98-21680. Special EducationResearch and Innovation To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities and Special Education Technology and Media Services for Individuals With Disabilities Programs  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 156 (Thursday, August 13, 1998)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 43598-43602]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-21680]
    
    
          
    
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    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    Part VI
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of Education
    
    
    
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    Special Education--Research and Innovation To Improve Services and 
    Results for Children With Disabilities and Special Education--
    Technology and Media Services for Individuals With Disabilities 
    Programs; Notice
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 156 / Thursday, August 13, 1998 / 
    Notices
    
    [[Page 43598]]
    
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
    
    
    Special Education--Research and Innovation To Improve Services 
    and Results for Children With Disabilities and Special Education--
    Technology and Media Services for Individuals With Disabilities 
    Programs
    
    AGENCY: Department of Education.
    
    ACTION: Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year 
    1999.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: On June 4, 1997, the President signed into law Public Law 105-
    17, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997, 
    amending the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
        This notice provides closing dates and other information regarding 
    the transmittal of applications for fiscal year 1999 competitions under 
    two programs authorized by IDEA, as amended. The two programs are: (1) 
    Special Education--Research and Innovation To Improve Services and 
    Results for Children With Disabilities (five priorities); and (2) 
    Special Education-- Technology and Media Services for Individuals With 
    Disabilities (one priority).
        This notice supports the National Education Goals by helping to 
    improve results for children with disabilities.
    
    Waiver of Rulemaking
    
        It is generally the practice of the Secretary to offer interested 
    parties the opportunity to comment on proposed priorities. However, 
    section 661(e)(2) of IDEA makes the Administrative Procedure Act (5 
    U.S.C. 553) inapplicable to the priorities in this notice. In order to 
    make awards on a timely basis, the Secretary has decided to publish 
    these priorities in final under the authority of section 661(e)(2).
    
    General Requirements
    
        (a) Projects funded under this notice must make positive efforts to 
    employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with 
    disabilities in project activities (see Section 606 of IDEA);
        (b) Applicants and grant recipients funded under this notice must 
    involve individuals with disabilities or parents of individuals with 
    disabilities in planning, implementing, and evaluating the projects 
    (see Section 661(f)(1)(A) of IDEA);
        (c) Projects funded under these priorities must budget for a two-
    day Project Directors' meeting in Washington, DC during each year of 
    the project; and
        (d) In a single application, an applicant is required to address 
    only one absolute priority in this notice.
    
        Note: The Department of Education is not bound by any estimates 
    in this notice.
    
    Research and Innovation To Improve Services and Results for 
    Children With Disabilities
    
        Purpose of Program: To produce, and advance the use of, knowledge 
    to: (1) improve services provided under IDEA, including the practices 
    of professionals and others involved in providing those services to 
    children with disabilities; and (2) improve educational and early 
    intervention results for infants, toddlers, and children with 
    disabilities.
        Eligible applicants: State and local educational agencies; 
    institutions of higher education; other public agencies; private 
    nonprofit organizations; outlying areas; freely associated States; and 
    Indian tribes or tribal organizations.
        Applicable regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
    Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 
    81, 82, 85, and 86; (b) The selection criteria for Absolute Priorities 
    1-3 are drawn from the EDGAR menu--RESEARCH program area; (c) The 
    selection criteria for Absolute Priority 4 are drawn from the EDGAR 
    menu--MODEL DEMONSTRATION AND PROJECTS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE program 
    area; and (d) The selection criteria for Absolute Priority 5 are drawn 
    from the EDGAR menu-- OUTREACH program area.
    
        Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of 
    higher education only.
    
    Priority
    
        Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), the Secretary gives an absolute 
    preference to applications that meet the following priorities. The 
    Secretary funds under these competitions only applications that meet 
    these absolute priorities:
    
    Absolute Priority 1--Student-Initiated Research Projects (84.324B).
    
