approval of programs; grants

approval of programs; grants Sec. 524. (a) The Commissioner shall approve a graduate program of an institution of higher education only upon application by the institution and only upon his finding— (1) that such program will substantially further the objective of improving the quality of education of persons who are pursuing or intend to pursue a career in elementary and secondary education, (2) that such program gives emphasis to high-quality substantive courses, (3) that such program is of high quality and either is in effect or readily attainable, and (4) that only persons who demonstrate a serious intent to pursue or to continue a career in elementary and secondary education will be accepted for study in the program. (b) For the purpose of obtaining an appropriate geographical distribution of high-quality programs for the training of personnel for elementary or secondary education, the Commissioner is authorized to make grants to and contracts with institutions of higher education to pay part of the cost of developing or strengthening graduate programs which meet the requirements of subsection (a). 79 Stat. 1260 (c) The Commissioner may employ experts and consultants, as authorized by section 15 of the Administrative Expenses Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 55a), to advise him with respect to the making of grants and contracts and the approving of programs under this section, and he shall set forth in regulations the standards and priorities which will be utilized in approving such grants and contracts. Experts and consultants employed pursuant to this subsection may be compensated while so employed at rates not in excess of $100 per diem, including travel time, and may be allowed while away from their homes or regular places of business, travel expenses (including per diem in lieu of subsistence) as authorized by section 5 of such Act (5 U.S.C. 73b–2) for persons in the Government service employed intermittently.