97-11875. Literacy Leader Fellowship Program  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 7, 1997)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 24860-24865]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-11875]
    
    
    =======================================================================
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LITERACY
    
    34 CFR Part 1100
    [CFDA No. 84.257I]
    
    
    Literacy Leader Fellowship Program
    
    AGENCY: National Institute for Literacy.
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The Director proposes to amend the regulations governing the 
    Literacy Leader Fellowship Program. Under this program, the Director 
    may award fellowships to individuals to enable them to engage in 
    research, education, training, technical assistance, or other 
    activities that advance the field of adult education or literacy. The 
    proposed amended regulations are needed to improve the administration 
    of the program and to establish new priorities under the program.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 6, 1997.
    
    ADDRESSES: All comments concerning these proposed regulations should be 
    addressed to Meg Young, National Institute for Literacy, 800 
    Connecticut Avenue N.W., Suite 200, Washington DC 20006. Comments may 
    also be sent through the Internet to myoung@nifl.gov.
        A copy of any comments that concern information collection 
    requirements should also be sent to the Office of Management and Budget 
    at the address listed in the Paperwork Reduction Act section of this 
    preamble.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Meg Young, Telephone: 202/632-1515. E-mail: myoung@nifl.gov. 
    Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may 
    call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
    between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Literacy Leader Fellowship Program is 
    authorized under section 384(e) of the Adult Education Act (20 U.S.C. 
    1213c(e)), as amended. On July 11, 1995, the Director published interim
    
    [[Page 24861]]
    
    final regulations which governed awards under the program for Fiscal 
    Years 1995 and 1996. For the reasons explained below, the Director now 
    proposes to revise the regulations governing the fellowship program and 
    to implement the program under the revised regulations in Fiscal Year 
    1997 and subsequent years.
        Since the publication of the interim final regulations, the 
    Institute has developed new areas of emphasis, and the Director 
    believes that it is necessary to address these areas in the Literacy 
    Leader Fellowship Program through the establishment of new priorities. 
    Therefore, proposed Sec. 1100.6 establishes four new priorities from 
    which the Director may select in inviting applications for funding 
    under the fellowship program.
        In addition, the Director has determined that some changes in the 
    regulations are necessary to expand the accessibility of, and to 
    improve the overall administration of, the program. The Director 
    therefore proposes to revise the regulations to (1) extend eligibility 
    for fellowships to individuals other than U.S. citizens (proposed 
    Sec. 1100.2(b)(3)); (2) allow more than one individual to apply jointly 
    for a fellowship (proposed Sec. 1100.2(d)); (3) describe the types of 
    projects that are ineligible for funding (proposed Sec. 1100.3(b)) and 
    those applications that will not be evaluated for funding (proposed 
    Sec. 1100.12) so that applicants will be better guided in drafting 
    complete applications that propose eligible projects; (4) explain more 
    clearly the manner in which the Director selects applications for 
    funding (proposed Sec. 1100.20); and (5) revise and expand the 
    selection criteria to better assist the Director in selecting high-
    quality projects for funding (proposed Sec. 1100.21).
    
    Executive Order 12866
    
        These proposed regulations have been reviewed in accordance with 
    Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of the order, the Director has 
    assessed the potential costs and benefits of this regulatory action. 
    The potential costs and benefits associated with the proposed 
    regulations are those resulting from statutory requirements and those 
    determined by the Director to be necessary for administering this 
    program effectively and efficiently. To the extent there are burdens 
    specifically associated with information collection requirements, they 
    are identified and explained elsewhere in this preamble under the 
    heading Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
        In assessing the potential costs and benefits of these proposed 
    regulations, the Director has determined that the benefits of the 
    proposed regulations justify the costs.
        To assist the Institute in complying with the specific requirements 
    of Executive Order 12866, the Director invites comment on whether there 
    may be further opportunities to reduce any potential costs or increase 
    potential benefits resulting from these proposed regulations without 
    impeding the effective and efficient administration of the program.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
    
        The Director certifies that these proposed regulations would not 
    have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
    entities. Because these proposed regulations would affect only 
    individuals, the regulations would not have an impact on small 
    entities. Individuals are not defined as ``small entities'' in the 
    Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    
        As described below, proposed Secs. 1100.11 and 1100.33 contain 
    information collection requirements. As required by the Paperwork 
    Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)), the National Institute for 
    Literacy has submitted a copy of these sections to the Office of 
    Management and Budget (OMB) for its review under that Act.
    
