureThe eligible agency shall establish an appeals procedure for resolution of any dispute arising between a local educational agency and an area career and technical education school or an educational service agency with respect to the allocation procedures described in this section, including the decision of a local educational agency to leave a consortium or terminate a cooperative arrangement. (f) Consortium requirements(1) AllianceAny local educational agency receiving an allocation that is not sufficient to conduct a program which meets the requirements of section 2355 of this title is encouraged to—(A) form a consortium or enter into a cooperative agreement with an area career and technical education school or educational service agency offering programs that meet the requirements of section 2355 of this title; (B) transfer such allocation to the area career and technical education school or educational service agency; and (C) operate programs that are of sufficient size, scope, and quality to be effective. (2) Funds to consortiumFunds allocated to a consortium formed to meet the requirements of this subsection shall be used only for purposes and programs that are mutually beneficial to all members of the consortium and can be used only for programs authorized under this subchapter. Such funds may not be reallocated to individual members of the consortium for purposes or programs benefitting only 1 member of the consortium. (g) DataThe Secretary shall collect information from eligible agencies regarding the specific dollar allocations made available by the eligible agency for career and technical education programs and programs of study under subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) and how these allocations are distributed to local educational agencies, area career and technical education schools, and educational service agencies, within the State in accordance with this section. (h) Special ruleEach eligible agency distributing funds under this section shall treat a secondary school funded by the Bureau of Indian Education within the State as if such school were a local educational agency within the State for the purpose of receiving a distribution under this section.

20 U.S.C. § 2352 Distribution of funds for postsecondary education programs

(a) Allocation(1) In generalExcept as provided in subsections (b) and (c) and section 2353 of this title, each eligible agency shall distribute the portion of the funds made available under section 2322(a)(1) of this title to carry out this section for any fiscal year to eligible institutions or consortia of eligible institutions within the State. (2) FormulaEach eligible institution or consortium of eligible institutions shall be allocated an amount that bears the same relationship to the portion of funds made available under section 2322(a)(1) of this title to carry out this section for any fiscal year as the sum of the number of individuals who are Federal Pell Grant recipients and recipients of assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs enrolled in programs meeting the requirements of section 2355 of this title offered by such institution or consortium in the preceding fiscal year bears to the sum of the number of such recipients enrolled in such programs within the State for such year. (3) Consortium requirements(A) In generalIn order for a consortium of eligible institutions described in paragraph (2) to receive assistance pursuant to such paragraph, such consortium shall operate joint projects that—(i) provide services to all postsecondary institutions participating in the consortium; and (ii) are of sufficient size, scope, and quality to be effective. (B) Funds to consortiumFunds allocated to a consortium formed to meet the requirements of this section shall be used only for purposes and programs that are mutually beneficial to all members of the consortium and shall be used only for programs authorized under this subchapter. Such funds may not be reallocated to individual members of the consortium for purposes or programs benefitting only 1 member of the consortium. (4) WaiverThe eligible agency may waive the application of paragraph (3)(A)(i) in any case in which the eligible institution is located in a rural, sparsely populated area. (b) Waiver for more equitable distributionThe Secretary may waive the application of subsection (a) if an eligible agency submits to the Secretary an application for such a waiver that—(1) demonstrates that the formula described in subsection (a) does not result in a distribution of funds to the eligible institutions or consortia within the State that have the highest numbers of economically disadvantaged individuals and that an alternative formula will result in such a distribution; and (2) includes a proposal for such an alternative formula. (c) Minimum grant amount(1) In generalNo institution or consortium shall receive an allocation under this section in an amount that is less than $50,000. (2) RedistributionAny amounts that are not distributed by reason of paragraph (1) shall be redistributed to eligible institutions or consortia in accordance with this section.

