[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 24, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50192-50197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-24462]
[[Page 50191]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part V
Department of Education
_______________________________________________________________________
34 CFR Part 656
Higher Education Programs in Modern Foreign Language Training and Area
Studies; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 24, 1996 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 50192]]
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
34 CFR Part 656
RIN 1840-AC27
Higher Education Programs in Modern Foreign Language Training and
Area Studies--National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language
and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies
AGENCY: Department of Education.
ACTION: Final regulations.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Secretary amends the regulations governing the Higher
Education Programs in Modern Foreign Language Training and Area
Studies--National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and
Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies (National
Resource Centers Program). These final regulations are needed to
improve the application review process and to update the regulations in
light of developments in the field of foreign language, area, and
international studies. In the spirit of reinventing government, the
goal of the final regulations is to markedly reduce the burden
associated with the application process. These final regulations (a)
reduce the burden on applicants and readers by clarifying and
redesigning selection criteria to remove ambiguity and eliminate
repetition of information presented in applications, (b) facilitate
grantee selection by providing a larger point spread for greater
differentiation of rankings, and (c) improve program quality,
efficiency, and flexibility by adding changes program management
experience shows to be appropriate.
EFFECTIVE DATE: These regulations take effect on October 24, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Gibbs, U.S. Department of
Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Suite 600-B, Portals
Building, Washington, D.C. 20202-5331. Telephone (202) 401-9785.
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 National Resource Centers Program is one
of several international education programs authorized under Part A of
Title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The main
provisions of the regulations govern the awarding of grants designed to
assist eligible institutions of higher education in improving and
developing their programs in modern foreign languages and area or
international studies.
On March 28, 1996, the Secretary published a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) for this program in the Federal Register (61 FR
13996). The NPRM included a discussion of the proposed changes in the
regulations for the National Resource Centers Program by modifying the
selection criteria for applications and by adding activities to the
list of definitions and to the list of priorities.
As a result of the comments received, the Secretary has increased
the number of points allocated to the ``Strength of library''
criterion; has replaced the term ``teaching assistants'' with the term
``instructional assistants'' in two criteria to eliminate
inconsistencies among applicant institutions regarding the position
description and duties; and has rephrased the ``Quality of the Center's
language instructional program'' criterion to eliminate ambiguity
regarding the information requested on student enrollments and the
Center's offerings.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
In response to the Secretary's invitation in the NPRM, 87 parties
submitted comments, 74 of which addressed the proposed regulations. An
analysis of the comments and of the changes in the regulations since
the publication of the NPRM follows.
Substantive issues are discussed under the section of the
regulations to which they pertain. Technical and other minor changes--
and suggested changes the Secretary is not legally authorized to make
under the applicable statutory authority--are not addressed.
What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an
application for a comprehensive Center? (Sec. 656.21)
What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an
application for an undergraduate Center? (Sec. 656.22)
--Impact and evaluation. (Secs. 656.21(c) and 656.22(c))
Comments: One commenter stated that the kinds of quantifiable data
being requested to validate a Center's success may prompt institutions
to submit inflated data. The commenter stated that a Center's
achievements may be documented by other unspecified indicators and
urged the Secretary to develop measurements that solicit more relevant
and meaningful feedback.
Discussion: While there are alternative mechanisms available to
measure impact, the Secretary requested outcome-based data elements
because concrete data are needed to assess whether Centers are
fulfilling the purposes contained in the statute and to assess
applicant institutions' comparative strengths. The Secretary
understands the concern over possible inflated data. All applicants,
however, must attest to the accuracy of their applications under the
penalty of perjury and eventual grantees are further subject to the
provisions of the Federal False Claims Act.
Changes: None.
--Strength of library. (Secs. 656.21(e) and 656.22(e))
Comments: Several commenters favored the inclusion of factors that
evaluate an institution's capacity for electronic access to research
materials and cooperative arrangements for sharing library resources.
They applauded the Secretary's efforts to respond to current
technological and economic trends affecting institutions.
