,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bcfg ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #ca1 #bjai,ms4 ,smith 7for herself and ,mr4 ,jones7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions ,a ,,bill ,to support the preparation and retention of outstanding educators in all fields to ensure a bright future for children and youth in under-resourced and underserved communities in the ,united ,states1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,addressing ,teacher ,shortages ,act of #bjai4 #b4 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,currently1 there are not enough teachers to meet the demand for teachers in all locations and in all fields1 creating a teacher shortage4 ,the teacher shortage is a result of growing student enrollment1 shrinking pupil-teacher ratios1 declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs1 and high levels of attrition from the field4 ,teacher shortages are particularly acute in rural schools and in certain subject areas1 such as the fields of ,,stem1 special education1 and ,english as a second language4 ,additionally1 there is a lack of racial diversity in the teaching workforce4 7#b7 ,rural schools serve #ah percent of all students in the ,united ,states1 including over #i1jjj1jjj students in rural public elementary and secondary schools4 ,more than #dj percent of all small1 rural local educational agencies in the ,united ,states struggle with adequately staffing their schools4 ,these personnel shortages include difficulties both in recruiting and retaining educators4 ,shortages are especially pronounced in special education and ,,stem fields1 when compared to urban teacher labor markets4 7#c7 ,rural communities face unique challenges in recruiting and retaining teachers for reasons such as funding1 limited teacher supply1 and geographic isolation4 ,rural schools often experience difficulty hiring and high turnover due to inadequate resources1 lower salaries1 and poor working conditions4 7#d7 ,the demand for teachers is going unmet in some subject areas more so than others4 ,in #bjag-bjah1 #dh ,states reported shortages in mathematics1 #df in special education1 #dc in science1 #da in foreign language1 and #ca in ,english as a second language4 7#e7 ,although the share of teachers of color has been increasing1 there is a gap in racial diversity between teachers of color who comprise #bj percent of the teacher workforce and students of color who account for #ej percent of students4 7#f7 ,data from the #bjae-bjaf ,national ,teacher and ,principal ,survey show that millennial teachers are less likely to be racially diverse than the previous generation of ,generation ,x teachers1 suggesting that racial diversity in the teaching workforce could be declining in the future4 7#g7 ,research shows that better prepared teachers stay longer in the profession and are more effective in improving student achievement4 ,for example1 an analysis of the nationally representative ,schools and ,staffing ,survey found that new recruits who had a semester or more of practice teaching prior to employment were more than #c times less likely to leave teaching after a year than those who had no practice teaching4 7#h7 ,data from the #bjab-bjac ,schools and ,staffing ,survey show that the attrition rate for teachers is approximately #h percent4 ,it was higher for rural teachers1 at #h4d percent1 than for suburban and urban teachers1 at #g4c and #g4i percent1 respectively4 ,this high attrition rate is costly for local educational agencies1 with the savings of replacing higher-earning1 more experienced teachers mitigated by replacement costs4 7#i7 ,high-quality mentoring and induction programs can offer support to teacher candidates and novice teachers throughout the teacher preparation and school placement experience1 improving the likelihood that they will complete the training and certification process and remain in the profession4 ,evidence-based mentoring and induction programs have been shown to increase retention1 accelerate the professional learning of novice teachers1 and improve student achievement4 7#aj7 ,teacher residencies create long-term benefits for local educational agencies1 schools1 and students4 ,research suggests that residencies bring greater gender and racial diversity into the teaching workforce and have significantly higher retention rates for graduates than traditional preparation programs4 7#aa7 ,grow ,your ,own teacher preparation models provide a promising solution for hard-to-staff schools1 such as those in rural communities4 ,these models help to recruit graduates of local schools and members of the school's community into the teaching profession4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,general ,,esea definitions ,the terms dual or concurrent enrollment program1 elementary school1 local educational agency1 and secondary school have the meanings given the terms in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#b7 #bb program ,the term #bb program means a partnership between a junior or community college1 as defined in section #cab of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajeh71 and a #d-year degree-granting institution of higher education in which teacher candidates can begin teacher preparation in the junior or community college and fully transfer their credits to the #d-year institution of higher education1 where the students complete their teacher preparation4 7#c7 ,certified teacher ,the term certified