20 U.S.C. § 2353 Special rules for career and technical education

(a) Special rule for minimal allocation(1) General authorityNotwithstanding the provisions of sections 2351 and 2352 of this title and in order to make a more equitable distribution of funds for programs serving the areas of greatest economic need, for any program year for which a minimal amount is made available by an eligible agency for distribution under section 2351 or 2352 of this title, such eligible agency may distribute such minimal amount for such year—(A) on a competitive basis; or (B) through any alternative method determined by the eligible agency. (2) Minimal amountFor purposes of this section, the term “minimal amount” means not more than 15 percent of the total amount made available for distribution under section 2322(a)(1) of this title. (b) Redistribution(1) In generalIn any academic year that an eligible recipient does not expend all of the amounts the eligible recipient is allocated for such year under section 2351 or 2352 of this title, such eligible recipient shall return any unexpended amounts to the eligible agency to be reallocated under section 2351 or 2352 of this title, as appropriate. (2) Redistribution of amounts returned late in an academic yearIn any academic year in which amounts are returned to the eligible agency under section 2351 or 2352 of this title and the eligible agency is unable to reallocate such amounts according to such sections in time for such amounts to be expended in such academic year, the eligible agency shall retain such amounts for distribution in combination with amounts provided under section 2322(a)(1) of this title for the following academic year. (c) ConstructionNothing in section 2351 or 2352 of this title shall be construed—(1) to prohibit a local educational agency or a consortium thereof that receives assistance under section 2351 of this title, from working with an eligible institution or consortium thereof that receives assistance under section 2352 of this title, to carry out career and technical education programs or programs of study at the secondary level in accordance with this subchapter; (2) to prohibit an eligible institution or consortium thereof that receives assistance under section 2352 of this title, from working with a local educational agency or consortium thereof that receives assistance under section 2351 of this title, to carry out postsecondary and adult career and technical education programs or programs of study in accordance with this subchapter; or (3) to require a charter school, that provides career and technical education programs or programs of study and is considered a local educational agency under State law, to jointly establish the charter school’s eligibility for assistance under this subchapter unless the charter school is explicitly permitted to do so under the State’s charter school statute. (d) Consistent applicationFor purposes of this section, the eligible agency shall provide funds to charter schools offering career and technical education programs or programs of study in the same manner as the eligible agency provides those funds to other schools. Such career and technical education programs or programs of study within a charter school shall be of sufficient size, scope, and quality to be effective.

20 U.S.C. § 2354 Local application for career and technical education programs

(a) Local application requiredAny eligible recipient desiring financial assistance under this part shall, in accordance with requirements established by the eligible agency (in consultation with such other educational training entities as the eligible agency determines to be appropriate) submit a local application to the eligible agency. Such local application shall cover the same period of time as the period of time applicable to the State plan submitted under section 2342 of this title. (b) ContentsThe eligible agency shall determine the requirements for local applications, except that each local application shall contain—(1) a description of the results of the comprehensive needs assessment conducted under subsection (c); (2) information on the career and technical education course offerings and activities that the eligible recipient will provide with funds under this part, which shall include not less than 1 program of study approved by a State under section 2344(b)(2) of this title, including—(A) how the results of the comprehensive needs assessment described in subsection (c) informed the selection of the specific career and technical education programs and activities selected to be funded; (B) a description of any new programs of study the eligible recipient will develop and submit to the State for approval; and (C) how students, including students who are members of special populations, will learn about their school’s career and technical education course offerings and whether each course is part of a career and technical education program of study; (3) a description of how the eligible recipient, in collaboration with local workforce development boards and other local workforce agencies, one-stop delivery systems described in section 3151(e)(2) of title 29, and other partners, will provide—(A) career exploration and career development coursework, activities, or services; (B) career information on employment opportunities that incorporate the most up-to-date information on high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations, as determined by the comprehensive needs assessment described in subsection (c); and (C) an organized system of career guidance and academic counseling to students before enrolling and while participating in a career and technical education program; (4) a description of how the eligible recipient will improve the academic and technical skills of students participating in career and technical education programs by strengthening the academic and career and technical education components of such programs through the integration of coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant career and technical education programs to ensure learning in the subjects that constitute a well-rounded education (as defined in section 7801 of this title); (5) a description of how the eligible recipient will—(A) provide activities to prepare special populations for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations that will lead to self-sufficiency; (B) prepare CTE participants for non-traditional fields; (C) provide equal access for special populations to career and technical education courses, programs, and programs of study; and (D) ensure that members of special populations will not be discriminated against on the basis of their status as members of special populations; (6) a description of the work-based learning opportunities that the eligible recipient will provide to students participating