Community Partnerships in Education Act

Bill: 113-s-2968
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Introduced: 2014-12-02
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Academic performance and assessments

Adult education and literacy

Community life and organization

Education of the disadvantaged

Education programs funding

Elementary and secondary education

Employment and training programs

Higher education

Performance measurement

Public-private cooperation

Student aid and college costs

Student records

Vocational and technical education
Latest action: action_date: 2014-12-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Summaries:
action_date: 2014-12-02
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p>Community Partnerships in Education Act - Amends the school improvement program under part A of title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to:</p> <ul> <li>allow states and local educational agencies (LEAs) to measure students' attainment of 21st Century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration) in assessing students' progress toward state academic performance standards,</li> <li>require LEAs to describe the data-sharing agreements they have entered into with other agencies and organizations, and</li> <li>prioritize the provision of school improvement funds to LEAs with the lowest-achieving schools that demonstrate a commitment to involving community partners and intermediary organizations in school improvement efforts.</li> </ul> <p>Amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 to:</p> <ul> <li> allow states to measure students' attainment of 21st century skills in assessing the career and technical education programs funded under such Act,</li> <li>require states to include community partners and intermediary organizations in the development of their plans for career and technical education programs,</li> <li>require career and technical education providers to describe how they will involve such entities in their programs, and </li> <li>require those providers to develop and implement data-sharing agreements with other agencies and organizations.</li> </ul> <p>Amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to:</p> <ul> <li>require local workforce development boards to include representatives of community partners and intermediary organizations;</li> <li>require local workforce development plans to describe the data-sharing agreements that the local board has entered into with other agencies and organizations;</li> <li>allow state workforce development program performance indicators to include assessments of students' acquisition of 21st Century skills; </li> <li>include the development of 21st Century skills as an element of the youth workforce investment activities and adult and dislocated worker training services funded by local workforce development programs; and</li> <li>require states providing funding to adult education and literacy providers under the Act to consider the extent to which those providers coordinate their activities with other education, training, and social service resources in the community, including through data-sharing arrangements.</li> </ul> <p>Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to:</p> <ul> <li>require TRIO program providers to work, to the extent feasible, with community partners and intermediary organizations;</li> <li>require the Secretary of Education to encourage TRIO program providers to enter into data-sharing agreements with other agencies and organizations;</li> <li>require the Secretary to consider students' acquisition of 21st Century skills in assessing TRIO program effectiveness;</li> <li>include community partners and intermediary organizations in the partnerships for grants under the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate programs (GEAR UP);</li> <li>require GEAR UP providers, to the extent feasible, to enter into data-sharing agreements with other organizations or agencies; and</li> <li>include among GEAR UP activities those that improve the number of participating students who acquire 21st Century skills.</li> </ul> <p>Requires secondary and postsecondary high school equivalency programs and college assistance migrant programs to: (1) be implemented in partnership with community partners and with the involvement of intermediary organizations, and (2) include data-sharing agreements between program grantees and other organizations or agencies. Includes as part of the high school equivalency program activities that enable students to acquire 21st Century skills.</p>

