,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bgcf ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,october #cj1 #bjai,ms4 ,hassan 7for herself and ,mr4 ,young7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions ,a ,,bill ,to increase rates of college completion and reduce college costs by accelerating time to degree1 aligning secondary and postsecondary education1 and improving postsecondary credit transfer4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,fast ,track ,to and ,through ,college ,act4 #b4 ,accelerating time to degree ,part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajgj et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparts #e1 #f1 and #g1 as subparts #f1 #g1 and #h1 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subpart #d the following3 #e ,accelerating time to degree #daf;,a4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this subpart is to increase rates of college completion and reduce college costs by accelerating time to degree1 aligning secondary and postsecondary education1 and improving postsecondary credit transfer4 #daf;,b4 ,definitions ,in this subpart3 7#a7 ,advanced coursework ,the term advanced coursework means coursework designed for students to earn postsecondary credit upon its successful completion while still in high school1 such as that associated with ,advanced ,placement1 ,international ,baccalaureate1 a dual or concurrent enrollment program1 and early college high school programs4 7#b7 ,career and technical education ,the term career and technical education has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb74 7#c7 ,dual or concurrent enrollment program ,the term dual or concurrent enrollment program has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife4 7#d7 ,early college high school ,the term early college high school has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife4 7#e7 ,early college fast track pathway ,the term early college fast track pathway means a sequence of dual or concurrent enrollment program courses1 ,advanced ,placement courses1 ,international ,baccalaureate courses1 or other advanced coursework or assessments approved by the eligible entity taken at any point during high school that-- 7,a7 when taken together1 constitute a typical first year of study toward an associate degree or baccalaureate degree1 or1 in the case of postsecondary credit in career and technical education earned through dual or concurrent enrollment program course sequences1 the first year of study toward a recognized postsecondary credential for a high-skill1 high-wage1 or in-demand industry sector or occupation2 and 7,b7 if completed successfully1 results in credit that-- 7i7 is equivalent to the academic workload of not less than #b semesters of full-time postsecondary enrollment2 7ii7 satisfies requirements for the ,state's regular high school diploma2 and 7iii7 is a part of the statewide articulation agreements described in clauses 7iv7 and 7v7 of section #daf;,c7f77#b77;,c71 except that a pathway designed for earning postsecondary credit in career and technical education through a dual or concurrent enrollment program leading to a recognized postsecondary credential may be part of an articulation agreement that includes some1 but not all1 public institutions of higher education in the ,state4 7#f7 ,early high school graduation fast track pathway ,the term early high school graduation fast track pathway means a scholarship provided to a student who-- 7,a7 graduates high school early consistent with a ,state's early high school graduation policy2 7,b7 does not require remedial coursework in postsecondary education consistent with a ,state's postsecondary course placement standards described in section #daf;,c7f77#b77;,c77iii72 and 7,c7 attends any public #b-year or #d-year institution of higher education that is a part of the eligible entity4 7#g7 ,early high school graduation policy ,the term early high school graduation policy means a statewide policy adopted by all local educational agencies in the ,state that-- 7,a7 allows students the opportunity to earn a regular high school diploma in not more than #c years2 7,b7 is based in whole or in part on student performance on valid and reliable assessments aligned with the challenging ,state academic standards required under section #aaaa7;b77#a7 of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife1 which may include a nationally recognized high school academic assessment2 and 7,c7 may permit students to earn required credit hours for a regular high school diploma through a demonstration of competency4 7#h7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means a partnership that1 with respect to a ,state-- 7,a7 shall include-- 7i7 the ,state educational agency2 7ii7 either-- 7,i7 the ,state public higher education system inclusive of all #b-year and #d-year public institutions of higher education in the ,state2 or 7,,ii7 a consortium of the ,state's public higher education institutions or systems that1 together1 is inclusive of all #b-year and #d-year public institutions of higher education in the ,state2 and 7iii7 #a or more local educational agencies1 including at least #a high-need local educational agency located in the ,state2 and 7,b7 may include-- 7i7 a consortium of entities described in subparagraph 7,a7 from different ,states2 7ii7 #a or more public or nonprofit private institutions of higher education2 and 7iii7 #a or more businesses1 nonprofit organizations1 a ,state workforce agency1 or a ,state workforce development board established under section #aja of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act4 7#i7 ,evidence-,based ,the term evidence-based has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife4 7#aj7 ,first-generation