(a)
In general— The Secretary of Education, acting through the Director of the Institute of Education Sciences, shall support, directly or through grants or contracts, research on engineering education, including studies and evaluations that—
(1)
identify and assess how science inquiry and mathematical reasoning can be connected to engineering design in kindergarten through grade 12 curricula and teacher professional development;
(2)
identify best practices and promising innovations in the field of kindergarten through grade 12 engineering education; and
(3)
include any other information or assessments the Secretary of Education may require.
(b)
Dissemination— The Secretary of Education shall, based on the results of the research described in subsection (a), disseminate information and analysis to the public, and provide technical assistance to State educational agencies, on best practices and promising innovations in the field of kindergarten through grade 12 engineering education.
(c)
Authorization of appropriations— There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.