[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 80 (Wednesday, April 24, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18214-18217]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-10012]



=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program

AGENCY: Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice of final priorities.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Secretary announces an absolute priority and a competitive 
preference priority under the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented 
Students Education Program. The Secretary takes this action to focus 
Federal financial assistance on specific approaches to identifying and 
serving gifted and talented students. The Secretary may use these 
priorities in FY 1996 and subsequent years.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities take effect May 24, 1966.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janet Williams, U.S. Department of 
Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Room 504, Washington, D.C. 
20208-5645. Fax: (202) 219-2053; Telephone: (202) 219-1674. 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 Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented 
Students Education Program is designed to build nationwide capability 
in gifted and talented education and encourage rich and challenging 
curricula for all children.
    The Secretary seeks to improve the education of gifted and talented 
children, and to promote the use of strategies developed in gifted and 
talented education programs to help improve the education of all 
students. The Secretary believes that improving the education of gifted 
and talented students is an integral part of achieving the National 
Education Goals, which require that every student attain higher 
standards of academic excellence. The Secretary is particularly 
concerned that the educational needs of gifted and talented students 
from populations historically underserved by gifted and talented 
education programs be addressed. In addition, the Secretary wants to 
see gifted and talented education programs contribute to systemic 
education reform by modeling coordinated systems of challenging 
standards and assessments, curricula, and teacher preparation aligned 
with those standards to improve education. The Secretary believes that 
the use of challenging content and performance standards is the most 
promising way to raise students' achievement.
    Therefore, the Secretary announces an absolute priority that would 
support the development of model demonstration programs that focus on 
economically disadvantaged children, children with limited English 
proficiency, or children with disabilities. Each project would be 
required to involve a school or schools that serve at least 50 percent 
low-income children and to incorporate professional development of 
staff and training of parents into the program. In addition, the 
program must be based on challenging content and performance standards 
in one or more of the core subject areas, and include a comprehensive 
improvement plan for each school involved in the project.
    The Secretary announces a competitive priority to direct financial 
assistance to projects that primarily benefit areas that have been 
designated as Empowerment Zones or Enterprise Communities in accordance 
with Section 1391 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), as amended by 
Title XIII of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1993.

[[Page 18215]]

Background on Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community Program--(EZ/
EC)

    The Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community program is a critical 
element of the Administration's community revitalization strategy. The 
program is the first step in rebuilding communities in America's 
poverty-stricken inner cities and rural heartlands. It is designed to 
empower people and communities by inspiring Americans to work together 
to create jobs and opportunity.
    The Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Housing and Urban 
Development (HUD) have designated empowerment zones and enterprise 
communities, which are communities located within the cities and 
counties listed in the appendix.
    The Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities were designated 
based on locally-developed strategic plans that comprehensively address 
how the community will link economic development with education and 
training, as well as how community development, public safety, human 
services, and environmental initiatives together will support 
sustainable communities. Designated areas will receive Federal grant 
funds and substantial tax benefits and will have access to other 
Federal programs. (For additional information on the Urban EZ/EC 
program contact HUD at 1-800-998-9999 and for the rural EZ/EC program 
contact USDA at 1-800-645-4712.)
    The Department of Education is supporting the Empowerment Zone and 
the Enterprise Community initiative in a variety of ways. It is 
encouraging zones to use funds they already receive from Department of 
Education programs (including Title I of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act, the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the 
Adult Education Act, and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied 
Technology Education Act) to support the comprehensive vision of their 
strategic plans. In addition, the Department of Education is giving 
preferences to EZ/ECs in a number of discretionary grant programs that 
are well suited for inclusion in a comprehensive approach to economic 
and community development.
    The Empowerment Zone initiative and the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and 
Talented Students Education Program share some common features. Both 
programs are concerned with the educational advancement of students 
caught in high-poverty communities. Under the Javits Gifted and 
Talented Education Program, at least one-half of the grants in any 
given year must serve students who are economically disadvantaged, 
limited English proficient or who have disabilities. Communities that 
have been designated as Empowerment Zones or Enterprise Communities 
have demonstrated a capacity for the type of planning that allows 
communities to use, where appropriate, methods and materials developed 
in gifted and talented programs to improve the educational 
opportunities for all children.
    On February 23, 1996, the Secretary published a notice of proposed 
priorities for this program in the Federal Register (61 FR 6980). The 
Secretary has made no changes in these priorities since publication of 
the notice of proposed priorities.