tv_txt: II 113th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2968 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 2, 2014 Mr. Whitehouse introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions A BILL To include community partners and intermediaries in the planning and delivery of education and related programs, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Community Partnerships in Education Act . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Title I—Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Sec. 101. State plans. Sec. 102. Local educational agency plans. Sec. 103. Schoolwide programs. Sec. 104. Targeted assistance schools. Sec. 105. Academic assessment and local educational agency and school improvement. Sec. 106. School improvement grants. Sec. 107. Evaluations. Sec. 108. Definitions. Title II—Amendments to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 Sec. 201. Definitions. Sec. 202. Attainment of 21st century skills. Sec. 203. Inclusion of community partners and intermediary organizations in State and local plans. Sec. 204. Evaluations. Title III—Amendments to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Sec. 301. Definitions. Sec. 302. Inclusion of community partners and intermediary organizations in local workforce development boards and activities. Sec. 303. Inclusion of community partners and intermediary organizations in adult education and literacy programs. Sec. 304. Effective date. Title IV—Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 Sec. 401. Definitions. Sec. 402. TRIO programs. Sec. 403. GEAR UP. Sec. 404. Maintenance and expansion of existing programs. I Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 101. School improvement grants Section 1003(g)(6) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6303(g)(6) ) is amended— (1) by striking and at the end of subparagraph (A); (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B) and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (C) a commitment to carry out school and local educational agency improvement— (i) in partnership with one or more community partners, including through joint planning and implementation, shared professional development designed to improve the effectiveness of school and community partner staff, development and implementation of shared data systems that support program improvement and the improvement of program outcomes, and the alignment and coordination of local educational agency, school, and community partner goals, activities, and training; and (ii) with the involvement of one or more intermediary organizations that will assist the agency and its schools by training staff, providing technical assistance that is designed to ensure continuous improvement, helping to ensure accountability for results, and helping to ensure that program funds flow quickly and effectively to effective service providers and activities. . 102. State plans Section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6311 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(2)(C)(vii)— (A) by striking and changes in and inserting changes in ; and (B) by inserting before the period at the end the following: , and measures of the attainment of 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration) ; (2) in subsection (b)(2)(D)(i), by inserting , and aligned with the program the State will carry out with funds received under this part after if any ; and (3) in subsection (h)(1)(C)— (A) by striking and at the end of clause (vii); (B) by striking the period at the end of clause (viii) and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (ix) information on student attainment of 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration). . 103. Local educational agency plans Section 1112(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6312(b)(1) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting , such as measures of the attainment of 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration), after any other indicators ; (2) in subparagraph (P), by striking and at the end; (3) in subparagraph (Q), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (R) a description of the data-sharing agreement or agreements that the local educational agency has entered into with other agencies and organizations so as to provide for shared access to information on student progress and success (consistent with the requirements of subpart 4 of part C of the General Education Provisions Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1232f et seq. )), integrated planning and joint review of the data, and coordinated adjustments in strategies for programs carried out with funds received under this part and activities in response to changes in student needs or to new challenges; (S) a description of how the local educational agency will carry out programs with funds received under this part in partnership with one or more community partners, including through joint planning and implementation, shared professional development designed to improve the effectiveness of school and community partner staff, development and implementation of shared data systems that support the improvement of such programs and the improvement of the outcomes of such programs, and the alignment and coordination of local educational agency, school, and community partner goals, activities, and training; and (T) a description of how the local educational will carry out programs with funds received under this part with the involvement of one or more intermediary organizations that will assist the agency and its schools by training staff, providing technical assistance that is designed to ensure continuous improvement, helping to ensure accountability for results, and helping to ensure that such funds flow quickly and effectively to effective service providers and activities. . 104. Schoolwide programs Section 1114(b)(1)(J) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6314(b)(1)(J)) is amended by inserting , with the assistance of one or more intermediary organizations described in section 1112(b)(1)(T), after Coordination and integration . 105. Targeted assistance schools Section 1115(c)(1)(H) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6315(c)(1)(H)) is amended by inserting , with the assistance of one or more intermediary organizations described in section 1112(b)(1)(T), after coordinate and integrate . 106. Academic assessment and local educational agency and school improvement Section 1116 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6316 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by inserting , such as measures of the attainment of 21st century skills, after section 1121(b)(1)(A) and (B) ; (2) in subsection (b)(3)(A)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting community partners and intermediary organizations described in section 1112(b)(1)(S) and (T), after the local educational agency serving the school, ; and (B) in clause (vii)— (i) by striking and the State educational agency and inserting the State educational agency ; and (ii) by inserting and community partners and intermediary organizations described in section 1112(b)(1)(S) and (T), after under the plan ; and (3) in subsection (c)(7)(A)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting community partners or intermediary organizations as described in section 1112(b)(1)(S) and (T), after school staff, ; and (B) in clause (vii), by striking and the local educational agency and inserting , the local educational agency, and community partners and intermediary organizations as described in section 1112(b)(1)(S) and (T) . 107. Evaluations Section 1501(a)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6491(a)(2) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraph (O) as subparagraph (Q); and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (N) the following: (O) Whether and how local educational agencies are involving community partners and intermediary organizations in their activities carried out under section 1003(g) and part A, and the impact of that involvement. (P) The implementation of the data-sharing agreements entered into under section 1112(b)(1)(E), and the impact of that implementation. . 