        This priority provides support for short-term (up to 12 months) 
    postsecondary student-initiated research projects focusing on special 
    education and related services for children with disabilities and early 
    intervention services for infants and toddlers, consistent with the 
    purposes of the program, as described in Section 672 of the Act.
        Projects must--
        (1) Develop research skills in postsecondary students; and
        (2) Include a principal investigator who serves as a mentor to the 
    student researcher while the project is carried out by the student.
        Project Period: Up to 12 months.
        Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
    application that proposes a budget exceeding $20,000 for the entire 
    project period. However, because of budgetary considerations contingent 
    upon congressional action, the Secretary may change the maximum amount 
    through a notice published in the Federal Register.
        Page Limits: Part III of the application, the application 
    narrative, is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that 
    are used by reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must 
    limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 25 double-spaced 
    pages, using the following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\''  x  
    11'' (on one side only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). 
    (2) All text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
    footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
    charts, tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced (no more 
    than 3 lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional computer font, 
    use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character density 
    no greater than 18 characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font 
    or a typewriter, do not use more than 12 characters to the inch.
        The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
    the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
    IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
    resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
    application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
    narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
    the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
    will not be considered for funding.
    
    Absolute Priority 2--Field-Initiated Research Projects (84.324C)
    
        This priority provides support for a wide range of field-initiated 
    research projects that support innovation, development, exchange, and 
    use of advancements in knowledge and practice as described in Section 
    672 of the Act including the improvement of early intervention, 
    instruction, and learning for infants, toddlers, and children with 
    disabilities.
    
    Invitational Priorities
    
        Within Absolute Priority 1, the Secretary is particularly 
    interested in applications that meet one or more of the following 
    invitational priorities. However, under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), an 
    application that meets one or more of these invitational priorities 
    does not
    
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    receive competitive or absolute preference over other applications:
        (1) Projects to address the specific problems of over-
    identification and under-identification of children with disabilities. 
    (See Section 672(a)(3) of the Act).
        (2) Projects to develop and implement effective strategies for 
    addressing inappropriate behavior of students with disabilities in 
    schools, including strategies to prevent children with emotional and 
    behavioral problems from developing emotional disturbances that require 
    the provision of special education and related services. (See Section 
    672(a)(4) of the Act).
        (3) Projects studying and promoting improved alignment and 
    compatibility of general and special education reforms concerned with 
    curricular and instructional reform, evaluation and accountability of 
    those reforms, and administrative procedures. (See Section 672(b)(2)(D) 
    of the Act).
        (4) Projects that advance knowledge about the coordination of 
    education with health and social services. (See Section 672(b)(2)(G) of 
    the Act).
        Project Period: The majority of projects will be funded for up to 
    36 months. Only in exceptional circumstances--such as research 
    questions that require repeated measurement within a longitudinal 
    design--will projects be funded for more than 36 months, up to a 
    maximum of 60 months.
        Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
    application that proposes a budget exceeding $180,000 for any single 
    budget period of 12 months. However, because of budgetary 
    considerations contingent upon congressional action, the Secretary may 
    change the maximum amount through a notice published in the Federal 
    Register.
        Page Limits: Part III of the application, the application 
    narrative, is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that 
    are used by reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must 
    limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 50 double-spaced 
    pages, using the following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\''  x  
    11'' (on one side only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). 
    (2) All text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
    footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
    charts, tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced (no more 
    than 3 lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional computer font, 
    use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character density 
    no greater than 18 characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font 
    or a typewriter, do not use more than 12 characters to the inch.
        The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
    the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
    IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
    resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
    application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
    narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
    the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
    will not be considered for funding.
    
    Absolute Priority 3--Initial Career Awards (84.324N).
    
    Background
    
        There is a need to enable individuals in the initial phases of 
    their careers to initiate and develop promising lines of research that 
    would improve early intervention services for infants and toddlers, and 
    special education and related services for children with disabilities. 
    Support for research activities among individuals in the initial phases 
    of their careers is intended to develop the capacity of the special 
    education research community. This priority would address the 
    additional need to provide support for a broad range of field-initiated 
    research projects--focusing on the special education and related 
    services for children with disabilities and early intervention for 
    infants and toddlers--consistent with the purpose of the program as 
    described in Section 672 of the Act.
    
    Priority
    
        The Secretary establishes an absolute priority for the purpose of 
    awarding grants to eligible applicants for the support of individuals 
    in the initial phases of their careers to initiate and develop 
    promising lines of research consistent with the purposes of the 
    program. For purposes of this priority, the initial phase of an 
    individual's career is considered to be the first three years after 
    completing a doctoral program and graduating (e.g., for fiscal year 
    1999 awards, projects may support individuals who completed a doctoral 
    program and graduated no earlier than the 1995-96 academic year).
    
