H.R. 3250

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3250 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3250

To create a grant program to support the development of innovative 
learning models, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 7, 2025

Mr. Morelle introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
Committee on Education and Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To create a grant program to support the development of innovative 
learning models, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Developing and Advancing Innovative 
Learning Models''.

SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

The purposes of this Act are to--
(1) ensure that the Institute for Education Sciences--
(A) supports the sustained development to expand 
knowledge and understanding of innovative learning 
models;
(B) promotes the adoption and continued growth of 
innovative learning models;
(C) studies and conducts research on the impact of 
innovative learning models;
(D) collects, reports, analyzes, and disseminates 
data related to innovative learning model development, 
research, and implementation in the United States; and
(E) identifies and makes recommendations concerning 
Federal and State policies that may present barriers to 
the adoption and successful implementation of 
innovative learning models;
(2) invest in the development of innovative learning models 
and in the organizational capacity of innovative learning model 
providers; and
(3) support the adoption of innovative learning models by 
States, local school districts, schools, and school 
communities.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

For the purposes of this Act:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the 
Department of Education.
(2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of 
the Institute of Education Sciences.
(3) ESEA terms.--The terms ``elementary school'', ``high 
school'', ``local educational agency'', ``outlying area'', 
``poverty line'', ``secondary school'', ``State'', and ``State 
educational agency'' have the meanings given such terms in 
section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(4) Evidence-based.--The term ``evidence-based'', when used 
with respect to an innovative learning model, means an 
innovative learning model that--
(A) demonstrates a statistically significant effect 
on improving student outcomes or other relevant 
outcomes based on--
(i) strong evidence from at least 1 well-
designed and well-implemented experimental 
study;
(ii) moderate evidence from at least 1 
well-designed and well-implemented quasi-
experimental study; or
(iii) promising evidence from at least 1 
well-designed and well-implemented 
correlational study with statistical controls 
for selection bias;
(B) demonstrates a rationale based on high-quality 
research findings or positive evaluation that such 
innovative learning model--
(i) is likely to improve student outcomes 
or other relevant outcomes; and
(ii) includes ongoing efforts to examine 
the effects of such innovative learning model; 
or
(C) is consistent with theoretical and empirical 
findings from research and will continue to be 
reviewed.
(5) Innovative learning model.--The term ``innovative 
learning model'' means a comprehensive program which elementary 
schools, secondary schools, and high schools can adopt that--
(A) bundles together an interconnected set of 
tools, resources, systems, and instructional practices 
in order to shape student learning experiences toward 
clear objectives;
(B) integrates and includes--
(i) an instructional design that 
incorporates components such as content, 
assessment, research, and student engagement;
(ii) an aligned set of pedagogical 
practices that is sustainable for teachers;
(iii) an operational design that reimagines 
teacher workflow, the use of time, and 
classroom design; and
(iv) a technological design that includes 
the use of student-level data and relevant 
technological tools;
(C) is not simply a technological platform or point 
solutions;
(D) comprehensively integrates the concepts 
identified in subparagraph (B);
(E) is created and implemented with input from 
school communities; and
(F) may be designed as a model for the operation of 
an entire school or focus on a specific academic 
subject or function, such as social-emotional support.
(6) Innovative learning model provider.--The term 
``innovative learning model provider'' means an organization 
that--
(A) designs innovative learning models; and
(B) partners with schools and school communities to 
support the implementation of such models (directly or 
in collaboration with a third party), while sharing 
accountability for student outcomes as measured by the 
State in accordance with section 1111(c) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 6331(c)).

TITLE I--INVESTING IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH OF INNOVATIVE 
LEARNING MODELS

SEC. 101. PURPOSE.

The purpose of this title is to authorize a program of competitive 
grants that enable eligible entities to support the development and 
research of innovative learning models.

SEC. 102. GRANTS FOR INNOVATIVE LEARNING MODEL DEVELOPMENT AND 
RESEARCH.