One commenter stated that the new factors detracted from
recognizing the exemplary qualities and practices of traditional
research libraries and that emphasis on alternative arrangements
jeopardized institutional incentive for supporting libraries in
resource-allocation plans.
Several commenters opposed the allocation of only 10 points out of
160 total points, which reduced the proportion of points for this
criterion in comparison with the previous regulations. They questioned
whether the decrease reflects the Secretary's perception of the role an
institution's library plays in promoting the goals of national Centers.
They believed the Secretary ought to increase the number of points
allocated to this criterion from 10 to 15 or 16 points to effectively
assess institutional support for and the impact of library resources on
the Center's area and language programs, research, and academic
training needs.
Discussion: The Secretary agrees that an institution's library
acquisitions and human resources are important to ensuring high
quality, successful Centers. The Secretary agrees that the points
allocated to this criterion should be increased to avoid de-emphasizing
the importance of library resources.
Changes: The Secretary has increased the allocation of points for
this criterion from 10 to 15 points.
--Quality of the Center's non-language instructional program.
(Secs. 656.21(f) and 656.22(f))
--Quality of the Center's language instructional program.
(Secs. 656.21(g) and 656.22(g))
[[Page 50193]]
Comments: One commenter suggested replacing ``teaching assistants''
with the term ``instructional assistants'' to avoid inconsistencies
among applicant institutions regarding the position description and
duties.
Discussion: The Secretary agrees that this revision is helpful for
the reason stated by the commenter.
Changes: The Secretary has replaced the term ``teaching
assistants'' with the term ``instructional assistants'' in
Secs. 656.21(f)(3), 656.21(g)(3), 656.22(f)(3), and 656.22(g)(3).
--Quality of the Center's language instructional program.
(Secs. 656.21(g) and 656.22(g))
Comments: One commenter was concerned that by limiting student
enrollment information in Secs. 656.21(g)(1) and 656.22(g)(1) to
courses offered directly by the applicant, the Secretary was not
recognizing the importance of student enrollment in language programs
offered by other institutions (for example, summer study programs)
during the course of the students' overall language study at the
applicant institution. The commenter requested that the Secretary
rephrase the criterion to broaden the enrollment data that can be
considered.
Discussion: The Secretary agrees that enrollment in language
programs not offered directly by the Center, but nevertheless
incorporated into a student's program of study, should be recognized
under this criterion.
Changes: The Secretary has revised Secs. 656.21(g)(1) and
656.22(g)(1) to include student enrollment in programs offered by the
Center or other providers.
--Outreach activities. (Secs. 656.21(i) and 656.22(i))
Comments: A few commenters supported the increase in points for
outreach; however, one stated that the equal distribution of evaluation
points among the outreach areas penalizes institutions that have
developed particularly effective and exemplary initiatives in one of
the outreach areas.
One commenter requested an addition of points beyond the increase
proposed to reflect a more realistic valuation of the extensive efforts
undertaken by institutions to maintain successful outreach activities.
One commenter was concerned that it may be more difficult for
applicant institutions located in rural settings to establish and
maintain business and media activities of sufficient strength to
demonstrate national and regional impact.
Discussion: The Secretary believes the proposed scope of outreach
functions and their point allocations are sufficient to enable all
applicant institutions to demonstrate a meaningful impact at the
national and regional levels. The Secretary also believes that it is
appropriate to expect national Centers to engage in outreach to all
three areas, given the purpose of the program.
Changes: None.
--Other Changes. (Secs. 656.21(c)(2), 656.22(c)(2), 656.21(i),
656.22(i), 656.21(j), and 656.22(j))
Comments: None.
Discussion: In the ``Impact and evaluation'' criterion, the
Secretary believes that requiring that the applicant's evaluation plan
be comprehensive and objective at the time of the submission of the
application emphasizes the importance of the applicant's participation
in and ongoing commitment to improving program quality and efficiency.
Changes: The Secretary has changed ``that will be'' to ``that is''
in Secs. 656.21(c)(2) and 656.22(c)(2).
Comments: None.
Discussion: The Secretary did not receive comments regarding
whether the ``Outreach activities'' criterion involves foreign or
domestic communities. However, the Secretary believes that clarifying
that these activities involve communities located in the United States
avoids confusion and is consistent with the regional and national
impact of the activities.
