PUBLIC LAW 107-279—NOV. 5, 2002 116 STAT. 1967 met and that the latest and best research and proven practices are being carried out as part of school improvement efforts. (5) STANDARDS.—The Evaluation and Regional Assistance Commissioner shall establish a system for technical and peer review to ensure that applied research activities, researchbased reports, and products of the regional educational laboratories are consistent with the research standards described in section 134 and the evaluation standards adhered to pursuant to section 173(a)(2)(A). (f) CENTRAL MISSION AND PRIMARY FUNCTION. — Each regional educational laboratory awarded a contract under this section shall support applied research, development, wide dissemination, and technical assistance activities by— (1) providing training (which may include supporting internships and fellowships and providing stipends) and technical assistance to State educational agencies, local educational agencies, school boards, schools funded by the Bureau as appropriate, and State boards of education regarding, at a minimum— (A) the administration and implementation of programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.); (B) scientifically valid research in education on teaching methods, assessment tools, and high quality, challenging curriculum frameworks for use by teachers and administrators in, at a minimum— (i) the core academic subjects of mathematics, science, and reading; (ii) English language acquisition; (iii) education technology; and (iv) the replication and adaption of exemplary and promising practices and new educational methods, including professional development strategies and the use of educational technology to improve teaching and learning; and (C) the facilitation of communication between educational experts, school officials, and teachers, parents, and librarians, to enable such individuals to assist schools to develop a plan to meet the State education goals; (2) developing and widely disseminating, including through Internet-based means, scientifically valid research, information, reports, and publications that are usable for improving academic achievement, closing achievement gaps, and encouraging and sustaining school improvement, to— (A) schools, districts, institutions of higher education, educators (including early childhood educators and librarians), parents, policymakers, and other constituencies, as appropriate, within the region in which the regional educational laboratory is located; and (B) the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance; (3) developing a plan for identifying and serving the needs of the region by conducting a continuing survey of the educational needs, strengths, and weaknesses within the region, including a process of open hearings to solicit the views of schools, teachers, administrators, parents, local educational
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