(a) Grants Authorized.--
(1) Development grants.--
(A) In general.--From the amount reserved by the 
Director under section 104(c)(1), the Director shall 
award, on a competitive basis, grants to eligible 
entities having applications approved under subsection 
(c) to enable such entities to create, develop, 
implement, replicate, or take to scale entrepreneurial 
and evidence-based innovative learning models to 
improve student outcomes.
(B) Description of grants.--The grants described in 
subparagraph (A) shall include--
(i) early-phase grants to fund the 
development, implementation, and feasibility 
testing of an innovative learning model, which 
prior research, including research conducted 
under paragraph (1), suggests has promise, for 
the purpose of determining whether the 
innovative learning model can successfully 
improve student achievement or attainment when 
successfully implemented with fidelity;
(ii) mid-phase grants to fund 
implementation and a rigorous evaluation of an 
innovative learning model that has been 
successfully implemented under an early-phase 
grant described in clause (i) or other effort 
meeting similar criteria, for the purpose of 
measuring the model's impact and cost 
effectiveness, if possible, using existing 
administrative data; and
(iii) expansion grants to fund 
implementation and a rigorous replication 
evaluation of an innovative learning model that 
has been found to produce sizable, important 
impacts under a mid-phase grant described in 
clause (ii) or other effort meeting similar 
criteria, for the purposes of--
(I) determining whether such 
impacts can be successfully reproduced 
and sustained over time; and
(II) identifying the conditions, 
including subgroups of students (as 
described in section 1111(c) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), in which the 
program is most effective.
(2) Research grants.--From the amount reserved under 
section 104(c)(2), the Director shall award, on a competitive 
basis, grants to eligible entities to--
(A) conduct high-quality research on existing 
innovative learning models; or
(B) evaluate innovative learning models developed 
with grants awarded under paragraph (1).
(3) Priority.--In awarding development grants under this 
section, the Director shall prioritize eligible entities that 
propose early-phase projects under paragraph (1)(B)(i).
(4) Standards.--The Director shall ensure that activities 
supported with grants under this section--
(A) conform to high standards of quality, 
integrity, accuracy, validity, and reliability;
(B) maintain data privacy and security in a manner 
that is consistent with any relevant Federal law 
relating to privacy or data security; and
(C) are objective, secular, neutral and 
nonideological, and are free of partisan political 
influence or any implicit or explicit bias.
(5) Sufficient size and scope.--Each grant awarded under 
this section shall be of sufficient size and scope for the 
eligible entity to carry out the activities required for such 
grant.
(6) Duration.--Grants under this title may be awarded for 
not more than 6 years.
(b) Eligible Entity.--In this title, the term eligible entity means 
an innovative learning model provider, as defined in section 3.
(c) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
title, an eligible entity shall submit to the Director an application 
at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the 
Director may reasonably require.
(d) Peer Review.--The Director shall--
(1) implement a peer review process to assist the Director 
in the review of applications under this title and to make 
recommendations to the Director on awarding grants under this 
title;
(2) develop and maintain published peer review standards 
for the conduct and evaluation of all development and research 
carried out under this title; and
(3) ensure that the peer-review teams consist of 
practitioners and experts who are knowledgeable about 
innovative learning models, including--
(A) individuals with experience researching and 
developing innovative learning models for all types of 
students, including English learners, children with 
disabilities, and disadvantaged students; and
(B) individuals with experience implementing 
innovative learning models.
(e) Training Program.--From funds otherwise reserved for technical 
assistance under this title, the Director may establish a program to 
train employees of public and private educational agencies, 
organizations, and institutions, and may establish a fellowship program 
to appoint such employees as temporary fellows that may assist in 
carrying out this section.
(f) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Grant funds provided under this 
title shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other Federal or State 
funds made available to carry out activities described in this title.
(g) Rule of Construction.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, nothing in this title shall be construed as requiring an eligible 
entity who is awarded a grant under subsection (a) to measure or 
evaluate the impact or success of an innovative learning model through 
the use of a randomized control trial.

SEC. 103. REPORTING AND EVALUATION.