Changes: The Secretary has added the word ``domestic'' after the
words ``involvement in,'' in Secs. 656.21(i) and 656.22(i).
Comments: None.
Discussion: The Secretary did not receive comments regarding the
awarding of additional points to applicants. However, the Secretary
believes that the awarding of additional points should be done only
when the Secretary establishes a competitive priority.
Changes: The Secretary has changed ``specific'' to ``competitive''
in the ``Degree to which priorities are served'' criterion in
Secs. 656.21(j) and 656.22(j).
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid
OMB control number. The valid OMB control number assigned to the
collections of information in these final regulations is displayed at
the end of the affected sections of the regulations.
Intergovernmental Review
This program is 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 intergovernmental partnership and a
strengthened federalism by relying on processes developed by State and
local government 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
this program.
Assessment of Educational Impact
In the notice of proposed rulemaking, the Secretary requested
comments on whether the proposed regulations would require transmission
of information that is being gathered by or is available from any other
agency or authority of the United States.
Based on the response to the proposed regulations and on its own
review, the Department has determined that the final regulations in
this document do not require transmission of information that is being
gathered by or is available from any other agency or authority of the
United States.
List of Subjects in 34 CFR Part 656
Colleges and universities, Education, International education,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: September 18, 1996.
David A. Longanecker,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.015 National
Resource Centers and Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships
Programs.)
The Secretary amends Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations by
revising Part 656 to read as follows:
PART 656--NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE
AND AREA STUDIES OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Subpart A--General
Sec.
656.1 What is the National Resource Centers Program?
656.2 Who is eligible to receive a grant?
656.3 What activities define a comprehensive or undergraduate
National Resource Center?
656.4 What types of Centers receive grants?
656.5 What activities may be carried out?
656.6 What regulations apply?
656.7 What definitions apply?
[[Page 50194]]
Subpart B--How Does One Apply for a Grant?
656.10 What combined application may an institution submit?
Subpart C--How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?
656.20 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?
656.21 What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate
an application for a comprehensive Center?
656.22 What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate
an application for an undergraduate Center?
656.23 What priorities may the Secretary establish?
Subpart D--What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?
656.30 What are allowable costs and limitations on allowable costs?
Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A--General
Sec. 656.1 What is the National Resource Centers Program?
Under the National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language
and Areas Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies
(National Resource Centers Program), the Secretary awards grants to
institutions of higher education and combinations of institutions to
establish, strengthen, and operate comprehensive and undergraduate
Centers that will be national resources for--
(a) Stimulating the attainment of foreign language acquisition and
fluency;
(b) Instruction in fields needed to provide a full understanding of
the areas, regions, or countries in which the foreign language is
commonly used;
(c) Research and training in international studies and the
international and foreign language aspects of professional and other
fields of study; and
(d) Instruction and research on issues in world affairs which
concern one or more countries.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Sec. 656.2 Who is eligible to receive a grant?
An institution of higher education or a combination of institutions
of higher education is eligible to receive a grant under this part.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Sec. 656.3 What activities define a comprehensive or undergraduate
National Resource Center?
A comprehensive or undergraduate National Resource Center--
(a) Teaches at least one modern foreign language;
(b) Provides--
(1) Instruction in fields necessary to provide a full understanding
of the areas, regions, or countries in which the languages taught are
commonly used;
(2) Resources for training and research in international and
foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; or
(3) Opportunities for training and research on issues in world
affairs that concern one or more countries;
(c) Provides outreach and consultative services on a national,
regional, and local basis;
(d) Maintains linkages with overseas institutions of higher
education and other organizations that may contribute to the teaching
and research of the Center;
(e) In the case of a comprehensive Center--
(1) Maintains specialized library collections; and
(2) Employs scholars engaged in training and research that relates
to the subject area of the Center; and
(f) In the case of an undergraduate Center--
(1) Maintains library holdings, including basic reference works,
journals, and works in translation; and
(2) Employs faculty with strong credentials in language, area, and
international studies.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Sec. 656.4 What types of Centers receive grants?
