FR Doc 03-11622
[Federal Register: May 9, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 90)]
[Notices]
[Page 24978-25004]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09my03-71]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[CFDA No.: 84.293B]
Foreign Language Assistance Grants (Local Educational Agencies);
Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2003
Note to Applicants: This notice is a complete application
package. Together with the statute authorizing the program and the
Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR),
this notice contains all of the information, application forms, and
instructions you need to apply for an award under this program.
Purpose of Program: The Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP)
provides grants to local educational agencies for innovative model
programs providing for the establishment, improvement, or expansion of
foreign language study for elementary and secondary school students.
For FY 2003 the competition for new awards focuses on projects
designed to meet the priorities we describe in the Priorities section
of this notice.
Eligible Applicants: Local educational agencies (LEAs).
E-Mail Notification of Intent to Apply for Funding: The Department
will be able to develop a more efficient process for reviewing grant
applications if it has a better understanding of the number of LEAs
that intend to apply for funding under this competition. Therefore, we
strongly encourage each potential applicant to notify the Department
with a short e-mail noting the intent to submit an application for
funding. The e-mail should not include information regarding the
content of the proposed application. Please provide the following
information:
(1) FLAP-LEA program 84:293B, (2) intent to apply, (3) planned
number of applications, (4) school district, (5) city and (6) state. We
request that this e-mail notification be sent no later than May 30,
2003. The e-mail should be sent to Ms. Amy Weinmann at
Amy.Weinmann@ed.gov. Applicants that do not provide this e-mail
notification may still apply for funding.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 13, 2003.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 13, 2003.
Estimated Available Funds: $10,000,000.
Estimated Range of Awards: $50,000-$175,000.
Estimated Average Size of Awards: $112,500.
Estimated Number of Awards: 89.
Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this
notice.
Project Period: 36 months.
Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III of the application)
is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that
reviewers use to evaluate your application. You must limit Part III to
the equivalent of no more than 35 pages, using the following standards:
[sbull] A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1''
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
[sbull] Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch)
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.
[sbull] Use a font that is either 12-point or larger or no smaller
than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
The page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover sheet; Part II,
the budget section, including the itemized budget breakdown and the
narrative budget justification; Part IV, the assurances and
certifications; or the one-page abstract. However, you must include all
of the application narrative in Part III.
We will reject your application if--
[sbull] You apply these standards and exceed the page limit; or
[sbull] You apply other standards and exceed the equivalent of the
page limit.
Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 80, 81,
82, 85, 86, 97, 98 and 99.
Description of Program: If you are an LEA that receives a grant
under this
[[Page 24979]]
program, you must use the funds to provide a program that--
(A) Shows the promise of being continued beyond the project period;
and
(B) Demonstrates approaches that can be disseminated and duplicated
in other LEAs.
You may also use funds under this program to--
(C) Include a professional development component.
In order to build foreign language program capacity at the local
level, cost sharing is required. You should note that the Federal share
of the cost of activities assisted under this program for each fiscal
year is 50 percent. The Secretary may waive this requirement for any
LEA which the Secretary determines does not have adequate resources to
pay the non-Federal share.
The Secretary does not fund projects that propose Native American
languages, Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Island languages or Native
Alaskan languages. In addition, the program is not intended to support
the teaching of English.
Competitive Priorities
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i) we award an additional 5 points to an
application, depending on whether the application meets one or both of
the following priorities.
Note: A total of 5 points will be awarded. There is no advantage
in addressing both priorities, but you should not be dissuaded from
addressing both priorities in your application if they provide a
program that will meet the needs of your students and community.
These points are in addition to any points the applicant earns under
the selection criteria.
(1) Applications proposing to establish, improve, or expand foreign
language learning in any or all of the following grades, Kindergarten
through eighth grade, that teach any or all of the following less
commonly taught languages of major economic and political importance to
the United States: Russian, Chinese and Arabic.