(a) Activities Summary.--Not later than two years after the date 
that an eligible entity receives a grant under this title, and on an 
annual basis thereafter, the eligible entity shall submit to the 
Director a summary of the activities assisted under the grant.
(b) Report.--The Director shall provide to Congress, and make 
publicly available, an annual report on the implementation of the 
program carried out under this title, including--
(1) information on eligible entities that received grant 
funds under this title, including--
(A) information provided by eligible entities to 
the Director in the applications submitted under 
section 103(c);
(B) the summaries received under subsection (a); 
and
(C) grant award amounts;
(2) student outcomes and other relevant impacts on 
students, including comprehensive learning growth, from schools 
that implement an innovative learning model that was developed 
or implemented under this title; or
(3) information and recommendations concerning any Federal 
policies that have been identified as presenting barriers to 
the adoption and implementation of innovative learning models.
(c) Evaluation.--From amounts reserved by the Director under 
section 104(b)(1), the Director shall--
(1) carry out an independent evaluation to measure the 
effectiveness of the program assisted under this title; and
(2) make the results of such evaluation publicly available.
(d) Availability.--The reports and evaluation provided under 
subsections (b) and (c) shall be made readily available to the public.
(e) Privacy Protections.--The reports and evaluation provided under 
subsections (b) and (c) shall not reveal personally identifiable 
information about any individual.

SEC. 104. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums 
as may be necessary to carry out this title in each of the fiscal years 
2026 through 2035.
(b) Reservations.--From the amounts appropriated under subsection 
(a) for such fiscal year, the Director may reserve--
(1) not more than 1 percent to conduct the evaluation 
required under section 204(c); and
(2) not more than 1 percent to--
(A) provide technical assistance for eligible 
entities, which may include pre-application workshops, 
web-based seminars, and evaluation support; and
(B) disseminate best practices concerning the 
successful development and implementation of innovative 
learning models.
(c) Funding Allotment.--From the amount made available under 
subsection (a) and not reserved under subsection (b) for a fiscal year, 
the Director shall--
(1) reserve not less than 93 percent to award grants to 
eligible entities under section 103(a)(1); and
(2) reserve not less than 5 percent to award grants to 
eligible entities under section 103(a)(2).

TITLE II--INVESTING IN THE EARLY ADOPTION OF INNOVATIVE LEARNING MODELS

SEC. 201. PURPOSE.

The purpose of this title is to provide grants to State educational 
agencies and to provide subgrants to local educational agencies to 
increase the adoption and expansion of innovative learning models in 
elementary and secondary schools.

SEC. 202. FORMULA GRANTS TO STATES.

