Higher Education Amendments of 1986

(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 99-861)

Higher Education Amendments of 1986 - Revises and reauthorizes various programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) (the Act) through FY 1991.

Title I: Amendment to Title I of the Act - Redesignates title I (Continuing Postsecondary Education Program and Planning Postsecondary Programs for Nontraditional Students.

Revises provisions for Part A Program and Planning Grants. Provides for grants for institutional development, off-campus programs, and adult and continuing education staff development. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for such purpose.

Sets forth a Part B National Programs for adult learning research. Declares that no funds are authorized to be appropriated for purposes of part B for FY 1987 through 1991.

Provides for the National Advisory Council on Continuing Education.

Title II: Libraries - Redesignates title II of HEA as Academic Library and Information Technology Enhancement. Authorizes appropriations for programs under such title for FY 1987 through 1991.

Revises provisions for college library resources grants to set forth need-based eligibility criteria.

Adds a definition of "full-time equivalent student."

Repeals provisions concerning the making of special purpose grants.

Permits institutions that do not otherwise qualify as research libraries to provide additional information to demonstrate the national or international significance for scholarly research of the particular collection described in their grant proposal under provisions for strengthening research library resources.

Establishes a grant program for supporting college library technology and cooperation.

Repeals provisions relating to the National Periodical System Corporation.

Title III: Institutional Aid - Amends title III (Institutional Aid) of HEA to revise institutional aid programs, especially in relation to the development needs of historically black colleges and universities and other institutions with large concentrations of minority, low-income students.

Includes as eligible institutions, for purposes of the title III part A (Strengthening Institutions) grants program, any institution of higher education which meets specified requirements and which has an enrollment of which at least: (1) 20 percent are Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or other Hispanic students, or combination thereof; (2) 60 percent are American Indian, or five percent Alaska Native or (3) five percent are Native Hawaiian, Asian American, American Samoan, Micronesian Guamian (Chamorro), or Northern Marianan, or any combination thereof.

Establishes under title III part B, "Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities" (which replaces the current part B, Aid to Institutions with Special Needs).

Defines a "part B institution" as any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964 and whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans.

Sets forth authorized uses for grants allotted to institutions under the part B program.

Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make allotments to part B institutions according to formulas based on number of: (1) Pell grant recipients; (2) graduates; and (3) graduates in attendance at graduate or professional schools in degree programs in disciplines in which blacks are underrepresented. Sets forth a special rule regarding allotments to Howard University or the University of the District of Columbia. Sets forth a special merger rule.

Sets forth provisions for applications for part B grant allotments.

Sets forth provisions for part B program grants to professional and graduate institutions. Directs the Secretary, subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, to award such grants to each of listed postgraduate institutions that the Secretary determines to be making a substantial contribution to the legal, medical, dental, veterinary, or other graduate education opportunities for black Americans. Prohibits any such grant in excess of $500,000 unless the postgraduate institution assures that 50 percent of the cost of the purposes for which the grant is made will be paid from non-Federal sources. Limits the duration of any such grant to five years. Provides that any one undergraduate or postgraduate institution may receive no more than two such five-year grants. Allows use of such grants for: (1) any of the authorized uses of part B allotment grants; (2) contribution development offices; and (3) institutional endowments. Sets forth application requirements. Provides that independent professional or graduate institutions eligible for such grants include: (1) Morehouse School of Medicine; (2) Meharry Medical School; (3) Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School; (4) Atlanta University; and (5) Tuskegee Institute School of Veterinary Medicine.

Sets forth reporting and audit requirements and penalties for misuse of funds.

Revises title III part C (Challenge Grants for Institutions Eligible for Assistance Under Part A or Part B) to rename the "endowment grants" under such part "challenge grants." Makes technical and conforming amendments to eligibility requirements under such part.

Reduces the maximum amount of any such part C challenge grant for FY 1987. (Retains the current maximum for FY 1988 and succeeding fiscal years.)

Revises part D (General Provisions) under title III.

Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register all policies and procedures required to exercise the authority to approve applications for title III assistance. Prohibits any other criteria, policies, or procedures from being applicable for such purpose.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) use the most recent and relevant data concerning the number and percentage of students receiving need-based assistance under title IV (Student Assistance) of HEA in making eligibility determinations under part A of title III; and (2) advance the base-year forward following each annual grant cycle.