108. Definitions Section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (24), and paragraphs (25) through (43), as paragraphs (8) through (25) and paragraphs (27) through (45), respectively; (2) by inserting after paragraph (6), the following: (7) Community partner The term community partner means a nonprofit or public organization that has expertise in the planning and delivery of education and related programs, in forging coordination and cooperation between educators and other members of the community, or in training educators and others that deliver educational services. ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (25), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following: (26) Intermediary Organization The term intermediary organization means a nonprofit organization that has expertise in training, forging public-private partnerships, systems development, capacity-building, improving scalability, evaluation, and the effective use of data to improve the progress of students, schools and other educational institutions, and education programs. . II Amendments to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 201. Definitions Section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 ( 20 U.S.C. 2302 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (9) through (18) and paragraphs (19) through (34) as paragraphs (10) through (19) and paragraphs (21) through (36), respectively; (2) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following new paragraph: (9) Community partner The term community partner means a nonprofit organization that has expertise in the planning and delivery of education and related programs, in forging coordination and cooperation between educators and other members of the community, in training educators and others who deliver educational services, or in development and implementation of data systems that measure the progress of students, schools and institutions of higher education, and programs. ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (19), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following: (20) Intermediary organization The term intermediary organization means a nonprofit organization that has expertise in training, forging public-private partnerships, systems development, capacity-building, improving scalability, and evaluation. . 202. Attainment of 21st century skills Section 113 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 ( 29 U.S.C. 2323 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting attainment of 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration) and after such as ; and (B) in paragraph (4)(C)(ii)— (i) in subclause (I), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (ii) in subclause (II), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (III) describe the progress of career and technical education students served by the eligible recipient in attaining 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration). ; and (2) in subsection (c)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (C) describe the progress of career and technical education students in the State in attaining 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration). . 203. Evaluations Section 114(d)(2)(B) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 ( 29 U.S.C. 2324 ) is amended— (1) in clause (vi), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in clause (vii), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by inserting after clause (vii) the following: (viii) whether and how eligible recipients are involving community partners and intermediary organizations in their activities carried out under part C, and the impact of that involvement; and (ix) the implementation of the data-sharing agreements entered into under section 135(b)(10), and the impact of that implementation. . 204. Inclusion of community partners and intermediary organizations in State and local plans (a) State plan Section 122 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (29 U.S.C. 2342) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(1)(A)(ix) by striking including parent and community organizations and inserting including parent and intermediary organizations and community partners ; (2) in subsection (c)(1)(A)— (A) in clause (iii), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in clause (iv), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by inserting after clause (iv) the following: (v) are carried out in partnership with one or more community partners, including through joint planning and implementation, shared professional development designed to improve the effectiveness of eligible recipient and community partner staff, development and implementation of shared data systems that support program improvement and the improvement of program outcomes, and the alignment and coordination of eligible recipient and community partner goals, activities, and training; and (vi) are carried out with the involvement of one or more intermediary organizations that will assist the eligible applicants by training staff, providing technical assistance that is designed to ensure continuous improvement, helping to ensure accountability for results, and helping to ensure that program funds flow quickly and effectively to effective service providers and activities. ; and (3) in subsection (c)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (F), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (G), by inserting ; and at the end; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following: (H) may be provided by a community partner or an intermediary organization; . (b) Local plan Section 134(b) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (29 U.S.C. 2354(b)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (5), by inserting community partners and intermediary organizations, after labor organizations, ; (2) in paragraph (11), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (3) in paragraph (12)(B), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following: (13) describe the data-sharing agreement or agreements that the eligible recipient agency has entered into with other agencies and organizations so as to provide for shared access to information on student progress and success (consistent with the requirements of subpart 4 of part C of the General Education Provisions Act), integrated planning and joint review of the data, and coordinated adjustments in program strategies and activities in response to changes in student needs or to new challenges; (14) describe how the eligible recipient will carry out its program under this part in partnership with one or more community partners, including through joint planning and implementation, shared professional development designed to improve the effectiveness of eligible recipient and community partner staff, development and implementation of shared data systems that support program improvement and the improvement of program outcomes, and the alignment and coordination of eligible recipient and community partner goals, activities, and training; and (15) describe how the eligible recipient will carry out its program under this part with the involvement of one or more intermediary organizations that will assist the eligible entity by training staff, providing technical assistance that is designed to ensure continuous improvement, helping to ensure accountability for results, and helping to ensure that program funds flow quickly and effectively to effective service providers and activities. . (c) Local use of funds Section 135(b) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (29 U.S.C. 2355(b)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (5), by striking development program that and inserting development programs, which may be provided by community partners or intermediary organizations, that ; (2) in paragraph (8), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (3) in paragraph (9), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following: (10) develop