Applications

A State educational agency that desires to receive a grant under this part shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and including such information as the Secretary may require. The application shall include a plan that identifies and addresses the State and local needs for the personnel preparation and professional development of personnel, as well as individuals who provide direct supplementary aids and services to children with disabilities, and that— is based on an assessment of State and local needs that identifies critical aspects and areas in need of improvement related to the preparation, ongoing training, and professional development of personnel who serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children with disabilities within the State, including— The State application shall contain an assurance that the State educational agency will carry out each of the strategies described in subsection (b)(4). Each State personnel development plan under subsection (a)(2) shall— describe a partnership agreement that is in effect for the period of the grant, which agreement shall specify— describe those strategies the State educational agency will use to address the professional development and personnel needs identified under subsection (a)(2) and how such strategies will be implemented, including— The Secretary shall use a panel of experts who are competent, by virtue of their training, expertise, or experience, to evaluate applications for grants under section 1451(c)(1) of this title. A majority of a panel described in paragraph (1) shall be composed of individuals who are not employees of the Federal Government. The Secretary may use available funds appropriated to carry out this part to pay the expenses and fees of panel members who are not employees of the Federal Government. Each State educational agency that receives a grant under this part shall submit annual performance reports to the Secretary. The reports shall—