(2) Applications proposing to establish a foreign language program
in underserved schools. For the purpose of this priority an underserved
school is defined as a school that does not currently have a foreign
language program implemented during the school day, including two-way
immersion and heritage language programs, and has not had one in the
previous two school years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003.
Competitive Preferences
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii) we give preference to applications
that meet one of the following priorities over an application of
comparable merit that does not meet one of the priorities.
Note: There is no advantage in addressing all five priorities.
Creating a program around the five priorities may result in a
scattered or unfocused program design.
We give preference to applications describing programs that:
(1) Include intensive summer foreign language programs for
professional development;
(2) Link non-native English speakers in the community with the
schools in order to promote two-way language learning;
(3) Promote the sequential study of a foreign language for
students, beginning in elementary schools;
(4) Make effective use of technology, such as computer-assisted
instruction, language laboratories, or distance learning, to promote
foreign language study; or
(5) Promote innovative activities, such as foreign language
immersion, partial foreign language immersion, or content-based
instruction.
Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking
Under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553) the
Department generally offers interested parties the opportunity to
comment on proposed priorities and selection criteria. Section
437(d)(1) of the General Education Provisions Act, however, exempts
from this requirement rules that apply to the first competition under a
new or substantially revised program authority. This is the first
competition under the Foreign Language Assistance Program as
substantially revised by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The
requirements will apply to the FY 2003 grant competition only.
Reporting Requirements and Expected Outcomes
The Secretary requires successful applicants to submit annual
performance reports that document the grantee's yearly progress toward
meeting expected programmatic outcomes. These outcomes should be based
on measurable performance objectives. The Secretary will use these
reports to measure the success of the grantee's project, and the
reports will contribute to a broader knowledge base about high-quality,
effective foreign language programs. In addition, grantees will be
required to submit a final performance report, due no later than 90
days after the end of the project period.
Selection Criteria
We use the following selection criteria to evaluate applications
for new grants under this competition.
The maximum score for all of these criteria is 100 points.
The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.
(a) Significance. (10 points)
We evaluate an application by determining how well the project
proposed by the applicant meets the following statutory provisions:
(1) The extent to which the project shows the promise of being
continued beyond the grant period.
(2) The extent to which the project demonstrates approaches that
can be disseminated and duplicated in other local educational agencies.
(3) The extent to which the project will result in an effective
effort to establish, improve or expand foreign language teaching and
learning.
(b) Quality of the product design. (40 points)
In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project,
we consider the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the project design represents a
comprehensive plan which effectively links identified needs, goals,
objectives, activities and outcomes.
(2) The extent to which the goals, objectives and outcomes are
clearly specified and measurable.
(3) The extent to which the design of the proposed project
incorporates the National Foreign Language Standards and up-to-date
knowledge from scientifically based research and effective practice.
(4) The extent to which the project design will provide performance
feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving
intended outcomes, such as, student progress, capacity building and
dissemination.
(5) The extent to which the project design will provide guidance
about effective strategies suitable for disseminating and duplicating
the project in other settings.
(6) The extent to which the project design will provide
quantifiable data reflecting:
(i) Student proficiency in reading, writing, comprehending and
communicating in the foreign language,
(ii) Usage of the National Foreign Language Standards
(Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons and Communities),
(iii) Building local capacity to continue program components beyond
the grant period, and
[[Page 24980]]
(iv) Disseminating and duplicating program approaches to other
local educational agencies.
(c) Quality of project services. (8 points)
In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the
proposed project, we consider the following factors:
(1) The quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal
access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members
of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race,
color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.
(2) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed
project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or
beneficiaries of those services.
(3) The likelihood that the services to be provided will lead to
improvements in the achievement of students as measured against
rigorous academic standards.
(d) Quality of project personnel. (12 points)
In determining the quality of project personnel, we consider the
following:
(1) The extent to which the applicant encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability.
(2) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience,
of the project director and key project personnel as required by
position descriptions.
(3) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience
of project teachers.
