20 USC 7442 - Professional development for teachers and education professionals

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 21, 2024

§ 7442.

Professional development for teachers and education professionals

(a)

Purposes

The purposes of this section are—

(1)

to increase the number of qualified Indian teachers and administrators serving Indian students;

(2)

to provide pre- and in-service training and support to qualified Indian individuals to enable such individuals to become effective teachers, principals, other school leaders, administrators, paraprofessionals, counselors, social workers, and specialized instructional support personnel;

(3)

to improve the skills of qualified Indian individuals who serve in the capacities described in paragraph (2); and

(4)

to develop and implement initiatives to promote retention of effective teachers, principals, and school leaders who have a record of success in helping low-achieving Indian students improve their academic achievement, outcomes, and preparation for postsecondary education or employment.

(b)

Eligible entities

For the purpose of this section, the term “eligible entity” means—

(1)

an institution of higher education, including a Tribal College or University, as defined in section 1059c(b) of this title;

(2)

a State educational agency or local educational agency, in consortium with an institution of higher education;

(3)

an Indian tribe or organization, in consortium with an institution of higher education; and

(4)

a Bureau-funded school (as defined in section 2026 1

 See References in Text note below.

of title 25) in a consortium with at least one Tribal College or University, as defined in section 1059c(b) of this title, where feasible.

(c)

Program authorized

(d)

Authorized activities

(1)

In general

Grant funds under this section shall be used for activities to provide support and training for Indian individuals in a manner consistent with the purpose of this section. Such activities may include—

(A)

continuing education programs, symposia, workshops, and conferences;

(B)

teacher mentoring programs, professional guidance, and instructional support provided by educators, local traditional leaders, or cultural experts, as appropriate for teachers during their first 3 years of employment as teachers;

(C)

direct financial support; and

(D)

programs designed to train traditional leaders and cultural experts to assist those personnel referenced in subsection (a)(2), as appropriate, with relevant Native language and cultural mentoring, guidance, and support.

(2)

Special rules

(A)

Type of training

(B)

Program

(e)

Application

Each eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may reasonably require. At a minimum, an application under this section shall describe how the eligible entity will—

(1)

recruit qualified Indian individuals, such as students who may not be of traditional college age, to become teachers, principals, or school leaders;

(2)

use funds made available under the grant to support the recruitment, preparation, and professional development of Indian teachers or principals in local educational agencies that serve a high proportion of Indian students; and

(3)

assist participants in meeting the requirements under subsection (h).

(f)

Special rule

In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary—

(1)

may give priority to Tribal Colleges and Universities;

(2)

shall consider the prior performance of the eligible entity; and

(3)

may not limit eligibility to receive a grant under this section on the basis of the length of any period for which the eligible entity has received a grant.

(g)

Grant period

(h)

Service obligation

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall require, by regulation, that an individual who receives training pursuant to a grant made under this section—

(A)

perform work—

(i)

related to the training received under this section; and

(ii)

that benefits Indian students in a local educational agency that serves a high proportion of Indian students; or

(B)

repay all or a prorated part of the assistance received.

(2)

Reporting

(Pub. L. 89–10, title VI, § 6122, formerly title VII, § 7122, as added Pub. L. 107–110, title VII, § 701, Jan. 8, 2002, 115 Stat. 1922; renumbered title VI, § 6122, and amended Pub. L. 114–95, title VI, §§ 6001(a), (b)(1), 6002(l), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2046, 2056.)

cite as: 20 USC 7442