The Secretary awards grants to Centers that--
(a) Focus on--
1) A single country or on a world area (such as East Asia, Africa,
or the Middle East) and offer instruction in the principal language or
languages of that country or area and those disciplinary fields
necessary to provide a full understanding of the country or area; or
(2) International studies or the international aspects of
contemporary issues or topics (such as international business or
energy) while providing instruction in modern foreign languages; and
(b) Provide training at the--
(1) Graduate, professional, and undergraduate levels, as a
comprehensive Center; or
(2) Undergraduate level only, as an undergraduate Center.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Sec. 656.5 What activities may be carried out?
(a) A Center may carry out any of the activities described in
Sec. 656.3 under a grant received under this part.
(b) The Secretary may make an additional grant to a comprehensive
Center for any one or a combination of the following purposes:
(1) Linkage or outreach between foreign language, area studies, and
other international fields and professional schools and colleges.
(2) Linkage or outreach with 2- and 4-year colleges and
universities.
(3) Linkage or outreach with departments or agencies of Federal and
State governments.
(4) Linkage or outreach with the news media, business,
professional, or trade associations.
(5) Summer institutes in foreign area and other international
fields designed to carry out the activities in paragraphs (b)(1)
through (4) of this section.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Sec. 656.6 What regulations apply?
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in 34 CFR Part 655.
(b) The regulations in this Part 656.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Sec. 656.7 What definitions apply?
The following definitions apply to this part:
(a) The definitions in 34 CFR Part 655.
(b) Area studies means a program of comprehensive study of the
aspects of a world area's society or societies, including study of
history, culture, economy, politics, international relations, and
languages.
(c) Center means an administrative unit of an institution of higher
education that has direct access to highly qualified faculty and
library resources, and coordinates a concentrated effort of educational
resources, including language training and various academic
disciplines, in the area and subject matters described in Sec. 656.3.
(d) Comprehensive Center means a Center that--
(1) Contributes significantly to the national interest in advanced
research and scholarship;
(2) Offers intensive language instruction;
(3) Maintains important library collections related to the area of
its specialization;
(4) Makes training available to a graduate, professional, and
undergraduate clientele; and
(5) Engages in curriculum development and community outreach.
(e) For purposes of this section, intensive language instruction
means instruction of at least five contact hours per week during the
academic year or the equivalent of a full academic year of
[[Page 50195]]
language instruction during the summer.
(f) Undergraduate Center means an administrative unit of an
institution of higher education that--
(1) Contributes significantly to the national interest through the
education of students who matriculate into advanced language and area
studies programs or professional school programs;
(2) Incorporates substantial international and foreign language
content into baccalaureate degree program;
(3) Makes training available predominantly to undergraduate
students; and
(4) Engages in research, curriculum development, and community
outreach.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Subpart B--How Does One Apply for a Grant?
Sec. 656.10 What combined application may an institution submit?
An institution that wishes to apply for a grant under this part and
for an allocation of fellowships under 34 CFR Part 657 may submit one
application for both.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Subpart C--How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?
Sec. 656.20 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a comprehensive
Center under the criteria contained in Sec. 656.21, and for an
undergraduate Center under the criteria contained in Sec. 656.22.
(b) In general, the Secretary awards up to 155 possible points for
these criteria. However, if the criterion in Sec. 656.21(j) or
Sec. 656.22(j) is used, the Secretary awards up to 165 possible points.
The maximum possible points for each criterion are shown in
parentheses.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Sec. 656.21 What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate
an application for a comprehensive Center?
The Secretary uses the following criteria in evaluating an
application for a comprehensive Center:
(a) Program planning and budget. (20 points) The Secretary reviews
each application to determine--
(1) The extent to which the activities for which the applicant
seeks funding are of high quality and directly related to the purpose
of the National Resource Centers Program (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides a development plan
or timeline demonstrating how the proposed activities will contribute
to a strengthened program and whether the applicant uses its resources
and personnel effectively to achieve the proposed objectives (5
points);
(3) The extent to which the costs of the proposed activities are
reasonable in relation to the objectives of the program (5 points); and
(4) The long-term impact of the proposed activities on the
institution's undergraduate, graduate, and professional training
programs (5 points).