(e) Adequacy of resources. (5 points)
In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project,
we consider the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the
proposed project.
(2) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the
objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project.
(f) Quality of the management plan. (10 points)
In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed
project, we consider the following factors:
(1) The effectiveness of the management plan in demonstrating how
the objectives and activities of the proposed project will be achieved
on time, and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities
of staff, timelines, benchmarks, continuous improvement strategies and
milestones for accomplishing project tasks.
(2) The extent to which the time commitments of the project
director and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate
to meet the objectives of the proposed project.
(g) Quality of the project evaluation. (15 points)
In determining the quality of the project evaluation, we consider
the following factors:
(1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough,
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the
proposed project.
(2) The extent to which the evaluation plan will produce
quantitative and qualitative data.
(3) The extent to which the evaluation plan will provide
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward
achieving intended outcomes, such as, student progress, capacity
building and dissemination.
(4) The extent to which the evaluation plan will provide guidance
about effective strategies suitable for disseminating and duplicating
the project in other settings.
(5) The extent to which the evaluation plan design will provide
quantifiable data reflecting:
(i) Student proficiency in reading, writing, comprehending and
communicating in the foreign language,
(ii) Usage of the National Foreign Language Standards
(Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons and Communities),
(iii) Building local capacity to continue program components beyond
the grant period, and
(iv) Disseminating and duplicating program approaches to other
local educational agencies.
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs
This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental
Review of Federal Programs) and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
One of the objectives of the Executive order is to foster an
intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened federalism. The
Executive order relies on processes developed by State and local
governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal financial
assistance.
If you are an applicant, you must contact the appropriate State
Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to find out about, and to comply with,
the State's process under Executive Order 12372. If you propose to
perform activities in more than one State, you should immediately
contact the SPOC for each of those States and follow the procedure
established in each State under the Executive order. If you want to
know the name and address of any SPOC, see the latest official SPOC
list on the Web site of the Office of Management and Budget at the
following address: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
In States that have not established a process or chosen a program
for review, State, areawide, regional, and local entities may submit
comments directly to the Department.
Any State Process Recommendation and other comments submitted by a
State Single Point of Contact and any comments from State, areawide,
regional, and local entities must be mailed or hand-delivered by the
date indicated in the actual application notice to the following
address: The Secretary, E.O. 12372--CFDA 84.293B, U.S.
Department of Education, room 7E200, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20202-0125.
We will determine proof of mailing on the same basis as
applications (see 34 CFR 75.102). Recommendations or comments may be
hand-delivered until 4:30 p.m. (Washington, DC time) on the date
indicated in this notice.
Please Note That This Address Is Not the Same Address as the One to
Which an Applicant Submits Its Completed Application. Do Not Send
Applications to the Above Address.
Application Instructions and Forms
The Appendix to this notice contains all required forms and
instructions, a statement regarding estimated public reporting burden,
a notice to applicants regarding compliance with section 427 of the
General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), various assurances,
certifications and a checklist for applicants.
[sbull] Application for Federal Assistance (ED 424 (Exp. 11/30/
2004)) and instructions and definitions.
[sbull] Protection of Human Subjects in Research (Attachment to ED
424).
[sbull] Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (ED Form No.
524). Including Section A--Budget Summary, U.S. Department of Education
Funds; Section B--Budget Summary, Non-Federal Funds; and Instructions
for ED Form 524 containing Section C--Other Budget Information to
provide an Itemized Budget Breakdown.
[sbull] Application Narrative. While no form is provided, the
sections on Instructions for Application Narrative and Page Limit
elsewhere in this application notice apply to your application
narrative.
[[Page 24981]]
[sbull] Group Application Certification.
[sbull] Foreign Language Data Form.
[sbull] Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B)
(Rev. 7-97).
[sbull] Certifications regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension,
and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements
(ED 80-0013, 12/98) and instructions.
[sbull] Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered Transactions
(ED 80-0014, 9/90) and instructions.
