[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 156 (Thursday, August 13, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43598-43602]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-21680]


      

[[Page 43597]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part VI





Department of Education





_______________________________________________________________________



Special Education--Research and Innovation To Improve Services and 
Results for Children With Disabilities and Special Education--
Technology and Media Services for Individuals With Disabilities 
Programs; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 156 / Thursday, August 13, 1998 / 
Notices  

[[Page 43598]]



DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Special Education--Research and Innovation To Improve Services 
and Results for Children With Disabilities and Special Education--
Technology and Media Services for Individuals With Disabilities 
Programs

AGENCY: Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year 
1999.

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

SUMMARY: On June 4, 1997, the President signed into law Public Law 105-
17, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997, 
amending the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
    This notice provides closing dates and other information regarding 
the transmittal of applications for fiscal year 1999 competitions under 
two programs authorized by IDEA, as amended. The two programs are: (1) 
Special Education--Research and Innovation To Improve Services and 
Results for Children With Disabilities (five priorities); and (2) 
Special Education-- Technology and Media Services for Individuals With 
Disabilities (one priority).
    This notice supports the National Education Goals by helping to 
improve results for children with disabilities.

Waiver of Rulemaking

    It is generally the practice of the Secretary to offer interested 
parties the opportunity to comment on proposed priorities. However, 
section 661(e)(2) of IDEA makes the Administrative Procedure Act (5 
U.S.C. 553) inapplicable to the priorities in this notice. In order to 
make awards on a timely basis, the Secretary has decided to publish 
these priorities in final under the authority of section 661(e)(2).

General Requirements

    (a) Projects funded under this notice must make positive efforts to 
employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with 
disabilities in project activities (see Section 606 of IDEA);
    (b) Applicants and grant recipients funded under this notice must 
involve individuals with disabilities or parents of individuals with 
disabilities in planning, implementing, and evaluating the projects 
(see Section 661(f)(1)(A) of IDEA);
    (c) Projects funded under these priorities must budget for a two-
day Project Directors' meeting in Washington, DC during each year of 
the project; and
    (d) In a single application, an applicant is required to address 
only one absolute priority in this notice.

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

Research and Innovation To Improve Services and Results for 
Children With Disabilities

    Purpose of Program: To produce, and advance the use of, knowledge 
to: (1) improve services provided under IDEA, including the practices 
of professionals and others involved in providing those services to 
children with disabilities; and (2) improve educational and early 
intervention results for infants, toddlers, and children with 
disabilities.
    Eligible applicants: State and local educational agencies; 
institutions of higher education; other public agencies; private 
nonprofit organizations; outlying areas; freely associated States; and 
Indian tribes or tribal organizations.
    Applicable regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 
81, 82, 85, and 86; (b) The selection criteria for Absolute Priorities 
1-3 are drawn from the EDGAR menu--RESEARCH program area; (c) The 
selection criteria for Absolute Priority 4 are drawn from the EDGAR 
menu--MODEL DEMONSTRATION AND PROJECTS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE program 
area; and (d) The selection criteria for Absolute Priority 5 are drawn 
from the EDGAR menu-- OUTREACH program area.

    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of 
higher education only.

Priority

    Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), the Secretary gives an absolute 
preference to applications that meet the following priorities. The 
Secretary funds under these competitions only applications that meet 
these absolute priorities:

Absolute Priority 1--Student-Initiated Research Projects (84.324B).

    This priority provides support for short-term (up to 12 months) 
postsecondary student-initiated research projects focusing on special 
education and related services for children with disabilities and early 
intervention services for infants and toddlers, consistent with the 
purposes of the program, as described in Section 672 of the Act.
    Projects must--
    (1) Develop research skills in postsecondary students; and
    (2) Include a principal investigator who serves as a mentor to the 
student researcher while the project is carried out by the student.
    Project Period: Up to 12 months.
    Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
application that proposes a budget exceeding $20,000 for the entire 
project period. However, because of budgetary considerations contingent 
upon congressional action, the Secretary may change the maximum amount 
through a notice published in the Federal Register.
    Page Limits: Part III of the application, the application 
narrative, is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that 
are used by reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must 
limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 25 double-spaced 
pages, using the following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\''  x  
11'' (on one side only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). 
(2) All text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced (no more 
than 3 lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional computer font, 
use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character density 
no greater than 18 characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font 
or a typewriter, do not use more than 12 characters to the inch.
    The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
will not be considered for funding.