    Note: This notice of final priorities does not solicit 
applications. A notice inviting applications under these priorities 
for fiscal year 1996 is published elsewhere in this issue of the 
Federal Register.

Analysis of the Comments and Changes

    In response to the Secretary's invitation on the notice of proposed 
priorities, four of the 10 parties submitting comments made 
recommendations. Two of the commenters expressed support for the 
priorities without making recommendations for change. Five of the 
commenters asked for more information about the Javits Gifted and 
Talented Students Education Program, or the Program's future, or the 
application for the competition. An analysis of the recommendations 
submitted by four commenters follows.
    Comments: Two commenters objected to the requirement that the 
school must serve at least 50 percent low-income children. One 
commenter questioned his school's eligibility for funding or whether 
funding would be based solely on economic needs and standards. The 
other commenter expressed concern that every solicitation, with which 
he is familiar, from the U.S. Department of Education, the National 
Science Foundation, as well as from his own State Education Department 
is narrowed in such a way that only specific kinds of enterprises can 
compete.
    Discussion: The legislation creating the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and 
Talented Students Education Program requires the Secretary to give 
highest priority to programs serving economically disadvantaged, 
limited English proficient, and disabled students who are gifted and 
talented. The Secretary believes that there are many gifted and 
talented students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and who are 
not recognized or served by traditional gifted and talented education 
programs. He believes that these projects will serve as models for ways 
to identify and serve these students more effectively.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter expressed concern that the Competitive 
Preference Priority for Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities 
(EZ/EC) excluded some of the most needy socioeconomic and geographic 
areas, such as the rural communities in his State.
    Discussion: The list of EZ/ECs, which were designated by the 
Departments of Agriculture and Housing and Urban Development, contains 
some rural areas. These EZ/ECs have great need and have already 
established comprehensive community development plans. The Secretary 
believes that the limited resources available would have the greatest 
impact if the funds are directed to these communities. Awarding five 
(5) additional points to applications from EZ/ECs will not preclude 
consideration of applications that address the needs of students in 
other needy geographic areas.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: Another commenter objected to the use of the Competitive 
Preference Priority for EZ/ECs because it would eliminate the 
possibility of projects from his State being seriously considered for 
funding. This commenter recommended the priorities focus on the 
research that is needed to improve services to gifted students.
    Discussion: The legislation creating the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and 
Talented Students Education Program contains provisions for a National 
Center for Research and Development in the Education of Gifted and 
Talented Children and Youth. The Center is responsible for carrying out 
the research on methods and techniques for identifying and teaching 
gifted and talented students. The legislation restricts the amount of 
funding available for this activity to no more than 30% of the total 
amount available for the Program. The Secretary believes the remainder 
of the funds are best used to support demonstration projects to serve 
the needs of the target audience.
    Changes: None.

Priorities

    Under 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 applications that meet this 
absolute priority:

[[Page 18216]]

Absolute Priority--Model Programs

    Projects that establish and operate model programs to serve gifted 
and talented students in schools in which at least 50 percent of the 
students enrolled are from low-income families. Projects must include 
students who may not be served by traditional gifted and talented 
programs, including economically disadvantaged students, limited 
English proficient students, and students with disabilities. The 
projects must incorporate high-level content and performance standards 
in one or more of the core subject areas as well as utilize innovative 
teaching strategies. The projects must provide comprehensive ongoing 
professional development opportunities for staff. The projects must 
incorporate training for parents in ways to support their children's 
educational progress. There must also be comprehensive evaluation of 
the projects' activities.
    The Secretary believes that the limited resources available under 
the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program will 
have the greatest impact if the funds are directed to communities that 
have the greatest need and have already established comprehensive 
community development plans. Therefore, the Secretary establishes the 
following competitive priority to focus Federal funds on gifted and 
talented projects that would address the needs of Empowerment Zones or 
Enterprise Communities.

Competitive Preference Priority--Empowerment Zone or Enterprise 
Community

    Within this absolute priority concerning model projects, the 
Secretary, under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), gives preference to 
applications that meet the following competitive priority. The 
Secretary awards five (5) points to an application that meets this 
competitive priority. These points would be in addition to any points 
the application earns under the evaluation criteria for the program:
    Projects that implement model programs in one or more schools in an 
Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community or that primarily serve 
students who reside in the EZ or EC. Applicants must ensure that the 
proposed program relates to the strategic plan and will be an integral 
part of the Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community program.