college student ,the term first-generation college student means-- 7,a7 an individual both of whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree2 or 7,b7 in the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only #a parent1 an individual whose only such parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree4 7#aa7 ,governor ,the term ,governor means the chief executive officer of a ,state4 7#ab7 ,high-need local educational agency ,the term high-need local educational agency means a local educational agency-- 7,a7 that serves not fewer than #aj1jjj children from families with incomes below the poverty line2 7,b7 for which not less than #bj percent of the children served by the agency are from families with incomes below the poverty line2 7,c7 that is in the highest quartile of local educational agencies in the ,state1 based on student poverty2 or 7,d7 for which not less than #ge percent of the children served by the agency are historically underrepresented students4 7#ac7 ,high school ,the term high school has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife4 7#ad7 ,historically underrepresented student ,the term historically underrepresented student means-- 7,a7 a student1 or prospective student1 at an institution of higher education who is at risk of educational failure or otherwise in need of special assistance and support2 and 7,b7 may include an adult learner1 working student1 part-time student1 student from a low-income background1 student of color1 ,native youth1 single parent 7including a single pregnant woman71 student who is a homeless child or youth1 youth who is in1 or has aged out of1 the foster care system1 first-generation college student1 and student with a disability4 7#ae7 ,in-demand industry sector or occupation ,the term in-demand industry sector or occupation has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act4 7#af7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #aja7;a74 7#ag7 ,middle grades ,the term middle grades has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife4 7#ah7 ,nationally recognized high school academic assessment ,the term nationally recognized high school academic assessment means an assessment of high school students' knowledge and skills that is administered in multiple ,states and is recognized by institutions of higher education in those or other ,states for the purposes of entrance or placement into courses in postsecondary education or training programs4 7#ai7 ,parent ,the term parent has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife4 7#bj7 ,recognized postsecondary credential ,the term recognized postsecondary credential has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act4 7#ba7 ,regular high school diploma ,the term regular high school diploma has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife4 7#bb7 ,state ,the term ,state means each of the #ej ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 and the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico4 7#bc7 ,subgroup of students ,the term subgroup of students means-- 7,a7 economically disadvantaged students2 7,b7 students from each major racial and ethnic group2 7,c7 children with disabilities1 as defined in section #fjb of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act2 7,d7 ,english learners1 as defined in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife2 7,e7 students disaggregated by gender2 7,f7 migratory children1 as described in section #acji7c7 of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife2 7,g7 homeless children and youths1 as defined in section #gbe of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aadcd;a72 7,h7 students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system2 and 7,i7 students with a parent who is a member of the ,armed ,forces 7as defined in section #aja7;a77#d7 of title #aj1 ,united ,states ,code7 on active duty 7as defined in section #aja7;d7 of such title74 7#bd7 ,work-,based learning ,the term work-based learning has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb74 #daf;,c4 ,competitive grants to ,states 7a7 ,reservations ,from the total amount appropriated under section #daf;,i for a fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall reserve-- 7#a7 #b percent to conduct the evaluation described under section #daf;,f2 and 7#b7 #b percent for technical assistance and dissemination1 which may include-- 7,a7 providing1 directly or through grants1 contracts1 or cooperative agreements1 technical assistance on using evidence-based practices to improve the outcomes of activities funded under this subpart2 and 7,b7 disseminating information on evidence-based practices that are successful in improving the quality of activities funded under this subpart4 7b7 ,grants 7#a7 ,awards ,from the total amount of funds available under section #daf;,i for a fiscal year and not reserved under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities to implement activities described under section #daf;,d4 7#b7 ,limitation ,a ,state may not receive 7whether individually or as part of a consortium7 a grant under this subpart more than once4 7c7 ,grant duration ,grants awarded under this subpart shall be for a period of #e years4 7d7 ,diversity of projects ,in awarding grants under this subpart1 the ,secretary shall ensure that1 to the extent practicable1 grants are distributed among eligible entities that will serve geographically diverse areas1 including urban1 suburban1 and rural areas4 7e7 ,priorities ,in awarding grants under this subpart1 the ,secretary shall give priority to applications that-- 7#a7 demonstrate experience in the successful adoption or implementation of policies and programs described within the application requirements under subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 of subsection 7f77#b7 and uses of funds for evidence-based practices under section #daf;,d2 7#b7 prioritize implementation of at least #a early college fast track pathway in multiple high-need local educational agencies at the beginning of the grant period2 7#c7 propose to develop multiple early college fast track pathways1 including an early college fast track pathway that includes career and technical education and work-based learning aligned with high-skill1 high-wage1 or in-demand industry sectors or occupations2 7#d7 propose to provide a larger award size in its early high school graduation fast track pathway relative to the size of the maximum ,federal ,pell ,grant award under subpart #a2 7#e7 propose to expand access to advanced coursework for students who are not eligible for the early college fast track pathway or early high school graduation fast track pathway2 and 7#f7 use school quality or student success indicators to hold high schools accountable1 consistent with section #aaaa7;c77#d77;b77v7 of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife1 that measure access to and completion of advanced coursework1 dual or concurrent enrollment programs1 and early college high school programs or postsecondary enrollment1 remediation1 or first-year credit attainment4 7f7 ,application 7#a7 ,in general ,in order to receive a grant under subsection 7b7 for any fiscal year1 the ,governor of a ,state shall submit an application to the ,secretary1 at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may reasonably require4 7#b7 ,contents ,each application submitted by a ,governor under this section shall include the following3 7,a7 ,signatures from the ,governor1 chief ,state school officer1 and ,state higher education executive officer4 7,b7 ,evidence for each ,state in the eligible entity demonstrating adoption of-- 7i7 an early high school graduation policy2 and 7ii7 uniform statewide criteria for the receipt of postsecondary1 nonelective credit at all public institutions of higher education in the eligible entity based on performance on ,advanced ,placement and ,international ,baccalaureate course examinations1 and1 at the discretion of the eligible entity1 other assessments4 7,c7 ,a description of how the eligible entity will1 not later than #b years after the date of the initial receipt of funds under this section1 implement policies and activities to align high school education with postsecondary education in each ,state within the eligible entity1 which shall include-- 7i7 updating ,state requirements for a student to receive a regular high school diploma1 including students who graduate high school early consistent with subparagraph 7,b71 to align with the challenging ,state academic standards and entrance requirements for credit-bearing coursework as described in section #aaaa7;b77#a77;,d7 of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife1 which may include alignment with entrance requirements for credit-bearing coursework at the ,state's system of #d-year institutions of higher education2 7ii7 verification of the alignment described in clause 7i7 that is signified by the signature of the ,governor of the ,state1 chief ,state school officer1 and ,state higher education executive officer2 7iii7 developing statewide standards for placement in postsecondary remedial coursework based on multiple indicators1 which may include grade point average1 college preparatory high school courses completed1 and performance assessments2 7iv7 developing a formal1 universal statewide articulation agreement among all public institutions of higher education or systems in each ,state within the eligible entity in which all local educational agencies within each ,state within the eligible entity may participate that guarantees-- 7,i7 students who earn postsecondary credit as part of an early college fast track pathway are able to transfer such credit to-- 7aa7 any public institution of higher education in the ,state1 and that such credits will count toward meeting specific degree or certificate requirements2 and 7bb7 any private nonprofit institution of higher education or public institution of higher education located in another ,state that chooses to participate in the articulation agreement2 7,,ii7 all relevant credits are recognized throughout the public system of higher education in the ,state and count as credits earned for both a regular high school diploma and for a degree or certificate program at a public institution of higher education in the ,state and at any private nonprofit institution of higher education or public institution of higher education located in another ,state that chooses to participate2 and 7,,iii7 if a student earns an associate's degree as part of an early college fast track pathway1 such associate's degree1 awarded by the participating institution of higher education in the ,state1 shall be fully acceptable in transfer and credited as the first #b years of a related baccalaureate program at a public institution of higher education in such ,state2 and 7v7 developing a formal1 universal statewide articulation agreement among all public institutions of higher education in each ,state within the eligible entity to facilitate the seamless transfer of credit earned in the early college fast track pathway among such institutions of higher education1 including between #b-year and #d-year public institutions of higher education and private nonprofit institutions of higher education if such private nonprofit institutions of higher education choose to participate1 which may include-- 7,i7 common course numbering2 7,,ii7 a general education core curriculum2 and 7,,iii7 management systems regarding course equivalency1 transfer of credit1 and articulation4 