§ 535.21 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

The Secretary uses the following selection criteria to evaluate an application for participation in this program for master's and doctoral level fellowships:

(a) Institutional commitment. (25 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the quality of the institution's graduate program of study, including consideration of—

(1) The extent to which the program has been adopted as a permanent graduate program of study;

(2) The organizational placement of the program of study;

(3) The staff and resources that the IHE has committed to the program;

(4) The IHE's demonstrated competence and experience in programs and activities such as those authorized under the Act;

(5) The IHE's demonstrated experience in assisting fellowship recipients to find employment in the field of bilingual education; and

(6) If the IHE has carried out a previous project with funds under title VII of the Act, the applicant's record of accomplishments under that previous project.

(b) Quality of the graduate academic program. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the quality of the graduate program of study for which approval is sought, including—

(1) The course offerings and academic requirements for the graduate program;

(2) The availability of related course offerings through other schools or departments within the IHE;

(3) The IHE's focus and capacity for research;

(4) The quality of the standards used to determine satisfactory progress in, and completion of, the program;

(5) The extent to which the program of study prepares Fellows to improve the academic achievement of LEP children and youth; and

(6) In the case of a program designed to prepare trainers of educational personnel for programs of bilingual instruction, the extent to which the program incorporates the use of English and another language to develop the Fellows' competencies as trainers of bilingual educational personnel.

(c) Quality of key faculty members. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the qualifications of the key faculty to be used in the program of study, including the extent to which their background, education, research interests, and relevant experience qualify them to plan and implement a successful program of high academic quality related to instruction of LEP children and youth.

(d) Field-based experience. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the program of study provides field-based experience through arrangements with LEAs, SEAs, or persons or organizations with expertise in programs for LEP children and youth.

(e) Evidence of local or national need. (10 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the need for more individuals trained, at the graduate level, in the area of study proposed by the applicant.

(f) Recruitment plan. (10 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the quality of the applicant's plan for recruitment and nomination of students.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1885–0001)

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7475 and 7547)