in career and technical education programs and how the recipient will work with representatives from employers to develop or expand work-based learning opportunities for career and technical education students, as applicable; (7) a description of how the eligible recipient will provide students participating in career and technical education programs with the opportunity to gain postsecondary credit while still attending high school, such as through dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high school, as practicable; (8) a description of how the eligible recipient will coordinate with the eligible agency and institutions of higher education to support the recruitment, preparation, retention, and training, including professional development, of teachers, faculty, administrators, and specialized instructional support personnel and paraprofessionals who meet applicable State certification and licensure requirements (including any requirements met through alternative routes to certification), including individuals from groups underrepresented in the teaching profession; and (9) a description of how the eligible recipient will address disparities or gaps in performance as described in section 2323(b)(3)(C)(ii)(II) of this title in each of the plan years, and if no meaningful progress has been achieved prior to the third program year, a description of the additional actions such recipient will take to eliminate those disparities or gaps. (c) Comprehensive needs assessment(1) In generalTo be eligible to receive financial assistance under this part, an eligible recipient shall—(A) conduct a comprehensive local needs assessment related to career and technical education and include the results of the needs assessment in the local application submitted under subsection (a); and (B) not less than once every 2 years, update such comprehensive local needs assessment. (2) RequirementsThe comprehensive local needs assessment described in paragraph (1) shall include each of the following:(A) An evaluation of the performance of the students served by the eligible recipient with respect to State determined and local levels of performance established pursuant to section 2323 of this title, including an evaluation of performance for special populations and each subgroup described in section 6311(h)(1)(C)(ii) of this title. (B) A description of how career and technical education programs offered by the eligible recipient are—(i) sufficient in size, scope, and quality to meet the needs of all students served by the eligible recipient; and (ii)(I) aligned to State, regional, Tribal, or local in-demand industry sectors or occupations identified by the State workforce development board described in section 3111 of title 29 (referred to in this section as the “State board”) or local workforce development board, including career pathways, where appropriate; or (II) designed to meet local education or economic needs not identified by State boards or local workforce development boards. (C) An evaluation of progress toward the implementation of career and technical education programs and programs of study. (D) A description of how the eligible recipient will improve recruitment, retention, and training of career and technical education teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, paraprofessionals, and career guidance and academic counselors, including individuals in groups underrepresented in such professions. (E) A description of progress toward implementation of equal access to high-quality career and technical education courses and programs of study for all students, including—(i) strategies to overcome barriers that result in lower rates of access to, or performance gaps in, the courses and programs for special populations; (ii) providing programs that are designed to enable special populations to meet the local levels of performance; and (iii) providing activities to prepare special populations for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations in competitive, integrated settings that will lead to self-sufficiency. (d) ConsultationIn conducting the comprehensive needs assessment under subsection (c), and developing the local application described in subsection (b), an eligible recipient shall involve a diverse body of stakeholders, including, at a minimum—(1) representatives of career and technical education programs in a local educational agency or educational service agency, including teachers, career guidance and academic counselors, principals and other school leaders, administrators, and specialized instructional support personnel and paraprofessionals; (2) representatives of career and technical education programs at postsecondary educational institutions, including faculty and administrators; (3) representatives of the State board or local workforce development boards and a range of local or regional businesses or industries; (4) parents and students; (5) representatives of special populations; (6) representatives of regional or local agencies serving out-of-school youth, homeless children and youth, and at-risk youth (as defined in section 6472 of this title); (7) representatives of Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations in the State, where applicable; and (8) any other stakeholders that the eligible agency may require the eligible recipient to consult. (e) Continued consultationAn eligible recipient receiving financial assistance under this part shall consult with stakeholders described in subsection (d) on an ongoing basis, as determined by the eligible agency. This may include consultation in order to—(1) provide input on annual updates to the comprehensive needs assessment required under subsection (c)(1)(B); (2) ensure programs of study are—(A) responsive to community employment needs; (B) aligned with employment priorities in the State, regional, tribal, or local economy identified by employers and the entities described in subsection (d), which may include in-demand industry sectors or occupations identified by the local workforce development board; (C) informed by labor market information, including information provided under section 49l–2(e)(2)(C) of title 29; (D) designed to meet current, intermediate, or long-term labor market projections; and (E) allow employer input, including input from industry or sector partnerships in the local area, where applicable, into the development and implementation of programs of study to ensure such programs of study align with skills required by local employment opportunities, including activities such as the identification of relevant standards, curriculum, industry-recognized credentials, and current technology and equipment; (3) identify and encourage opportunities for work-based learning; and (4) ensure funding under this part is used in a coordinated manner with other local resources.

