Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 115 Part 2.djvu/836

 115 STAT. 1820 PUBLIC LAW 107-110-^AN. 8, 2002 "(i) will provide technical and professional assistance to its local educational agency partners in the development and implementation of character education programs; and "(ii) will assist other interested local educational agencies that are not members of the original partnership in designing and establishing character education programs; "(F) describes how the eligible entity will evaluate the success of its program— "(i) based on the objectives described in subparagraph (A); and "(ii) in cooperation with any national evaluation conducted pursuant to subsection (h)(2)(B)(iii); and "(G) assures that the eligible entity annually will provide to the Secretary such information as may be required to determine the effectiveness of the program. "(f) SELECTION OF RECIPIENTS.— " (1) PEER REVIEW.— " (A) IN GENERAL.—In selecting eligible entities to receive grants under this section from among the applicants for such grants, the Secretary shall use a peer review process that includes the participation of experts in the field of character education and development. "(B) USE OF FUNDS. — The Secretary may use funds appropriated under this section for the cost of carrying out peer reviews under this paragraph. "(2) SELECTION CRITERIA.—Each selection under paragraph (1) shall be made on the basis of the quality of the application submitted, taking into consideration such factors as— "(A) the extent to which the program fosters character in students and the potential for improved student academic achievement; "(B) the extent and ongoing nature of parental, student, and community involvement; "(C) the quality of the plan for measuring and assessing success; and "(D) the likelihood that the objectives of the program will be achieved. "(3) EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION.— In making selections under this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure, to the extent practicable under paragraph (2), that the programs assisted under this section are equitably distributed among the geographic regions of the United States, and among urban, suburban, and rural areas. " (g) PARTICIPATION BY PRIVATE SCHOOL CHILDREN AND TEACHERS. —Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall provide, to the extent feasible and appropriate, for the participation in programs and activities under this section of students and teachers in private elementary schools and secondary schools. "(h) EVALUATION AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT.— " (1) STATE AND LOCAL REPORTING AND EVALUATION. —Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary a comprehensive evaluation of the program assisted under this section, including its impact on students.

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