and implement data-sharing agreements between the eligible recipient and other agencies and organizations that provide for shared access to information on student progress and success (consistent with the requirements of subpart 4 of part C of the General Education Provisions Act), integrated planning and joint review of the data, and coordinated adjustments in program strategies and activities in response to changes in student needs or to new challenges. . III Amendments to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 301. Definitions Section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3102 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (29) and paragraphs (30) through (71) as paragraphs (12) through (30) and paragraphs (32) through (73), respectively; (2) by inserting after paragraph (10) the following new paragraph: (11) Community partner Except as otherwise specified in section 203, the term community partner means a nonprofit or public organization that has expertise in the planning and delivery of workforce development and related programs, in forging coordination and cooperation between workforce development service providers and other members of the community, or in training service providers. ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (30), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following: (31) Intermediary organization Except as otherwise specified in section 203, the term intermediary organization means a nonprofit organization that has expertise in training, forging public-private partnerships, systems development, capacity-building, improving scalability, evaluation, and development and implementation of data systems that measure the progress of program participants and programs. . 302. Inclusion of community partners and intermediary organizations in local workforce development boards and activities (a) Local workforce development boards Section 107(b)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3122(b)(2) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F); (2) in subparagraph (D)(v), by striking and at the end; and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (D), the following: (E) each local board shall include representatives of community partners and intermediary organizations; and . (b) Local plans Section 108(b) of such Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3123(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (22) as paragraph (23); (2) in paragraph (21), by striking and at the end; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (21), the following new paragraph: (22) a description of the data-sharing agreement or agreements that the local board has entered into with other agencies and organizations so as to provide for shared access to information on participant progress and success (consistent, as applicable, with the requirements of subpart 4 of part C of the General Education Provisions Act), integrated planning and joint review of the data, and coordinated adjustments in program strategies and activities in response to changes in student needs or to new challenges; and . (c) Performance indicators and information Section 116 of such Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3141 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by inserting before the period the following: , including the acquisition of 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration) by program participants ; and (2) in subsection (d)(3)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: (D) at the discretion of the Governor, information on program participants’ development of 21st century skills. . (d) Youth activities Section 129(c) of such Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3164(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration), after basic skills, ; and (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) in subparagraph (M), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (N), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (N) the following: (O) development of 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration). . (e) Adult and dislocated worker activities Section 134(c)(3)(D) of such Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3)(D) ) is amended— (1) in clause (x), by striking and at the end; (2) in clause (xi), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (3) by inserting after clause (xi) the following new clause: (xii) development of 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration). . (f) Evaluations Section 169(a)(2) of such Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3224(a)(2) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting and 21st century skills after employment competencies ; (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking and at the end; (3) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as subparagraph (I); and (4) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following new subparagraphs: (G) whether and how providers of services under chapters 2 and 3 of subtitle A involve community partners and intermediary organizations in their delivery of services, and the impact of that involvement; (H) the implementation of the data-sharing agreements entered into pursuant to section 108(b)(22), and the impact of that implementation; and . 303. Inclusion of community partners and intermediary organizations in adult education and literacy programs (a) Definitions Section 203 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3272 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (12) and paragraphs (13) through (17) as paragraphs (4) through (13) and paragraphs (15) through (19), respectively; (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: (3) Community partner The term community partner means a nonprofit or public organization that has expertise in the planning and delivery of education and related programs, in forging coordination and cooperation between educators and other members of the community, or in training educators and others who deliver educational services. ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (13), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following: (14) Intermediary organization The term intermediary organization means a nonprofit organization that has expertise in training, forging public-private partnerships, systems development, capacity-building, improving scalability, evaluation, and development and implementation of data systems that measure the progress of students, schools, and other educational institutions and programs. . (b) Grants and contracts for eligible providers Section 231(e)(10) of such Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3321(e)(10) ) is amended— (1) by inserting and data-sharing arrangements (designed to provide for shared access to information on student progress (consistent with the requirements of subpart 4 of part C of the General Education Provisions Act), integrated planning, and coordinated adjustments in program strategies and activities in response to changes in student needs or to new challenges) after strong links ; (2) by inserting community partners, intermediary organizations, after postsecondary educational institutions, ; and (3) by striking nonprofit organizations, and intermediaries and inserting and nonprofit organizations . (c) Local plan Section 232(2) of such Act is amended by inserting and data-sharing agreements after cooperative agreements . 