(a) Reservation of Funds.--From the total amount appropriated under 
section 205 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve--
(1) one-half of 1 percent for allotments for the outlying 
areas, to be distributed among those outlying areas on the 
basis of their relative need, as determined by the Secretary, 
in accordance with the purpose of this title; and
(2) one-half of 1 percent for the Secretary of the Interior 
for programs under this part in schools operated or funded by 
the Bureau of Indian Education.
(b) State Allotments.--
(1) In general.--From funds made available under section 
205 for a fiscal year and not reserved under subsection (a), 
the Secretary shall allot to each State the sum of--
(A) an amount that bears the same relationship to 
20 percent of such funds for such fiscal year as the 
number of individuals aged 5 through 17 in the State, 
as determined by the Secretary on the basis of the most 
recent satisfactory data, bears to the number of such 
individuals in all such States, as so determined; and
(B) an amount that bears the same relationship to 
80 percent of such funds for such fiscal year as the 
number of individuals aged 5 through 17 from families 
with incomes below the poverty line in the State, as 
determined by the Secretary on the basis of the most 
recent satisfactory data, bears to the number of such 
individuals in all such States, as so determined.
(2) Exception.--No State receiving an allotment under 
paragraph (1) may receive less than one-half of 1 percent of 
the total amount appropriated under 205 after the reservations 
under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) for a fiscal 
year.
(3) Ratable reduction.--If the funds described in paragraph 
(1) are insufficient to pay the full amounts that all States 
are eligible to receive under paragraph (1) for any fiscal 
year, the Secretary shall ratably reduce such amounts for such 
fiscal year.
(4) Reallotment.--If a State does not receive an allotment, 
the Secretary shall reallot the amount of the allotment for 
such State to the remaining States in accordance with this 
subsection.
(c) State Plan.--
(1) In general.--In order to receive an allotment under 
this section for any fiscal year, a State shall submit a plan 
to the Secretary, at such time and in such manner as the 
Secretary may reasonably require.
(2) Contents.--Each plan described under paragraph (1) 
shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(A) A description of how the State educational 
agency will use funds received under this title for 
State-level activities.
(B) A description of how the activities carried out 
with funds under this title are expected to improve 
student achievement.
(C) A description of how the State educational 
agency will work with local educational agencies and 
the communities of such agencies to develop, adopt, and 
implement innovative learning models.
(D) Assurances that the State educational agency 
will--
(i) review existing resources and programs 
across the State and coordinate any new plans 
and resources under this title with such 
resources and programs;
(ii) monitor the implementation of 
activities under this title and provide 
technical assistance to local educational 
agencies in carrying out such activities; and
(iii) provide for equitable access for all 
students to the activities supported under this 
title, including compliance with the 
requirements of all applicable Federal civil 
rights laws.
(d) State Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (3), a 
State that receives an allotment under subsection (b) for a 
fiscal year shall reserve not less than 95 percent of such 
allotment to make subgrants to local educational agencies for 
such fiscal year, as described in section 203.
(2) State administration.--A State educational agency may 
use not more than 1 percent of the amount allotted to such 
State under subsection (b) for the administrative costs of 
carrying out such State educational agency's responsibilities 
under this title.
(3) State activities.--The State educational agency for a 
State that receives an allotment under subsection (b) may use 
funds not reserved under paragraphs (1) and (2) for activities 
and programs designed to meet the purposes of this title, which 
may include--
(A) providing monitoring of, and training, 
technical assistance, and capacity building to, local 
educational agencies that receive subgrants under 
section 203;
(B) identifying and eliminating State barriers to 
the development, implementation, and adoption of 
innovative learning models by local educational 
agencies and schools; and
(C) supporting local educational agencies in 
adopting and implementing innovative learning models in 
schools.
(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to authorize the Secretary or any other officer or employee 
of the Federal Government to--
(1) mandate, direct, or control the development, adoption, 
or implementation of any learning model by any State, local 
educational agency, or school; or
(2) influence or incentivize the receipt of any grant, 
contract, or cooperative agreement the receipt of any priority 
or preference under such grant, contract, or cooperative 
agreement upon a State, local educational agency, or school's 
adoption or implementation of any specific learning model, 
instructional content, curricula, or any program of 
instruction.
(f) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Grant funds provided under this 
section shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other Federal or 
State funds made available to carry out activities related to the 
activities described in this section.

SEC. 203. SUBGRANTS TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES.