    Projects must--
    
        (a) Pursue a line of inquiry that reflects a programmatic strand of 
    research emanating either from theory or a conceptual framework. The 
    line of research must be evidenced by a series of related questions 
    that establish directions for designing future studies extending beyond 
    the support of this award. The project is not intended to represent all 
    inquiry related to the particular theory or conceptual framework; 
    rather, it is expected to initiate a new line or advance an existing 
    one;
        (b) In addition to involving individuals with disabilities or 
    parents of individuals with disabilities in planning, implementing, and 
    evaluating the project, as required by the Act, include, in design and 
    conduct, sustained involvement with nationally recognized experts 
    having substantive or methodological knowledge and expertise relevant 
    to the proposed research. The experts do not have to be at the same 
    institution or agency at which the project is located, but the 
    interaction with the project must be sufficient to develop the capacity 
    of the initial career researcher to effectively pursue the research 
    into mid-career activities. At least 50 percent of the researcher's 
    time must be devoted to the project;
        (c) Prepare its procedures, findings, and conclusions in a manner 
    that informs other interested researchers and is useful for advancing 
    professional practice or improving programs and services to infants, 
    toddlers, and children with disabilities and their families; and
        (d) Disseminate project procedures, findings, and conclusions to 
    appropriate research institutes and technical assistance providers
        Project Period: Up to 36 months.
        Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
    application that proposes a budget exceeding $75,000 for any single 
    budget period of 12 months. However, because of budgetary 
    considerations contingent upon congressional action, the Secretary may 
    change the maximum amount through a notice published in the Federal 
    Register.
        Page Limits: Part III of the application, the application 
    narrative, is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that 
    are used by reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must 
    limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 30 double-spaced 
    pages, using the following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\'' x 11'' 
    (on one side only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). (2) 
    All text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
    footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
    charts, tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced (no more 
    than 3 lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional computer font, 
    use no smaller than a 12-
    
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    point font, and an average character density no greater than 18 
    characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font or a typewriter, 
    do not use more than 12 characters to the inch.
        The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
    the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
    IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
    resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
    application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
    narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
    the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
    will not be considered for funding.
        Program Authority: Section 672 of the Act.
    
    Absolute Priority 4--Model Demonstration Projects for Children With 
    Disabilities (84.324M)
    
        This priority supports model demonstration projects that develop, 
    implement, evaluate, and disseminate new or improved approaches for 
    providing early intervention, special education, and related services 
    to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities, and students with 
    disabilities who are pursuing post-school employment, postsecondary 
    education or independent living goals. Projects supported under this 
    priority are expected to be major contributors of models or components 
    of models for service providers and for outreach projects funded under 
    the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
    
    Requirements for all Demonstration Projects:
    
        A model demonstration project must--
        (a) Develop and implement the model with specific components or 
    strategies that are based on theory, research, or evaluation data;
        (b) Evaluate the model by using multiple measures of results to 
    determine the effectiveness of the model and its components or 
    strategies; and
        (c) Produce detailed procedures and materials that would enable 
    others to replicate the model.
        Federal financial participation for a project funded under this 
    priority will not exceed 90 percent of the total annual costs of 
    development, operation, and evaluation of the project (see Section 
    661(f)(2)(A) of IDEA).
        In addition to the annual two-day Project Directors' meeting in 
    Washington, DC mentioned in the General Requirements section of this 
    notice, projects must budget for another meeting in Washington, DC to 
    collaborate with the Federal project officer and the other projects 
    funded under this priority, to share information and discuss model 
    development, evaluation, and project implementation issues.
        Project Period: Up to 48 months.
        Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
    application that proposes a budget exceeding $150,000 (exclusive of any 
    matching funds) for any single budget period of 12 months. However, 
    because of budgetary considerations contingent upon congressional 
    action, the Secretary may change the maximum amount through a notice 
    published in the Federal Register.
        Page Limit: Part III of the application, the application narrative, 
    is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that are used by 
    reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must limit Part 
    III to the equivalent of no more than 40 double-spaced pages, using the 
    following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\'' x 11'' (on one side 
    only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). (2) All text in 
    the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, 
    quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, 
    tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced (no more than 3 
    lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional computer font, use no 
    smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character density no 
    greater than 18 characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font or 
    a typewriter, do not use more than 12 characters to the inch.
        The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
    the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
    IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
    resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
    application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
    narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
    the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
    will not be considered for funding.
    
