'*•;'* '-'.•5^«Mf*^-,'t PUBLIC LAW 103-382—OCT. 20, 1994 108 STAT. 4041 (D) design the methodology of the assessment, in consultation with appropriate technical experts, including the Advisory Council established under section 407; (E) develop guidelines for reporting and disseminating results; (F) develop standards and procedures for interstate, regional, and national comparisons; and (G) take appropriate actions needed to improve the form and use of the National Assessment. (2) DELEGATION. — The Board may delegate any of the Board's procedural and administrative functions to its staff. (3) COGNITIVE ITEMS.—The Board shall have final authority on the appropriateness of cognitive items. (4) PROHIBITION AGAINST BIAS.— The Board shall take steps to ensure that all items selected for use in the National Assessment are free from racial, cultural, gender, or regional bias. (5) TECHNICAL. —In carrying out the duties required by paragraph (1), the Board may seek technical advice, as appropriate, from the Commissioner and the Advisory Council on Education Statistics and other experts. (6) REPORT. —Not later than 90 days after an evaluation of the student performzmce levels under section 411(e), the Board shall make a report to the Secretary, the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate describing the steps the Board is taking to respond to each of the recommendations contained in such evaluation. (f) PERSONNEL. — (1) IN GENERAL.—In the exercise of its responsibilities, the Board shall be independent of the Secretary and the other offices and officers of the Department. (2) STAFF. — (A) The Secretary may appoint, at the request of the Board, such staff as will enable the Board to carry out its responsibilities. (B) Such appointments may include, for terms not to exceed three years ana without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, not more than six technical employees who may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates. (g) COORDINATION. — The Commissioner and the Board shall meet periodically— (1) to ensure coordination of their duties and activities relating to the National Assessment; and (2) for the Commissioner to report to the Board on the Reports. Department's actions to implement the decisions of the Board. (h) ADMINISTRATION.—Only sections 10, 11, and 12 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act shall apply with respect to the Board. SEC. 413. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 20 USC 9012. (a) IN GENERAL. —There are authorized to be appropriated $65,000,000 for fiscal year 1995 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the four succeeding fiscal years to carry out this title (other than sections 411 and 412). (b) NATIONAL ASSESSMENT. —There are authorized to be appropriated $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1995 and such sums as may
�
