20 U.S.C. § 1003 | Additional definitions

In this chapter:

(1)

Authorizing committees

The term “authorizing committees” means the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives.

(2)

Combination of institutions of higher education

The term “combination of institutions of higher education” means a group of institutions of higher education that have entered into a cooperative arrangement for the purpose of carrying out a common objective, or a public or private nonprofit agency, organization, or institution designated or created by a group of institutions of higher education for the purpose of carrying out a common objective on the group’s behalf.

(3)

Critical foreign language

August 2, 1985Except as otherwise provided, the term “critical foreign language” means each of the languages contained in the list of critical languages designated by the Secretary in the Federal Register on (50 Fed. Reg. 31412; promulgated under the authority of section 212(d) of the Education for Economic Security Act (repealed by section 2303 of the Augustus F. Hawkins-Robert T. Stafford Elementary and Secondary School Improvement Amendments of 1988)), as updated by the Secretary from time to time and published in the Federal Register, except that in the implementation of this definition with respect to a specific title, the Secretary may set priorities according to the purposes of such title and the national security, economic competitiveness, and educational needs of the United States.

(4)

Department

The term “Department” means the Department of Education.

(5)

Diploma mill

The term “diploma mill” means an entity that—

(A)

(i)

offers, for a fee, degrees, diplomas, or certificates, that may be used to represent to the general public that the individual possessing such a degree, diploma, or certificate has completed a program of postsecondary education or training; and

(ii)

requires such individual to complete little or no education or coursework to obtain such degree, diploma, or certificate; and

(B)

section 1002 of this title lacks accreditation by an accrediting agency or association that is recognized as an accrediting agency or association of institutions of higher education (as such term is defined in ) by—

(i)

the Secretary pursuant to subpart 2 of part H of subchapter IV; or

(ii)

a Federal agency, State government, or other organization or association that recognizes accrediting agencies or associations.

(6)

Disability

section 12102(2) of title 42The term “disability” has the same meaning given that term under .

(7)

Distance education

(A)

In general

Except as otherwise provided, the term “distance education” means education that uses one or more of the technologies described in subparagraph (B)—

(i)

to deliver instruction to students who are separated from the instructor; and

(ii)

to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor, synchronously or asynchronously.

(B)

Inclusions

For the purposes of subparagraph (A), the technologies used may include—

(i)

the Internet;

(ii)

one-way and two-way transmissions through open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, or wireless communications devices;

(iii)

audio conferencing; or

(iv)

video cassettes, DVDs, and CD–ROMs, if the cassettes, DVDs, or CD–ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with any of the technologies listed in clauses (i) through (iii).

(8)

Early childhood education program

The term “early childhood education program” means—

(A)

42 U.S.C. 9831 a Head Start program or an Early Head Start program carried out under the Head Start Act ( et seq.), including a migrant or seasonal Head Start program, an Indian Head Start program, or a Head Start program or an Early Head Start program that also receives State funding;

(B)

a State licensed or regulated child care program; or

(C)

a program that—

(i)

serves children from birth through age six that addresses the children’s cognitive (including language, early literacy, and early mathematics), social, emotional, and physical development; and

(ii)

is—

(I)

a State prekindergarten program;

(II)

20 U.S.C. 1419 20 U.S.C. 1431 a program authorized under section 619 [] or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [ et seq.]; or

(III)

a program operated by a local educational agency.

(9)

Elementary school

section 7801 of this titleThe term “elementary school” has the same meaning given that term under .

(10)

Gifted and talented

section 7801 of this titleThe term “gifted and talented” has the same meaning given that term under .

(11)

Local educational agency

section 7801 of this titleThe term “local educational agency” has the same meaning given that term under .

(12)

New borrower

The term “new borrower” when used with respect to any date means an individual who on that date has no outstanding balance of principal or interest owing on any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under subchapter IV.

(13)

Nonprofit

The term “nonprofit” as applied to a school, agency, organization, or institution means a school, agency, organization, or institution owned and operated by one or more nonprofit corporations or associations, no part of the net earnings of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

(14)

Poverty line

section 9902(2) of title 42The term “poverty line” means the poverty line (as defined in ) applicable to a family of the size involved.

(15)

School or department of divinity

The term “school or department of divinity” means an institution, or a department or a branch of an institution, the program of instruction of which is designed for the education of students—

(A)

to prepare the students to become ministers of religion or to enter upon some other religious vocation (or to provide continuing training for any such vocation); or

(B)

to prepare the students to teach theological subjects.

(16)

Secondary school

section 7801 of this titleThe term “secondary school” has the same meaning given that term under .

(17)

Secretary

The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Education.

(18)

Service-learning

1 See References in Text note below.

The term “service-learning” has the same meaning given that term under section 12511(23)  of title 42.

(19)

Special education teacher

The term “special education teacher” means teachers who teach children with disabilities as defined in section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(20)

State educational agency

section 7801 of this titleThe term “State educational agency” has the same meaning given that term under .