Absolute Priority 2--Field-Initiated Research Projects (84.324C)

    This priority provides support for a wide range of field-initiated 
research projects that support innovation, development, exchange, and 
use of advancements in knowledge and practice as described in Section 
672 of the Act including the improvement of early intervention, 
instruction, and learning for infants, toddlers, and children with 
disabilities.

Invitational Priorities

    Within Absolute Priority 1, the Secretary is particularly 
interested in applications that meet one or more of the following 
invitational priorities. However, under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), an 
application that meets one or more of these invitational priorities 
does not

[[Page 43599]]

receive competitive or absolute preference over other applications:
    (1) Projects to address the specific problems of over-
identification and under-identification of children with disabilities. 
(See Section 672(a)(3) of the Act).
    (2) Projects to develop and implement effective strategies for 
addressing inappropriate behavior of students with disabilities in 
schools, including strategies to prevent children with emotional and 
behavioral problems from developing emotional disturbances that require 
the provision of special education and related services. (See Section 
672(a)(4) of the Act).
    (3) Projects studying and promoting improved alignment and 
compatibility of general and special education reforms concerned with 
curricular and instructional reform, evaluation and accountability of 
those reforms, and administrative procedures. (See Section 672(b)(2)(D) 
of the Act).
    (4) Projects that advance knowledge about the coordination of 
education with health and social services. (See Section 672(b)(2)(G) of 
the Act).
    Project Period: The majority of projects will be funded for up to 
36 months. Only in exceptional circumstances--such as research 
questions that require repeated measurement within a longitudinal 
design--will projects be funded for more than 36 months, up to a 
maximum of 60 months.
    Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
application that proposes a budget exceeding $180,000 for any single 
budget period of 12 months. However, because of budgetary 
considerations contingent upon congressional action, the Secretary may 
change the maximum amount through a notice published in the Federal 
Register.
    Page Limits: Part III of the application, the application 
narrative, is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that 
are used by reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must 
limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 50 double-spaced 
pages, using the following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\''  x  
11'' (on one side only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). 
(2) All text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced (no more 
than 3 lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional computer font, 
use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character density 
no greater than 18 characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font 
or a typewriter, do not use more than 12 characters to the inch.
    The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
will not be considered for funding.

Absolute Priority 3--Initial Career Awards (84.324N).

Background

    There is a need to enable individuals in the initial phases of 
their careers to initiate and develop promising lines of research that 
would improve early intervention services for infants and toddlers, and 
special education and related services for children with disabilities. 
Support for research activities among individuals in the initial phases 
of their careers is intended to develop the capacity of the special 
education research community. This priority would address the 
additional need to provide support for a broad range of field-initiated 
research projects--focusing on the special education and related 
services for children with disabilities and early intervention for 
infants and toddlers--consistent with the purpose of the program as 
described in Section 672 of the Act.

Priority

    The Secretary establishes an absolute priority for the purpose of 
awarding grants to eligible applicants for the support of individuals 
in the initial phases of their careers to initiate and develop 
promising lines of research consistent with the purposes of the 
program. For purposes of this priority, the initial phase of an 
individual's career is considered to be the first three years after 
completing a doctoral program and graduating (e.g., for fiscal year 
1999 awards, projects may support individuals who completed a doctoral 
program and graduated no earlier than the 1995-96 academic year).