    Absolute Priority 5--Outreach Projects for Children with Disabilities 
    (84.324R).
    
        This priority supports projects that will assist educational and 
    other agencies in replicating proven models, components of models, and 
    other exemplary practices that improve services for infants, toddlers, 
    children with disabilities, and students with disabilities who are 
    pursuing post-school employment, postsecondary education or independent 
    living goals.
        For the purposes of this priority, a ``proven model'' is a 
    comprehensive description of a theory or system that, when applied, has 
    been shown to be effective. ``Exemplary practices'' are effective 
    strategies and methods used to deliver educational or related services. 
    The models, components of models, or exemplary practices selected for 
    outreach may include models developed for pre-service and in-service 
    personnel preparation, and do not need to have been developed through 
    projects funded under IDEA, or by the applicant.
        An outreach project must:
        (a) Provide supporting data or other documentation in the 
    application as to the effectiveness of the model, component(s) of a 
    model, or exemplary practice(s) selected for outreach;
        (b) Select implementation sites in multiple regions within one 
    State or multiple States and describe the criteria for their selection;
        (c) Describe the expected costs, needed personnel, staff training, 
    equipment, and sequence of implementation activities associated with 
    the replication efforts, including a description of any modifications 
    to the model or practice made by the sites;
        (d) Include public awareness, product development and 
    dissemination, training, and technical assistance activities and 
    written plans for working with sites; and
        (e) Coordinate dissemination and replication activities conducted 
    as part of outreach with dissemination projects, technical assistance 
    providers, consumer and advocacy organizations, State and local 
    educational agencies, and the lead agencies for Part C of IDEA, as 
    appropriate.
        Prepare products from the project in formats that are useful for 
    specific audiences, including parents, administrators, teachers, early 
    intervention personnel, related services personnel, and individuals 
    with disabilities (see Section 661(f)(2)(B) of IDEA).
        Federal financial participation for a project funded under this 
    priority will not exceed 90 percent of the total annual costs of 
    development, operation, and evaluation of the project (see Section 
    661(f)(2)(A) of IDEA).
        In addition to the annual two-day Project Directors' meeting in 
    Washington, D.C. mentioned in the General Requirements section of this 
    notice, projects must budget for another meeting in Washington, D.C. to 
    collaborate with the Federal project officer and the other projects 
    funded under this priority, to share information and discuss model 
    development,
    
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    evaluation and project implementation issues.
        Project Period: Up to 36 months.
        Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
    application that proposes a budget exceeding $150,000 for any single 
    budget period of 12 months. The Secretary may change the maximum amount 
    through a notice published in the Federal Register.
        Page Limits: Part III of the application, the application 
    narrative, is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that 
    are used by reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must 
    limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 40 double-spaced 
    pages, using the following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\'' x 11'' 
    (on one side only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). (2) 
    All text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
    footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
    charts, tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced (no more 
    than 3 lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional computer font, 
    use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character density 
    no greater than 18 characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font 
    or a typewriter, do not use more than 12 characters to the inch.
        The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
    the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
    IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
    resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
    application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
    narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
    the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
    will not be considered for funding.
    
    Special Education--Technology and Media Services for Individuals 
    with Disabilities
    
        Purpose of Program: The purpose of this program is to promote the 
    development, demonstration, and utilization of technology and to 
    support educational media activities designed to be of educational 
    value to children with disabilities. This program also provides support 
    for some captioning, video description, and cultural activities.
        Eligible Applicants: State and local educational agencies; 
    institutions of higher education; other public agencies; private 
    nonprofit organizations; outlying areas; freely associated States; 
    Indian tribes or tribal organizations; and for-profit organizations.
        Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
    Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 
    81, 82, 85, and 86; and (b) The selection criteria for the 
    Steppingstones of Technology Innovation for Students with Disabilities 
    priority are drawn from the EDGAR menu--RESEARCH program area.
    
        Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of 
    higher education only.
    