teacher means an individual who possesses a document certifying that the individual has met the full requirements of a ,state for employment as a teacher in the public schools of that ,state4 7#d7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means a local educational agency 7including an entity described in subparagraph 7,b71 7,c71 7,d71 or 7,e7 of section #haja7cj7 of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja7cj777 or a consortium of such agencies4 7#e7 ,grow your ,own program ,the term ,grow ,your ,own program means a program that works to recruit graduates of local schools and members of the school's community into the teaching profession of a school4 7#f7 ,historically ,black college or university ,the term historically ,black college or university has the meaning given the term part ,b institution under section #cbb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfa74 7#g7 ,induction program ,the term induction program has the meaning given the term in section #bjj7ad7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajba7ad771 except that-- 7,a7 the high-quality and structured teacher mentoring component described in subparagraph 7,a7 of such section shall be led by a qualified mentor who teaches in the same or similar field1 grade1 or subject as the mentee2 7,b7 the opportunities for new teachers described in subparagraph 7,d7 of such section shall include opportunities for observation of1 and feedback from1 teacher mentors1 faculty1 and researchers2 7,c7 the faculty included in the program1 as described in subparagraph 7,f7 of such section1 shall also model personalized instruction2 7,d7 the interdisciplinary collaboration described in subparagraph 7,g7 of such section shall include preparation regarding the development1 analysis1 and use of formative1 interim1 and summative assessments2 7,e7 the assistance provided under subparagraph 7,h7 of such section with respect to student achievement data shall also include assistance with understanding classroom engagement data 7such as attendance and discipline rates and other measures of school climate71 and with understanding the applicability of both types of data to classroom instruction and design2 and 7,f7 the observation and evaluation opportunities under subparagraph 7,i7 of such section shall be conducted in order to inform efforts to support new teachers and improve their practice4 7#h7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #aja7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja7;a774 7#i7 ,qualified mentor teacher ,the term qualified mentor teacher means an educator who-- 7,a7 meets a minimum set of qualification standards based in part on ,state-determined measures of teacher effectiveness2 and 7,b7 is selected by the grantee to-- 7i7 host a teacher candidate mentee during clinical practice or residency in the classroom of the educator during a teacher preparation program1 or provide induction support to a newly certified teacher mentee during the first #b years of employment after completion of a teacher preparation program 7including clinical practice72 7ii7 provide support for a teacher candidate mentee during clinical practice or a teacher residency program1 or a beginning teacher mentee during an induction program1 including information on the resources and support based at the school and the local educational agency serving the school2 7iii7 establish a role model relationship for a mentee2 7iv7 observe the mentee's teaching methods in classroom settings and be observed modeling best practices2 7v7 provide mentoring to a mentee teaching in the same field1 grade1 or subject2 and 7vi7 promote empirically based practice of1 and scientifically valid research on1 where applicable-- 7,i7 teaching and learning2 7,,ii7 assessment of student learning2 7,,iii7 the development of teaching skills through the use of instructional and behavioral interventions2 and 7,,iv7 the improvement of the capacity of the mentees to create inclusive learning environments and measurably advance student learning among diverse learners4 7#aj7 ,rural area ,the term rural area has the meaning given the term in section #cdc7;a77#ac77;,a7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aiia7;a77#ac77;,a774 7#aa7 ,rural school district ,the term rural school district means a school district that serves one or more schools located in a rural area4 7#ab7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,education4 7#ac7 ,,stem ,the term ,,stem means science1 technology1 engineering1 and mathematics4 7#ad7 ,teaching residency program ,the term teaching residency program has the meaning given the term in section #bjj of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajba71 except that such term shall not include the requirement that the prospective teacher acquire a master's degree prior to completion of the program1 but instead shall earn a bachelor's or a master's degree prior to completion of the program4 #d4 ,addressing ,teacher ,shortages ,program 7a7 ,addressing ,teacher ,shortages ,program established 7#a7 ,grants authorized 7,a7 ,in general ,from amounts made available to carry out this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish an ,addressing ,teacher ,shortages ,program1 through which the ,secretary shall award grants1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible entities to enable the eligible entities to carry out activities described in subsection 7d7 in continuous consultation with the schools served