    Collection of Information: Literacy Leader Fellowship Program: 
    Application for Fellowship Funds (Sec. 1100.11)
    
        Proposed Sec. 1100.11 describes how an individual applies to the 
    Director for fellowship funds. Individuals are required to submit an 
    application that describes a plan for the activities to be conducted 
    under the proposed project. Applicants must also submit four letters of 
    recommendation and certain forms, assurances and certifications, 
    including the certification required under 34 CFR 75.61.
        The likely respondents to this collection of information are 
    individuals who are either literacy workers or adult learners and who 
    wish to conduct projects under the Institute's Literacy Leader 
    Fellowship Program. The information submitted will be used to select 
    applications for funding.
        We estimate that approximately 100 individuals may apply for 
    fellowship funds, and each application will take an average of 20 hours 
    to prepare. Therefore, the total annual reporting and recordkeeping 
    burden that will result from the collection of this information is 
    2,000 burden hours (100 individuals, multiplied by 1 application, 
    multiplied by 20 burden hours for preparing each application).
    
    Collection of Information: Literacy Leader Fellowship Program: Reports 
    Required to be Submitted by Literacy Leader Fellows (Sec. 1100.33)
    
        Proposed Sec. 1100.33 requires fellows to submit reports regarding 
    their projects. The respondents to the collections of information 
    contained in Sec. 1100.33 will be the individuals who have been awarded 
    funds to conduct projects under the Literacy Leader Fellowship Program. 
    We anticipate awarding four fellowships.
        Proposed Sec. 1100.33(a) requires a fellow to submit fellowship 
    results to the Institute so that the results may then be disseminated 
    to policymakers and the public. Because each fellowship project will be 
    different, proposed Sec. 1100.33(b) states that each fellowship 
    agreement will specify the manner in which the fellow is required to 
    report on results and how and to whom the results will be disseminated. 
    Therefore, the reporting and recordkeeping burden that will result from 
    this collection of information will vary by fellow. However, we 
    estimate that preparing the report of fellowship results will take an 
    average of 20 hours. Therefore, the total annual reporting and 
    recordkeeping burden that will result from the collection of this 
    information is 80 burden hours (4 fellows, multiplied by 1 report, 
    multiplied by 20 burden hours for preparing each report).
        Proposed Sec. 1100.33(c) requires a fellow to submit a one page 
    update report every three months to the Director. These reports are 
    required to inform the Institute about the fellow's progress and 
    whether the fellow has encountered any challenges. We estimate that 
    each update report will take an average of 1 hour to prepare. Because 
    the Director may award fellowships that range between three and 12 
    months in duration, the total reporting and recordkeeping burden that 
    will result from this collection of information may vary by fellow. 
    However, the maximum total annual reporting and recordkeeping burden 
    that will result from the collection of this information (based upon 
    12-month fellowships) is 16 burden hours (4 fellows, multiplied by 4 
    update reports, multiplied by 1 burden hour for preparing each update 
    report).
        Proposed Sec. 1100.33(d) requires a fellow to submit a final 
    performance report to the Director and to the Chairperson of the Board 
    of the National Institute for Literacy no later than 90
    
