124 STAT. 3994 PUBLIC LAW 111–358—JAN. 4, 2011 (B) are aligned with national science education stand- ards; (C) promote the adoption and implementation of high- quality education practices that build toward college and career-readiness; and (5) to create and support opportunities for enhanced and ongoing professional development for teachers using best prac- tices that improve the STEM content and knowledge of the teachers, including through programs linking STEM teachers with STEM educators at the higher education level. SEC. 203. ASSESSMENT OF IMPEDIMENTS TO SPACE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR MINORITY AND UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS AT NASA. (a) ASSESSMENT.—The Administrator shall enter into an arrangement for an independent assessment of any impediments to space science and engineering workforce development for minority and underrepresented groups at NASA, including rec- ommendations on— (1) measures to address such impediments; (2) opportunities for augmenting the impact of space science and engineering workforce development activities and for expanding proven, effective programs; and (3) best practices and lessons learned, as identified through the assessment, to help maximize the effectiveness of existing and future programs to increase the participation of minority and underrepresented groups in the space science and engineering workforce at NASA. (b) REPORT.—A report on the assessment carried out under subsection (a) shall be transmitted to the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation not later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this Act. (c) IMPLEMENTATION.—To the extent practicable, the Adminis- trator shall take all necessary steps to address any impediments identified in the assessment. SEC. 204. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION’S CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS ENHANCEMENT. (a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of the Congress that the International Space Station represents a valuable and unique national asset which can be utilized to increase educational opportunities and scientific and technological innovation which will enhance the Nation’s economic security and competitiveness in the global technology fields of endeavor. If the period for active utiliza- tion of the International Space Station is extended to at least the year 2020, the potential for such opportunities and innovation would be increased. Efforts should be made to fully realize that potential. (b) EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT OF NASA’S INTERAGENCY CONTRIBUTION.—Pursuant to the authority provided in title II of the America COMPETES Act (Public Law 110–69), the Adminis- trator shall evaluate and, where possible, expand efforts to maxi- mize NASA’s contribution to interagency efforts to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education capabilities, and to enhance the Nation’s technological excellence and global 51 USC 20303 note. Contracts. 51 USC 30501 note prec.