(b) Quality of staff resources. (20 points) The Secretary reviews
each application to determine--
(1) The extent to which teaching faculty and other staff are
qualified for the current and proposed Center activities and training
programs, are provided professional development opportunities
(including overseas experience), and participate in teaching,
supervising, and advising students (10 points);
(2) The adequacy of Center staffing and oversight arrangements,
including outreach and administration and the extent to which faculty
from a variety of departments, professional schools, and the library
are involved (5 points); and
(3) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its
nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have been
traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic
minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly (5
points).
(c) Impact and evaluation. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each
application to determine--
(1) The extent to which the Center's activities and training
programs have a significant impact on the university, community,
region, and the Nation as shown through indices such as enrollments,
graduate placement data, participation rates for events, and usage of
Center resources; and the extent to which the applicant supplies a
clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and
treatment of eligible project participants who are members of groups
that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of
racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and
the elderly (10 points); and
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides an evaluation plan
that is comprehensive and objective and that will produce quantifiable,
outcome-measure-oriented data; and the extent to which recent
evaluations have been used to improve the applicant's program (10
points).
(d) Commitment to the subject area on which the Center focuses. (10
points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent
to which the institution provides financial and other support to the
operation of the Center, teaching staff for the Center's subject area,
library resources, linkages with institutions abroad, outreach
activities, and qualified students in fields related to the Center.
(e) Strength of library. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each
application to determine--
(1) The strength of the institution's library holdings (both print
and non-print, English and foreign language) in the subject area and at
the educational levels (graduate, professional, undergraduate) on which
the Center focuses; and the extent to which the institution provides
financial support for the acquisition of library materials and for
library staff in the subject area of the Center (10 points); and
(2) The extent to which research materials at other institutions
are available to students through cooperative arrangements with other
libraries or on-line databases and the extent to which teachers,
students, and faculty from other institutions are able to access the
library's holdings (5 points).
(f) Quality of the Center's non-language instructional program. (20
points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine--
(1) The quality and extent of the Center's course offerings in a
variety of disciplines, including the extent to which courses in the
Center's subject matter are available in the institution's professional
schools (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the Center offers depth of specialized
course coverage in one or more disciplines of the Center's subject area
(5 points);
(3) The extent to which the institution employs a sufficient number
of teaching faculty to enable the Center to carry out its purposes and
the extent to which instructional assistants are provided with pedagogy
training (5 points); and
(4) The extent to which interdisciplinary courses are offered for
undergraduate and graduate students (5 points).
(g) Quality of the Center's language instructional program. (20
points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine--
(1) The extent to which the Center provides instruction in the
languages of the Center's subject area and the extent to which students
enroll in the study of
[[Page 50196]]
the languages of the subject area through programs or instruction
offered by the Center or other providers (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the Center provides three or more levels of
language training and the extent to which courses in disciplines other
than language, linguistics, and literature are offered in appropriate
foreign languages (5 points);
(3) Whether sufficient numbers of language faculty are available to
teach the languages and levels of instruction described in the
application and the extent to which language teaching staff (including
faculty and instructional assistants) have been exposed to current
language pedagogy training appropriate for performance-based teaching
(5 points); and
(4) The quality of the language program as measured by the
performance-based instruction being used or developed, the adequacy of
resources for language teaching and practice, and language proficiency
requirements (5 points).
(h) Quality of curriculum design. (15 points) The Secretary reviews
each application to determine--
(1) The extent to which the Center's curriculum has incorporated
undergraduate instruction in the applicant's area or topic of
specialization into baccalaureate degree programs (for example, major,
minor, or certificate programs) and the extent to which these programs
and their requirements (including language requirements) are
appropriate for a Center in this subject area and will result in an
undergraduate training program of high quality (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the Center's curriculum provides training
options for graduate students from a variety of disciplines and
professional fields and the extent to which these programs and their
requirements (including language requirements) are appropriate for a
Center in this subject area and result in graduate training programs of
high quality (5 points); and
(3) The extent to which the Center provides academic and career
advising services for students; the extent to which the Center has
established formal arrangements for students to conduct research or
study abroad and the extent to which these arrangements are used; and
the extent to which the institution facilitates student access to other
institutions' study abroad and summer language programs (5 points).