    [[Page 24862]]
    
    days after the completion of the fellowship. The purpose of this report 
    is to provide information to the Institute about the activities 
    conducted by the fellow, whether the objectives of the project have 
    been achieved, and how the activities performed and results achieved 
    may enhance literacy practice in the United States. We estimate that 
    each final performance report will take an average of 10 hours to 
    prepare. Therefore, the total annual reporting and recordkeeping burden 
    that will result from the collection of this information is 40 burden 
    hours (4 fellows, multiplied by 1 final performance report, multiplied 
    by 10 burden hours for preparing each final performance report).
        Organizations and individuals desiring to submit comments on the 
    information collection requirements should direct them to the Office of 
    Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Room 10235, New Executive 
    Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; Attention: Desk Officer for the 
    National Institute for Literacy. OMB is required to make a decision 
    concerning the collection of information contained in these proposed 
    regulations between 30 and 60 days after publication of this document 
    in the Federal Register. Therefore, a comment to OMB is best assured of 
    having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of 
    publication. This does not affect the deadline for the public to 
    comment to the Institute on the proposed regulations.
    
    Invitation to Comment
    
        Interested persons are invited to submit comments and 
    recommendations regarding these proposed regulations.
        All comments submitted in response to these proposed regulations 
    will be available for public inspection, during and after the comment 
    period, in Suite 200, 800 Connecticut Avenue NW., Washington, DC, 
    between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday of 
    each week except Federal holidays.
        To assist the National Institute for Literacy in complying with the 
    specific requirements of Executive Order 12866 and the Paperwork 
    Reduction Act of 1995 and their overall requirement of reducing 
    regulatory burden, the Director invites comment on whether there may be 
    further opportunities to reduce any regulatory burdens found in these 
    proposed regulations.
    
    List of Subjects in 34 CFR Part 1100
    
        Adult education; Grant programs--education; Reporting and 
    recordkeeping requirements.
    
        Dated: May 2, 1997.
    Sharyn M. Abbott,
    Executive Officer, National Institute for Literacy.
    
    (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.257I, Literacy 
    Leader Fellowship Program)
    
        The Director proposes to amend Title 34 of the Code of Federal 
    Regulations by revising Part 1100 to read as follows:
    
    PART 1100--NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LITERACY: LITERACY LEADER 
    FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
    
    Subpart A--General
    
    Sec.
    1100.1  What is the Literacy Leader Fellowship Program?
    1100.2  Who is eligible for a fellowship?
    1100.3  What types of projects may a fellow conduct under this 
    program?
    1100.4  What regulations apply?
    1100.5  What definitions apply?
    1100.6  What priorities may the Director establish?
    
    Subpart B--How Does an Individual Apply for a Fellowship?
    
    1100.10  What categories of fellowships does the Institute award?
    1100.11  How does an individual apply for a fellowship?
    1100.12  What applications are not evaluated for funding?
    
    Subpart C--How Does the Director Award a Fellowship?
    
    1100.20  How is a fellow selected?
    1100.21  What selection criteria does the Director use to rate an 
    applicant?
    1100.22  How does the Director determine the amount of a fellowship?
    1100.23  What payment methods may the Director use?
    1100.24  What are the procedures for payment of a fellowship award 
    directly to the fellow?
    1100.25  What are the procedures for payment of a fellowship award 
    through the fellow's employer?
    
    Subpart D--What Conditions Must Be Met by a Fellow?
    
    1100.30  Where may the fellowship project be conducted?
    1100.31  Who is responsible for oversight of fellowship activities?
    1100.32  What is the duration of a fellowship?
    1100.33  What reports are required?
    
        Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1213c(e).
    
    Subpart A--General
    
    
    Sec. 1100.1   What is the Literacy Leader Fellowship Program?
    
        (a) Under the Literacy Leader Fellowship Program, the Director of 
    the National Institute for Literacy provides financial assistance to 
    outstanding individuals who are pursuing careers in adult education or 
    literacy.
        (b) Fellowships are awarded to these individuals for the purpose of 
    carrying out short-term, innovative projects that contribute to the 
    knowledge base of the adult education or literacy field.
        (c) Fellowships are intended to benefit the fellow, the Institute, 
    and the national literacy field by providing the fellow with the 
    opportunity to interact with national leaders in the field and make 
    contributions to federal policy initiatives that promote a fully 
    literate adult population.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.2   Who is eligible for a fellowship?
    
