Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 108 Part 1.djvu/270

 108 STAT. 244 PUBLIC LAW 103-227—MAR. 31, 1994 plish the purposes described in subparagraph (B) should be coordinated by the Assistant Secretary, to the extent practicable, so as to form a systematic process to accomplish such purposes. (D) Education research has the capacity to improve teaching and learning in our Nation's schools, however, teachers need training in the skills necessary to translate research into practice and to allow teachers to become knowledgeable practitioners and leaders in educational improvement. (E) Adequate linkages between research and development providers and practitioners are essential to ensuring that research on effective practice is useful, disseminated to and supported with technical assistance for all educators, and that all educators are partners in the research and development process. (2) PURPOSE. —The purpose of this section is to— (A) create a national system of dissemination, development, and educational improvement in order to create, adapt, identify, validate, and disseminate to educators, parents, and policymakers those educational programs that have potential or have been shown to improve educational opportunities for all students; and (B) empower and increase the capacity of teachers to participate in the research and development process. (3) DEFINITION OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM.—For the purposes of this section, the term ''educational program" includes educational policies, research findings, practices, and products, (b) ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE.— (1) IN GENERAL. — There is established within the Office an Office of Reform Assistance and Dissemination (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Dissemination Office") through which the Secretary shall carry out all functions and activities described in this section. Such office shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the Assistant Secretary and have demonstrated expertise and experience in dissemination, including promoting the effective use of research in the classroom. (2) CERTAIN DUTIES. —The Dissemination Office shall— (A) disseminate relevant and useful research, information, products, and publications developed through or supported by the Department of Education to schools, educators, parents, and policjnnakers throughout the United States; (B) operate a depository for all Department of Education publications and products and make available for reproduction such publications and products; (C) provide technical and financial assistance to individuals and organizations in the process of developing promising educational programs but who might not, without such assistance, be able to complete necessary development and assessment activities; (D) coordinate the dissemination efforts of the Office, the regional educational laboratories, the research institutes, the National Diffusion Network, and the Educational Resources Information Center Clearinghouses;

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