(i) Outreach activities. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each
application to determine the extent to which the Center demonstrates a
significant and measurable regional and national impact of, and faculty
and professional school involvement in, domestic outreach activities
that involve--
(1) Elementary and secondary schools (5 points);
(2) Postsecondary institutions (5 points); and
(3) Business, media, and the general public (5 points).
(j) Degree to which priorities are served. (10 points) If, under
the provisions of Sec. 656.23, the Secretary establishes competitive
priorities for Centers, the Secretary considers the degree to which
those priorities are being served.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control
number 1840-0068.)
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Sec. 656.22 What selection criteria does the Secretary use to
evaluate an application for an undergraduate Center?
The Secretary uses the following criteria in evaluating an
application for an undergraduate Center:
(a) Program planning and budget. (20 points) The Secretary reviews
each application to determine--
(1) The extent to which the activities for which the applicant
seeks funding are of high quality and directly related to the purpose
of the National Resource Centers Program (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides a development plan
or timeline demonstrating how the proposed activities will contribute
to a strengthened program and whether the applicant uses its resources
and personnel effectively to achieve the proposed objectives (5
points);
(3) The extent to which the costs of the proposed activities are
reasonable in relation to the objectives of the program (5 points); and
(4) The long-term impact of the proposed activities on the
institution's undergraduate training program (5 points).
(b) Quality of staff resources. (20 points) The Secretary reviews
each application to determine--
(1) The extent to which teaching faculty and other staff are
qualified for the current and proposed Center activities and training
programs, are provided professional development opportunities
(including overseas experience), and participate in teaching,
supervising, and advising students (10 points);
(2) The adequacy of Center staffing and oversight arrangements,
including outreach and administration and the extent to which faculty
from a variety of departments, professional schools, and the library
are involved (5 points); and
(3) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its
nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have been
traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic
minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly (5
points).
(c) Impact and evaluation. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each
application to determine--
(1) The extent to which the Center's activities and training
programs have a significant impact on the university, community,
region, and the Nation as shown through indices such as enrollments,
graduate placement data, participation rates for events, and usage of
Center resources; the extent to which students matriculate into
advanced language and area or international studies programs or related
professional programs; and the extent to which the applicant supplies a
clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and
treatment of eligible project participants who are members of groups
that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of
racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and
the elderly (10 points); and
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides an evaluation plan
that is comprehensive and objective and that will produce quantifiable,
outcome-measure-oriented data; and the extent to which recent
evaluations have been used to improve the applicant's program (10
points).
(d) Commitment to the subject area on which the Center focuses. (10
points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent
to which the institution provides financial and other support to the
operation of the Center, teaching staff for the Center's subject area,
library resources, linkages with institutions abroad, outreach
activities, and qualified students in fields related to the Center.
(e) Strength of library. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each
application to determine--
(1) The strength of the institution's library holdings (both print
and non-print, English and foreign language) in the subject area and at
the educational levels (graduate, professional, undergraduate) on which
the Center focuses; and the extent to which the institution provides
financial support for the acquisition of library materials and for
library staff in the subject area of the Center (10 points); and
(2) The extent to which research materials at other institutions
are available to students through cooperative arrangements with other
[[Page 50197]]
libraries or on-line databases and the extent to which teachers,
students, and faculty from other institutions are able to access the
library's holdings (5 points).
(f) Quality of the Center's non-language instructional program. (20
points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine--
(1) The quality and extent of the Center's course offerings in a
variety of disciplines (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the Center offers depth of specialized
course coverage in one or more disciplines of the Center's subject area
(5 points);
(3) The extent to which the institution employs a sufficient number
of teaching faculty to enable the Center to carry out its purposes and
the extent to which instructional assistants are provided with pedagogy
training (5 points); and
(4) The extent to which interdisciplinary courses are offered for
undergraduate students (5 points).