20 U.S.C. § 2355 Local uses of funds

(a) General authorityEach eligible recipient that receives funds under this part shall use such funds to develop, coordinate, implement, or improve career and technical education programs to meet the needs identified in the comprehensive needs assessment described in section 2354(c) of this title. (b) Requirements for uses of fundsFunds made available to eligible recipients under this part shall be used to support career and technical education programs that are of sufficient size, scope, and quality to be effective and that—(1) provide career exploration and career development activities through an organized, systematic framework designed to aid students, including in the middle grades, before enrolling and while participating in a career and technical education program, in making informed plans and decisions about future education and career opportunities and programs of study, which may include—(A) introductory courses or activities focused on career exploration and career awareness, including non-traditional fields; (B) readily available career and labor market information, including information on—(i) occupational supply and demand; (ii) educational requirements; (iii) other information on careers aligned to State, local, or Tribal (as applicable) economic priorities; and (iv) employment sectors; (C) programs and activities related to the development of student graduation and career plans; (D) career guidance and academic counselors that provide information on postsecondary education and career options; (E) any other activity that advances knowledge of career opportunities and assists students in making informed decisions about future education and employment goals, including non-traditional fields; or (F) providing students with strong experience in, and comprehensive understanding of, all aspects of an industry; (2) provide professional development for teachers, faculty, school leaders, administrators, specialized instructional support personnel, career guidance and academic counselors, or paraprofessionals, which may include—(A) professional development on supporting individualized academic and career and technical education instructional approaches, including the integration of academic and career and technical education standards and curricula; (B) professional development on ensuring labor market information is used to inform the programs, guidance, and advisement offered to students, including information provided under section 49l–2(e)(2)(C) of title 29; (C) providing teachers, faculty, school leaders, administrators, specialized instructional support personnel, career guidance and academic counselors, or paraprofessionals, as appropriate, with opportunities to advance knowledge, skills, and understanding of all aspects of an industry, including the latest workplace equipment, technologies, standards, and credentials; (D) supporting school leaders and administrators in managing career and technical education programs in the schools, institutions, or local educational agencies of such school leaders or administrators; (E) supporting the implementation of strategies to improve student achievement and close gaps in student participation and performance in career and technical education programs; (F) providing teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, career guidance and academic counselors, principals, school leaders, or paraprofessionals, as appropriate, with opportunities to advance knowledge, skills, and understanding in pedagogical practices, including, to the extent the eligible recipient determines that such evidence is reasonably available, evidence-based pedagogical practices; (G) training teachers, faculty, school leaders, administrators, specialized instructional support personnel, career guidance and academic counselors, or paraprofessionals, as appropriate, to provide appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and students with disabilities who are provided accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.) or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.]; (H) training teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, career guidance and academic counselors, and paraprofessionals in frameworks to effectively teach students, including a particular focus on students with disabilities and English learners, which may include universal design for learning, multi-tier systems of supports, and positive behavioral interventions and support; or (I) training for the effective use of community spaces that provide access to tools, technology, and knowledge for learners and entrepreneurs, such as makerspaces or libraries; (3) provide within career and technical education the skills necessary to pursue careers in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations; (4) support integration of academic skills into career and technical education programs and programs of study to support—(A) CTE participants at the secondary school level in meeting the challenging State academic standards adopted under section 6311(b)(1) of this title by the State in which the eligible recipient is located; and (B) CTE participants at the postsecondary level in achieving academic skills; (5) plan and carry out elements that support the implementation of career and technical education programs