 CHAPTER 70--STRENGTHENING AND IMPROVEMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY 
                                 SCHOOLS
 
  SUBCHAPTER XIII--SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE EDUCATION
 
 Part C--Eisenhower Regional Mathematics and Science Education Consortia
 
Sec. 8673. Application and review


(a) In general

    Each eligible entity desiring a grant or contract under this part 
shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such 
manner, and accompanied by such additional information as the Secretary 
may reasonably require. Each such application shall--
        (1) demonstrate that the eligible entity has demonstrated 
    expertise in the fields of mathematics and science education;
        (2) demonstrate that the eligible entity shall implement and 
    disseminate mathematics and science education instructional 
    materials, teaching methods, and assessment tools through a 
    consortium of the region's mathematics and science education 
    organizations and agencies;
        (3) demonstrate that the eligible entity shall carry out the 
    functions of the regional consortium;
        (4) demonstrate that emphasis will be given to programs and 
    activities designed to meet the needs of groups that are 
    underrepresented in, and underserved by, mathematics and science 
    education;
        (5) demonstrate that the business community in the region served 
    by the regional consortium will play an integral role in designing 
    and supporting the regional consortium's work;
        (6) demonstrate that the eligible entity will consider the 
    resources of telecommunications partnerships assisted under the Star 
    Schools Program Assistance Act (as such Act was in effect on the day 
    preceding October 20, 1994) in carrying out the provisions of this 
    part, where appropriate; and
        (7) assure that the entity will conduct its activities and 
    supervise its personnel in a manner that effectively ensures 
    compliance with the copyright laws of the United States under title 
    17.

(b) Approval of application

                           (1) In general

        The Secretary shall approve or disapprove applications submitted 
    pursuant to subsection (a) of this section in accordance with the 
    criteria and procedures established under paragraph (2).

                     (2) Procedures and criteria

        The Secretary shall develop procedures and criteria designed to 
    ensure that grants or contracts are competitively awarded on the 
    basis of merit determined under a peer review process.

                         (3) National panel

        (A) The Secretary, in consultation with the Director, shall 
    establish a national panel, or to the extent necessary, panels, to 
    submit to the Secretary recommendations for awards of grants or 
    contracts under this part. The Secretary shall appoint the members 
    of such panel or panels.
        (B) Each panel appointed under subparagraph (A) shall include 
    participation, to the extent feasible, from each region.

(Pub. L. 89-10, title XIII, Sec. 13303, as added Pub. L. 103-382, title 
I, Sec. 101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3884.)

                       References in Text

    The Star Schools Program Assistance Act (as such Act was in effect 
on the day preceding October 20, 1994), referred to in subsec. (a)(6), 
is title IX of Pub. L. 98-377, as added by Pub. L. 100-297, title II, 
Sec. 2302, Apr. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 320, as amended, which was 
classified generally to subchapter IX (Sec. 4081 et seq.) of chapter 52 
of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103-382, title III, Sec. 364, 
Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3975.

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in section 8675 of this title.