Requires the Secretary to waive specified part A institutional eligibility requirements (involving an institution's having a relatively high percentage of students receiving need-based assistance under title IV of HEA) in the case of an institution which is: (1) extensively subsidized by the State in which it is located and charges low or no tuition; (2) serving a substantial number of low- and middle-income students as a percentage of its total student population; (3) contributing substantially to increasing higher education opportunities for educationally disadvantaged, underrepresented, or minority students, who are low-income individuals; or (4) substantially increasing higher educational opportunities for individuals in rural or other isolated areas unserved by postsecondary institutions.

Includes institutions which enroll significant numbers of Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian students under part A (although not satisfying a specified eligibility criterion involving an institution's having relatively low and general expenditures) among those institutions which must be included in a biennial report of the Secretary to the Congress.

Includes among those reasons for which the Secretary may grant a waiver of specified eligibility requirements (involving an institution's being accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency and its being authorized to offer bachelor's or junior or community college degrees) a determination that such waiver will substantially increase higher education opportunities appropriate to the needs of Hispanic Americans or Native American Pacific Islanders, including Native Hawaiians.

Directs the Secretary to assure that representatives of historically black colleges, Hispanic institutions, Native American institutions, and Asian Americans, Native American Pacific Islanders, including Native Hawaiians, are included as readers on title III application review panels.

Revises provisions for grants to encourage cooperative arrangements to include such arrangements between title III aid recipients and institutions not receiving such assistance. Includes benefit to the applicant institutions as a priority criterion in making such grants.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for the following title III programs: (1) part A, Strengthening Institutions; (2) part B, Strengthening Historically Black College and Universities (with a separate authorization for part B provisions for Professional and Graduate Institutions); and (3) part C, Challenge Grants for Institutions Eligible for Assistance Under Part A or Part B.

Sets forth special payment rules to reflect changes in part A and part B of title III.

Directs the Secretary to reserve specified amounts for junior and community colleges. Directs the Secretary to give priority, under circumstances where funds exceed a specified amount, to applications from eligible institutions with significant groups of students who are minority underrepresented in higher education, or educationally disadvantaged.

Title IV: Student Assistance - Extends the basic educational opportunity grants (Pell Grant) program through FY 1992. Revises program eligibility requirements.

Limits the duration of any Pell Grant to five years for four-year programs, and six years for five-year programs. Revises maximum grant limits and cost of attendance formulas and rules.

Sets forth a separate family contribution schedule for Pell Grants.

Sets forth a procedure with respect to award errors and overpayments.

Requires the Secretary to develop a simplified needs test for low-income families.

Allows a specified amount of child care costs in the calculation of eligibility for Pell Grants.

Requires students to contribute a specified amount of self-help before being eligible for Pell Grant assistance.

Makes less-than-half-time students eligible for Pell Grants under specified conditions.

Authorizes appropriations for the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program through FY 1991. Revises program provisions relating to: (1) the maximum amount of such grants; (2) priority for needy students; and (3) apportionment.

Makes less-than-half-time students eligible for supplemental grants under specified conditions.

Authorizes appropriations for the State Student Incentive Grants Program (SSIG) through FY 1991. Allows learning study grants to eligible students. Revises provisions relating to participation of certain institutions in the SSIG program. Sets forth a Federal share limitation under such program.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide special programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds (including talent search, upward bound, student support services, educational opportunity centers, and staff development activities). Authorizes appropriations for 1987 through 1991 for such programs. Requires the Secretary to carry out a talent search to recruit and help minority students to pursue graduate study.

Authorizes appropriations for special programs for secondary and postsecondary students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farmwork through FY 1991.

Authorizes appropriations for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program through FY 1991.

Authorizes cost-of-education payments to institutions of higher education. Provides a formula for determining the amounts of such payments.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for the establishment of a veterans education outreach program which would authorize payments to institutions for each veteran enrolled at such institution and receiving veterans' educational assistance. Outlines provisions concerning eligibility for such payments.

Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to provide special child care services to disadvantaged college students. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for such purposes.

