Definitions — Us Code Code § 9802

Us Code Code § 9802 — Definitions. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 9802. Definitions

(a) ESEA definitions

Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, the terms used in this chapter have the meanings given the terms in section 7801 of this title.

(b) Other definitions

In this chapter:

(1) Critical foreign language

The term "critical foreign language" means a foreign language that the Secretary determines, in consultation with the heads of such Federal departments and agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate, is critical to the national security and economic competitiveness of the United States.

(2) Institution of higher education

The term "institution of higher education" has the meaning given the term in section 1001(a) of this title.

(3) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Education.

(4) Scientifically valid research

The term "scientifically valid research" includes applied research, basic research, and field-initiated research in which the rationale, design, and interpretation are soundly developed in accordance with accepted principles of scientific research.

(Pub. L. 110–69, title VI, §6001, formerly §6002, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 625; renumbered §6001, Pub. L. 111–358, title X, §1002(b)(1), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4048; Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, §9215(i)(1), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2167.)


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 6001 of Pub. L. 110–69 was classified to section 9801 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 111–358.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–95 made amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 7801 of this title. Amendment was executed to this section, which is section 6001 of Pub. L. 110–69, notwithstanding directory language directing amendment of section 6002(a) of Pub. L. 110–69, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the renumbering of section 6002 of Pub. L. 110–69 as this section. Pub. L. 110–69 does not contain a section 6002.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–95 effective Dec. 10, 2015, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 114–95, set out as a note under section 6301 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER I—TEACHER ASSISTANCE

Part A—Teachers for a Competitive Tomorrow

About This Section

20 U.S.C. § 9802 is part of Title 20 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 20 U.S.C. § 9802. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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