7,d7 ,a description of how the eligible entity will provide students with the opportunity to choose an early college fast track pathway or an early high school graduation fast track pathway1 including-- 7i7 the criteria that will be used to designate students as eligible to participate in the early college fast track pathway prior to the conclusion of the #aath grade1 which shall-- 7,i7 be based in part on student performance on valid and reliable assessments aligned with the challenging ,state academic standards required under section #aaaa7;b77#a7 of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife1 which may include a nationally recognized high school academic assessment1 and in part on other indicators consistent with the statewide standards for placement in postsecondary remedial coursework under subparagraph 7,c77iii72 7,,ii7 if met1 signify that the student will not require remedial coursework consistent with the placement standards developed under subparagraph 7,c77iii72 and 7,,iii7 include students who meet the requirements of the ,state's early high school graduation policy2 7ii7 how the eligible entity will disseminate information to all students and particularly subgroups of students1 students who would be first-generation college students1 and1 as applicable1 other historically underrepresented students in the middle grades and in grades #i1 #aj1 and #aa1 served by the eligible entity1 including their parents1 about the opportunity to participate in an early college fast track pathway or an early high school graduation fast track pathway1 including-- 7,i7 the requirements students must meet to participate in each fast track pathway consistent with the ,state's early high school graduation policy and eligibility criteria described in clause 7i72 7,,ii7 information regarding the transferability of credits from advanced coursework offered in the early college fast track pathway1 including the ,state's criteria for the receipt of postsecondary credit based on performance on ,advanced ,placement and ,international ,baccalaureate course examinations described in subparagraph 7,b77ii71 which institutions of higher education participate in the articulation agreements described under clauses 7iv7 and 7v7 of subparagraph 7,c71 and the performance standards students must meet in order for credit from advanced coursework to transfer successfully2 7,,iii7 information on the scholarships included within the early high school graduation fast track pathway1 including the size of the scholarship and the institutions of higher education at which the scholarships may be used2 and 7,,iv7 information regarding resources and supports available to students to prepare them to participate and succeed in a fast track pathway2 7iii7 how the eligible entity will provide each student served by the eligible entity with the opportunity to be assessed prior to the conclusion of the #aath grade to determine whether the student meets-- 7,i7 the eligibility criteria described in clause 7i7 to participate in an early college fast track pathway2 and 7,,ii7 the requirements of the ,state's early high school graduation policy so that a student may participate in an early high school graduation fast track pathway2 and 7iv7 how the eligible entity will notify each student1 including the student's parents1 who-- 7,i7 meets the eligibility criteria described under clause 7i7 no later than the beginning of the #abth grade about the opportunity for the student to participate in an early college fast track pathway for the remainder of the student's enrollment in high school2 and 7,,ii7 meets the requirements of the early high school graduation policy about the opportunity to graduate high school early and receive a scholarship as part of an early high school graduation fast track pathway4 7,e7 ,a description of how the eligible entity will implement the early college fast track pathway and early high school graduation fast track pathway in all local educational agencies within each ,state in the eligible entity1 including-- 7i7 the timeline and plan to provide1 by the end of the grant period1 all students in the ,state who meet the eligibility criteria described under subparagraph 7,d77i7 the opportunity to participate in an early college fast track pathway1 which may include online coursework coordinated by the ,state2 7ii7 the timeline and plan to provide all students in the ,state who meet the requirements for its early high school graduation policy the opportunity to receive a scholarship through an early high school graduation fast track pathway2 and 7iii7 annual goals for participation in fast track pathways among subgroups of students such that1 if the goals are met-- 7,i7 significant progress will be made toward improving equity in student eligibility and participation in the early high school graduation pathway across the local educational agencies within each ,state in the eligible entity2 7,,ii7 significant progress will be made toward improving equity in access to advanced coursework and early college fast track pathways across the local educational agencies within each ,state in the eligible entity2 and 7,,iii7 the composition of students participating in fast track pathways will be demographically similar to each ,state1 as a whole1 within the eligible entity by the end of the grant period4 7,f7 ,a description of how the eligible entity consulted with stakeholders in development of its application and how the eligible entity will continue to engage1 collaborate1 and solicit feedback with stakeholders to improve implementation of the application requirements described in this subsection and uses of funds described in section #daf;,d1 including-- 7i7 members of the ,state legislature and ,state board of education 7if the ,state has a ,state board of education72 7ii7 the ,state higher education governing or coordinating entity 7if the ,state has such an entity72 7iii7 the ,state entity that coordinates early-childhood1 elementary1 secondary1 and postsecondary education 7if the ,state has such an entity72 7iv7 local educational agencies1 including those located in rural areas and high-need local education agencies2 7v7 representatives of ,indian ,tribes located in the ,state2 7vi7 charter school leaders 7if the ,state has charter schools72 7vii7 civil rights organizations in the ,state2 7viii7 business leaders or their representatives in the ,state2 7ix7 teachers1 principals1 and other school leaders2 and 7x7 parents and students4 7,g7 ,assurances that the eligible entity will-- 7i7 allow students who choose to participate in an early college fast track pathway the opportunity to do so at no cost to students and parents1 including that such students and their parents shall not be required to pay the cost of related tuition1 fees 7including examination fees71 books1 and supplies necessary to successfully complete the early college fast track pathway2 7ii7 comply with the supplement1 not supplant and maintenance of effort requirements described under sections #daf;,g and #daf;,h2 and 7iii7 use not less than half of grant funds for purposes described under subsections 7a77#b7 and 7b7 of section #daf;,d to support subgroups of students1 students who would be first-generation college students1 and1 as applicable1 other historically underrepresented students4 7g7 ,reporting ,each eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the ,secretary a report on an annual basis that includes1 for each ,state in the eligible entity-- 7#a7 information on the progress of the eligible entity in establishing the policies and completing the required activities as specified in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 of subsection 7f77#b7 to align high school education with postsecondary education2 7#b7 the number and percentage of local educational agencies and schools in the ,state offering an early high school graduation fast track pathway and each early college fast track pathway consistent with its timeline and plan as specified in clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 of subsection 7f77#b77;,e71 progress against the goals established by the eligible entity for demographically diverse student participation in fast track pathways specified in subsection 7f77#b77;,e77iii71 and evidence demonstrating how the eligible entity certified each such pathway meets all requirements of this subpart2 7#c7 the number and percentage of students in the ,state1 including for each subgroup of students1 who-- 7,a7 are eligible to participate in an early college fast track pathway2 7,b7 participate in an early college fast track pathway2 and 7,c7 successfully complete an early college fast track pathway2 7#d7 the number and percentage of students in the ,state1 including for each subgroup of students1 who-- 7,a7 are eligible to participate in an early high school graduation fast track pathway2 and 7,b7 participate in an early high school graduation fast track pathway2 7#e7 the average scholarship award amount for students1 including for each subgroup of students1 in the ,state who participate in an early high school graduation fast track pathway2 and 7#f7 any additional information as the ,secretary may reasonably require to ensure compliance with the requirements of this subpart and to effectively evaluate1 monitor1 and improve grant implementation4 #daf;,d4 ,use of funds 7a7 ,required activities ,each eligible entity that receives a grant under section #daf;,c7b7 for a fiscal year shall-- 7#a7 use funds for activities to implement the alignment requirements pursuant to section #daf;,c7f77#b77;,c7 for a period of time not to exceed the first #b fiscal years for which the grant is provided2 and 7#b7 use funds to support statewide implementation of early college fast track pathways and early high school graduation fast track pathways consistent with the timeline1 plan1 and goals specified in section #daf;,c7f77#b77;,e71 including-- 7,a7 expanding advanced coursework to increase the availability of early college fast track pathways1 which may include-- 7i7 tuition1 fees 7including exam fees associated with ,advanced ,placement1 ,international ,baccalaureate1 and similar examinations71 books1 and supplies for eligible students2 7ii7 creating or expanding statewide systems to provide each of the advanced courses in the early college fast track pathways online2 and 7iii7 establishing or expanding early college high schools2 7,b7 programs and activities to improve student preparation for1 and participation in1 an early college fast track pathway or early high school graduation fast track pathway1 especially among subgroups of students1 students who would be first-generation college students1 and1 as applicable1 other historically underrepresented students1 which may include-- 7i7 use of data from evidence-based early assessment programs or evidence-based early warning indicator systems2 7ii7 enhanced advising or counseling activities1 such as providing course-taking and financial aid guidance as early as the middle grades2 and 7iii7 other evidence-based services as described by the eligible entity2 and 7,c7 outreach and communications with students and parents1 particularly historically underrepresented students1 to build awareness of early college fast track pathways and early high school graduation fast track pathways4 7b7 ,additional activities ,to support effective statewide implementation of fast track pathways consistent with the timeline1 plan1 and goals specified in section #daf;,c7f77#b77;,e71 each eligible entity that receives a grant under section #daf;,c7b7 for a fiscal year may use funds to-- 7#a7 offer students who graduate high school early scholarships as part of an early high school graduation fast track pathway2 7#b7 provide training1 professional development1 or recruitment for faculty who teach courses that are included in an early college fast track pathway2 7#c7 provide students with transportation to and from advanced courses in an early college fast track pathway2 7#d7 convene secondary and postsecondary education and workforce leaders in the ,state and other stakeholders to coordinate and monitor grant implementation2 and 7#e7 provide incentives for local educational agencies and institutions of higher education to encourage student participation in early college fast track pathways and early high school graduation fast track pathways4 #daf;,e4 ,pell grant awards 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding the requirement under section #dhd7;a77#a7 and section #dhd7;d7 that a student not be enrolled in an elementary school or secondary school to be eligible to receive a ,federal ,pell ,grant under subpart #a1 for the award years beginning on ,july #a1 #bjbj1 the ,secretary shall1 in a ,state issued a grant under this subpart1 award high school students who meet the eligibility requirements described in section #daf;,c7f77#b77;,d7 and participate in an early college fast track pathway1 a ,federal ,pell ,grant based on the determination of the expected family contribution for such student4 7b7 ,two semester cap waiver ,for a period not to exceed #b semesters 7or the equivalent of #b semesters for students who are not enrolled full time1 consistent with regulations promulgated by the ,secretary described under section #dja7;c77#e771 ,federal ,pell ,grants awarded to eligible students under subsection 7a7 shall not count toward the #ab-semester eligibility period for ,federal ,pell ,grants described under section #dja7;c77#e74 7c7 ,amount of pell grant ,notwithstanding section #dja7;b77#b77;,a71 the amount of the ,federal ,pell ,grant received under subsection 7b7 shall not exceed the cost of tuition1 fees 7excluding fees associated with ,advanced ,placement1 ,international ,baccalaureate1 and similar examinations71 books1 and supplies4 7d7 ,applicability ,the ,secretary shall continue awarding ,federal ,pell ,grants to students pursuant to this section in a ,state whose grant under this subpart has expired based upon the eligible entity's continued compliance with the requirements of this subpart as determined by the ,secretary4 #daf;,f4 ,evaluation ,the ,secretary1 in partnership with the ,director of the ,institute of ,education ,sciences1 shall contract with a third party to conduct an independent evaluation not later than ,september #cj1 #bjbf1 and preceded by interim reports1 of the policies and services provided under this subpart1 including at a minimum1 the impact of such policies and services on outcomes for all students and subgroups of students with regard to each of the following3 7#a7 ,enrollment in and completion of advanced coursework during high school1 including the number of courses students take and the number of credits students earn4 7#b7 ,postsecondary enrollment1 remediation1 first-year credit attainment1 and persistence4 7#c7 ,the rate at which credits transfer from advanced coursework in high school1 including dual or concurrent enrollment programs1 and public institutions of higher education and between such institutions4 7#d7 ,postsecondary degree attainment1 including completion of an associate's degree1 baccalaureate degree1 or recognized postsecondary credential1 and the time it takes students to earn a degree4 7#e7 ,the cost of a postsecondary degree1 by degree type1 for participating students in an early college fast track pathway or an early high school graduation fast track pathway4 #daf;,g4 ,supplement1 not supplant ,funds made available under this subpart shall be used to supplement1 and not supplant1 non-,federal funds that would otherwise be used for activities authorized under this subpart4 #daf;,h4 ,maintenance of effort 7a7 ,maintenance of effort required ,a ,state that receives assistance under this subpart shall provide for institutions of higher education and local educational agencies in such ,state for any academic year beginning on or after ,july #a1 #bjbj1 an amount that is equal to or greater than the average amount provided for advanced coursework by such ,state to such institutions of higher education and local educational agencies for advanced coursework during the #b most recent preceding academic years for which satisfactory data are available4 7b7 ,adjustments for biennial appropriations ,the ,secretary shall take into consideration any adjustments to the calculations under subsection 7a7 that may be required to accurately reflect funding levels in ,states with biennial appropriation cycles4 7c7 ,waiver ,the ,secretary may waive the requirements of subsection 7a7 for not more than #b consecutive years1 if the ,secretary determines that such a waiver would be equitable due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances1 such as a natural disaster or a precipitous and unforeseen decline in the financial resources of a ,state or ,state educational agency1 as appropriate4 7d7 ,violation of maintenance of effort ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary shall withhold from any ,state that violates subsection 7a7 and does not receive a waiver pursuant to subsection 7c7 any amount that would otherwise be available to the ,state under this subpart until such ,state has made significant efforts to correct such violation4 #daf;,i4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year #bjbj and each of the #d succeeding fiscal years4 4