The reauthorized Elementary and
Secondary Education Act (ESEA) places a major emphasis on teacher
quality as a significant factor in improving student achievement.
Under ESEA, Title II, Part A provides funds to states (SEAs) and
school districts (LEAs) to conduct a variety of teacher-related
reform activities. ESEA funds can be used for a variety of teacher
quality activities in any subject area. Although the majority of
funds are provided to LEAs, allowable SEA uses of funds include:
Reforming teacher and principal certification (including
recertification) and licensure to ensure that teachers have the
necessary subject-matter knowledge and teaching skills in the
subjects they teach; and providing support to teachers and
principals through programs such as teacher mentoring, team
teaching, reduced class schedules, intensive professional
development, and using standards or assessments to guide beginning
teachers; and carrying out programs to establish, expand, or
improve alternative routes for state certification for teachers and
principals (especially in mathematics and science) that will
encourage highly qualified individuals with at least a
baccalaureate degree; and developing and implementing effective
mechanisms that help LEAs and schools recruit and retain highly
qualified teachers, principals, and pupil services personnel; and
reforming tenure systems, implementing teacher testing for
subject-matter knowledge, and implementing teacher testing for
state certification or licensure, consistent with Title II of the
Higher Education Act.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.