(g) Quality of the Center's language instructional program. (20
points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine--
(1) The extent to which the Center provides instruction in the
languages of the Center's subject area and the extent to which students
enroll in the study of the languages of the subject area through
programs offered by the Center or other providers (5 points);
(2) The extent to which the Center provides three or more levels of
language training and the extent to which courses in disciplines other
than language, linguistics, and literature are offered in appropriate
foreign languages (5 points);
(3) Whether sufficient numbers of language faculty are available to
teach the languages and levels of instruction described in the
application and the extent to which language teaching staff (including
faculty and instructional assistants) have been exposed to current
language pedagogy training appropriate for performance-based teaching
(5 points); and
(4) The quality of the language program as measured by the
performance-based instruction being used or developed, the adequacy of
resources for language teaching and practice, and language proficiency
requirements (5 points).
(h) Quality of curriculum design. (15 points) The Secretary reviews
each application to determine--
(1) The extent to which the Center's curriculum has incorporated
undergraduate instruction in the applicant's area or topic of
specialization into baccalaureate degree programs (for example, major,
minor, or certificate programs) and the extent to which these programs
and their requirements (including language requirements) are
appropriate for a Center in this subject area and will result in an
undergraduate training program of high quality (10 points); and
(2) The extent to which the Center provides academic and career
advising services for students; the extent to which the Center has
established formal arrangements for students to conduct research or
study abroad and the extent to which these arrangements are used; and
the extent to which the institution facilitates student access to other
institutions' study abroad and summer language programs (5 points).
(i) Outreach activities. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each
application to determine the extent to which the Center demonstrates a
significant and measurable regional and national impact of, and faculty
and professional school involvement in, domestic outreach activities
that involve--
(1) Elementary and secondary schools (5 points);
(2) Postsecondary institutions (5 points); and
(3) Business, media and the general public (5 points).
(j) Degree to which priorities are served. (10 points) If, under
the provisions of Sec. 656.23, the Secretary establishes competitive
priorities for Centers, the Secretary considers the degree to which
those priorities are being served. (Approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 1840-0068.)
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Sec. 656.23 What priorities may the Secretary establish?
(a) The Secretary may select one or more of the following funding
priorities:
(1) Specific countries or world areas, such as, for example, East
Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.
(2) Specific focus of a Center, such as, for example, a single
world area; international studies; a particular issue or topic, e.g.,
business, development issues, or energy; or any combination.
(3) Level or intensiveness of language instruction, such as
intermediate or advanced language instruction, or instruction at an
intensity of 10 contact hours or more per week.
(4) Types of activities to be carried out, for example, cooperative
summer intensive language programs, course development, or teacher
training activities.
(b) The Secretary may select one or more of the activities listed
in Sec. 656.5 as a funding priority.
(c) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application
notice published in the Federal Register.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Subpart D--What Conditions Must Be Met By a Grantee?
Sec. 656.30 What are allowable costs and limitations on allowable
costs?
(a) Allowable costs. Except as provided under paragraph (b) of this
section, a grant awarded under this part may be used to pay all or part
of the cost of establishing, strengthening, or operating a
comprehensive or undergraduate Center including, but not limited to,
the cost of--
(1) Faculty and staff salaries and travel;
(2) Library acquisitions;
(3) Teaching and research materials;
(4) Curriculum planning and development;
(5) Bringing visiting scholars and faculty to the Center to teach,
conduct research, or participate in conferences or workshops; and
(6) Training and improvement of staff.
(b) Limitations on allowable costs. The following are limitations
on allowable costs:
(1) Equipment costs exceeding 10 percent of the grant are not
allowable.
(2) Funds for undergraduate travel are allowable only in
conjunction with a formal program of supervised study in the subject
area on which the Center focuses.
(3) Grant funds may not be used to supplant funds normally used by
applicants for purposes of this part.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
[FR Doc. 96-24462 Filed 9-23-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