[sbull] Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL (Rev.
7-97)) and instructions.
[sbull] Notice to All Applicants concerning the Department of
Education's General Education Provisions Act (GEPA).
[sbull] Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants.
[sbull] Program Non-Regulatory Guidance.
You may submit information on a photocopy of the application forms,
the assurances, and the certifications. However, you must submit ONE
original signed application, including ink signatures on all forms and
assurances and THREE copies of the application. Please mark each
application as original or copy. We will not award a grant unless we
have received a completed application form.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to either of the program contact persons listed
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. However, the Department is not
able to reproduce in an alternative format the standard forms included
in this application notice.
Electronic Access to This Document: You may view this document, as
well as all other Department of Education documents published in the
Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on
the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/.
To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available
free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S.
Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free at 1-888-293-6498; or in
the Washington, DC area at (202) 512-1530.
You may also view this document at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OELA/funding.html.
Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal
Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: East of the Mississippi River--Rebecca
Richey, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room
5617, Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-6510. Telephone: (202)
205-9717 or via Internet: rebecca.richey@ed.gov. West of the Mississippi River--Itzetht Testa-Salcedo, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 5629, Switzer
Building, Washington, DC 20202-6510. Telephone: (202) 205-8726 or via
Internet: itzetht.testa-salcedo@ed.gov. Or, Sharon Manassa, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland
Avenue, SW., room 5647, Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-6510.
Telephone: (202) 205-8731 or via Internet: sharon.manassa@ed.gov. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may
call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
Instructions for Transmitting Applications
If you want to apply for a grant and be considered for funding, you
must meet the following deadline requirements:
(a) If You Send Your Application by Mail.
You must mail the original and two copies on or before the deadline
date. Mail your application to: U.S. Department of Education,
Application Control Center, Attention: (CFDA (84.293B), 7th
and D Streets, SW., Room 3633, Regional Office Building 3, Washington,
DC 20202-4725.
You must show one of the following as proof of mailing:
(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
(2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the
U.S. Postal Service.
(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial
carrier.
(4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary.
If you mail an application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do
not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:
(1) A private metered postmark.
(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.
Note: The Department encourages you to consider using an
alternative delivery method (for example, a commercial carrier, such
as Federal Express or United Parcel Service; U.S. Postal Service
Express Mail; or a courier service) to transmit your application for
this competition. If you use an alternative delivery method, please
obtain the appropriate proof of mailing under this section (a) ``If
You Send Your Application by Mail,'' then follow the instructions in
section (b) ``If You Deliver Your Application by Hand.''
(b) If You Deliver Your Application by Hand
You or your courier must hand deliver the original and two copies
by 4:30 p.m. (Washington, DC time) on or before the deadline date.
Deliver your application to: U.S. Department of Education, Application
Control Center, Attention: (CFDA 293B), 7th and D Streets,
SW., Room 3633, Regional Office Building 3, Washington, DC 20202-4725.
The Application Control Center accepts application deliveries daily
between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Washington, DC time), except Saturdays,
Sundays and Federal holidays. The Center accepts application deliveries
through the D Street entrance only. A person delivering an application
must show identification to enter the building.
Notes
(1) The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated
postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your
local post office.
(2) If you send your application by mail or if you or your
courier delivers it by hand, the Application Control Center will
mail a Grant Application Receipt Acknowledgment to you. If you do
not receive the notification of application receipt within 15 days
from the date of mailing the application, you should call the U. S.
Department of Education Application Control Center at (202) 708-
9493.
(3) If your application is late, we will notify you that we will
not consider the application.
(4) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by
the Department--in Item 4 of the Application for Federal Education
Assistance (ED 424 (exp. 11/30/2004)) the CFDA number--and suffix
letter, if any--of the competition under which you are submitting
your application.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7259-7259b.
Dated: May 5, 2003.
Kathleen Leos,
Senior Policy Advisor, Office of English Language Acquisition, Language
Enhancement, and Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient
Students.
