National activities

(a) Reporting by Secretary Not less frequently than once annually, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes— (1) an analysis of the information received from States and eligible entities under section 7; (2) an identification of best practices for carrying out programs supported by grants under this Act; and (3) the results of the evaluation under subsection (b). (b) National evaluation Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into a contract with an independent entity to perform an evaluation of the grants awarded under this Act. Such evaluation shall apply rigorous procedures to obtain valid and reliable data concerning student outcomes by social and academic characteristics and monitor the progress of students from secondary school to and through postsecondary education. (c) Technical assistance The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to States and eligible entities concerning best practices and quality improvement programs in early college high schools and dual or concurrent enrollment programs and shall disseminate such best practices among eligible entities, States, and local educational agencies. (d) Administrative costs From amounts reserved to carry out this section under section 4(b)(3), the Secretary may reserve such sums as may be necessary for the direct administrative costs of carrying out the Secretary’s responsibilities under this Act.