[Federal Register: February 16, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 30)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 7737-7741]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16fe99-16]
[[Page 7737]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part VI
Department of Education
_______________________________________________________________________
34 CFR Parts 655, 656, 658, 660, and 669
International Education Programs: General Provisions, National Resource
Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or Foreign
Language and International Studies, Undergraduate International Studies
and Foreign Language Program; Final Rule
Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program
(84.016); International Research and Studies Program (84.017) and
Language Resource Centers Program (84.229); Inviting Applications for
New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 1999; Notice
The International Research and Studies Program, and Language Resource
Centers Program; Notice________________________________________________
[[Page 7738]]
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
34 CFR Parts 655, 656, 658, 660, and 669
International Education Programs: General Provisions, National
Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or
Foreign Language and International Studies, Undergraduate International
Studies and Foreign Language Program, The International Research and
Studies Program, and Language Resource Centers Program
AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Final regulations.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Secretary amends the regulations governing the
International Education Programs to incorporate changes made by the
Higher Education Amendments of 1998. These final regulations are needed
to reflect changes made by recently enacted legislation.
EFFECTIVE DATE: These regulations take effect March 18, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ralph Hines, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Suite 600 Portals Building,
Washington, DC 20202-5247. Telephone: (202) 401-9798. 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.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternate format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding
paragraph.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These final regulations incorporate
statutory changes made by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (Pub.
L. 105-244, enacted October 7, 1998). The changes include, as
appropriate, revised program descriptions, eligibility criteria, and
activities. The cost-sharing requirements under the Undergraduate
International Studies and Foreign Language Program in 34 CFR 658.41
have also been revised.
Goals 2000: Educate America Act
The Goals 2000: Educate America Act (Goals 2000) focuses the
Nation's education reform efforts on the eight National Education Goals
and provides a framework for meeting them. Goals 2000 promotes new
partnerships to strengthen schools and expands the Department's
capacities for helping communities to exchange ideas and obtain
information needed to achieve the goals.
These regulations address the National Education Goal that every
adult American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and
skills necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise the rights
and responsibilities of citizenship. The regulations further the
objectives of this Goal by implementing programs that improve and
develop foreign language, area and international studies throughout the
educational structure of the United States.
Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking
In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553,
it is customary for the Secretary to offer interested parties the
opportunity to comment on proposed regulations. However, the changes in
this document do not establish any new substantive rules, but simply
incorporate recent statutory amendments affecting the International
Education Programs. Therefore, the Secretary has determined that
publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking is unnecessary and
contrary to the public interest under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B).
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Secretary certifies that these regulations will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
The small entities affected are small institutions of higher education
participating in these programs. However, these regulations incorporate
only statutory amendments and will not have a significant economic
impact on any of the entities affected.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
These regulations have been examined under the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 and have been found to contain no information collection
requirements.
Intergovernmental Review
Except for 34 CFR parts 660 and 669, these programs 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
intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened federalism by relying
on processes developed by State and local governments for coordination
and review of proposed Federal financial assistance.
In accordance with the order, this document is intended to provide
early notification of the Department's specific plans and actions for
these programs.
Assessment of Educational Impact
The Department has determined that the regulations in this document
do not require transmission of information that is being gathered by or
is available from any other agency or authority of the United States.
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) via the Internet at either of the
following sites:
http://gcs.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 this document is the document
published in the Federal Register.
List of Subjects
34 CFR Part 655
Colleges and universities, Cultural exchange programs, Educational
research, Educational study programs, Grant programs-education,
Scholarships and fellowships.
34 CFR Part 656
Colleges and universities, Cultural exchange programs, Educational
study programs, Grant programs-education, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
34 CFR Part 658
Colleges and universities, Cultural exchange programs, Educational
study programs, Grant programs-education.
34 CFR Part 660
Colleges and universities, Cultural exchange programs, Educational
research, Educational study programs, Grant programs-education.
34 CFR Part 669
Colleges and universities, Educational research, Educational study
programs, Grant programs-education, Reporting
[[Page 7739]]
and recordkeeping requirements, Teachers.
Dated: February 9, 1999.
David A. Longanecker,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers: 84.015 National
Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or
Foreign Language and International Studies; 84.016 Undergraduate
International Studies and Foreign Language Program; 84.017 The
International Research and Studies Program; and 84.229 Language
Resource Centers Program)
The Secretary amends title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations by
amending parts 655, 656, 658, 660, and 669 as follows:
PART 655--INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS--GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. The authority citation for part 655 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 20 U.S.C. 112l-1130b, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 655.1 [Amended]
2. Section 655.1 is amended by removing ``(section 606);'' in
paragraph (d), and adding, in its place, ``(section 605); and''; by
removing paragraph (e); and by redesignating paragraph (f) as paragraph
(e).
Sec. 655.3 [Amended]
3. Section 655.3 is amended by adding the word ``and'' at the end
of paragraph (c)(5); by removing ``; and'' at the end of paragraph
(c)(6), and adding a period in its place; and by removing paragraph
(c)(7).