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 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 
this program.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 85 
and 86; and (b) the final regulations for Standards for the Conduct and 
Evaluation of Activities Carried Out by the Office of Educational 
Research and Improvement (OERI)--Evaluation of Applications for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements and Proposals for Contracts, published on 
September 14, 1995 in the Federal Register (60 FR 47808) and to be 
codified at 34 CFR Part 700.

    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR Part 791 previously applicable 
to this program will no longer apply to this program.

    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C 8032-8036.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.206A, Jacob K. 
Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program).

    Dated: April 18, 1996.
Sharon P. Robinson,
Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement.

Appendix--Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities

Empowerment Zones (EZ)

Georgia: Atlanta
Illinois: Chicago
Kentucky: Kentucky Highlands*
Maryland: Baltimore
Michigan: Detroit
Mississippi: Mid Delta*
New York: Harlem, Bronx
Pennsylvania/New Jersey: Philadelphia, Camden
Texas: Rio Grande Valley*

Supplemental Empowerment Zones (SEZ)

California: Los Angeles
Ohio: Cleveland

Enterprise Communities (EC)

Alabama: Birmingham
Alabama: Chambers County*
Alabama: Greene, Sumter Counties*
Arizona: Phoenix
Arizona: Arizona Border*
Arkansas: East Central*
Arkansas: Mississippi County*
Arkansas: Pulaski County
California: Imperial County*
California: Los Angeles, Huntington Park
California: San Diego
California: San Francisco, Bayview, Hunter's Point
California: Watsonville*
Colorado: Denver
Connecticut: Bridgeport
Connecticut: New Haven
Delaware: Wilmington
District of Columbia: Washington
Florida: Jackson County*
Florida: Tampa
Florida: Miami, Dade County
Georgia: Albany
Georgia: Central Savannah*
Georgia: Crisp, Dooley Counties*
Illinois: East St. Louis
Illinois: Springfield
Indiana: Indianapolis
Iowa: Des Moines
Kentucky: Louisville
Louisiana: Northeast Delta*
Louisiana: Macon Ridge*
Louisiana: New Orleans
Louisiana: Ouachita Parish
Massachusetts: Lowell
Massachusetts: Springfield
Michigan: Five Cap*
Michigan: Flint
Michigan: Muskegon
Minnesota: Minneapolis
Minnesota: St. Paul
Mississippi: Jackson
Mississippi: North Delta*
Missouri: East Prairie*
Missouri: St. Louis
Nebraska: Omaha
Nevada: Clarke County, Las Vegas
New Hampshire: Manchester
New Jersey: Newark
New Mexico: Albuquerque
New Mexico: Moro, Rico Arriba, Taos Counties*
New York: Albany, Schenectady, Troy
New York: Buffalo
New York: Newburgh, Kingston
New York: Rochester
North Carolina: Charlotte
North Carolina: Halifax, Edgecombe, Wilson Counties*
North Carolina: Robeson County*
Ohio: Akron
Ohio: Columbus
Ohio: Greater Portsmouth*
Oklahoma: Choctaw, McCurtain Counties*
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
Oregon: Josephine*
Oregon: Portland
Pennsylvania: Harrisburg
Pennsylvania: Lock Haven*
Pennsylvania: Pittsburg
Rhode Island: Providence
South Carolina: Charleston
South Carolina: Williamsburg County*
South Dakota: Beadle, Spink Counties*
Tennessee: Fayette, Haywood Counties*
Tennessee: Memphis
Tennessee: Nashville
Tennessee/Kentucky: Scott, McCreary Counties*
Texas: Dallas
Texas: El Paso
Texas: San Antonio
Texas: Waco
Utah: Ogden
Vermont: Burlington
Virginia: Accomack*
Virginia: Norfolk
Washington: Lower Yakima*
Washington: Seattle
Washington: Tacoma
West Virginia: West Central*
West Virginia: Huntington

[[Page 18217]]

West Virginia: McDowell*
Wisconsin: Milwaukee

*denotes rural designee

Enhanced Enterprise Communities (EEC)

California: Oakland
Massachusetts: Boston
Missouri/ Kansas: Kansas City, Kansas City
Texas: Houston

[FR Doc. 96-10012 Filed 4-23-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P