Projects must--

    (a) Pursue a line of inquiry that reflects a programmatic strand of 
research emanating either from theory or a conceptual framework. The 
line of research must be evidenced by a series of related questions 
that establish directions for designing future studies extending beyond 
the support of this award. The project is not intended to represent all 
inquiry related to the particular theory or conceptual framework; 
rather, it is expected to initiate a new line or advance an existing 
one;
    (b) In addition to involving individuals with disabilities or 
parents of individuals with disabilities in planning, implementing, and 
evaluating the project, as required by the Act, include, in design and 
conduct, sustained involvement with nationally recognized experts 
having substantive or methodological knowledge and expertise relevant 
to the proposed research. The experts do not have to be at the same 
institution or agency at which the project is located, but the 
interaction with the project must be sufficient to develop the capacity 
of the initial career researcher to effectively pursue the research 
into mid-career activities. At least 50 percent of the researcher's 
time must be devoted to the project;
    (c) Prepare its procedures, findings, and conclusions in a manner 
that informs other interested researchers and is useful for advancing 
professional practice or improving programs and services to infants, 
toddlers, and children with disabilities and their families; and
    (d) Disseminate project procedures, findings, and conclusions to 
appropriate research institutes and technical assistance providers
    Project Period: Up to 36 months.
    Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
application that proposes a budget exceeding $75,000 for any single 
budget period of 12 months. However, because of budgetary 
considerations contingent upon congressional action, the Secretary may 
change the maximum amount through a notice published in the Federal 
Register.
    Page Limits: Part III of the application, the application 
narrative, is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that 
are used by reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must 
limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 30 double-spaced 
pages, using the following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\'' x 11'' 
(on one side only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). (2) 
All text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced (no more 
than 3 lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional computer font, 
use no smaller than a 12-

[[Page 43600]]

point font, and an average character density no greater than 18 
characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font or a typewriter, 
do not use more than 12 characters to the inch.
    The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
will not be considered for funding.
    Program Authority: Section 672 of the Act.

Absolute Priority 4--Model Demonstration Projects for Children With 
Disabilities (84.324M)

    This priority supports model demonstration projects that develop, 
implement, evaluate, and disseminate new or improved approaches for 
providing early intervention, special education, and related services 
to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities, and students with 
disabilities who are pursuing post-school employment, postsecondary 
education or independent living goals. Projects supported under this 
priority are expected to be major contributors of models or components 
of models for service providers and for outreach projects funded under 
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Requirements for all Demonstration Projects:

    A model demonstration project must--
    (a) Develop and implement the model with specific components or 
strategies that are based on theory, research, or evaluation data;
    (b) Evaluate the model by using multiple measures of results to 
determine the effectiveness of the model and its components or 
strategies; and
    (c) Produce detailed procedures and materials that would enable 
others to replicate the model.
    Federal financial participation for a project funded under this 
priority will not exceed 90 percent of the total annual costs of 
development, operation, and evaluation of the project (see Section 
661(f)(2)(A) of IDEA).
    In addition to the annual two-day Project Directors' meeting in 
Washington, DC mentioned in the General Requirements section of this 
notice, projects must budget for another meeting in Washington, DC to 
collaborate with the Federal project officer and the other projects 
funded under this priority, to share information and discuss model 
development, evaluation, and project implementation issues.
    Project Period: Up to 48 months.
    Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
application that proposes a budget exceeding $150,000 (exclusive of any 
matching funds) for any single budget period of 12 months. However, 
because of budgetary considerations contingent upon congressional 
action, the Secretary may change the maximum amount through a notice 
published in the Federal Register.
    Page Limit: Part III of the application, the application narrative, 
is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that are used by 
reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must limit Part 
III to the equivalent of no more than 40 double-spaced pages, using the 
following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\'' x 11'' (on one side 
only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). (2) All text in 
the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, 
quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in charts, 
tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced (no more than 3 
lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional computer font, use no 
smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character density no 
greater than 18 characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font or 
a typewriter, do not use more than 12 characters to the inch.
    The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
will not be considered for funding.