Sec. 655.4 [Amended]
4. Section 655.4 is amended by adding the word ``and'' before
``669'' and removing ``, and 671'' in paragraph (a); and by removing
``1201(a)'' and adding ``101(a)'' in its place wherever it appears in
paragraph (b).
Sec. 655.10 [Amended]
5. Section 655.10 is amended by adding the word ``and'' before
``669'' and removing ``, and 671''.
6. Section 655.30 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 655.30 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?
The Secretary evaluates an applications for International Education
Programs on the basis of--
(a) The general criteria in Sec. 655.31; and
(b) The specific criteria in, as applicable, subpart D of 34 CFR
parts 658, 660, 661, and 669.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121-1127)
PART 656--NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE
AND AREA STUDIES OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
7. The authority citation for part 656 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122, unless otherwise noted.
8. Section 656.1 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b), and
(d) to read as follows:
Sec. 656.1 What is the National Resource Centers Program?
* * * * *
(a) Teaching of any modern foreign language;
(b) Instruction in fields needed to provide full understanding of
areas, regions, or countries in which the modern foreign language is
commonly used;
* * * * *
(d) Instruction and research on issues in world affairs that
concern one or more countries.
9. Section 656.3 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 656.3 What activities define a comprehensive or undergraduate
National Resource Center?
A comprehensive or undergraduate National Resource Center--
(a) Teaches at least one modern foreign language;
(b) Provides--
(1) Instruction in fields necessary to provide a full understanding
of the areas, regions, or countries in which the modern foreign
language taught is commonly used;
(2) Resources for research and training in international studies,
and the international and foreign language aspects of professional and
other fields of study; or
(3) Instruction and research on issues in world affairs that
concern one or more countries;
(c) Provides outreach and consultative services on a national,
regional, and local basis;
(d) Maintains linkages with overseas institutions of higher
education and other organizations that may contribute to the teaching
and research of the Center;
(e) Maintains important library collections;
(f) Employs faculty engaged in training and research that relates
to the subject area of the Center;
(g) Conducts projects in cooperation with other centers addressing
themes of world, regional, cross-regional, international, or global
importance; and
(h) Conducts summer institutes in the United States or abroad
designed to provide language and area training in the Center's field or
topic.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122)
Sec. 656.5 [Amended]
10. Section 656.5 is amended by removing the word ``comprehensive''
in the introductory text of paragraph (b); and by adding ``, foreign
language,'' after ``area'' in paragraph (b)(5).
11. Section 656.30 is amended by removing the word ``and'' at the
end of paragraph (a)(5); removing the period at the end of paragraph
(a)(6), and adding, in its place, a semicolon; and by adding new
paragraphs (a) (7) and (8) to read as follows:
Sec. 656.30 What are allowable costs and limitations on allowable
costs?
(a)* * *
(7) Projects conducted in cooperation with other centers addressing
themes of world, regional, cross-regional, international, or global
importance; and
(8) Summer institutes in the United States or abroad designed to
provide language and area training in the Center's field or topic.
* * * * *
PART 658--UNDERGRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE
PROGRAM
12. The authority citation for part 658 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1124, unless otherwise noted.
13. Section 658.1 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 658.1 What is the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign
Language Program?
The Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language
Program is designed to provide assistance to institutions of higher
education, combinations of those institutions, or partnerships between
nonprofit educational organizations and institutions of higher
education, to assist those institutions, combinations, or partnerships
in planning, developing, and carrying out programs to improve
undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign
languages.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1124)
14. Section 658.2 is amended by redesignating paragraph (c) as
paragraph (d); and adding a new paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 658.2 Who is eligible to apply for assistance under this program?
* * * * *
[[Page 7740]]
(c) Partnerships between nonprofit educational organizations and
institutions of higher education.
* * * * *
15. Section 658.10 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b)(1),
and (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 658.10 For what kinds of projects does the Secretary assist
institutions of higher education?
(a) The Secretary may provide assistance to an institution of
higher education, a combination of institutions of higher education, or
a partnership between a nonprofit educational organization and an
institution of higher education to plan, develop, and carry out a
program to improve undergraduate instruction in international studies
and foreign languages. Those grants must be awarded to institutions,
combinations, or partnerships seeking to create new programs or to
strengthen existing programs in foreign languages, area studies, and
other international fields.
(b)* * *
(1) Initiates new or revised courses in international or area
studies;
* * * * *
(c) The program shall focus on--
(1) International or global studies;
(2) One or more world areas and their languages; or
(3) Issues or topics, such as international environmental studies
or international health.
16. Section 658.11 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 658.11 What projects and activities may a grantee conduct under
this program?
