[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-29400]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: November 29, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Reauthorization of Adult and Vocational Education Programs

AGENCY: Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice of public hearings on the reauthorization of adult and 
vocational education programs.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary of Education announces public hearings on the 
reauthorization of programs under the Adult Education Act, the Carl D. 
Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, and the 
National Literacy Act of 1991. The hearings will be held on December 
12-13, 1994, at the Aristocrat Hotel, 1933 Main Street, Dallas, Texas, 
(214) 741-7700.
    The hearings for the Adult Education Act, Carl D. Perkins 
Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, and the National 
Literacy Act will provide an opportunity for interested persons to 
present their views on key issues and programs for consideration in the 
development of the Department's reauthorization proposals for these 
important program areas. Separate hearings for adult education and for 
vocational education will be held. Separate hearings are an attempt to 
ensure participation of as many presenters as possible and are not 
meant to limit the scope of discussion. Commenters are encouraged to 
address reauthorization issues that cut across both the adult and 
vocational education programs or that address linking these programs 
with other Federal programs or initiatives.
    Public hearings are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on 
December 12th and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on December 13th. The 
Department will generally select persons to testify on a first-come, 
first-served basis but will attempt to ensure that testimony is 
received from representatives of diverse constituencies. Persons 
wishing to confirm their appearance prior to the hearing date must 
submit a written request to the Department of Education (FAXES 
encouraged), including the participant's name, address, telephone 
number, FAX number (if available), and organizational affiliation (if 
appropriate). Written requests to present oral testimony must be 
received on or before December 7, 1994.
    The request should be addressed to Phyllis Dorsey, Division of 
Adult Education and Literacy, U.S. Department of Education, 600 
Independence Avenue, SW, room 4424, Mary E. Switzer Building, 
Washington, DC 20202-7320 or Nancy Essey, Division of Vocational and 
Technical Education, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence 
Avenue, SW, room 4317, Mary E. Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-
7241. Requests will be accepted via FAX and may be sent to the 
following FAX number: (202) 205-8973. No advance notice is needed for 
attendance at the hearings.
    The opportunity for on-site registration to provide oral testimony 
also will be provided on a space available basis. Persons not able to 
testify are encouraged to submit written testimony. Written testimony 
may be submitted at the hearings or may be mailed to the Department at 
either of the addresses listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Adult Education Hearings

    Phyllis P. Dorsey, Division of Adult Education and Literacy (202) 
205-9311.

Vocational Education Hearings

    Nancy E. Essey, Division of Vocational and Technical Education 
(202) 205-9868.
    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 Secretary also has requested written 
comments from the public on the reauthorization of adult and vocational 
education programs in a notice published in the Federal Register on 
September 20, 1994 (59 FR 48366).
    The Secretary is holding these hearings to provide interested 
persons with the opportunity to present their views on current adult 
education and vocational education programs, to suggest modifications 
and alternatives to these programs, and to recommend new and innovative 
program initiatives that support the Goals 2000: Educate America Act 
and the achievement of the National Education Goals, particularly the 
following goals:
    (a) By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase 
to at least 90 percent.
    (b) By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and 
will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global 
economy and exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
    The Secretary is especially interested in public views on the broad 
program issues identified in the September 20, 1994, Federal Register 
notice. Persons interested in participating in the hearings are urged 
to review the Federal Register notice to become familiar with the 
issues and programs that should be addressed.

Need for Reauthorization

    The authorization for the Adult Education Act and the Carl D. 
Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act expires 
September 30, 1995. In order to contribute in a timely manner to 
congressional reauthorization discussions, the Secretary has begun a 
review of these programs. To ensure public participation in the 
reauthorization, in addition to requesting written comments, the 
Secretary has recently concluded public hearings in four cities and has 
decided to held an additional hearing in Dallas.

Hearing Procedures

    A senior Department official will preside at each hearing and will 
be accompanied by a panel of Department of Education employees and 
other Federal agency representatives. The Secretary encourages Members 
of Congress, Governors, State legislators, State agency personnel, 
State Board representatives, practitioners, members of professional 
associations, business representatives, community leaders, organized 
labor, representatives of higher education institutions, Private 
Industry Council representatives, special population groups, Tribal 
representatives, and students to participate in the hearings.
    Participants who are selected to testify will be notified of the 
time of their presentation. Participants may comment on any issue or 
program relating to the reauthorization. Participants will be grouped 
in panels of four or more persons. Each participant will be limited to 
five minutes of oral presentation and five minutes for responding to 
questions from the Federal panel. More extensive discussions may be 
included in written comments submitted at the hearings.
    Presenters are asked to submit two copies of their written comments 
and recommendations for the record on the day they appear at the 
hearings.

    Dated: November 21, 1994.
Augusta Souza Kappner,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Vocational and Adult Education.
[FR Doc. 94-29400 Filed 11-28-94; 8:45 am]
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