[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 54 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13492-13494]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-6949]



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_______________________________________________________________________

Part V





Department of Education





_______________________________________________________________________



Office of Educational Research and Improvement; National Institutes' 
Field-Initiated Studies Grant Program; Combined Notice Inviting 
Applications for New Awards for FY 1997

  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 54 / Thursday, March 20, 1997 / 
Notices  

[[Page 13492]]



DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[CFDA Nos.: 84.305F, 84.306F, 84.307F, 84.308F, and 84.309F]


Office of Educational Research and Improvement--National 
Institutes' Field-Initiated Studies Grant Program; Combined Notice 
Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 1997

SUMMARY: The Secretary invites applications for new awards for FY 1997 
and announces closing dates for the transmittal of applications under 
the Field-Initiated Studies Grant Program supported by the five 
National Research Institutes:
    1. Student Achievement, Curriculum, and Assessment (84.305F).
    2. Education of At-Risk Students (84.306F).
    3. Educational Governance, Finance, Policymaking, and Management 
(84.307F).
    4. Early Childhood Development and Education (84.308F).
    5. Postsecondary Education, Libraries, and Lifelong Learning 
(84.309F).
    The Field-Initiated Studies Grant Program will support educational 
research projects related to the missions of the Institutes.

ADDRESSES: For Applications or Further Information: The address and 
telephone number for requesting an application or obtaining further 
information about individual institutes are listed in this notice under 
the section ``Institute Mission Statements.''
    For Users of TDD or FIRS: 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.
    For Electronic Access to Information: Information about the 
Department's funding opportunities, including copies of application 
notices for discretionary grant competitions, can be viewed on the 
Department's electronic bulletin board (ED Board), telephone (202) 260-
9950; on the Internet Gopher Server at (gopher://gcs.ed.gov); or on the 
World Wide Web at (http://gcs.ed.gov). However, the official 
application notice for a discretionary grant competition is the notice 
published in the Federal Register.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Educational Research, Development, 
Dissemination, and Improvement Act of 1994 (``Act'') (20 U.S.C. 6001 et 
seq.) established five national research institutes within the 
Department. Each of the institutes supports a Field-Initiated Studies 
(FIS) Grant program to fund field-initiated research projects on topics 
related to the legislative mission of the relevant Institute. Only 
applications for educational research projects will be considered for 
funding. Section 931 of the Act (20 U.S.C. 6031) contains a complete 
description of the mission of each Institute.
    The Field-Initiated Studies Grant program provides assistance to 
institutions of higher education, public and private organizations, 
institutions, agencies, and individuals for educational research and 
development to improve American education. The Act defines 
``educational research'' to include basic and applied research, inquiry 
with the purpose of applying tested knowledge gained to specific 
educational settings and problems, development, planning, surveys, 
assessments, evaluation, investigation, experiments, and demonstrations 
in the field of education and other fields relating to education (20 
U.S.C. 6011(l)(6)). The Act also defines the term ``field-initiated 
research'' to mean education research in which topics and methods of 
study are generated by investigators, including teachers and other 
practitioners (20 U.S.C. 6011(l)(7)).

Invitational Priorities

National Research Priorities Plan

    The Secretary is particularly interested in applications that meet 
one or more of the following priorities included in the Department's 
published Research Priorities Plan. If an applicant addresses one of 
the priorities in the plan, please indicate in the application which 
one is addressed. However, under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1) an applicant that 
addresses one of these priorities will not receive competitive or 
absolute preference over other applicants.
    The priorities include:
     Improving curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student 
learning at all levels of education to promote high academic 
achievement, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and the motivation 
for further learning;
     Ensuring effective teaching by expanding the supply of 
potential teachers, improving teacher preparation, and promoting 
career-long professional development at all levels of education;
     Strengthening schools, particularly middle and high 
schools, as institutions capable of engaging young people as active and 
responsible learners;
     Supporting schools to effectively prepare diverse 
populations to meet high standards for knowledge, skills, and 
productivity, and to participate fully in American economic, cultural, 
social and civic life;
     Promoting learning in informal and formal settings, and 
building the connections that cause out-of-school experiences to 
contribute to in-school achievement;
     Improving learning and development in early childhood so 
that all children can enter kindergarten prepared to learn and succeed 
in elementary and secondary schools;
     Understanding the changing requirements for adult 
competence in civic, work, and social contexts, and how these 
requirements affect learning and the futures of individuals in the 
nation.
    The Department's Research Priorities Plan is available on-line at 
(http://www.ed.gov/offices/OERI/
RschPriority/). Copies may also be requested by calling Paulette Lee at 
202-219-1519.
    Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, state and local agencies; public and private organizations, 
institutions, and agencies; and individuals.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 9, 1997.