Appendix--Instructions for Estimated Public Reporting Burden
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, you are not
required to respond to a collection of information unless it
displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number
for this information collection is 1885-0540. Expiration date: 1/31/
2006. We estimate the time required to complete this information
collection to average 80 hours per response, including the time to
review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data
needed, and
[[Page 24982]]
complete and review the collection of information. If you have any
comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate or suggestions
for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of
Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651.
If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your
individual submission of this form, write directly to: Office of
English Language Acquisition, U.S. Department of Education, 400
Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 5626, Switzer Building, Washington, DC
20202-6510.
Instructions for Application Narrative
Before preparing the Application Narrative you should read
carefully the description of the program, the information regarding
priorities, preferences and the selection criteria we use to
evaluate applications.
Note: The section on PAGE LIMIT elsewhere in this application
notice applies to your application.
1. Abstract. The narrative section should be preceded by a one-
page, single-spaced Abstract summarizing your proposed Foreign
Language Assistance Program. The Abstract should include a brief
description of the project design, goals and the population to be
served. If applicable, it is important to include information on the
Competitive Priorities the project proposes to address. For
Competitive Priority 1, be sure to include the language(s) and grade
levels to be taught. For Competitive Priority 2, explain how the
school qualifies as underserved. In addition, provide a short
description of how the proposed program will not duplicate projects
funded under Subpart 1 of Part A of Title VII of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965.
2. Table of Contents. Include a Table of Contents listing the
parts of the narrative in the order of the selection criteria and
the page numbers where the parts of the narrative are found. Be sure
to number the pages of the narrative.
3. Selection Criteria. The narrative should fully address all
aspects of the selection criteria in the order listed and should
give detailed information regarding each criterion. Do not simply
paraphrase the criteria. Do not include resumes. Instead, provide
position descriptions for key personnel. Do not include
bibliographies, letters of support or appendices in your
application. Paginate all pages of the narrative. This package
includes Program Guidance (Questions and Answers) to assist you in
preparing the narrative portion of your application.
Checklist for Applicants
Use the following checklist to verify that all necessary items
are addressed in your final application preparation. Prepare one
original with an original signature and include three additional
copies. Do not use elaborate bindings, notebooks or covers. The
application package must be delivered to the Application Control
Center (ACC) and postmarked by the deadline date published in this
notice.
1. Application for Federal Assistance (ED 424 (Exp. 11/30/
2004)).
2. Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (ED Form No.
524).
[sbull] Section A--Complete the Budget Summary for U.S.
Department of Education Funds requested for Project Years 1, 2 and
3,
[sbull] Section B--Complete the Budget Summary for Non-Federal
Funds (local cost sharing) for Project Years 1, 2 and 3, and
[sbull] Section C--Provide an Itemized Budget Breakdown for
Project Years 1, 2 and 3.
[sbull] A Budget Narrative may be provided for each of the 11
Budget Categories. It may be placed directly after the three
Itemized Budgets and does not require double spacing or page
numbers.
3. Group Application Certification, if more than one LEA is
applying.
4. Foreign Language Data Form.
5. Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B)
(Rev. 7-97).
6. Certifications regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension, and
Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements
(ED 80-0013, 12/98).
7. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility
and Voluntary Exclusion: Lower Tier Covered Transactions (ED 80-
0014, 9/90) and instructions. (Note: ED 80-0014 is intended for the
use of grantees and should not be transmitted to the Department.)
8. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Standard Form LLL (Rev. 7-
97)) if applicable.
9. Applicant's response to the ``Notice to All Applicants''
concerning the Department of Education's General Education
Provisions Act (GEPA).
10. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants.
11. Copy of letter to State Single Point of Contact (SPOC), if
applicable.
12. Letter from an Authorized Representative of the school
district requesting waiver of cost sharing requirement, if
applicable.
13. Abstract. Including information on Competitive Priorities
and Competitive Preferences, if applicable.
