PUBLIC LAW 103-227—MAR. 31, 1994 108 STAT. 237 dents in successfully assimilating into the classroom environment; (xi) methods of assessing the achievement of students which are sensitive to cultural differences, provide multiple methods of assessing student learning, support student acquisition of higher order capabilities, and enable identification of the effects of inequalities in the resources available to support the learning of children throughout the United States; and (xii) other topics relevant to the purpose of the Institute; and (B) maximize the participation of those schools and institutions of higher education that serve the greatest number of at-risk students in inner city and rural areas, and on Indian reservations, including model collaborative programs between schools and school systems, institutions of higher education, cultural institutions, and community organizations. (3) CONSULTATION WITH INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE EDU- CATORS. —All research and development activities supported by the Institute which relate to the education of Indian and Alaska Native students shall be developed in close consultation with Indian and Alaska Native researchers and educators, Tribally Controlled Community Colleges, tribal departments of education, and others with expertise in the needs of Indian and Native Alaska students. (f) NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION.— (1) FINDINGS.— The Congress finds as follows: (A) Despite efforts to expand and improve preschool programs, many children still reach school age imprepared to benefit from formal education programs. (B) Early intervention for disadvantaged children from birth to age five has been shown to be a highly costeffective strategy for reducing later expenditures on a wide variety of health, developmental, and educational problems that often interfere with learning. Long-term studies of the benefits of preschool education have a demonstrated return on investment ranging from three to six dollars for every one dollar spent. (C) The Federal Government should play a central role in providing research-based information on early childhood education models which enhance children's development and ultimately their success in school. (2) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the National Institute on Early Childhood Development and Education is to carry out a comprehensive program of research and development to provide nonpartisan, research-based leadership to the United States as it seeks to improve early childhood development and education. Such program shall undertake research necessary to provide a sound basis from which to identify, develop, evaluate, and assist others to replicate methods and approaches that promise to improve early childhood development and education, such as— (A) social and educational development of infants, toddlers, and preschool children;
�
