; (4) to provide resources to continue and expand research into practices, methods, and approaches that are effective in instructing elementary and secondary school students in American civics and history; and (5) to encourage participation in the National Assessment of Educational Progress assessments in American civics and history in grades 4, 8, and 12, using a methodology sufficient to provide accurate State-level data on student proficiency in American civics and history disaggregated so as to have statistical significance for every State. 3. General provisions (a) In general From amounts made available under section 9 the Secretary of Education is authorized to carry out the civics education grant programs described in sections 4 through 7. (b) Application To be considered for a grant under this Act, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary of Education an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Grant duration Each grant under this Act shall be awarded for a period of not less than three years. (d) Priority Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the Secretary shall prioritize the award of grants to eligible entities that demonstrate the greatest potential to— (1) improve knowledge and engagement among students traditionally underserved by comprehensive civic education and American history programs, including rural and inner-city urban students, English language learners, students who have not completed high school, and other such students; (2) close gaps in civic knowledge and achievement among students of different income levels, racial and ethnic groups, and native languages; (3) improve performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress assessments in American civics and history among students in grades 4, 8, and 12; (4) integrate evidence-based practices for promoting student proficiency and engagement in civics