14. Table of Contents.
15. Application Narrative. No more than 35 pages using the
section on Page Limit elsewhere in this application.
Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) Grants to Local Educational
Agencies Additional Non-Regulatory Guidance (Questions and Answers)
Q. Who is eligible to apply for a FLAP grant in this
competition?
A. In this competition, eligibility is limited to local
educational agencies. The term ``local educational agency'' means a
public board of education or other public authority which maintains
administrative control of public elementary or secondary schools in
a city, county, township, school district or other political
subdivision of a state. An intermediate unit within a State (e.g., a
Board of Cooperative Educational Services (a BOCES) may apply for
and receive a grant.
Q. If awarded a grant, may a grantee count on receiving FLAP
funding for the full period of three years?
A. The actual level of program funding, if any, depends on final
Congressional action each fiscal year.
Q. Is the estimated range of awards $50,000 to $175,000 over the
period of three years?
A. The estimated range of awards is $50,000 to $175,000 for each
year.
Q. May an LEA submit a proposal for afternoon and/or Saturday
foreign language instruction?
A. The purpose of the Foreign Language Assistance Program is to
pay the Federal share of the cost of innovative model programs,
providing for the establishment, improvement or expansion of foreign
language study. Therefore, it is recommended that the majority of
instruction be carried out during the traditional school day with
supplemental activities in the afternoon and/or Saturday.
Q. What is not a foreign language?
A. The Secretary does not award grants to programs that teach
Native American languages, Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Island
languages or Native Alaskan languages. In addition, the program is
not intended to support the teaching of English. Although
improvement of the English language skills of non-native English
speakers is a desirable ancillary benefit of a two-way foreign
language immersion program, the primary focus of projects funded
under the Foreign Language Assistance program must be on foreign
language learning. As a consequence, funds received under the
Foreign Language Assistance Program may not be used to fund an
activity that is solely or primarily concerned with English language
instruction.
Q. How does an applicant for the Foreign Language Assistance
Program address the requirements set forth by the Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA)?
A. Each applicant should align program goals, objectives and
outcomes with the following GPRA indicators for the Foreign Language
Assistance Program:
1. To increase student proficiency in reading, writing,
comprehending and communicating in the foreign language.
2. To increase the usage of the National Foreign Language
Standards (Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons and
Communities).
3. To build local capacity to continue the foreign language
program components beyond the grant period.
4. To disseminate and duplicate program approaches to other
local educational agencies.
Q. What is the definition of an ``elementary school''?
A. The term ``elementary school'' means a non-profit
institutional day or residential school, including a public
elementary charter school, that provides elementary education, as
determined under State law. The definition of this term is in
section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as
amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
Q. What is the definition of a ``secondary school''?
A. The term ``secondary school'' means a non-profit
institutional day or residential school, including a public
secondary charter school, that provides secondary education, as
determined under State law, except that the term does not include
any education beyond
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grade 12. The definition of this term is in section 9101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the No Child
Left Behind Act of 2001.
Q. May an applicant use FLAP funds to support a foreign language
program for Pre-kindergarten children?
A. If your State defines Pre-kindergarten as elementary
education, FLAP funds may be used to serve those students.
Q. Where are the State definitions of an ``elementary'' or
``secondary'' program?
A. If you do not know what grade levels in your State are
considered elementary and secondary, you should consult with your
State educational agency.
Q. In light of the Competitive Priorities for Kindergarten
through eighth grade and programs that teach Russian, Chinese and
Arabic; should districts submit proposals for high schools and
teaching other foreign languages?
A. Yes, applications that propose programs at the high school
level and foreign languages other than Russian, Chinese and Arabic
are encouraged to apply.
Q. How much of the estimated $10 million in program funds will
be used to fund elementary programs?
A. By law, not less than 75 percent of the total funds
appropriated must be used for the expansion of foreign language
learning in the elementary grades. This requirement does not apply
to individual programs.