Redesignates part B of title IV as the Guaranteed Student Loan Program (GSL program).

Requires all students to undergo a needs test under GSL.

Requires a return of specified amounts of guaranty agency advances in FY 1988 and 1989. Requires the Comptroller General to take into account State law requirements regarding advances.

Increases loan limits under the GSL program.

Repeals the limitation on first year student borrowing.

Provides that students who are carrying at least one-half the normal full-time academic workload may receive a deferment if they have received a GSL for that enrollment period.

Provides for a three-year deferment of GSL repayment for active duty members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps.

Allows GSL repayment deferments for teachers in geographic or subject areas where there are teacher shortages.

Provides for up to three years GSL repayment deferment for the care of disabled dependents.

Provides for up to six months GSL repayment deferment for parental leave.

Grants up to 12 months deferment of loan repayment for mothers of preschool children if such mothers are entering or reentering the workforce and earn less than one dollar above the minimum wage.

Sets forth provisions for multiple disbursement of GSL loans.

Increases the interest rate for new GSL borrowers to ten percent during the fifth year of repayment.

Sets forth provisions for treatment of excess interest payments on new borrower accounts resulting from decline in treasury bill rates. Provides for a study of such provisions.

Requires that institutions do not certify loans for amounts in excess of the student's demonstrated need.

Allows supplemental and State-sponsored or private loans to be used to provide the expected family contribution.

Requires the Secretary to make prompt payment of interest subsidies to holders of loans.

Authorizes loan insurance only for students attending on at least a half-time basis.

Changes the loan repayment period from 15 years to ten years.

Provides for a single three percent insurance premium (administrative fee) when the loan is taken out.

Provides that monthly payments by the borrower are to be rounded to multiples of five dollars.

Allows guaranty agencies to transfer loans to other guaranty agencies with the consent of loan holders.

Prohibits guaranty agencies from offering inducements to educational institutions or their employees to secure applicants for loans.

Provides for approval, as grounds for deferment of loan repayment, of any course of study at a foreign university accepted for completion of a recognized international fellowship program.

Allows any guaranty agency to request information from any other agency on borrowing by students in its State, with specified limitations.

Prohibits any entity from performing both supplemental pre-claims assistance and collections activities on the same loan.

Deems the guaranty agency to have a contractual right against the United States to receive reimbursement on defaulted loans. Directs the Secretary to make prompt payment to guaranty agencies on their claims.

Establishes a reinsurance fee based on default rates to be paid to the Federal government by guaranty agencies.

Sets forth additional guaranty agreement conditions.

Set forth garnishment provisions.

Provides for a pilot program and study of rehabilitation of defaulted loans.

Allows guaranty agencies to provide information to eligible institutions on former students who are in default.

Allows comminging of funds by guaranty agencies under specified conditions.

Replaces the Auxiliary Loans for Students (ALAS) program with a program of Supplemental Loans for Students. Makes all students, except dependent undergraduates, eligible for Supplemental Loans for Students.

Allows deferment of repayment of Loans for Parents (PLUS) in cases of temporary total disability or unemployment. Increases the annual and aggregate loan limits for Loans for Parents.

Permits Health Professions Students Loans to be included in Consolidation Loans.

Revises other provisions relating to Consolidation Loans.

Requires guaranty agencies to submit proof that attempts were made to locate the borrower in case of a default.

Requires reports to credit bureaus by holders of loans on current balances of loans in good standing and by guaranty agencies on loans in default status.

Requires accounts to be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Allows the Comptroller General and the Inspector General of the Department of Education to audit guaranty agencies, eligible lenders, secondary markets, and direct lenders.

Requires the Secretary to limit, suspend, or terminate lenders who engage in fraudulent or misleading advertising.

Authorizes the Secretary to sell defaulted loans to collection agencies under specified conditions.

Adds to the information required to be given to student borrowers.

Includes trust companies and stock savings banks, and the Rural Rehabilitation Corporation under the definition of eligible lender.

Requires the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on the amount of student loan capital provided through tax-exempt financing, its impact on the availability of student credit, and an assessment of the need for additional tax-exempt financing.