by the eligible entity4 7,b7 ,planning grants ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary may use funds made available under this section1 and not required for purposes of subsection 7c77#b71 to award1 on a competitive basis1 #a-year planning grants to eligible entities that have not received grants under subparagraph 7,a71 to assist with the costs of preparing and submitting an application under subsection 7b74 7#b7 ,duration ,a grant awarded under paragraph 7#a77;,a7-- 7,a7 shall be for a period of at least #e years2 and 7,b7 may be renewed if the eligible entity demonstrates sufficient positive outcomes as described in section #e and evidence of potential for continued success in achieving the goals of the initial grant4 7b7 ,application 7#a7 ,in general ,an eligible entity desiring a grant under subsection 7a77#a77;,a7 shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7#b7 ,contents ,an application submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 describe the selected activities described in subsection 7d7 for which assistance under this section is sought2 7,b7 include a description of the evaluation plan required under section #e2 7,c7 provide such additional assurances as the ,secretary determines to be essential to ensure compliance with the requirements of this ,act2 and 7,d7 if seeking support for a teaching residency program1 demonstrate that the institution of higher education that is a partner in the eligible entity is approved to prepare candidates for ,state teaching licensure or certification4 7c7 ,award basis 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall determine the minimum number1 and the dollar amount1 of grants provided under this section based on the amount made available under section #g4 7#b7 ,award basis ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 reserve #e percent of the grant funds available to carry out this section for the ,secretary of the ,interior1 to enable the ,secretary of the ,interior to carry out the purposes of this ,act in schools supported by the ,bureau of ,indian ,education2 and 7,b7 use1 from the amount remaining after the application of subparagraph 7,a7 and to the extent practicable based on the applications received under subsection 7b7-- 7i7 not less than #be percent of the remaining amount to address teacher shortage challenges in local educational agencies serving rural areas2 7ii7 not less than #be percent of the remaining amount to address shortages in high-need subject areas2 and 7iii7 not less than #be percent of the grant funds available to diversify the teaching workforce4 7#c7 ,priority 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 in evaluating applications for grants under subsection 7a77#a77;,a71 the ,secretary shall provide a competitive priority for applications proposing programs that will-- 7i7 address the shortages described in clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 of paragraph 7#b77;,b72 and 7ii7 include partnerships with minority-serving institutions1 such as historically ,black colleges and universities1 ,hispanic-serving institutions 7as defined in section #ejb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja;a771 or ,tribal ,colleges and ,universities 7as defined in section #caf of such ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajei;c774 7,b7 ,priority for teaching residency and ,grow ,your ,own programs ,in reviewing applications for grants under subsection 7a77#a77;,a7 that propose to cover costs associated with teaching residency programs or ,grow ,your ,own programs1 the ,secretary shall provide a competitive priority to eligible entities that propose to carry out a program designed to prepare1 for teaching licensure or certification1 individuals who1 as of the date of the individuals' application or acceptance into the program-- 7i7 are employed by a local educational agency participating in the eligible entity as a paraprofessional1 substitute teacher1 or other employee of the school community2 and 7ii7 have been so employed for not less than #c years4 7d7 ,use of funds ,a recipient of a grant under subsection 7a77#a77;,a7 shall use grant funds for not less than one of the following activities3 7#a7 ,establishing or expanding teaching residency programs1 which may include covering-- 7,a7 all or part of a resident's tuition in exchange for a commitment to teach in the community for a minimum of #c years2 7,b7 resident salaries2 7,c7 mentor teacher incentives2 7,d7 facilities or infrastructure for a distance learning classroom within the school for onsite coursework and practical learning2 and 7,e7 any other purpose that the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7#b7 ,establishing or expanding a teacher mentor program1 which may include providing a training program or endorsement for school-based mentor teachers4 7#c7 ,establishing or expanding a ,grow ,your ,own program4 7#d7 ,establishing or expanding a #bb program4 7#e7 ,establishing or expanding a program at an institution of higher education that encourages students majoring in ,,stem fields to take courses in education4 7#f7 ,establishing or expanding teacher preparation pathways in secondary schools4 7#g7 ,establishing or expanding other evidence-based strategies to increase teacher retention and support teachers1 including-- 7,a7 increasing access to1 and the effective use of1 technology for the purpose of providing professional development to educators in rural or remote areas2 7,b7 