        (a) Only individuals are eligible to be recipients of fellowships.
        (b) To be eligible for a fellowship under this program, an 
    individual must be--
        (1) A citizen or national of the United States, or a permanent 
    resident of the United States, or an individual who is in the United 
    States for other than temporary purposes and intends to become a 
    permanent resident;
        (2) Eligible for Federal assistance under the terms of 34 CFR 75.60 
    and 75.61; and
        (3) Either a literacy worker or an adult learner.
        (c) An individual who has received a fellowship award in a prior 
    year is not eligible for another award.
        (d) Multiple individuals may apply jointly for one award, if each 
    individual will contribute significantly to the proposed project and if 
    the proposed project will develop leadership for each individual.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.3   What type of project may a fellow conduct under this 
    program?
    
        (a) Under the auspices of the Institute, and in accordance with the 
    Fellowship Agreement, a Literacy Leader Fellow may use a fellowship 
    awarded under this part to engage in research, education, training, 
    technical assistance, or other activities that advance the field of 
    adult education or literacy, including the training of volunteer 
    literacy providers at the national, State, or local level.
        (b) A Literacy Leader Fellow may not use a fellowship awarded under 
    this part for any of the following:
        (1) Tuition and fees for continuing the education of the applicant 
    where this is the sole or primary purpose of the project.
        (2) Planning and implementing fundraisers.
        (3) General program operations and administration.
        (4) Activities that otherwise do not meet the purposes of the 
    Literacy Leader Fellowship program, as described in paragraph (a) of 
    this section.
    
    [[Page 24863]]
    
    Sec. 1100.4  What regulations apply?
    
        This program is governed by the regulations in this part and the 
    following additional regulations:
        34 CFR 74.36, Intangible property;
        34 CFR 75.60, Individuals ineligible to receive assistance;
        34 CFR 75.61, Certification of eligibility; effect of eligibility; 
    and
        34 CFR part 85, Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension 
    (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free 
    Workplace (Grants).
    
    
    Sec. 1100.5  What definitions apply?
    
        (a) The definitions in 34 CFR 77.1 except that the definitions of 
    ``Applicant'', ``Application'', ``Award'', and ``Project'' do not apply 
    to this part.
        (b) Other definitions. The following definitions also apply to this 
    part:
        Adult learner means an individual over 16 years old who is pursuing 
    or has completed some form of literacy or basic skills training, 
    including preparation for the G.E.D.
        Applicant means an individual (or more than one individual, if 
    applying jointly) requesting a fellowship under this program.
        Application means a written request for a fellowship under this 
    program.
        Award means an amount of funds provided for fellowship activities.
        Board means the National Institute for Literacy's advisory board 
    established pursuant to section 384(f) of the Adult Education Act (20 
    U.S.C. 1213c(f).)
        Director means the Director of the National Institute for Literacy.
        Fellow means a recipient of a fellowship.
        Fellowship means an award of financial assistance made by the 
    Institute to an individual pursuant to section 384(e) of the Adult 
    Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1213c(e)) to enable that individual to conduct 
    research or other authorized literacy activities under the auspices of 
    the Institute.
        Fellowship Agreement means a written agreement entered into between 
    the Institute and a fellow, which, when executed, has the legal effect 
    of obligating the fellowship award, and which states the rights and 
    obligations of the parties.
        Institute means the National Institute for Literacy.
        Literacy worker means an individual who is pursuing a career in 
    literacy or adult education or a related field and who either has a 
    minimum of five years of relevant academic, volunteer or professional 
    experience in the literacy, adult education, or related field, or has 
    made a significant contribution to, or notable progress in, the field. 
    Relevant experience includes teaching, policymaking, administration, or 
    research.
        Project means the work to be engaged in by the fellow during the 
    period of the fellowship.
        Research means one or more of the following activities in literacy 
    or education or education related fields: basic and applied research, 
    planning, surveys, assessments, evaluations, investigations, 
    experiments, development and demonstrations.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.6  What priorities may the Director establish?
    