Revises the general authority of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae). Limits Sallie Mae to providing secondary market functions and prohibits it from purchasing or in any way controlling a bank or savings and loan association. Requires Sallie Mae to report to the Congress 30 days prior to implementing any new programs.

Extends the authorization of appropriations for college work study programs (CWS) through FY 1991.

Revises provisions for apportionment of CWS program funds.

Sets forth rules for a proprietary institution's employment of students under the CWS program.

Provides for private sector employment agreements under the CWS program.

Authorizes use of specified portions of CWS program funds for: (1) community services job location and development programs; and (2) community service-learning on behalf of low-income individuals and families.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for an income contingent direct loan demonstration project.

Renames national direct student loans (NDSL) as Perkins Loans (direct loans). Extends the authorization of appropriations for such loan program through FY 1991. Sets forth a new allocation formula for such loan program.

Penalizes institutions with specified excessive direct loan default rates by reducing or eliminating new Federal capital contributions to such institutions.

Increases loan limits under the direct loan program.

Requires lenders to give borrowers additional student loan information.

Grants the following deferments from direct loan repayment: (1) six months for parental leave; (2) 12 months for working mothers of preschool children, if such mothers make no more than one dollar above the minimum wage; and (3) three years for active duty in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps.

Allows for partial cancellation of a student's direct loan debt for volunteer service under the Peace Corps Act or the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973.

Adds a new part F to title IV relating to need analysis (i.e., an analysis of the amount of financial assistance needed by students in order to attend institutions of higher education). Provides for the determination of the expected family contribution to a dependent student's educational costs, based on available income. Provides various tables to assist in the determination of available income. Provides a computation of the family contribution for independent students without dependents, and for such students with dependents.

Directs the Secretary to use a simplified needs test for very low-income familes.

Revises general provisions for student assistance under HEA.

Sets forth test requirements (along with other conditions) which students who are admitted on the basis of ability to benefit from education or training must meet in order to remain eligible for student assistance.

Requires the Secretary to forward copies of all forms and regulations to the appropriate congressional committees at least 45 days prior to their effective date.

Requires the Secretary to establish a toll-free telephone number to provide student aid information to the general public, including instructions on completing applications.

Requires the Secretary to develop a Federal student aid report to be completed by institutions of higher education and delivered to all student aid recipients, indicating the amount of Federal student aid received by the student.

Requires a student, in order to be eligible for Federal assistance, to be enrolled in a degree, certificate, or other program leading to a recognized education credential.

Makes less-than-half-time students eligible for need-based program assistance under title IV of HEA. (Sets forth special conditions for such assistance in the case of Pell Grants).

Prohibits students who are in default under the GSL or direct loan program or who owe any refund under any Federal grant program from receiving any form of Federal student assistance.

Revises student eligibility requirements.

Revises the definition of "independent student."

Requires each institution participating in title IV programs; to carry out financial assistance information dissemination activities for prospective students and enrolled students.

Authorizes the Secretary to establish a National Student Loan Data System and report its results to the Congress.

Sets forth provisions for training persons in financial aid and student support services.

Sets forth provisions for institutions to be eligible for title IV program participation agreements.

Establishes in the Department of Education an independent Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance.

Title V: Teacher Training and Development - Renames title V of HEA as Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Development.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for: Mid-Career Teacher Training Programs; (2) School, College, and University Partnerships; (3) Professional Development and Leadership Programs; (4) Teacher Scholarships and Fellowships; and (5) Task Forces on Teacher Education.

Establishes a program of Midcareer Teacher Training for Nontraditional Students.

Establishes a program of School, College, and University Partnerships, including a community college pilot project.

Establishes Professional Development and Leadership Programs, including Professional Development Resource Centers and a program of Leadership in Educational Administration Development.

Sets forth provisions for Teacher Scholarships and Fellowships, including the Congressional Teacher Scholarship Program (previously named the Carl D. Perkins Scholarship Program) and the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program (previously named the National Talented Teacher Fellowship Program).

Sets forth provisions for State task forces on teacher training.

Amends the Education Amendments of 1980 to extend through FY 1988 the authorization of appropriations for the Robert A. Taft Institute.

Title VI: International Education Programs - Revises and reauthorizes programs under title VI (International Education Programs) of HEA through FY 1991.