    Note: All applications must be received on or before that date. 
This requirement takes exception to EDGAR, 34 CFR 75.102. In 
accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553), it 
is the practice of the Secretary to offer interested parties the 
opportunity to comment on proposed regulations. However, this 
amendment makes procedural changes only and does not establish new 
substantive policy. Therefore, under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A), proposed 
rulemaking is not required.

    Tentative Award Date: August 29, 1997.
    Applications Available: April 18, 1997.
    Available Funds: $1,050,000 per Institute.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $100,000-225,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $150,000.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 7.

    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice.

    Project Periods: Research projects may extend from one to three 
years.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 
82, 85 and 86 (Part 86 applies to IHEs only); and (b) The regulations 
in 34 CFR Part 700.
    Length of Application: The application narrative must not exceed a 
total of 40 pages, with printing on only

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one side of the paper, on 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper. This includes the 
title page form, table of contents, abstract, proposal narrative, the 
budget summary form, budget narrative, and all attachments. We strongly 
encourage applicants to use double-spacing, a 12 point or larger font 
size, and 1-inch margins. Applications should be concise, clearly 
written, and pages should be consecutively numbered.

Applicable Evaluation Criteria

    In accordance with 34 CFR 700.30, the Secretary applies the 
following evaluation criteria to the Field-Initiated Studies Grant 
program competitions.
    (1) National Significance (30 points).
    (i) The Secretary considers the national significance of the 
proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the national significance of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors--
    (A) The importance of the problem or issue to be addressed.
    (B) The potential contribution of the project to increased 
knowledge or understanding of educational problems, issues, or 
effective strategies.
    (C) The potential contribution of the project to the development 
and advancement of theory and knowledge in the field of study.
    (2) Quality of the Project Design (30 points).
    (i) The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the 
proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors--
    (A) Whether the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by 
the project are clearly specified and measurable.
    (B) Whether a specific research design has been proposed, and the 
quality and appropriateness of that design, including the scientific 
rigor of the studies involved.
    (3) Quality and potential contributions of personnel (20 points).
    (i) The secretary considers the quality and potential contributions 
of personnel for the proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the quality and potential contributions of 
personnel for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the 
following factors--
    (A) The qualifications, including training and experience, of the 
project director or principal investigator.
    (B) The qualifications, including training and experience, of key 
project personnel.
    (4) Adequacy of Resources (10 points).
    (i) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the 
proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors--
    (A) Whether the budget is adequate to support the project.
    (B) Whether the costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, 
design, and potential significance of the project.
    (5) Quality of the Management Plan (10 points).
    (i) The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan of 
the proposed project.
    (ii) In determining the quality of the management plan of a 
proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors--
    (A) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the project, including the specification of staff responsibility, 
timelines, and benchmarks for accomplishing project tasks.
    (B) Whether time commitments of the project director or principal 
investigator and other key personnel are appropriate and adequate to 
meet project objectives.
    (C) How the applicant will ensure that persons who are otherwise 
eligible to participate in the project are selected without regard to 
race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.

Institute Mission Statements

CFDA No. 84.305F--The National Institute on Student Achievement, 
Curriculum, and Assessment, Field-Initiated Studies Program

Purpose of Program
    The purpose of the National Institute on Student Achievement, 
Curriculum, and Assessment is to provide leadership to improve teaching 
and learning. The Institute will carry out a program of research to 
identify, develop, and evaluate innovative and exemplary methods to 
improve student knowledge K-12 in the core academic subject areas; to 
examine the areas of learning, cognition and performance, including the 
organization of schools which promote excellence in learning and 
instruction, and motivational issues related to student achievement; to 
identify, develop, and evaluate programs designed to enhance academic 
achievement and narrow performance gaps in a variety of subject areas; 
and to address such issues as validity, reliability, generalizability, 
costs, relative merits, and appropriate uses of various approaches and 
methods of assessing student learning and achievement.
    For Applications or Information Contact: Clara Lawson-Holmes, or 
Carol Cameron Lyons, National Institute on Student Achievement, 
Curriculum, and Assessment, U.S. Department of Education, 555 New 
Jersey Avenue, NW., Room 510, Washington, DC 20208-5573. Telephone 
(202) 219-2079 or E-Mail: [email protected] or Carol__L[email protected]