Absolute Priority 5--Outreach Projects for Children with Disabilities 
(84.324R).

    This priority supports projects that will assist educational and 
other agencies in replicating proven models, components of models, and 
other exemplary practices that improve services for infants, toddlers, 
children with disabilities, and students with disabilities who are 
pursuing post-school employment, postsecondary education or independent 
living goals.
    For the purposes of this priority, a ``proven model'' is a 
comprehensive description of a theory or system that, when applied, has 
been shown to be effective. ``Exemplary practices'' are effective 
strategies and methods used to deliver educational or related services. 
The models, components of models, or exemplary practices selected for 
outreach may include models developed for pre-service and in-service 
personnel preparation, and do not need to have been developed through 
projects funded under IDEA, or by the applicant.
    An outreach project must:
    (a) Provide supporting data or other documentation in the 
application as to the effectiveness of the model, component(s) of a 
model, or exemplary practice(s) selected for outreach;
    (b) Select implementation sites in multiple regions within one 
State or multiple States and describe the criteria for their selection;
    (c) Describe the expected costs, needed personnel, staff training, 
equipment, and sequence of implementation activities associated with 
the replication efforts, including a description of any modifications 
to the model or practice made by the sites;
    (d) Include public awareness, product development and 
dissemination, training, and technical assistance activities and 
written plans for working with sites; and
    (e) Coordinate dissemination and replication activities conducted 
as part of outreach with dissemination projects, technical assistance 
providers, consumer and advocacy organizations, State and local 
educational agencies, and the lead agencies for Part C of IDEA, as 
appropriate.
    Prepare products from the project in formats that are useful for 
specific audiences, including parents, administrators, teachers, early 
intervention personnel, related services personnel, and individuals 
with disabilities (see Section 661(f)(2)(B) of IDEA).
    Federal financial participation for a project funded under this 
priority will not exceed 90 percent of the total annual costs of 
development, operation, and evaluation of the project (see Section 
661(f)(2)(A) of IDEA).
    In addition to the annual two-day Project Directors' meeting in 
Washington, D.C. mentioned in the General Requirements section of this 
notice, projects must budget for another meeting in Washington, D.C. to 
collaborate with the Federal project officer and the other projects 
funded under this priority, to share information and discuss model 
development,

[[Page 43601]]

evaluation and project implementation issues.
    Project Period: Up to 36 months.
    Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
application that proposes a budget exceeding $150,000 for any single 
budget period of 12 months. The Secretary may change the maximum amount 
through a notice published in the Federal Register.
    Page Limits: Part III of the application, the application 
narrative, is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that 
are used by reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must 
limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 40 double-spaced 
pages, using the following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\'' x 11'' 
(on one side only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and sides). (2) 
All text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced (no more 
than 3 lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional computer font, 
use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average character density 
no greater than 18 characters per inch. If using a nonproportional font 
or a typewriter, do not use more than 12 characters to the inch.
    The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
will not be considered for funding.

Special Education--Technology and Media Services for Individuals 
with Disabilities

    Purpose of Program: The purpose of this program is to promote the 
development, demonstration, and utilization of technology and to 
support educational media activities designed to be of educational 
value to children with disabilities. This program also provides support 
for some captioning, video description, and cultural activities.
    Eligible Applicants: State and local educational agencies; 
institutions of higher education; other public agencies; private 
nonprofit organizations; outlying areas; freely associated States; 
Indian tribes or tribal organizations; and for-profit organizations.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 
81, 82, 85, and 86; and (b) The selection criteria for the 
Steppingstones of Technology Innovation for Students with Disabilities 
priority are drawn from the EDGAR menu--RESEARCH program area.

    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of 
higher education only.