The Secretary awards grants under this part to assist in carrying
out projects and activities that are an integral part of a program to
improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign
languages. These include projects such as--
(a) Planning for the development and expansion of undergraduate
programs in international studies and foreign languages;
(b) Teaching, research, curriculum development, faculty training in
the United States or abroad, and other related activities, including--
(1) Expanding library and teaching resources;
(2) Conducting faculty workshops, conferences, and special
lectures;
(3) Developing and testing new curricular materials, including
self-instructional materials in foreign languages, or specialized
language materials dealing with a particular subject (such as health or
the environment);
(4) Initiating new and revised courses in international studies or
area studies and foreign languages; and
(5) Conducting preservice and inservice teacher training;
(c) Expanding the opportunities for learning foreign languages,
including less commonly taught languages;
(d) Providing opportunities for which foreign faculty and scholars
may visit institutions as visiting faculty;
(e) Placing U.S. faculty members in internships with international
associations or with governmental or nongovernmental organizations in
the U.S. or abroad to improve their understanding of international
affairs;
(f) Developing international education programs designed to develop
or enhance linkages between 2-and 4-year institutions of higher
education, or baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate programs or
institutions;
(g) Developing undergraduate educational programs--
(1) In locations abroad where those opportunities are not otherwise
available or that serve students for whom those opportunities are not
otherwise available; and
(2) That provide courses that are closely related to on-campus
foreign language and international curricula;
(h) Integrating new and continuing education abroad opportunities
for undergraduate students into curricula of specific degree programs;
(i) Developing model programs to enrich or enhance the
effectiveness of educational programs abroad, including pre-departure
and post-return programs, and integrating educational programs abroad
into the curriculum of the home institution;
(j) Developing programs designed to integrate professional and
technical education with foreign languages, area studies, and other
international fields;
(k) Establishing linkages overseas with institutions of higher
education and organizations that contribute to the educational programs
assisted under this part;
(l) Developing partnerships between--
(1) Institutions of higher education; and
(2) The private sector, government, or elementary and secondary
education institutions in order to enhance international knowledge and
skills; and
(m) Using innovative technology to increase access to international
education programs.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1124)
17. Section 658.41 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b),
and by adding a new paragraph (d) to read as follows:
Sec. 658.41 What are the cost-sharing requirements?
(a) The grantee's share may be derived from cash contributions from
private sector corporations or foundations in the amount of one-third
of the total cost of the project.
(b) The grantee's share may be derived from cash or in-kind
contributions from institutional and noninstitutional funds, including
State and private sector corporation or foundation contributions, equal
to one-half of the total cost of the project.
* * * * *
(d) The Secretary may waive or reduce the required non-Federal
share for institutions that--
(1) Are eligible to receive assistance under part A or B of title
III or under title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended;
and
(2) Have submitted a grant application under this part.
PART 660--THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND STUDIES PROGRAM
18. The authority citation for part 660 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125, unless otherwise noted.
19. Section 660.1 is amended by adding ``, area studies, or other
international fields'' before the semicolon at the end of paragraph
(b); by removing the word ``and'' at the end of paragraph (e); by
removing the period at the end of paragraph (f), and adding, in its
place, a semicolon; and by adding new paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) to
read as follows:
Sec. 660.1 What is the International Research and Studies Program?
* * * * *
(g) Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under
title VI of the HEA that address national needs would not otherwise be
offered;
(h) Studies and surveys of the use of technologies in foreign
language, area studies, and international studies programs; and
(i) Studies and evaluations of effective practices in the
dissemination of international information, materials, research,
teaching strategies, and testing techniques throughout the educational
community, including elementary and secondary schools.
20. Section 660.10 is amended by adding the words ``and achieving
competency'' after the word ``instruction'' in paragraph (b)(1); and by
adding new paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) to read as follows:
[[Page 7741]]
Sec. 660.10 What activities does the Secretary assist?
* * * * *
(h) Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under
title VI of the HEA that address national needs would not otherwise be
offered.
(i) Studies and surveys of the uses of technology in foreign
language, area studies, and international studies programs.
(j) Studies and evaluations of effective practices in the
dissemination of international information, materials, research,
teaching strategies, and testing techniques through the education
community, including elementary and secondary schools.
PART 669--LANGUAGE RESOURCE CENTERS PROGRAM
21. The authority citation for part 669 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1123, unless otherwise noted.
22. Section 669.3 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 669.3 What activities may the Secretary fund?
Centers funded under this part must carry out activities to improve
the teaching and learning of foreign languages. These activities must
include effective dissemination efforts, whenever appropriate, and may
include--
(a) The conduct and dissemination of research on new and improved
methods for teaching foreign languages, including the use of advanced
educational technology;
(b) The development and dissemination of new materials for teaching
foreign languages, to reflect the results of research on effective
teaching strategies;
(c) The development, application, and dissemination of performance
testing that is appropriate for use in an educational setting to be
used as a standard and comparable measurement of skill levels in
foreign languages;
(d) The training of teachers in the administration and
interpretation of foreign language performance tests, the use of
effective teaching strategies, and the use of new technologies;
(e) A significant focus on the teaching and learning needs of the
less commonly taught languages, including an assessment of the
strategic needs of the United States, the determination of ways to meet
those needs nationally, and the publication and dissemination of
instructional materials in the less commonly taught languages;
(f) The development and dissemination of materials designed to
serve as a resource for foreign language teachers at the elementary and
secondary school levels; and
(g) The operation of intensive summer language institutes to train
advanced foreign language students, to provide professional
development, and to improve language instruction through preservice and
inservice language training for teachers.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1123)
[FR Doc. 99-3631 Filed 2-12-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-U