        The Director may, through a notice published in the Federal 
    Register, select annually one or more priorities for funding. These 
    priorities may be chosen from the areas of greatest immediate concern 
    to the Institute and may include, but are not limited to, the following 
    areas:
        (a) Developing Leadership in Adult Learners. Because adult learners 
    are the true experts on literacy, they are an important resource for 
    the field. Their firsthand experience as ``customers'' of the literacy 
    system can be invaluable in assisting the field in moving forward, 
    particularly in terms of raising public awareness and understanding 
    about literacy.
        (b) Expanding the Use of Technology in Literacy Programs. One of 
    the Institute's major projects is the Literacy Information and 
    Communication System (LINCS), an Internet-based information system that 
    provides timely information and abundant resources to the literacy 
    community. Keeping the literacy community up to date in the Information 
    Age is vital.
        (c) Improving Accountability for Literacy Programs. Literacy 
    programs must develop accountability systems that demonstrate their 
    effectiveness in helping adult learners contribute more fully in the 
    workplace, family and community. There is growing interest in results-
    oriented literacy practice, especially as related to the Equipped for 
    the Future (EFF) framework.
        (d) Raising Public Awareness about Literacy. The Institute is 
    leading a national effort to raise public awareness that literacy is 
    part of the solution to many social concerns, including health, 
    welfare, the economy, and the well-being of children. Projects that 
    enhance this effort will be given priority consideration.
    
    Subpart B--How Does an Individual Apply for a Fellowship?
    
    
    Sec. 1100.10  What categories of fellowships does the Institute award?
    
        The Institute awards two categories of Literacy Leadership 
    Fellowships:
        (a) Literacy Worker Fellowships; and
        (b) Adult Learner Fellowships.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.11  How does an individual apply for a fellowship?
    
        An individual shall apply to the Director for a fellowship award in 
    response to an application notice published by the Director in the 
    Federal Register. The application must describe a plan for one or more 
    of the activities stated in Sec. 1100.3 that the applicant proposes to 
    conduct under the fellowship. The application must indicate which 
    category of fellowship, as described in Sec. 1100.10(b), most 
    accurately describes the applicant. Applicants must also submit four 
    letters of recommendation and certain forms, assurances and 
    certifications, including the certification required under 34 CFR 
    75.61.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.12  What applications are not evaluated for funding?
    
        The Director does not evaluate an application if--
        (a) The applicant is not eligible under Sec. 1100.2;
        (b) The applicant does not comply with all of the procedural rules 
    that govern the submission of applications for Literacy Leader 
    Fellowship funds;
        (c) The application does not contain the information required by 
    the Institute;
        (d) The application proposes a project for which a fellow may not 
    use fellowship funds, as described in Sec. 1100.3(b).
        (e) The application is not submitted by the deadline stated in the 
    application notice.
    
    Subpart C--How Does the Director Award a Fellowship?
    
    
    Sec. 1100.20  How is a fellow selected?
    
        (a) The Director selects applications for fellowships on the basis 
    of the selection criteria in Sec. 1100.21 and any priorities that have 
    been published in the Federal Register and are applicable to the 
    selection of applications.
        (b)(1) The Director may use experts from the literacy field to 
    evaluate the applications.
        (2) The Director prepares a rank order of the applications based 
    solely on the evaluation of their quality according to the selection 
    criteria, selects a number of the top-ranked applications, and
    
    [[Page 24864]]
    
    provides it to the Institute's Advisory Board.''
        (3) The Institute's Advisory Board evaluates the applications 
    provided by the Director based on the selection criteria in 
    Sec. 1100.21 and makes recommendations to the Director regarding 
    applications to be selected for fellowships.
        (4) The Director then determines the number of awards to be made in 
    each fellowship category and the order in which applications will be 
    selected for fellowships. The Director considers the following in 
    making these determinations:
        (i) The information in each application.
        (ii) The rank ordering of the applications under paragraph (b)(2) 
    of this section.
        (iii) The recommendations made by the Institute's Advisory Board 
    under paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
        (iv) Any other information relevant to any of the selection 
    criteria, applicable priorities, or the purposes of the Literacy Leader 
    Fellowship Program, including whether the selection of an application 
    would increase the diversity of fellowship projects under this program.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.21  What selection criteria does the Director use to rate an 
    applicant?
    