(a) Allocation of Funds to Local Educational Agencies.--
(1) Allocation formula.--From funds reserved by a State 
under section 202(d)(1) for a fiscal year, the State 
educational agency shall allot to each of the eligible local 
educational agencies in the State for a fiscal year the sum 
of--
(A) an amount that bears the same relationship to 
20 percent of such funds for such fiscal year as the 
number of individuals aged 5 through 17 in the 
geographic area served by the local educational agency, 
as determined by the Secretary on the basis of the most 
recent satisfactory data, bears to the number of such 
individuals in the geographic areas served by all 
eligible local educational agencies in the State, as so 
determined; and
(B) an amount that bears the same relationship to 
80 percent of such funds for such fiscal year as the 
number of individuals aged 5 through 17 from families 
with incomes below the poverty line in the geographic 
area served by the local educational agency, as 
determined by the Secretary on the basis of the most 
recent satisfactory data, bears to the number of such 
individuals in the geographic areas served by all 
eligible local educational agencies in the State, as so 
determined.
(2) Minimum local educational agency allocation.--No 
allocation to a local educational agency under this subsection 
may be made in an amount that is less than $10,000.
(3) Ratable reduction.--If the amount reserved by the State 
under section 202(d)(1) is insufficient to make allocations to 
local educational agencies in an amount equal to the minimum 
allocation described in subsection (a)(3), such allocations 
shall be ratably reduced.
(4) Administrative costs.--From the amount allotted under 
paragraph (1), a local educational agency may reserve not more 
than 1 percent of such amount for the direct administrative 
costs of carrying out the local educational agency's 
responsibilities under this section.
(b) Local Applications.--
(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive an allotment 
under this subsection (a), a local educational agency shall 
submit an application to the State educational agency at such 
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the 
State educational agency may reasonably require.
(2) Contents of application.--Each application submitted 
under paragraph (1) shall include--
(A) a description of the activities to be carried 
out by the local educational agency under this section;
(B) a description of how the local educational 
agency will prioritize funds to schools served by the 
agency that are implementing comprehensive support and 
improvement activities and targeted support and 
improvement activities under section 1111(d) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 6311(d));
(C) a description of how the local educational 
agency will use data and ongoing consultation with 
experts and stakeholders to continually update and 
improve activities supported under this section;
(D) a description of how the local educational 
agency will meaningfully collaborate with teachers, 
principals, other school leaders, paraprofessionals 
(including organizations representing such 
individuals), and other relevant stakeholders in school 
communities; and
(E) any other information that the State 
educational agency may require.
(c) Local Uses of Funds.--
(1) In general.--A local educational agency that receives 
an allotment under subsection (a) shall develop, implement, 
select, and evaluate innovative learning models in schools 
served by such agency, which may be carried out--
(A) through a grant or contract with a for-profit 
or non-profit entity; or
(B) in partnership with an institution of higher 
education or an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization (as 
such terms are defined under section 4 of the Indian 
Self 7 Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 
U.S.C. 450b)).
(2) Types of activities.--The innovative learning models 
developed and implemented under this section shall be in 
accordance with the purpose of this title and shall address the 
learning needs of all students, including children with 
disabilities, English learners, gifted and talented students, 
and students who are otherwise at-risk.
(d) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Grant funds provided under this 
section shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other Federal or 
State funds available to carry out activities related to the activities 
described in this section.

SEC. 204. REPORTING AND EVALUATION.

(a) State and Local Reports.--
(1) State report.--Each State educational agency receiving 
funds under this title shall annually submit to the Secretary a 
report that provides--
(A) a description of how the State is using grant 
funds to meet the purpose of this title; and
(B) any other information that the Secretary 
determines are necessary and appropriate.
(2) Local educational agency report.--Each local 
educational agency receiving funds under this part shall 
annually submit to the appropriate State educational agency 
such information as the State may require, which shall include 
how the local educational agency is using grant funds to meet 
the purposes of this title.
(3) Availability.--The reports and information provided 
under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be made readily available to 
the public.
(4) Privacy protection.--The reports and evaluation 
provided under subsections (b) and (c) shall not reveal 
personally identifiable information about any individual.
(b) Secretary's Report.--The Secretary shall provide to Congress an 
annual report on the implementation of the program carried out under 
this title, including--
(1) information provided by States to the Secretary in the 
applications submitted under section 204(1);
(2) the amount allotted to each State and outlying area; 
and
(3) student academic and, as applicable, growth data from 
the schools participating in the programs supported under this 
title.
(c) Evaluation and Technical Assistance.--
(1) Reservation of funds.--Of the total amount made 
available for this title for a fiscal year, the Secretary may 
reserve for such fiscal year not more than 1 percent for the 
cost of the evaluation under paragraph (2) and for technical 
assistance in carrying out this title.
(2) Evaluation.--
(A) In general.--From amounts reserved under 
paragraph (1), the Secretary, acting through the 
Director, shall carry out an independent evaluation to 
measure the effectiveness of the program assisted under 
this title.
(B) Contents.--The evaluation under subparagraph 
(A) shall measure--
(i) the effectiveness of each program 
assisted under this title in improving student 
academic achievement and growth;
(ii) the effectiveness of individual 
learning models in improving student academic 
achievement and growth; and
(iii) any other information that the 
Director may require.

SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

For the purposes of carrying out this title, there are authorized 
to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this 
title in each fiscal years 2027 through 2036.
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