    Priority
    
        Under section 687 and 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), the Secretary gives an 
    absolute preference to applications that meet the following priority. 
    The Secretary funds under this competition only those applications that 
    meet this absolute priority:
    
    Absolute Priority--Steppingstones of Technology Innovation for Students 
    With Disabilities (84.327A)
    
        The purpose of this priority is for the support of projects that--
        (a) Select and describe a technology-based approach for achieving 
    one or more of the following purposes for early intervention, 
    preschool, elementary, and secondary school students with disabilities: 
    (1) improving literacy; (2) improving access to and participation in 
    the general curriculum, or appropriate activities for preschool 
    children; and (3) improving accountability and participation in 
    educational reform. The technology-based approach must be an innovative 
    combination of a new technology and additional curriculum materials and 
    instructional methodologies that enable the technology to achieve 
    educational purposes for students with disabilities;
        (b) Justify the approach on the basis of research or theory that 
    supports the effectiveness of the technology-based approach for 
    achieving one or more of the purposes presented in paragraph (a); and
        (c) Clearly identify and conduct work in ONE of the following 
    phases:
        (1) Phase 1--Development: Projects funded under Phase 1 must 
    develop and refine a technology-based approach, and test its 
    feasibility for use with students with disabilities. Activities may 
    include development, adaptation, and refinement of technology, 
    curriculum materials, or instructional methodologies. Activities must 
    include formative evaluation. The primary product of Phase 1 should be 
    a promising technology-based approach that is suitable for field-based 
    evaluation of effectiveness.
        (2) Phase 2--Research and Evaluation: Projects funded under Phase 2 
    must select a promising technology-based approach that has been 
    developed in a manner consistent with Phase 1, and subject the approach 
    to rigorous field-based research and evaluation to determine 
    effectiveness and feasibility in educational settings. Products of 
    Phase 2 include a further refinement and description of the technology-
    based approach, and sound evidence that, in a defined range of real 
    world contexts, the approach can be effective in achieving one or more 
    of the purposes presented in paragraph (c)(1).
        (3) Phase 3--Implementation and Validation: Projects funded under 
    Phase 3 must select a technology-based approach that has been evaluated 
    for effectiveness and feasibility in a manner consistent with Phase 2, 
    and must study the implementation of the approach in multiple, complex 
    settings to acquire an improved understanding of the range of contexts 
    in which the approach can be used effectively, and the factors that 
    determine the effectiveness and sustainability of the approach in this 
    range of contexts. Factors to be studied in Phase 3 include factors 
    related to the technology, curriculum materials and instructional 
    methodologies that constitute the technology-based approach. Phases 2 
    and 3 can be contrasted as follows: Phase 2 studies the effectiveness 
    the approach can have, while Phase 3 studies the effectiveness the 
    approach is likely to have in sustained use in a range of typical 
    educational settings. The primary product of Phase 3 should be a 
    detailed blueprint that can be used in dissemination and utilization of 
    the technology-based approach. Also to be studied in Phase 3 are 
    contextual factors associated with students, teacher attitudes, skills 
    and actions, physical setting, curriculum and instruction, resources, 
    and professional development and policy supports, etc.;
        (d) In addition to the annual two-day Research to Practice Division 
    Project Directors' meeting in Washington, D.C. mentioned above in the 
    General Requirements section of this notice, budget for another annual 
    trip to Washington, D.C. to collaborate with the Federal project 
    officer and the other projects funded under this priority, and to share 
    information and discuss findings and methods of dissemination; and
        (e) Prepare products from the project in formats that are useful 
    for specific audiences as appropriate, including parents, 
    administrators, teachers, early intervention personnel, related 
    services
    
