“ Peer Review.—The Secretary shall— `` (1) establish a peer review process to assist in the review of proposed local flexibility demonstration agreements under this chapter; and `` (2) appoint individuals to the peer review process who are representative of parents, teachers, State educational agencies, and local educational agencies, and who are familiar with educational standards, assessments, accountability, curriculum, instruction and staff development, and other diverse educational needs of students. ”

“ Issues addressed.—Such continuing review shall address— `` (i) whether any authorized assessment is properly administered, produces high quality data that are valid and reliable, is consistent with relevant widely accepted professional assessment standards, and produces data on student achievement that are not otherwise available to the State (other than data comparing participating States to each other and the Nation) ”

“ Specially qualified agency defined.—In this subpart, the term `specially qualified agency' means an eligible local educational agency served by a State educational agency that does not participate in a program under this subpart in a fiscal year, that may apply directly to the Secretary for a grant in such year under this subsection. ”

“ In general.—Except as provided in clause (ii) , a participating State shall review and give permission for the release of results from any test of its students administered as a part of a State assessment prior to the release of such data. Refusal by a State to release its data shall not restrict the release of data from other States that have approved the release of such data. ”

“ Expanding the range of accommodations available to students with limited English proficiency and students with disabilities to improve the rates of inclusion of such students, including professional development activities aligned with State academic achievement standards and assessments. ”

“ Balance and diversity.—The Secretary and the Board shall ensure at all times that the membership of the Board reflects regional, racial, gender, and cultural balance and diversity and that the Board exercises its independent judgment, free from inappropriate influences and special interests. ”

“ To evaluate student academic achievement through the development of comprehensive academic assessment instruments, such as performance and technology-based academic assessments. `` (b) Application.—Each State wishing to apply for funds under this section shall include in its State plan under part A of title I such information as the Secretary may require. `` (c) Annual Report.—Each State educational agency receiving a grant under this section shall submit an annual report to the Secretary describing its activities, and the result of those activities, under the grant. ”