Revises part A (International and Foreign Language Studies) provisions of title VI.

Eliminates contract provisions, but retains grant provisions, for language and area centers and programs under part A. Sets forth separate provisions for the graduate and undergraduate aspects of such centers and programs. Adds provisions focusing on: (1) the foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; and (2) instruction and research on issues in world affairs.

Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to: (1) make grants to institutions of higher education or combinations of such institutions to pay stipends for individuals undergoing advanced training in approved centers or programs for language, area studies, and international education under part A; and (2) award, on the basis of a national competition, stipends to students beginning their third year of graduate training in a specialty language with multidisciplinary area training.

Replaces provisions relating to international studies centers with provisions for language resource centers. Requires such centers to serve as resources to improve the capacity to teach and learn foreign languages effectively. Sets forth some authorized activities for such centers.

Revises provisions for undergraduate international studies and foreign language programs. Adds provisions for model program grants to improve and expand foreign language studies. Bases institutional eligibility for such grants on certain foreign language requirements.

Adds provisions for intensive summer language institutes.

Includes among the types of research and studies which may be assisted under part A the application of proficiency tests and standards across all areas of instruction and classroom use.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for the making of grants by the Secretary to educational institutions or libraries for the purpose of acquiring periodicals published outside the United States.

Revises provisions for equitable distribution of funds for language and area centers to require the Secretary to employ separate but equally rigorous criteria for undergraduate and graduate programs.

Extends the authorization of appropriations for part A (International and Foreign Language Studies) and for part B (Business and International Education) through FY 1991.

Restructures the membership and duties of the Advisory Board which advises the Secretary on the conduct of programs under title VI.

Provides for a program of overseas internships to enable foreign language students to develop their foreign language skills and knowledge of foreign cultures and societies.

Title VII: Construction and Renovation - Directs the Secretary to carry out programs of financial assistance to institutions of higher education and to higher education building agencies for the construction, reconstruction, or renovation of academic facilities in order to bring such facilities in conformity with specified housing and environmental laws and regulations.

Requires States, in order to receive grants for the construction, reconstruction, or conversion of undergraduate academic facilities, to submit annually to the Secretary a State plan containing specified standards and procedures to be followed concerning the allocation of grant funds received by the States. Outlines criteria and allotment procedures. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for such purpose.

Directs the Secretary to make grants to graduate institutions of higher education which meet application requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for such purposes.

Directs the Secretary to make and insure loans to institutions of higher education and to higher education building agencies for the construction, reconstruction, and renovation of academic facilities. Provides the terms for such loans. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving loan fund for the purpose of making and insuring such loans. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for such purposes.

Authorizes the Secretary to make annual interest grants to institutions of higher education and higher education building agencies to reduce the cost of borrowing from other sources for construction, reconstruction, and renovation projects. Sets limits and requirements for such grants.

Authorizes the participation of the U.S. Government and the Student Loan Market Association in a private, for profit College Construction Loan Insurance Association that will: (1) guarantee, insure, and reinsure various securities the proceeds of which are substantially to be used for an education facilities purpose; (2) guarantee, insure, and reinsure leases of property substantially to be used for an education facilities purpose; and (3) issue letters of credit and undertake obligations in order to increase the availability of funds for educational facilities and equipment. Provides for the establishment of the Corporation and for the issuing of annual reports by the Corporation to the President and the Congress.

Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to assist undergraduate postsecondary educational institutions in constructing, reconstructing, or renovating housing, academic facilities, or other educational facilities. Outlines eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of such loans.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, for the purpose of the renovation and restoration of Welch Hall. Authorizes appropriations.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, to pay the Federal share of the cost of construction of a specified facility. Authorizes appropriations.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to Shaw University of Raleigh, North Carolina, for the purpose of the renovation and restoration of Estey Hall. Authorizes appropriations.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial aid to a four-year postsecondary institution to renovate, construct and equip an existing electronic instructional network for providing college and advanced level courses to talented and gifted secondary school students. Authorizes appropriations.

Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to the Bethune-Cookman College in Florida to establish the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial Fine Arts Center. Authorizes appropriations.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to pay the costs of the Behavioral Science Facility at the University of Connecticut. Authorizes appropriations.

Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to pay the costs of establishing a business administration program leading to a doctoral degree at the University of Rhode Island.

Authorizes appropriations.

Provides for recovery by the United States of payments made for the cost of construction, reconstruction, and renovation of academic facilities.

Repeals title IV of the Housing Act of 1950.

Title VIII: Cooperative Education - Amends title VIII (Cooperative Education) of HEA to extend the authorization of appropriations for the cooperative education program through FY 1991.

Reserves portions of such funds for each fiscal year as follows: (1) a minimum of 75 percent for grants to institutions of higher education and combinations of such institutions for cooperative education; (2) a maximum of 12 1/2 percent for demonstration projects; (3) a maximum of ten percent for training and resource centers; and (4) a maximum of two and one-half percent for research.

Revises provisions for grants by the Secretary of Education to cooperative education programs which provide alternating or parallel periods of academic study and of public or private employment.

Raises the limit on the amount of such grant to $500,000 per institution of higher education or combination of such institutions.

Revises application requirements for such grants.

Lowers the percentage of the cost of carrying out an application which may be the maximum Federal share for each of the first three years of a grant (retains the maximum percentages for the fourth and fifth years of the grant which are provided under current law).

Allows former grant recipients to reapply for further grants under specified conditions.

Sets forth factors to be given special consideration in the approval of applications for such grants, including the extent to which: (1) programs in the academic discipline for which the application is made have had a favorable reception by public and private sector employers; (2) the institution is committed to cooperative education, as demonstrated by plans made to continue the program after the Federal assistance ends; and (3) the institution is committed to extending cooperative education on an institution-wide basis for all students who can benefit.

Sets forth provisions for grants and contracts for cooperative education: (1) demonstration and innovation projects; (2) training and resource centers; and (3) research. Authorizes the Secretary to make such grants to and such contracts with: (1) institutions of higher education, or combinations of such institutions; and (2) other public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations, whenever such grants or contracts will make an especially significant contribution to attaining the objectives of such projects, centers, and research.

Title IX: Graduate Education - Directs the Secretary to make grants to public and private nonprofit higher education institutions for the purpose of enabling underrepresented minorities to participate in graduate studies. Outlines application requirements.

Directs the Secretary to award a one-year graduate fellowship to each student (known as a Patricia Roberts Harris Fellow) who completes a specified undergraduate internship program.

Extends and limits the authorization of appropriations for the National Graduate Fellows Program through 1991. Requires that awardees under such program be known as Jacob Javits Fellows.

Reconstitutes the National Graduate Fellows Program Fellowship Board. Makes the Secretary of Education responsible for appointing Board members, and for assuring that they are broadly knowledgeable about and have experience in doctoral education in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Directs the Secretary to make grants to academic departments and programs that provide courses of study leading to a graduate degree in areas of national need. Sets out eligibility and application requirements.

Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts with public and private agencies and organizations in order to assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake training for the legal profession.

Authorizes the Secretary to enter into grants or contracts with accredited law schools for the purpose of paying up to 90 percent of the cost of legal clinical experience programs at such law schools.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for the aforementioned programs under Title IX of the Act.

Title X: Improvement of Postsecondary Education - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and contracts with institutions of postsecondary education in order to improve postsecondary educational opportunities by taking specified actions. Continues a National Board of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education to act in an advisory capacity in the determination of postsecondary education grant recipients. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for the purpose of making such grants.

Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education that are designed to effect long-range improvement in science and engineering education at predominantly minority institutions and to increase the participation of underrepresented ethnic minorities in scientific and technological careers.

Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the establishment of programs in: (1) minority support in science and engineering; and (2) special service projects. Outlines eligibility and application requirements. Establishes an Advisory Board for the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Programs to act as an advisory group to such programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991.

Adds a new program of innovative projects for community services and student financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991.

Title XI: Partnerships for Economic Development and Urban Community Service - Amends title XI (Urban Grant University Program) of HEA to redesignate it as Partnerships for Economic Development and Urban Community Service.

Authorizes Federal assistance in the areas of higher education and economic development through the use of planning and research, resource exchange, and certain authorized special projects. Outlines eligibility and application requirements.

