124 STAT. 4229 PUBLIC LAW 111–383—JAN. 7, 2011 (2) in subsection (h), by striking ‘‘at the end of the three- year period beginning on the date on which funds are first obligated for the program’’ and inserting ‘‘on December 31, 2012’’. SEC. 585. REPORT ON MILITARY SPOUSE EDUCATION PROGRAMS. (a) REVIEW REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a review of all education programs of the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs designed to support spouses of members of the Armed Forces. (b) ELEMENTS OF REVIEW.—At a minimum, the review shall evaluate the following: (1) All education programs of the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs that are in place to advance educational opportunities for military spouses. (2) The efficacy and effectiveness of such education pro- grams. (3) The extent to which the availability of educational opportunities for military spouses influences the decisions of members to remain in the Armed Forces. (4) A comparison of the costs associated with providing military spouse education opportunities as an incentive to retain members rather than recruiting or training new mem- bers. (c) SUBMISSION OF RESULTS.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report con- taining— (1) the results of the review; and (2) such recommendations as the Secretary considers nec- essary for improving military spouse education programs. (d) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the review and preparing the report, the Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding education programs of Department of Veterans Affairs assisting spouses of members of the Armed Forces. SEC. 586. REPORT ON ENHANCING BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR MILI - TARY DEPENDENT CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS. (a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than September 30, 2011, the Secretary of the Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report describing the needs of military families with children with special education needs and evaluating options to enhance the benefits available to such families and children under the Individ- uals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) in meeting such needs. (b) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary of Defense shall prepare the report in consultation with the Secretary of Education. (c) ELEMENTS.—In preparing the report, the Secretary of Defense shall— (1) identify and assess obstacles faced by military families with children with special education needs in obtaining a free appropriate public education to address such needs; (2) identify and assess evidence-based research and best practices for providing special education and related services (as those terms are defined in section 602 of the Individuals
