improvement of statistical services of state educational agencies

improvement of statistical services of state educational agencies Sec. 1009. (a) For the purpose of assisting the States to improve and strengthen the adequacy and reliability of educational statistics provided by State and local reports and records and the methods and techniques for collecting and processing educational data and disseminating information about the condition and progress of education in the States, there are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1959, and each of the three succeeding fiscal years, for grants to States under this section, such sums as the Congress may determine. (b) Grants under this section by the Commissioner shall be equal to one-half of the cost of State educational agency programs to carry out the purposes of this section, including (1) improving the collection, analysis, and reporting of statistical data supplied by local educational units, (2) the development of accounting and reporting manuals to serve as guides for local educational units, (3) the conduct of conferences and training for personnel of local educational units and of periodic reviews and evaluation of the program for records and reports, (4) improving methods for obtaining, from other State agencies within the State, educational data not collected by the State educational agency, or (5) expediting the processing and reporting of statistical data through installation and operation of mechanical equipment. The total of the payments to any State under this section for any fiscal year may not exceed $50,000. (c) Payments with respect to any program of a State educational agency under this section may be made (1) only to the extent it is a new program or an addition to or expansion of an existing program, and (2) only if the State plan approved under subsection (d) includes such program. (d) The Commissioner shall approve any State plan for purposes of this section if such plan meets the requirements of section 1004 (a) and sets forth the programs proposed to be carried out under the plan and the general policies to be followed in doing so.