Directs the Secretary to make grants to urban universities to pay the Federal share of programs designed to address urban issues. Outlines grant application requirements and grant limitations.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for carrying out the purposes of this title.

Provides assistance to the City University of New York to establish an institute devoted to the study of urban public policy, to be known as the Robert F. Wagner, Sr. Institute of Urban Public Policy. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose.

Title XII: General Provisions - Extends the authorization for the Territorial Student Assistance Treatment Program through FY 1991.

Extends the authorization for the National Advisory Committee on Accreditation and Institutional Eligibility through FY 1991.

Establishes in the legislative branch a Joint Study Commission on Postsecondary Institutional Recognition. Directs the commission to study the institutional and programmatic recognition process used by the Department of Education in determining institutional or programmatic eligibility for student participation in Federal student assistance programs under HEA. Directs the commission to report on such study to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations for such study.

Provides for the appointment of student representatives to bodies involved in the administration of HEA.

Sets forth provisions regarding the financial responsibility of foreign students.

Sets forth provisions concerning the disclosure by educational institutions of any foreign gifts or grants received.

Sets forth aggregate limits on authorizations of appropriations under HEA.

Title XIII: Education Administration Part A: Secretarial Studies and Evaluations - Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study of the impact on student grades of this Act's satisfactory progress requirements for student aid; and (2) report on such study to the Congress.

Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the establishment of a National Endowment for International Studies and report on such study to the Congress.

Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and report to the Congress on: (1) the escalating cost of higher education; (2) student aid recipients; (3) teacher supply and demand; and (4) equitable student aid for farm families.

Provides for evaluations of such studies.

Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the bankruptcy treatment of student borrowers.

Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the number of less-than-half-time students who would be eligible for Pell Grants if the expected family contribution was zero or zero to 200 dollars.

Authorizes appropriations for part A studies.

Part B: General Accounting Office Reports - Directs the Comptroller General to study: (1) the practices of State guaranty agencies and multistate guarantors under the guaranteed student loan program; (2) the use of multiple-year lines of credit; (3) multiple disbursement; and (4) student loan consolidation.

Part C: Costs of Postsecondary Education - Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch the National Commission on Responsibilities for Financing Postsecondary Education. Directs the Commission to study: (1) need analysis; (2) student independence; (3) parental responsibility; (4) student responsibility; (5) institutional responsibility; (6) governmental responsibility and (7) early information, planning, and information technology. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for termination of the Commission.

Part D: Library Resources - Directs the National Commission on Libraries and Information Services to study and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of the needs criteria for the college library resource program.

Part E: National Academy of Sciences Study - Directs the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Congress on how volunteers can best be used in the classroom. Makes certain funds available for such study.

Part F: Faulkner University - Relieves Faulkner University in Alabama of specified liability under the student aid program.

Part G: Alien Youth Education Opportunity Panel - Establishes in the Department of Education an Alien Youth Education Opportunity Panel. Directs the Panel to study and report to the Congress on the extent to which specified HEA requirements result in the denial of study assistance to long-term residents of the United States who have graduated from U.S. high schools and the extent to which that denial deprives those individuals of an equal educational opportunity.

Part H: Boston College - Directs the Secretary to cancel all annual debt service obligations of the receiving institution for a specified loan agreement.

Part I: Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center - Provides that specified funds appropriated for the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center shall be available as a direct appropriation.

Title XIV: Education Research and Statistics - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) to revise provisions relating to education and statistics.

(Conforms GEPA provisions to an executive reorganization whereby functions of the National Institute of Education are transferred to the Office of Education Research and Improvement and functions of the National Center for Educational Statistics are transferred to the Center for Statistics.)

Revises the declaration of policies relating to the Federal role in educational research and improvement.

Declares that it is the purpose of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) to carry out such educational research and improvement policies. Provides that OERI shall be administered by the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement. Provides that OERI shall include: (1) the National Advisory Council on Educational Research and Improvement; (2) the Center for Statistics; and (3) such other units as the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) considers appropriate to carry out the purposes of OERI.

Sets forth research and development priorities for OERI, including improvement of: (1) student achievement; (2) equal educational opportunity; (3) collection, analysis, and dissemination of educational data; and (4) dissemination and application of knowledge obtained through such research and data collection.