(21)

State; Freely Associated States

(A)

State

The term “State” includes, in addition to the several States of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Freely Associated States.

(B)

Freely Associated States

The term “Freely Associated States” means the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

(22)

State higher education agency

The term “State higher education agency” means the officer or agency primarily responsible for the State supervision of higher education.

(23)

Universal design

section 3002 of title 29The term “universal design” has the meaning given the term in .

(24)

Universal design for learning

The term “universal design for learning” means a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that—

(A)

provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged; and

(B)

reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient.

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 103 Pub. L. 105–244, title I, § 101(a)Oct. 7, 1998112 Stat. 1589 Pub. L. 107–110, title X, § 1076(g)Jan. 8, 2002115 Stat. 2091 Pub. L. 110–315, title I, § 103(a)Aug. 14, 2008122 Stat. 3086 Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, § 9215ooDec. 10, 2015129 Stat. 2177(, as added , , ; amended , , ; , , ; ()(1), , .)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

section 212(d) of title II of Pub. L. 98–377Aug. 11, 198498 Stat. 1282 section 3972(d) of this title Pub. L. 100–297, title II, § 2303Apr. 28, 1988102 Stat. 324Section 212(d) of the Education for Economic Security Act, referred to in par. (3), is , , , which was classified to , prior to repeal by , , .

Pub. L. 97–35Aug. 13, 198195 Stat. 499 section 9801 of Title 42The Head Start Act, referred to in par. (8)(A), is subchapter B (§ 635 et seq.) of chapter 8 of subtitle A of title VI of , , , which is classified generally to subchapter II (§ 9831 et seq.) of chapter 105 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under and Tables.

Pub. L. 91–230Apr. 13, 197084 Stat. 175 section 1400 of this titleThe Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in par. (8)(C)(ii)(II), is title VI of , , . Part C of the Act is classified generally to subchapter III (§ 1431 et seq.) of chapter 33 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see and Tables.

Section 12511(23) of title 42 Pub. L. 111–13, title I, § 1102(b)(1)Apr. 21, 2009123 Stat. 1467, referred to in par. (18), was redesignated section 12511(40) by , , .

Prior Provisions

section 1141(b) of this title Pub. L. 105–244Provisions similar to this section were contained in prior to repeal by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 103 Pub. L. 102–325, title I, § 101July 23, 1992106 Stat. 459 Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(a)(1)Dec. 20, 1993107 Stat. 2457 Pub. L. 105–244A prior section 1003, , as added , , ; amended , , , related to authority to make grants under the school, college, and university partnership grant program, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 103 Pub. L. 99–498, title I, § 101Oct. 17, 1986100 Stat. 1279 Pub. L. 102–325Another prior section 1003, , as added , , , related to limitation on contract authority, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 103 Pub. L. 96–374, title I, § 101(a)Oct. 3, 198094 Stat. 1375 Pub. L. 99–498Another prior section 1003, , as added , , , related to duties of the Commission on National Development in Postsecondary Education, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 103Nov. 8, 196579 Stat. 1219 Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(2)June 23, 197286 Stat. 237 Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(b)(2)Oct. 12, 197690 Stat. 2084 Pub. L. 95–43, § 1(a)(1)June 15, 197791 Stat. 213 Pub. L. 96–96, § 1Oct. 31, 197993 Stat. 729 Pub. L. 96–374Another prior section 1003, , , ; , , ; , (g)(2), , , 2086; , , ; , , , provided for the allotment of funds to States, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 104 Pub. L. 102–325, title I, § 101July 23, 1992106 Stat. 460 Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(a)(2)Dec. 20, 1993107 Stat. 2457 Pub. L. 105–244A prior section 1004, , as added , , ; amended , , , related to grant applications, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 104 Pub. L. 96–374, title I, § 101(a)Oct. 3, 198094 Stat. 1376 Pub. L. 99–498Another prior section 1004, , as added , , , related to administrative provisions and powers of Commission on National Development in Postsecondary Education, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 104Nov. 8, 196579 Stat. 1220 Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(b)(3)Oct. 12, 197690 Stat. 2084 Pub. L. 95–43, § 1(a)(2)June 15, 197791 Stat. 213 Pub. L. 96–374Another prior section 1004, , , ; , , ; , , , described the allowable uses of States’ allotments of funds, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 105 Pub. L. 102–325, title I, § 101July 23, 1992106 Stat. 461 Pub. L. 105–244A prior section 1005, , as added , , , related to peer review of applications, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 105 Pub. L. 96–374, title I, § 101(a)Oct. 3, 198094 Stat. 1377 Pub. L. 99–498Another prior section 1005, , as added , , , authorized appropriations, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 105Nov. 8, 196579 Stat. 1220 Pub. L. 90–575, title II, § 202Oct. 16, 196882 Stat. 1036 Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(b)(4)Oct. 12, 197690 Stat. 2084–2086 Pub. L. 95–43, § 1(a)(3)June 15, 197791 Stat. 213 Pub. L. 96–374Another prior section 1005, , , ; , , ; –(10), (g)(2), , ; , (b)(1), (2), , , 218, set out the requisite features of State plans, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 106 Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1)June 23, 197286 Stat. 237 Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(g)(2)Oct. 12, 197690 Stat. 2086 Pub. L. 96–374A prior section 1005a, , as added , , ; amended , , , provided for special programs and projects relating to national and regional problems, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 106 Pub. L. 102–325, title I, § 101July 23, 1992106 Stat. 461 Pub. L. 105–244A prior section 1006, , as added , , , authorized appropriations, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 107Nov. 8, 196579 Stat. 1221 Pub. L. 90–575, title II, § 203(a)Oct. 16, 196882 Stat. 1036 Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1)June 23, 197286 Stat. 236 Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(c)Oct. 12, 197690 Stat. 2085 Pub. L. 96–374Another prior section 1006, , formerly § 106, , ; , , , renumbered , , , and amended , (g)(2), , , 2086, related to payment and method of payment of funds, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 96–374Prior sections 1007 to 1010 were omitted in the general amendment of this subchapter by .