and programs of study and that result in increasing student achievement of the local levels of performance established under section 2323 of this title, which may include—(A) a curriculum aligned with the requirements for a program of study; (B) sustainable relationships among education, business and industry, and other community stakeholders, including industry or sector partnerships in the local area, where applicable, that are designed to facilitate the process of continuously updating and aligning programs of study with skills that are in demand in the State, regional, or local economy, and in collaboration with business outreach staff in one-stop centers, as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102), and other appropriate organizations, including community-based and youth-serving organizations; (C) where appropriate, expanding opportunities for CTE concentrators to participate in accelerated learning programs (as described in section 7114(b)(3)(A)(i)(IV) of this title), including dual or concurrent enrollment programs, early college high schools, and the development or implementation of articulation agreements as part of a career and technical education program of study; (D) appropriate equipment, technology, and instructional materials (including support for library resources) aligned with business and industry needs, including machinery, testing equipment, tools, implements, hardware and software, and other new and emerging instructional materials; (E) a continuum of work-based learning opportunities, including simulated work environments; (F) industry-recognized certification examinations or other assessments leading toward a recognized postsecondary credential; (G) efforts to recruit and retain career and technical education program teachers, faculty, school leaders, administrators, specialized instructional support personnel, career guidance and academic counselors, and paraprofessionals; (H) where applicable, coordination with other education and workforce development programs and initiatives, including career pathways and sector partnerships developed under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) and other Federal laws and initiatives that provide students with transition-related services, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.]; (I) expanding opportunities for students to participate in distance career and technical education and blended-learning programs; (J) expanding opportunities for students to participate in competency-based education programs; (K) improving career guidance and academic counseling programs that assist students in making informed academic and career and technical education decisions, including academic and financial aid counseling; (L) supporting the integration of employability skills into career and technical education programs and programs of study, including through family and consumer science programs; (M) supporting programs and activities that increase access, student engagement, and success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields (including computer science and architecture) for students who are members of groups underrepresented in such subject fields; (N) providing career and technical education, in a school or other educational setting, for adults or out-of-school youth to complete secondary school education or upgrade technical skills; (O) supporting career and technical student organizations, including student preparation for and participation in technical skills competitions aligned with career and technical education program standards and curricula; (P) making all forms of instructional content widely available, which may include use of open educational resources; (Q) supporting the integration of arts and design skills, when appropriate, into career and technical education programs and programs of study; (R) partnering with a qualified intermediary to improve training, the development of public-private partnerships, systems development, capacity-building, and scalability of the delivery of high-quality career and technical education; (S) support to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for special populations participating in career and technical education, including those participating in dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high school programs, and supporting the costs associated with fees, transportation, child care, or mobility challenges for those special populations; or (T) other activities to improve career and technical education programs; and (6) develop and implement evaluations of the activities carried out with funds under this part, including evaluations necessary to complete the comprehensive needs assessment required under section 2354(c) of this title and the local report required under section 2323(b)(4)(B) of this title. (c) Pooling fundsAn eligible recipient may pool a portion of funds received under this chapter with a portion of funds received under this chapter available to one or more eligible recipients to support implementation of programs of study through the activities described in subsection (b)(2). (d) Administrative costsEach eligible recipient receiving funds under this part shall not use more than 5 percent of such funds for costs associated with the administration of activities under this section.