        The Director uses the following criteria in evaluating each 
    applicant for a fellowship:
        (a) Quality of Plan. (45 points) The Director uses the following 
    criteria to evaluate the quality of the proposed project:
        (1) The proposed project deals with an issue of major concern to 
    the literacy field.
        (2) The design of the project is strong and feasible.
        (3) The project addresses critical issues in an innovative way.
        (4) The plan demonstrates a knowledge of similar programs and an 
    intention, where appropriate, to coordinate with them.
        (5) The applicant describes adequate support and resources for the 
    project.
        (6) The plan includes evaluation methods to determine the 
    effectiveness of the project.
        (7) The project results are likely to contribute to the knowledge 
    base in literacy or adult education, and to federal policy intiiatives 
    in these or related areas.
        (8) The project will enhance literacy or adult education practice.
        (9) The project builds research capacity or improves practice 
    within the field.
        (b) Qualifications of Applicant. (25 points) The Director uses the 
    following criteria to evaluate the qualification of the applicant:
        (1) The applicant has a strong background in the literacy field. 
    [Include all relevant experience, which many include experiences as a 
    volunteer or an adult learner.]
        (2) The applicant has expertise in the proposed area of the 
    project.
        (3) The applicant has demonstrated the ability to complete a 
    quality project or has shown leadership in this area.
        (4) The applicant provides letters of recommendation that show 
    strong knowledge by others in the literacy field of the applicant's 
    background and past work.
        (c) Relevance to the Institute. (10 points) The Director uses the 
    following criteria to evaluate the relevance of the applicant's 
    proposal to the the Institute:
        (1) The project significantly relates to the purposes and work of 
    the Institute.
        (2) The applicant proposes to spend a significant portion of the 
    project time at the Institute.
        (d) Dissemination Plan. (10 points) The Director uses the following 
    criteria to evaluate the quality of the dissemination plan:
        (1) The applicant clearly specifies what information will be made 
    available to the field and how this information will further the 
    efforts of the field.
        (2) The applicant describes how this information will be shared 
    with the field (e.g., print, on-line, presentations, video, etc.).
        (e) Budget. (10 points) The Director uses the following criteria to 
    evaluate the budget:
        (1) The budget will adequately support the project.
        (2) The costs are clearly related to the objectives of the project.
        (3) The budget is cost effective.
        (4) The budget narrative clearly describes the budget and how costs 
    are calculated.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.22  How does the Director determine the amount of a 
    fellowship?
    
        The amount of a fellowship includes--
        (a) A stipend, based on--
        (1) The fellow's current annual salary, prorated for the length of 
    the fellowship not to exceed $30,000 salary reimbursement; or
        (2) If a fellow has no current salary, the fellow's education and 
    experience; and
        (b) A subsistence allowance, materials allowance (covering costs of 
    materials and supplies directly related to the completion of the 
    project), and travel expenses (including expenses to attend quarterly 
    meetings in Washington, DC) related to the fellowship and necessary to 
    complete the scope of work outlined in the proposal, consistent with 
    Title 5 U.S.C. chapter 57.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.23  What payment methods may the Director use?
    
        (a) The Director will pay a fellowship award directly to the fellow 
    or through the fellow's employer. The application should specify if the 
    fellow wishes to be paid directly or through the fellow's employer.
        (b) The Director considers the preferences of the fellow in 
    determining whether to pay a fellowship award directly to the fellow or 
    through the fellow's employer; however, the Director pays a fellowship 
    award through the fellow's employer only if the employer enters into an 
    agreement with the Director to comply with the provisions of 
    Sec. 1100.25.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.24  What are the procedures for payment of a fellowship award 
    directly to the fellow?
    