Q. What is scientifically based research (SBR)?
A. SBR is research that involves the application of rigorous,
systematic, and objective procedures to obtain reliable and valid
knowledge relevant to education activities and programs. Some of the
critical elements of SBR are as follows:
[sbull] Scientific Method
--Hypothesis
--Controls are used
--Outcome proves or disproves the hypothesis
[sbull] Replicated--repeat studies find the same results
[sbull] Generalized--study findings represent truth for the
general population
[sbull] Meets Rigorous Standards--methods and conclusions must
be confirmed by peer review
[sbull] Convergent findings--conclusions are in line with
findings from other studies
Q. How does an applicant address the ``Notice to all
Applicants'' concerning the Department of Education's General
Education Provisions Act (GEPA)?
A. First, read the ``Notice to all Applicants'' included in the
application package. Be sure to note the three examples included in
the second column. Second, it is recommended that the applicant
respond on a separate sheet of paper entitled ``GEPA''. The required
response should include a description of the steps the applicant
proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation
in, its Federally assisted program for students, teachers, and other
program beneficiaries with special needs.
Q. How does an applicant comply with Executive Order 12372, the
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, item 10 of
the Application for Federal Education Assistance (ED 424)?
A. Applicants must first review the State Single Point of
Contact (SPOC) list available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
If a State contact is included in the list, the
applicant must contact the SPOC to inquire about the State's process
under Executive Order 12372. If the State requests the application
for review, a copy of the cover letter sent to the State contact
must be submitted with the application package and Item 10
checked Yes with the date included. If the program is not covered by
the Executive order, or the State has not selected the program for
review, Item 10 must be checked No and the reason checked.
Q. What is the LEA's share of costs for the Foreign Language
Assistance program for each fiscal year?
A. In order to build program capacity at the State and local
level, cost sharing is required. The Federal share of the foreign
language program for each fiscal year is restricted to 50 percent.
Therefore, if the total cost of the proposed program is $100,000,
the school district may request $50,000 in Federal funding. While a
waiver may be granted for an LEA if the Secretary determines that
the LEA does not have adequate resources to pay the non-Federal
share of the cost of the activities, it is recommended that the
district share the cost to the extent possible. The Education
Department General Administrative Regulations, at 34 CFR 80.24,
addresses Federal Cost sharing requirements.
Q. How does an LEA apply for a waiver of the non-Federal share
of costs?
A. It is suggested that local educational agencies wishing to
request a waiver from the requirement attach a letter to the
application. The waiver request, signed by the Authorized
Representative, should include information that will assist in
determining whether the local educational agency seeking a waiver
does not have adequate resources to pay the non-Federal share of the
costs of the activities assisted under the Foreign Language
Assistance program.
Q. Who should sign as the Authorized Representative on the
Application for Federal Assistance and other forms?
A. It is recommended that the Superintendent of Schools sign as
the Authorized Representative.
Q. Under this program, may an applicant propose to hire foreign
language teachers?
A. Yes, program funds may be used to hire foreign language
teachers.
Q. May two districts apply together if they are already working
together in a foreign language program?
A. Yes, the statute does not prohibit school districts from
applying together. However, one district must be designated as the
fiscal agent and the Group Application Certification must be
included in the application package and signed by an authorized
representative from each district. The requirements on group
applications are in 34 CFR 75.127-75.129.
Q. How may an applicant access information on the National
Foreign Language Standards when designing their program?
A. An applicant may access information on the National
Standards, State-Level Foreign Language Standards, the National
Foreign Language Resource Centers and other useful Web sites at:
http://www.cal.org/ericcll/faqs/rgos/flstandards.html.
Q. How does an applicant access the statutory provisions
authorizing FLAP (Sections 5492 and 5493 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act)?
A. Applicants may access sections 5492 and 5493 at the following
Web site: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OELA/funding.html.
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[FR Doc. 03-11622 Filed 5-8-03; 8:45 am]
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