§7381n Summer Institutes

Summary

Sets up summer training programs to help K–12 teachers get better at teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). An “eligible partner” is either a college science/engineering/math department that works with a teacher-training program or a nonprofit that runs STEM teacher training. A “summer institute” is a program run in summer by a National Laboratory or an eligible partner that lasts at least 2 weeks, includes direct work with college or lab scientists, gives at least 2 days of hands-on lab experience, and includes follow-up classroom training during the school year. The Secretary, through the National Laboratory Director, must start or grow these summer institutes at each National Laboratory and help eligible partners do the same. Lab scientists and lab equipment can be used to train teachers. Money must pay for ongoing professional learning that improves teachers’ STEM knowledge and classroom teaching, use of research-based and state-aligned curricula, technology use, and follow-up activities. Funds may also pay for materials, lab staff expenses, data and assessment training, and teacher stipends or travel. Programs should reach many districts, especially high-need districts and underrepresented groups (including women and minorities). The Director must work with the Education Department and the National Science Foundation, make a plan to measure how well the programs work (including goals to increase teacher participation and improve student test results in science, math, and, when possible, technology and engineering), and the Secretary must report progress to Congress each year. Authorized funding: $15,000,000 for 2008; $20,000,000 for 2009; $25,000,000 for 2010; and $25,000,000 for each year 2011–2013.