        (a) If the Director pays a fellowship award directly to the fellow 
    after the Director determines the amount of a fellowship award, the 
    fellowship recipient shall submit a payment schedule to the Director 
    for approval. The Director advises the recipient of the approved 
    schedule.
        (b) If a fellow does not complete the fellowship, or if the 
    Institute terminates the fellowship, the fellow shall return to the 
    Director a prorated portion of the stipend and any unused subsistence 
    and materials allowance and travel funds at the time and in the manner 
    required by the Director.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.25  What are the procedures for payment of a fellowship award 
    through the fellow's employer?
    
        (a) If the Director pays a fellowship award through the fellow's 
    employer, the employer shall submit a payment schedule to the Director 
    for approval.
        (b) The employer shall pay the fellow the stipend, subsistence and 
    materials allowance, and travel funds according to the payment schedule 
    approved by the Director. If the fellow does not complete the 
    fellowship, the fellow shall return to the employer a prorated portion 
    of the stipend and any unused subsistence and material allowance and 
    travel funds. The employer shall return the funds to the Director at 
    the time and in the manner required by the Director. The employer shall 
    also return to the Director any portion of the stipend, subsistence and 
    materials allowance and travel funds not yet paid by the employer to 
    the fellow.
    
    [[Page 24865]]
    
    Subpart D--What Conditions Must be Met by a Fellow?
    
    
    Sec. 1100.30  Where may the fellowship project be conducted?
    
        (a) A fellow carries out all, or a portion of, the fellowship 
    project at the National Institute for Literacy in Washington, DC. If 
    the Director determines that unusual circumstances exist, the Director 
    may authorize the fellow to carry out all of the project elsewhere.
        (b) Office space and logistics will be provided by the Institute.
        (c) The fellow may also be required to participate in meetings, 
    conferences and other activities at the Departments of Education, 
    Labor, or Health and Human and Services, in Washington, DC, or in site 
    visits to other locations, if deemed appropriate for the project being 
    conducted.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.31  Who is responsible for oversight of fellowship 
    activities?
    
        (a) All fellowship activities are conducted under the direct or 
    general oversight of the Institute. The Institute may arrange through 
    written agreement for another Federal agency, or another public or 
    private nonprofit agency or organization that is substantially involved 
    in literacy research or services, to assume direct supervision of the 
    fellowship activities.
        (b) Fellows may be assigned a peer mentor to orient them to the 
    Federal system and Institute procedures.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.32  What is the duration of a fellowship?
    
        (a) The Institute awards fellowships for a period of at least three 
    and not more than 12 months of full-time or part-time activity. An 
    award may not exceed 12 months in duration. The actual period of the 
    fellowship will be determined at the time of award based on proposed 
    activities.
        (b) In order to continue the fellowship to completion, the fellow 
    must be making satisfactory progress as determined periodically by the 
    Director.
    
    
    Sec. 1100.33  What reports are required?
    
        (a) A fellow shall submit fellowship results to the Institute in 
    formats suitable for wide dissemination to policymakers and the public. 
    These formats should include, as appropriate to the topic of the 
    fellowship and the intended audience, articles for academic journals, 
    newspapers, and magazines.
        (b) Each fellowship agreement will contain specific provisions for 
    how, when, and in what format the fellow will report on results, and 
    how to whom the results will be disseminated.
        (c) A fellow shall submit a semi-annual report to the Director.
        (d) A fellow shall submit a final performance report to the 
    Director no later than 90 days after the completion of the fellowship. 
    The report must contain a description of the activities conducted by 
    the fellow and a thorough analysis of the extent to which, in the 
    opinion of the fellow, the objectives of the project have been 
    achieved. In addition, the report must include a detailed discussion of 
    how the activities performed and results achieved could be used to 
    enhance literacy practice of the United States.
    
    [FR Doc. 97-11875 Filed 5-6-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6055-01-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
05/07/1997
Department:
National Institute for Literacy
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
Document Number:
97-11875
Dates:
Comments must be received on or before June 6, 1997.
Pages:
24860-24865 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
CFDA No. 84.257I
PDF File:
97-11875.pdf
CFR: (29)
34 CFR 1100.12)
34 CFR 1100.2(b)(3))
34 CFR 1100.5
34 CFR 1100.6
34 CFR 1100.10
More ...