Grants for innovative learning model development and research

(a) Grants authorized (1) Development grants (A) In general From the amount reserved by the Director under section 104(c)(1), the Director shall award, on a competitive basis, grants to eligible entities having applications approved under subsection (c) to enable such entities to create, develop, implement, replicate, or take to scale entrepreneurial and evidence-based innovative learning models to improve student outcomes. (B) Description of grants The grants described in subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) early-phase grants to fund the development, implementation, and feasibility testing of an innovative learning model, which prior research, including research conducted under paragraph (1), suggests has promise, for the purpose of determining whether the innovative learning model can successfully improve student achievement or attainment when successfully implemented with fidelity; (ii) mid-phase grants to fund implementation and a rigorous evaluation of an innovative learning model that has been successfully implemented under an early-phase grant described in clause (i) or other effort meeting similar criteria, for the purpose of measuring the model’s impact and cost effectiveness, if possible, using existing administrative data; and (iii) expansion grants to fund implementation and a rigorous replication evaluation of an innovative learning model that has been found to produce sizable, important impacts under a mid-phase grant described in clause (ii) or other effort meeting similar criteria, for the purposes of— (I) determining whether such impacts can be successfully reproduced and sustained over time; and (II) identifying the conditions, including subgroups of students (as described in section 1111(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), in which the program is most effective. (2) Research grants From the amount reserved under section 104(c)(2), the Director shall award, on a competitive basis, grants to eligible entities to— (A) conduct high-quality research on existing innovative learning models; or (B) evaluate innovative learning models developed with grants awarded under paragraph (1). (3) Priority In awarding development grants under this section, the Director shall prioritize eligible entities that propose early-phase projects under paragraph (1)(B)(i). (4) Standards The Director shall ensure that activities supported with grants under this section— (A) conform to high standards of quality, integrity, accuracy, validity, and reliability; (B) maintain data privacy and security in a manner that is consistent with any relevant Federal law relating to privacy or data security; and (C) are objective, secular, neutral and nonideological, and are free of partisan political influence or any implicit or explicit bias. (5) Sufficient size and scope Each grant awarded under this section shall be of sufficient size and scope for the eligible entity to carry out the activities required for such grant. (6) Duration Grants under this title may be awarded for not more than 6 years. (b) Eligible entity In this title, the term eligible entity means an innovative learning model provider, as defined in section 3. (c) Applications To be eligible to receive a grant under this title, an eligible entity shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may reasonably require. (d) Peer review The Director shall— (1) implement a peer review process to assist the Director in the review of applications under this title and to make recommendations to the Director on awarding grants under this title; (2) develop and maintain published peer review standards for the conduct and evaluation of all development and research carried out under this title; and (3) ensure that the peer-review teams consist of practitioners and experts who are knowledgeable about innovative learning models, including— (A) individuals with experience researching and developing innovative learning models for all types of students, including English learners, children with disabilities, and disadvantaged students; and (B) individuals with experience implementing innovative learning models. (e) Training program From funds otherwise reserved for technical assistance under this title, the Director may establish a program to train employees of public and private educational agencies, organizations, and institutions, and may establish a fellowship program to appoint such employees as temporary fellows that may assist in carrying out this section. (f) Supplement, not supplant Grant funds provided under this title shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other Federal or State funds made available to carry out activities described in this title. (g) Rule of construction Notwithstanding any other provision of law, nothing in this title shall be construed as requiring an eligible entity who is awarded a grant under subsection (a) to measure or evaluate the impact or success of an innovative learning model through the use of a randomized control trial.