[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]



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_______________________________________________________________________

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))


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    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?

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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

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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

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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