Directs the Secretary of Education to make program allotments to applicant State educational agencies (SEAs) according to a specified formula. Requires an SEA to reserve portions of its allotment to support programs to provide effective leadership and mentoring training to school administrators and teachers. Allows an SEA also to reserve portions of its allotment for technical assistance and information dissemination to schools and local educational agencies (LEAs) for: (1) professional development activities aligned with State standards for content, student performance, and teaching excellence; and (2) evaluation and administrative costs. Requires SEAs to allocate the remainder to eligible applicant LEAs.
Bases an LEA's eligibility for such allocations on its eligibility for assistance for basic LEA programs to help disadvantaged children meet high standards. Requires each recipient LEA to use its allocation to carry out specified types of professional development activities in the schools it serves that have the highest percentages of students living in poverty. Provides for continuation of funding under certain conditions.
Directs the Secretary to reserve a portion of funds under this Act for: (1) national evaluation; and (2) dissemination activities, including a national database or clearinghouse.