Directs the Secretary to biennially publish proposed research priorities and provide for a period of public comment.

Sets forth provisions relating to the membership and functions of the National Advisory Council on Educational Research and Improvement. Directs the Council to report annually to the President and the Congress on OERI activities and education, educational research, and data gathering in general.

Sets forth various authorities of the Secretary in carrying out OERI activities, including limited hiring authority.

Sets forth requirements which the Secretary must meet in making awards to carry out OERI activities.

Requires the Secretary, in carrying out OERI functions, to support: (1) regional educational laboratories; (2) research and development centers; (3) meritorious unsolicited proposals for educational research and related authorized activities; and (4) proposals that the Secretary specifically invites or requests which meet priority research and development needs. Sets forth requirements for applications for such assistance. Requires the Secretary to make available adequate funds to support meritorious, unsolicited proposals and provide sufficient notice of the availability of such funds to individual researchers in all regions of the country.

Authorizes the Secretary to establish and maintain research fellowships in the OERI.

Directs OERI to carry out (through a nonprofit organization) a National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Retains provisions relating to NAEP and its Assessment Policy Committee. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for periodic review of NAEP; (2) report to the Congress and the President on the review's findings and recommendations; and (3) consider such findings and recommendations in designing the competition to select the nonprofit organization through which OERI carries out NAEP.

Authorizes appropriations to carry out NAEP for FY 1987 (in an increased amount) and for FY 1988 and 1989 (in necessary amounts). Requires that at least 95 percent of such funds be expended through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. Authorizes OERI to administer NAEP funds for any other Federal agencies which use funds to support a single NAEP project.

Transfers National Institute of Education property and records to OERI.

Waives a three-year employment period limitation in the case of three OERI employees who were employed by the National Institute of Education.

Sets forth provisions transferring functions of the National Center for Education Statistics within the Office of the Assistant Secretary to the Center for Statistics (the Center) within OERI. Provides that the Center shall be headed by a Director.

Adds to the Center's functions the analysis of educational data.

Directs the Center to collect, collate, and report educational statistics on a State-by-State basis, if feasible.

Revises the ex officio membership of the Advisory Council on Education Statistics.

Gives the Secretary (rather than an Assistant Secretary) responsibility for making a report on Center activities.

Deletes certain grant making authority relating to Center activities.

Requires the Center to provide State and local educational agencies opportunities to suggest the development of particular compilations of statistics, surveys, and analyses that would assist those educational agencies.

Eliminates a requirement that the Center compile profiles of State equalization of resources among school districts.

Prohibits the National Advisory Council on Educational Research and Improvement, the Advisory Council on Education Statistics, and the members from using any staff, facilities, equipment, supplies, or franking privileges of such councils for activities unrelated to council purposes.

Amends the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 to require the Secretary to fund the National Diffusion Network at a level not less than 34 percent of the funds reserved under discretionary program provisions. Sets forth the objectives of such Network and the Secretary's duties and authority with respect to it.

Title XV: American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Culture and Art Development - American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Culture and Art Development Act - Part A: American Indians and Alaska Natives - Establishes a corporation to be known as the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development.

Sets forth provisions for a Board of Trustee, Executive Board, President, and staff of the Institute.

Declares the primary functions of the Institute to be: (1) the provision of scholarly study of, and instruction in, Indian art and culture; and (2) the establishment of programs which culminate in the awarding of degrees in the various fields of Indian art and culture. Establishes within the Institute a Center for Culture and Art Studies and a Center for Research and Cultural Exchange.

Sets forth provisions for Indian preference, nonprofit and nonpolitical nature, and tax-exempt status of the Institute.

Transfers to the Institute the functions of the Institute of American Indian Arts and its headquarters in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Requires annual reports of the Institute to the Congress.

Sets forth an endowment program for the Institute.

Part B: Native Hawaiians - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants for a program for Native Hawaiian culture and arts development.

Sets forth provisions for management of such grants.

Sets forth administrative provisions.

Part C: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to carry out parts A and B of this title.

Title XVI: United States Institute of Peace - Amends the United States Institute of Peace Act to authorize appropriations for the United States Institute of Peace for FY 1987 and 1988.