; (6) supporting eligible recipients in eliminating inequities in student access to— (A) high-quality programs of study that provide skill development; and (B) effective teachers, faculty, specialized instructional support personnel, and paraprofessionals; (7) awarding incentive grants to eligible recipients— (A) for exemplary performance in carrying out programs under this Act, which awards shall be based on— (i) eligible recipients exceeding the local level of performance on a core indicator of performance established under section 113(b)(4)(A) in a manner that reflects sustained or significant improvement; (ii) eligible recipients effectively developing connections between secondary education and postsecondary education and training; (iii) the integration of academic and technical standards; (iv) eligible recipients’ progress in closing achievement gaps among subpopulations who participate in programs of study; or (v) other factors relating to the performance of eligible recipients under this Act as the eligible agency determines are appropriate; or (B) if an eligible recipient elects to use funds as permitted under section 135(c); (8) providing support for— (A) the adoption and integration of recognized postsecondary credentials and work-based learning into programs of study, and for increasing data collection associated with recognized postsecondary credentials and employment outcomes; or (B) consultation and coordination with other State agencies for the identification and examination of licenses or certifications that— (i) pose an unwarranted barrier to entry into the workforce for career and technical education students; and (ii) do not protect the health, safety, or welfare of consumers; (9) the creation, implementation, and support of pay for success initiatives leading to a recognized postsecondary credential