Priority

    Under section 687 and 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 those applications that 
meet this absolute priority:

Absolute Priority--Steppingstones of Technology Innovation for Students 
With Disabilities (84.327A)

    The purpose of this priority is for the support of projects that--
    (a) Select and describe a technology-based approach for achieving 
one or more of the following purposes for early intervention, 
preschool, elementary, and secondary school students with disabilities: 
(1) improving literacy; (2) improving access to and participation in 
the general curriculum, or appropriate activities for preschool 
children; and (3) improving accountability and participation in 
educational reform. The technology-based approach must be an innovative 
combination of a new technology and additional curriculum materials and 
instructional methodologies that enable the technology to achieve 
educational purposes for students with disabilities;
    (b) Justify the approach on the basis of research or theory that 
supports the effectiveness of the technology-based approach for 
achieving one or more of the purposes presented in paragraph (a); and
    (c) Clearly identify and conduct work in ONE of the following 
phases:
    (1) Phase 1--Development: Projects funded under Phase 1 must 
develop and refine a technology-based approach, and test its 
feasibility for use with students with disabilities. Activities may 
include development, adaptation, and refinement of technology, 
curriculum materials, or instructional methodologies. Activities must 
include formative evaluation. The primary product of Phase 1 should be 
a promising technology-based approach that is suitable for field-based 
evaluation of effectiveness.
    (2) Phase 2--Research and Evaluation: Projects funded under Phase 2 
must select a promising technology-based approach that has been 
developed in a manner consistent with Phase 1, and subject the approach 
to rigorous field-based research and evaluation to determine 
effectiveness and feasibility in educational settings. Products of 
Phase 2 include a further refinement and description of the technology-
based approach, and sound evidence that, in a defined range of real 
world contexts, the approach can be effective in achieving one or more 
of the purposes presented in paragraph (c)(1).
    (3) Phase 3--Implementation and Validation: Projects funded under 
Phase 3 must select a technology-based approach that has been evaluated 
for effectiveness and feasibility in a manner consistent with Phase 2, 
and must study the implementation of the approach in multiple, complex 
settings to acquire an improved understanding of the range of contexts 
in which the approach can be used effectively, and the factors that 
determine the effectiveness and sustainability of the approach in this 
range of contexts. Factors to be studied in Phase 3 include factors 
related to the technology, curriculum materials and instructional 
methodologies that constitute the technology-based approach. Phases 2 
and 3 can be contrasted as follows: Phase 2 studies the effectiveness 
the approach can have, while Phase 3 studies the effectiveness the 
approach is likely to have in sustained use in a range of typical 
educational settings. The primary product of Phase 3 should be a 
detailed blueprint that can be used in dissemination and utilization of 
the technology-based approach. Also to be studied in Phase 3 are 
contextual factors associated with students, teacher attitudes, skills 
and actions, physical setting, curriculum and instruction, resources, 
and professional development and policy supports, etc.;
    (d) In addition to the annual two-day Research to Practice Division 
Project Directors' meeting in Washington, D.C. mentioned above in the 
General Requirements section of this notice, budget for another annual 
trip to Washington, D.C. to collaborate with the Federal project 
officer and the other projects funded under this priority, and to share 
information and discuss findings and methods of dissemination; and
    (e) Prepare products from the project in formats that are useful 
for specific audiences as appropriate, including parents, 
administrators, teachers, early intervention personnel, related 
services

[[Page 43602]]