supporting teachers in fulfilling additional credit requirements needed for a teacher to-- 7i7 become licensed or certified in additional subject areas2 7ii7 earn an additional qualification or licensure or certification endorsement that meets a specific need of the school in which the teacher is employed2 7iii7 earn additional qualifications to obtain ,national ,board ,certification2 or 7iv7 qualify to teach ,advanced ,placement1 ,international ,baccalaureate1 or dual or concurrent enrollment programs2 7,c7 providing opportunities for career advancement that offer increased pay for teachers who demonstrate expertise and take on additional leadership roles2 7,d7 establishing induction programs for novice teachers during their first #b years in the profession2 7,e7 7i7 providing tuition assistance1 a stipend1 or a housing allowance during student teaching to student teachers participating in the program who commit to teaching placements that would address any of the shortages described in clauses 7i7 or 7ii7 of subsection 7c77#b77;,b72 and 7ii7 if the eligible entity chooses to do so1 and only after assisting student teachers under clause 7i71 providing a stipend or housing allowance to teachers in their first or second year of teaching who commit to teaching placements that would address any of the shortages described in clauses 7i7 or 7ii7 of subsection 7c77#b77;,b72 or 7,f7 providing professional development for school administrators focusing on teacher leadership or teacher retention4 7e7 ,matching funds 7#a7 ,in general ,an eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection 7a77#a77;,a7 shall provide1 toward the cost of the activities assisted under the grant and from non-,federal sources1 an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the grant1 subject to paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,reduction or waiver of matching funds ,if the ,secretary determines necessary based on the economic condition of the eligible entity1 the ,secretary may-- 7,a7 determine that a lesser matching amount than described in paragraph 7#a7 is required1 based on a sliding scale2 or 7,b7 waive the requirements of paragraph 7#a74 7f7 ,designated personnel for under-,resourced applications ,the ,secretary shall designate not less than #a employee who1 during and preceding the application period for a grant under this ,act1 will exclusively support under-resourced eligible entities with the preparation of grant applications under subsection 7a77#a77;,a74 #e4 ,evaluation and reporting 7a7 ,evaluation ,each entity submitting an application for a grant under section #d7;a77#a77;,a7 shall establish1 and include in such application1 an evaluation plan that includes relevant and measurable performance objectives4 ,at a minimum1 the plan shall include objectives and measures for-- 7#a7 educator retention rates in the first #c and #e years for teachers1 principals1 and other educators participating in the program supported under the grant2 7#b7 7,a7 pass rates and scaled scores for initial ,state licensure or certification of teachers for participating teachers2 or 7,b7 pass rates and average scores on valid and reliable teacher performance assessments for participating teachers2 7#c7 the number of participating teachers1 principals1 and other educators who are hired by the high-need local educational agency2 7#d7 the percentage of participating teachers1 principals1 and other educators who are members of underrepresented groups2 7#e7 the percentage of participating teachers who teach high-need fields or academic subject areas such as ,,stem fields1 language instruction educational programs for limited ,english proficient students1 and special education2 and 7#f7 the percentage of participating teachers and other educators who teach in high-need schools1 disaggregated by the elementary school and secondary school levels4 7b7 ,reporting 7#a7 ,eligible entity reports 7,a7 ,in general ,at the end of the third year and the fifth year of a grant awarded under section #d7;a77#a77;,a71 each eligible entity receiving such grant shall prepare and submit to the ,secretary a report regarding the program carried out under this ,act1 including the program's performance with respect to the objectives and measures described in subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,additional reports ,in the case of an eligible entity whose grant under section #d7;a77#a77;,a7 was renewed or was for an initial period of more than #e years1 the eligible entity shall submit a report described in subparagraph 7,a7 on an annual basis for each year of the renewal or each year after the fifth year of the grant1 respectively4 7#b7 ,secretary reports ,by not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and every #b years thereafter1 the ,secretary shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives about the strengths and weaknesses of the grant program carried out under section #d4 #f4 ,sense of the ,senate ,it is the sense of the ,senate that teaching should be formally recognized as a career pathway that is part of career and technical education1 as defined in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb71 allowing early career pathway programs in education 7especially in ,,stem education7 to be eligible for funds available through programs that support career and technical education4 #g4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this ,act such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbf4