STEM Innovation Networks Act of 2013

To authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants for the establishment of State Networks on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the STEM Innovation Networks Act of 2013 2. State Networks and Consortia on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM) Innovation Networks (a) In general From amounts made available to carry out this section, the Secretary of Education shall make grants to eligible networks to expand STEM education and STEM educator development. (b) Eligible network defined In this section, the term eligible network (1) may include the participation of State officials, local educational agencies, educators, administrators, afterschool providers, out of school time educators, parents, industry leaders, philanthropists, and representatives from the STEM communities in partnership with institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, other public agencies, and businesses; (2) aims to increase the number of students who are effectively prepared for postsecondary education and careers in STEM fields; (3) aims to increase student achievement and experiences in the STEM disciplines at the elementary schools and secondary schools in its State, and out of school programs and particularly for students with a high concentration of historically underrepresented students and at rural schools (within the meaning of part B of title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6201 et seq. (4) aims to increase the number of quality afterschool programs offering STEM learning opportunities, particularly for students from populations traditionally underrepresented in the STEM fields. (c) Eligible network application (1) In general An eligible network seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. (2) Matching requirement In order to receive a grant under this section, an eligible network shall agree to provide, either directly or through private contributions, non-Federal matching funds equal to not less than 30 percent of the amount of the grant. (d) Uses of funds Each eligible network receiving a grant under this section shall use the funds to carry out one or more of the following: (1) Testing, validating, sharing, and scaling up STEM education research, promising practices, and exemplary programs among members of the network and with other eligible networks receiving grants under this section. (2) Identifying points of weakness and strength among State STEM education efforts, prioritizing strategies for addressing problem areas, and communicating State needs to the Secretary. (3) Assisting in the implementation of rigorous career and college ready standards in STEM education for grades prekindergarten through grade 12 that reflect and take into consideration— (A) career and college ready standards in STEM disciplines; (B) established international standards and 21st century skills that include critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation; (C) the needs of English language learners and special education students; and (D) the need to increase STEM literacy of prekindergarten through grade 12 students. (4) Assisting the development of innovative STEM assessments that measure interest, engagement, and content proficiency. (5) Supporting the implementation of STEM assessments that measure career and college ready standards. (6) Promoting and developing rigorous undergraduate pre-service teacher programs in institutions of higher education that emphasize STEM content with emphasis on the elementary educator. (7) Promoting and developing curriculum tools and professional development for STEM educators both in school and out of school. (8) Developing STEM career pathways that reflect the projected STEM workforce needs of the 21st century that may include mentoring programs and STEM professional outreach. (9) Developing STEM-related education and workforce training programs in secondary schools and community colleges to reflect the needs of the local community. (10) Developing systems for the implementation of expanded learning opportunities on school sites to enhance STEM education inside and outside of the classroom. (11) Promoting, supporting, and designing programs that develop STEM content coaches and master educators in order to strengthen core competencies of the classroom practitioner. (e) Evaluation and report Not later than 2 years after receiving a grant under this section, each eligible network receiving such a grant shall— (1) conduct periodic independent evaluations, by grant or by contract, of the eligible network’s effectiveness at accomplishing the activities described in this section, which shall include an assessment of the impact of such activities on STEM teaching and learning; and (2) prepare and submit a report on the results of each evaluation described in paragraph (1) to the Secretary and make for dissemination to other STEM Networks. (f) Prohibitions In implementing this section, the Secretary may not— (1) endorse, approve, or sanction any STEM curriculum designed for use in any elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education; or (2) engage in oversight, technical assistance, or activities that will require the adoption of a specific STEM program or instructional materials by a State, local educational agency, or school. (g) Total amount of grants The total amount of grants made under this section in any fiscal year may not exceed $20,000,000. (h) Definitions In this section: (1) The terms elementary school local educational agency secondary school State educational agency (2) The term high concentration of low-income students 20 U.S.C. 6537 (3) The term institution of higher education 20 U.S.C. 1001 (4) The term Secretary (5) The term State (6) The term STEM (7) The term STEM education (8) The term 21st century readiness initiative (A) embeds core academic subjects with critical skills; and (B) is focused on ensuring that students are prepared for postsecondary education and careers, upon graduation from secondary school.

Summary: STEM Innovation Networks Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to state-based science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) networks or similar organizations of STEM stakeholders to expand STEM education and STEM educator development. Includes among grant uses: testing, sharing, and scaling up STEM education research, promising practices, and exemplary programs; identifying state STEM education weaknesses and prioritizing strategies to address them; implementing rigorous career and college ready standards in STEM education; developing and implementing innovative STEM assessments that measure student progress toward those career and college ready standards; promoting and developing pre- and in-service STEM teacher training; developing STEM career pathways and workforce education and training programs that reflect 21st century workforce needs; facilitating the implementation of expanded STEM learning opportunities on school sites; and promoting, supporting, and designing programs that develop STEM content coaches and master educators in order to strengthen core competencies of the classroom practitioner. Requires grantees to conduct periodic independent evaluations of their effectiveness in accomplishing those activities. Prohibits the Secretary from: (1) endorsing or approving any STEM curriculum designed for use in an elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education; or (2) requiring a state, local educational agency, or school to adopt a specific STEM program or instructional materials.