personnel, researchers, and individuals with disabilities.
    Project Period: The Secretary intends to fund at least one project 
in each phase. Projects funded under Phase 1 will be funded for up to 
24 months. Projects funded under Phase 2 will be funded for up to 24 
months. Projects funded under Phase 3 will be funded for up to 36 
months. During the final year of projects funded under Phase 3, the 
Secretary will determine whether or not to fund an optional six-month 
period for additional dissemination activities.
    Maximum Award: The Secretary rejects and does not consider an 
application that proposes a budget exceeding $200,000 for any single 
budget period of 12 months for projects in phases 1 and 2, and $300,000 
for projects in phase 3. The Secretary may change the maximum amount 
through a notice published in the Federal Register.
    Page Limits: Part III of the application, the application 
narrative, is where an applicant addresses the selection criteria that 
are used by reviewers in evaluating the application. An applicant must 
limit Part III to the equivalent of no more than 40 double-spaced 
pages, using the following standards: (1) A ``page'' is 8\1/2\''  
x 11'' (on one side only) with one-inch margins (top, bottom, and 
sides). (2) All text in the application narrative, including titles, 
headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as 
all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs, must be double-spaced 
(no more than 3 lines per vertical inch). If using a proportional 
computer font, use no smaller than a 12-point font, and an average 
character density no greater than 18 characters per inch. If using a 
nonproportional font or a typewriter, do not use more than 12 
characters to the inch.
    The page limit does not apply to Part I--the cover sheet; Part II--
the budget section (including the narrative budget justification); Part 
IV--the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, 
resumes, bibliography, and letters of support. However, all of the 
application narrative must be included in Part III. If an application 
narrative uses a smaller print size, spacing, or margin that would make 
the narrative exceed the equivalent of the page limit, the application 
will not be considered for funding.
    For Applications and General Information Contact: Requests for 
applications and general information should be addressed to the Grants 
and Contracts Services Team, 600 Independence Avenue, SW, room 3317, 
Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-2641. The preferred method for 
requesting information is to FAX your request to: (202) 205-8717. 
Telephone: (202) 260-9182.
    Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the TDD number: (202) 205-8953.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of this notice or 
the application packages referred to in this notice in an alternate 
format (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by 
contacting the Department as listed above. However, the Department is 
not able to reproduce in an alternate format the standard forms 
included in the application package.

Intergovernmental Review

    All programs in this notice (except for Research and Innovation 
Projects) are 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 inter-governmental 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 
those programs.

                                   Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Application Notice for Fiscal Year 1998                                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Deadline for                                  Estimated 
                     CFDA No. and name                        Applications     Application   intergovernmental   Maximum award      Page      number of 
                                                                available     deadline date        review         (per year)*     limit**       awards  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
84.324B  Student Initiated Research Projects...............         8/20/98         2/05/99           4/06/99          $20,000           25           12
84.324C  Field Initiated Research Projects.................         8/20/98         9/28/98          11/27/98          180,000           50           14
84.324N  Initial Career Awards.............................         8/20/98         9/28/98          11/27/98           75,000           30            4
84.324M  Model Demonstration Projects for Children with                                                                                                 
 Disabilities..............................................         8/20/98        10/05/98          12/04/98          150,000           40           18
84.324R  Outreach Projects for Children with Disabilities..         8/20/98        10/05/98          12/04/98          150,000           40           21
84.327A  Steppingstones of Technology Innovation for                                                                                                    
 Students with Disabilities................................         8/20/98        12/18/98           2/16/99          200,000           40           15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The Secretary rejects and does not consider an application that proposes a budget exceeding the amount listed for each priority for any single budget 
  period of 12 months.                                                                                                                                  
** Applicants must limit the Application Narrative, Part III of the Application, to the page limits noted above. Please refer to the ``Page Limit''     
  section of this notice for the specific requirements. The Secretary rejects and does not consider an application that does not adhere to this         
  requirement.                                                                                                                                          

Electronic Access to This Document

    Anyone may view this document, as well as all other Department of 
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or 
portable document format (pdf) on the World Wide Web at either of the 
following sites:

http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
http://www.ed.gov/news.html

To use the pdf you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with 
Search, which is available free at either of the previous sites. If you 
have questions about using the pdf, call the U.S. Government Printing 
Office at (202) 512-1530 or, toll free at 1-888-293-6498.
    Anyone may also view these documents in text copy only on an 
electronic bulletin board of the Department. Telephone: (202) 219-1511 
or, toll free, 1-800-222-4922. The documents are located under Option 
G--Files/Announcements, Bulletins, and Press Releases.

    Note: The official version of a document is the document 
published in the Federal Register.

    Dated: August 6, 1998.
Judith E. Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 98-21680 Filed 8-12-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P