Professional development on innovative, high-quality testing models

(a) Grants authorized Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall award, on a competitive basis, grants to eligible entities to carry out the activities described in subsection (d). (b) Applications (1) In general To be considered for a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (2) Resubmission of application In a case in which an eligible entity submits an application under paragraph (1) and is not awarded a grant under this section— (A) the Secretary shall provide to such eligible entity— (i) the reasons for denial of such application, including a list of any selection criteria that the eligible entity did not meet; and (ii) a list of recommended changes to be made by the eligible entity to such application before resubmission in order to meet such selection criteria; and (B) the eligible entity may resubmit such application in accordance with paragraph (1) not earlier than 1 year after such entity receives the information required under subparagraph (A). (c) Priority; diversity of programs (1) Priority In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that serve elementary schools or secondary schools that receive funds under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.). (2) Diversity of programs In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, grants are distributed among eligible entities that serve— (A) geographically diverse areas, including urban, suburban, and rural areas; and (B) Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations. (d) Grant uses An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use such funds to— (1) provide professional development and training for educators to implement innovative assessment systems that provide timely, actionable data on student knowledge and skills; and (2) develop materials and resources for the implementation of innovative assessment systems. (e) Grant period (1) Grant period A grant awarded under this section shall be for a period of not more than 5 years. (2) Renewal The Secretary may renew a grant awarded under this section for one 3-year period for an eligible entity that demonstrates to the Secretary the success of the program funded under the grant in such manner and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (f) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) a local educational agency; (B) a State educational agency; and (C) a partnership between an entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B) and— (i) an institution of higher education; or (ii) a nonprofit organization with expertise relevant to the activities and practices described in subsection (d). (2) Innovative assessment system The term innovative assessment system has the meaning given such term in section 1204 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6364). (g) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.