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    personnel, researchers, and individuals with disabilities.
        Project Period: The Secretary intends to fund at least one project 
    in each phase. Projects funded under Phase 1 will be funded for up to 
    24 months. Projects funded under Phase 2 will be funded for up to 24 
    months. Projects funded under Phase 3 will be funded for up to 36 
    months. During the final year of projects funded under Phase 3, the 
    Secretary will determine whether or not to fund an optional six-month 
    period for additional dissemination activities.
        Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
    application that proposes a budget exceeding $200,000 for any single 
    budget period of 12 months for projects in phases 1 and 2, and $300,000 
    for projects in phase 3. The Secretary may change the maximum amount 
    through a notice published in the Federal Register.
        Page Limits: Part III of the application, the application 
    narrative, is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that 
    are used by reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must 
    limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 40 double-spaced 
    pages, using the following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\''  
    x 11'' (on one side only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and 
    sides). (2) All text in the application narrative, including titles, 
    headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as 
    all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced 
    (no more than 3 lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional 
    computer font, use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average 
    character density no greater than 18 characters per inch. If using a 
    nonproportional font or a typewriter, do not use more than 12 
    characters to the inch.
        The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
    the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
    IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
    resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
    application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
    narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
    the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
    will not be considered for funding.
        For Applications and General Information Contact: Requests for 
    applications and general information should be addressed to the Grants 
    and Contracts Services Team, 600 Independence Avenue, SW, room 3317, 
    Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-2641. The preferred method for 
    requesting information is to FAX your request to: (202) 205-8717. 
    Telephone: (202) 260-9182.
        Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) 
    may call the TDD number: (202) 205-8953.
        Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of this notice or 
    the application packages referred to in this notice in an alternate 
    format (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by 
    contacting the Department as listed above. However, the Department is 
    not able to reproduce in an alternate format the standard forms 
    included in the application package.
    
    Intergovernmental Review
    
        All programs in this notice (except for Research and Innovation 
    Projects) are subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372 and 
    the regulations in 34 CFR Part 79. The objective of the Executive order 
    is to foster an inter-governmental partnership and a strengthened 
    federalism by relying on processes developed by State and local 
    governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal financial 
    assistance.
        In accordance with the order, this document is intended to provide 
    early notification of the Department's specific plans and actions for 
    those programs.
    
                                       Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1998                                  
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Deadline for                                  Estimated 
                         CFDA No. and name                        Applications     Application   intergovernmental   Maximum award      Page      number of 
                                                                    available     deadline date        review         (per year)*     limit**       awards  
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    84.324B  Student Initiated Research Projects...............         8/20/98         2/05/99           4/06/99          $20,000           25           12
    84.324C  Field Initiated Research Projects.................         8/20/98         9/28/98          11/27/98          180,000           50           14
    84.324N  Initial Career Awards.............................         8/20/98         9/28/98          11/27/98           75,000           30            4
    84.324M  Model Demonstration Projects for Children with                                                                                                 
     Disabilities..............................................         8/20/98        10/05/98          12/04/98          150,000           40           18
    84.324R  Outreach Projects for Children with Disabilities..         8/20/98        10/05/98          12/04/98          150,000           40           21
    84.327A  Steppingstones of Technology Innovation for                                                                                                    
     Students with Disabilities................................         8/20/98        12/18/98           2/16/99          200,000           40           15
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    * The Secretary rejects and does not consider an application that proposes a budget exceeding the amount listed for each priority for any single budget 
      period of 12 months.                                                                                                                                  
    ** Applicants must limit the Application Narrative, Part III of the Application, to the page limits noted above. Please refer to the ``Page Limit''     
      section of this notice for the specific requirements. The Secretary rejects and does not consider an application that does not adhere to this         
      requirement.                                                                                                                                          
    
    Electronic Access to This Document
    
        Anyone may view this document, as well as all other Department of 
    Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or 
    portable document format (pdf) on the World Wide Web at either of the 
    following sites:
    
    http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
    http://www.ed.gov/news.html
    
    To use the pdf you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with 
    Search, which is available free at either of the previous sites. If you 
    have questions about using the pdf, call the U.S. Government Printing 
    Office at (202) 512-1530 or, toll free at 1-888-293-6498.
        Anyone may also view these documents in text copy only on an 
    electronic bulletin board of the Department. Telephone: (202) 219-1511 
    or, toll free, 1-800-222-4922. The documents are located under Option 
    G--Files/Announcements, Bulletins, and Press Releases.
    
        Note: The official version of a document is the document 
    published in the Federal Register.
    
        Dated: August 6, 1998.
    Judith E. Heumann,
    Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
    [FR Doc. 98-21680 Filed 8-12-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
08/13/1998
Department:
Education Department
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year 1999.
Document Number:
98-21680
Pages:
43598-43602 (5 pages)
PDF File:
98-21680.pdf