(a) Establishment

The Secretary of Defense shall establish and operate a program (hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the ''defense dependents' education system'') to provide a free public education through secondary school for dependents in overseas areas.

(b) Program purposes and activities

(1)

The Secretary shall ensure that individuals eligible to receive a free public education under subsection (a) of this section receive an education of high quality.

(2)

In establishing the defense dependents' education system under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall provide programs designed to meet the special needs of -

(A)

the handicapped,

(B)

individuals in need of compensatory education,

(C)

individuals with an interest in vocational education,

(D)

gifted and talented individuals, and

(E)

individuals of limited English-speaking ability.

(3)

The Secretary shall provide a developmental preschool program to individuals eligible to receive a free public education under subsection (a) of this section who are of preschool age if a preschool program is not otherwise available for such individuals and if funds for such a program are available.

(c) Consultation requirements

The Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Secretary of Education on the educational programs and practices of the defense dependents' education system.

(d) Optional summer school programs

(1)

The Secretary of Defense may provide optional summer school programs in the defense dependents' education system.

(2)

The Secretary shall provide in regulations for fees to be charged for the students enrolling in a summer school program under this subsection in amounts determined on the basis of family income.

(3)

The amounts received by the Secretary in payment of the fees shall be available to the Department of Defense for defraying the costs of conducting summer school programs under this subsection