304. Effective date The amendments made by this title shall take effect as if enacted as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq. ). IV Amendments to Higher Education Act of 1965 401. Definitions Section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1003 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (10) and paragraphs (11) through (24) as paragraphs (4) through (11) and paragraphs (13) through (25), respectively; (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Community Partner The term community partner means a nonprofit or public organization that has expertise in the planning and delivery of education and related programs, in forging coordination and cooperation between educators and educational institutions with other members of the community, or in training educators and other deliverers of educational services. ; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (11), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following: (12) Intermediary Organization The term intermediary organization means a nonprofit organization that has expertise in training, forging public-private partnerships, systems development, capacity-building, improving scalability, evaluation, and development and implementation of data systems that measure the progress of students, schools and other educational institutions, and programs. . 402. TRIO programs Section 402A of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070a–11 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(1)— (A) by striking For the purposes described and inserting the following: (A) In general For the purposes described ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (B) Community partners and intermediary organizations An eligible entity described in subparagraph (A) of a grant or contract under this chapter shall, to the extent feasible, carry out the grant or contract— (i) with one or more community partners, including through joint planning and implementation, shared professional development designed to improve the effectiveness of such eligible entity and community partner staff, development and implementation of shared data systems that support the improvement of the operations and outcomes of the program carried out with such grant or contract, and the alignment and coordination of such eligible entity and community partner goals, activities, and training; and (ii) with the involvement of one or more intermediary organizations that will assist such eligible entity by training staff, providing technical assistance that is designed to ensure continuous improvement, helping to ensure accountability for results, and helping to ensure that the grant or contract funds flow quickly and effectively to effective service providers and activities. ; (2) in subsection (c)(6), by adding at the end the following: The Secretary shall also encourage recipients of grants and contracts under this chapter to enter into data-sharing agreements with other agencies and organizations so as to provide for shared access to information on student progress and success (consistent with the requirements of subpart 4 of part C of the General Education Provisions Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1232f et seq. )), integrated planning and review of the data, and coordinated adjustments in program strategies and activities in response to changes in student needs or to new challenges. ; and (3) in subsection (f)(3)— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi), as clauses (vi) and (vii), respectively; and (ii) by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clause: (v) student acquisition of 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration); ; and (B) in subparagraph (B)— (i) by redesignating clauses (v), (vi), and (vii), as clauses (vi), (vii), and (viii), respectively; and (ii) by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clause: (v) student acquisition of 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and collaboration); . 403. GEAR UP (a) Definition of eligible entity Section 404A(c)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070a–21(c)(2) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking and at the end of clause (i); and (B) by adding at the end the following: (iii) one or more community partners; and ; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting intermediary organizations, after subpart 4, . (b) Requirements Section 404B(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070a–22(b) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; (2) by striking Each eligible entity and inserting the following: (1) In general Each eligible entity ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (2) Data sharing Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this chapter shall, to the extent feasible, enter into data-sharing agreements with other organizations or agencies so as to provide for shared access to information on student progress and success (consistent with the requirements of subpart 4 of part C of the General Education Provisions Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1232f et seq. )), integrated planning and joint review of the data, and coordinated adjustments in program strategies and activities in response to changes in student needs or to new challenges. . (c) Applications Section 404C(a)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070a–23(a)(2) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (I), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (J), by striking the period and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (K) describe, in the case of an eligible entity described in section 404A(c)(2), how the entities included in the partnership will engage in— (i) joint planning and implementation; (ii) shared professional development designed to improve the effectiveness of school, community partner, and other staff; (iii) development and implementation of shared data systems that support program improvement and the improvement of program outcomes; and (iv) the alignment and coordination of local educational agency, school, community partner, and other partnership members’ goals, activities, and training. . (4) Activities Section 404D(a)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070a–24(a)(3) ) is amended— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (C) at the discretion of the eligible entity, acquire 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration). . 404. Maintenance and expansion of existing programs (a) Program authority Section 418A(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070d–2(a) ) is amended— (1) by striking The Secretary shall and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary shall ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) Community partners and intermediary organizations Each such program shall be implemented— (A) in partnership with one or more community partners, including through joint planning and implementation, shared professional development designed to improve the effectiveness of, as applicable, school, institution of higher education, nonprofit organization, and community partner staff, development and implementation of shared data systems that support program improvement and the improvement of program outcomes, and the alignment and coordination of, as applicable, school, institution of higher education, nonprofit organization, and community partner goals, activities, and training; and (B) with the involvement of one or more intermediary organizations that assist the grantee by training staff, providing technical assistance that is designed to ensure continuous improvement, helping to ensure accountability for results, and helping to ensure that program funds flow quickly and effectively to effective service providers and activities. (3) Data sharing Each such program shall include the implementation of one or more data-sharing agreements between the grantee and other organizations or agencies that provide for shared access to information on student progress and success (consistent with the requirements of subpart 4 of part C of the General Education Provisions Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1232f et seq. )), integrated planning and joint review of the data, and coordinated adjustments in program strategies and activities in response to changes in student needs or to new challenges. . (b) Services provided Section 418A(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1070d–2(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (8), by striking and at the end; (2) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following: (9) activities designed to ensure that participants acquire 21st century skills (such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration); and .