CFDA No. 84.306F--The National Institute on the Education of At-Risk 
Students, Field-Initiated Studies Program

Purpose of Program
    The purpose of the National Institute for the Education of At-Risk 
Students is to expand research-based knowledge and strategies that will 
promote excellence and equity in the education of children and youth 
placed at risk of educational failure because of limited-English 
proficiency, poverty, race or ethnicity, or geographic location. The 
Institute will carry out a program of research and development to 
identify and assist others to replicate and adapt programs and models 
which promote greater achievement and educational success by at-risk 
students, including innovative methods of instruction, student 
assessments, professional development, and curricula.
    For Applications or Information Contact: Beth Fine or Karen Suagee, 
National Institute on the Education of At-Risk Students, U.S. 
Department of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue, NW., Room 610, 
Washington, DC 20208-5521. Telephone (202) 219-1323 or E-Mail: 
[email protected]; or (202) 219-2244 or E-Mail: Karen__S[email protected]

CFDA 84.307F--The National Institute on Early Childhood Development and 
Education, Field-Initiated Studies Program

Purpose of Program
    The purpose of the National Institute on Early Childhood 
Development and Education is to identify, develop, evaluate and assist 
others to replicate methods and approaches that improve early childhood 
development and education. The Institute is to carry out a program of 
research and development for young children in areas such as the social 
and educational development; topics relating to school readiness, 
including prenatal care, health services, and nutrition; family 
literacy; the role of parental involvement in their children's 
learning; effective learning methods and curriculum for young children; 
methods for integrating learning in settings other than the classroom; 
the impact of outside influences, such as television, violence, and 
drug abuse; and

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instruction that considers the cultural environment of children.
    For Applications or Information Contact: Veda Bright, National 
Institute on Early Childhood Development and Education, U.S. Department 
of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20208-5520. 
Telephone (202) 219-1935 or E-Mail: Veda__B[email protected]

CFDA 84.308F--The National Institute on Educational Governance, 
Finance, Policy-Making, and Management, Field-Initiated Studies Program

Purpose of Program
    The purpose of the National Institute on Educational Governance, 
Finance, Policy-Making, and Management is to develop and disseminate 
research-based information that helps guide the design and 
implementation of governance arrangements, finance systems, policy 
approaches, and management strategies that will support high levels of 
learning by all students. By law, the Institute supports work which 
promises to improve education equity and excellence at the State, 
local, tribal, school building, and classroom levels of elementary and 
secondary education in the United States.
    For Applications or Information Contact: Jim Fox or Duc-Le To, 
National Institute on Educational Governance, Finance, Policy-Making, 
and Management, U.S. Department of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue, 
NW, Washington, DC 20208-5573. Telephone (202) 219-2234 or E-Mail: 
Jim__F[email protected]; (202) 219-2248 or E-Mail: Duc-Le__T[email protected]

CFDA 94.309F--The National Institute on Postsecondary Education 
Libraries and Lifelong Learning, Field-Initiated Studies Program

Purpose of Program
    The purpose of the National Institute on Postsecondary Education, 
Libraries and Lifelong Learning is to promote greater coordination of 
Federal research and development on issues related to adult learning 
and to carry out a program of research and development in adult 
learning to provide nonpartisan, research-based leadership to the 
United States as it seeks to improve libraries, postsecondary 
education, literacy, and lifelong learning throughout the United 
States.
    For Applications or Information Contract: Delores Monroe or Norman 
Brandt, National Institute on Postsecondary Education, Libraries, and 
Lifelong Learning, U.S. Department of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue, 
NW, Room 620, Washington, DC 20208-5531. Telephone (202) 219-2229 or E-
Mail: [email protected]; or (202) 219-1662.

    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 6031(c)(2)(B).

    Dated: March 14, 1997.
Marshall S. Smith,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement.
[FR Doc. 97-6949 Filed 3-19-97; 8:45 am]
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