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 108Nov. 8, 196579 Stat. 1222 Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1)June 23, 197286 Stat. 236 Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(g)(2)Oct. 12, 197690 Stat. 2086Section 1007, , formerly § 107, , , renumbered , , , and amended , , , related to disapproval of State plans, notice and hearing, findings of Commissioner of Education, and notification to State of noneligibility.

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 109Nov. 8, 196579 Stat. 1222 Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1)June 23, 197286 Stat. 236 Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(d)Oct. 12, 197690 Stat. 2085Section 1008, , formerly § 108, , , renumbered , , , and amended , , , provided for judicial review of actions of Commissioner of Education and scope of that review.

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 110 Pub. L. 93–29, title VIII, § 803May 3, 197387 Stat. 59 Pub. L. 94–135, title II, § 201Nov. 28, 197589 Stat. 726 Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(g)(2)Oct. 12, 197690 Stat. 2086Section 1008a, , as added , , , and amended , , ; , , , provided for programs and projects relating to problems of the elderly.

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 111 Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(e)Oct. 12, 197690 Stat. 2085Section 1008b, , as added , , , related to technical assistance and administration.

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 112Nov. 8, 196579 Stat. 1223 Pub. L. 91–230, title IV, § 401(h)(4)Apr. 13, 197084 Stat. 174 Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1)June 23, 197286 Stat. 236 Pub. L. 93–29, title VIII, § 803May 3, 197387 Stat. 59 Pub. L. 93–380, title VIII, § 831Aug. 21, 197488 Stat. 603 Pub. L. 93–644, § 9(a)Jan. 4, 197588 Stat. 2310 Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(e)Oct. 12, 197690 Stat. 2085 91 Stat. 1637Section 1009, , formerly § 109, , ; , , , renumbered § 110, , , , renumbered § 111, , , ; , , ; , , , renumbered § 112 and amended , (f)(1), (g)(2), , , 2086; 1977 Reorg. Plan No. 2, § 7(a)(13), 42 F.R. 62461, , provided for creation of a National Advisory Council on Extension and Continuing Education.

Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 113Nov. 8, 196579 Stat. 1224 Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 102(a)(1)June 23, 197286 Stat. 236 Pub. L. 93–29, title VIII, § 803May 3, 197387 Stat. 59 Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 101(e)Oct. 12, 197690 Stat. 2085Section 1010, , formerly § 110, , , renumbered § 111, , , , renumbered § 112, , , , renumbered § 113 and amended , (f)(2), , , 2086, directed that nothing in the section be held to modify any authority under the Smith-Lever Act, section 341 et seq. of Title 7, Agriculture.

Amendments

Pub. L. 114–95, § 9215oosection 7801 of this title2015—Pars. (9) to (11), (16). ()(1)(A)–(D), made technical amendments to references in original act which appear in text as references to .

Pub. L. 114–95, § 9215oosection 7801 of this titlePar. (20). ()(1)(E), which directed technical amendment in par. (21) to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to , was executed by making the amendment in par. (20), to reflect the probable intent of Congress. The reference did not appear in par. (21).

Pub. L. 110–315, § 103(a)(2)2008—, reordered pars. in alphabetical order based on headings of pars. and renumbered pars. as so reordered, resulting in pars. (1) to (22) being redesignated as (2), (4), (6), (9) to (13), (15) to (20), (22), (21), (1), (3), (7), (5), (8), and (14), respectively.

Pub. L. 110–315, § 103(a)(1)Pars. (17) to (24). , added pars. (17) to (24).

Pub. L. 107–1102002—Pars. (4) to (6), (10), (14). substituted “7801” for “8801”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Jan. 9, 2023Committee on Education and Labor of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Education and the Workforce of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, .

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–95Dec. 10, 2015section 5 of Pub. L. 114–95 section 6301 of this titleAmendment by effective , except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–110Jan. 8, 2002section 5 of Pub. L. 107–110 section 6301 of this titleAmendment by effective , except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see , set out as an Effective Date note under .