; and (B) to determine the effectiveness of noise abatement actions, including actions for areas around major transportation facilities (such as highways, railroad facilities, and airports); (4) developing and disseminating to the public information and educational materials relating to the mental and physical effects of noise and the most effective means for noise control through the use of materials for school curricula, volunteer organizations, radio and television programs, publications, and other means; (5) developing educational and training materials and programs, including national and regional workshops, to support State and local noise abatement and control programs; (6) establishing regional technical assistance centers to use the capabilities of institutions of higher education and private organizations to assist State and local noise control programs; and (7) undertaking an assessment of the effectiveness of the Noise Control Act of 1972 ( 42 U.S.C. 4901 et seq. ). (c) Preferred Approaches In carrying out the duties of the Office under subsection (b), the Office shall emphasize noise abatement approaches that rely on local and State activities, market incentives, and coordination with other public and private agencies. (d) Study (1) In general The Administrator shall carry out a study of aircraft noise and the effects of that noise on surrounding communities. (2) Contracts and other agreements The Administrator shall enter into contracts or other agreements with independent scientists with expertise in noise measurements, noise effects, and noise abatement techniques to conduct the study under paragraph (1). (3) Contents The study under paragraph (1) shall examine— (A) the selection of noise measurement methodologies by the Federal Aviation Administration; (B) the threshold of aircraft noise at which health impacts are felt