[Federal Register: April 24, 1996 (Volume 61, Number 80)]
[Notices]
[Page 18214-18217]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program
AGENCY: Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priorities.
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SUMMARY: The Secretary announces an absolute priority and a competitive
preference priority under the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented
Students Education Program. The Secretary takes this action to focus
Federal financial assistance on specific approaches to identifying and
serving gifted and talented students. The Secretary may use these
priorities in FY 1996 and subsequent years.
EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities take effect May 24, 1966.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janet Williams, U.S. Department of
Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Room 504, Washington, D.C.
20208-5645. Fax: (202) 219-2053; Telephone: (202) 219-1674. Individuals
who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the
Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8
a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented
Students Education Program is designed to build nationwide capability
in gifted and talented education and encourage rich and challenging
curricula for all children.
The Secretary seeks to improve the education of gifted and talented
children, and to promote the use of strategies developed in gifted and
talented education programs to help improve the education of all
students. The Secretary believes that improving the education of gifted
and talented students is an integral part of achieving the National
Education Goals, which require that every student attain higher
standards of academic excellence. The Secretary is particularly
concerned that the educational needs of gifted and talented students
from populations historically underserved by gifted and talented
education programs be addressed. In addition, the Secretary wants to
see gifted and talented education programs contribute to systemic
education reform by modeling coordinated systems of challenging
standards and assessments, curricula, and teacher preparation aligned
with those standards to improve education. The Secretary believes that
the use of challenging content and performance standards is the most
promising way to raise students' achievement.
Therefore, the Secretary announces an absolute priority that would
support the development of model demonstration programs that focus on
economically disadvantaged children, children with limited English
proficiency, or children with disabilities. Each project would be
required to involve a school or schools that serve at least 50 percent
low-income children and to incorporate professional development of
staff and training of parents into the program. In addition, the
program must be based on challenging content and performance standards
in one or more of the core subject areas, and include a comprehensive
improvement plan for each school involved in the project.
The Secretary announces a competitive priority to direct financial
assistance to projects that primarily benefit areas that have been
designated as Empowerment Zones or Enterprise Communities in accordance
with Section 1391 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), as amended by
Title XIII of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1993.
[[Page 18215]]
Background on Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community Program--(EZ/
EC)
The Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community program is a critical
element of the Administration's community revitalization strategy. The
program is the first step in rebuilding communities in America's
poverty-stricken inner cities and rural heartlands. It is designed to
empower people and communities by inspiring Americans to work together
to create jobs and opportunity.
The Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) have designated empowerment zones and enterprise
communities, which are communities located within the cities and
counties listed in the appendix.
The Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities were designated
based on locally-developed strategic plans that comprehensively address
how the community will link economic development with education and
training, as well as how community development, public safety, human
services, and environmental initiatives together will support
sustainable communities. Designated areas will receive Federal grant
funds and substantial tax benefits and will have access to other
Federal programs. (For additional information on the Urban EZ/EC
program contact HUD at 1-800-998-9999 and for the rural EZ/EC program
contact USDA at 1-800-645-4712.)
The Department of Education is supporting the Empowerment Zone and
the Enterprise Community initiative in a variety of ways. It is
encouraging zones to use funds they already receive from Department of
Education programs (including Title I of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act, the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the
Adult Education Act, and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied
Technology Education Act) to support the comprehensive vision of their
strategic plans. In addition, the Department of Education is giving
preferences to EZ/ECs in a number of discretionary grant programs that
are well suited for inclusion in a comprehensive approach to economic
and community development.
The Empowerment Zone initiative and the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and
Talented Students Education Program share some common features. Both
programs are concerned with the educational advancement of students
caught in high-poverty communities. Under the Javits Gifted and
Talented Education Program, at least one-half of the grants in any
given year must serve students who are economically disadvantaged,
limited English proficient or who have disabilities. Communities that
have been designated as Empowerment Zones or Enterprise Communities
have demonstrated a capacity for the type of planning that allows
communities to use, where appropriate, methods and materials developed
in gifted and talented programs to improve the educational
opportunities for all children.
On February 23, 1996, the Secretary published a notice of proposed
priorities for this program in the Federal Register (61 FR 6980). The
Secretary has made no changes in these priorities since publication of
the notice of proposed priorities.
Note: This notice of final priorities does not solicit
applications. A notice inviting applications under these priorities
for fiscal year 1996 is published elsewhere in this issue of the
Federal Register.
Analysis of the Comments and Changes
In response to the Secretary's invitation on the notice of proposed
priorities, four of the 10 parties submitting comments made
recommendations. Two of the commenters expressed support for the
priorities without making recommendations for change. Five of the
commenters asked for more information about the Javits Gifted and
Talented Students Education Program, or the Program's future, or the
application for the competition. An analysis of the recommendations
submitted by four commenters follows.
Comments: Two commenters objected to the requirement that the
school must serve at least 50 percent low-income children. One
commenter questioned his school's eligibility for funding or whether
funding would be based solely on economic needs and standards. The
other commenter expressed concern that every solicitation, with which
he is familiar, from the U.S. Department of Education, the National
Science Foundation, as well as from his own State Education Department
is narrowed in such a way that only specific kinds of enterprises can
compete.
Discussion: The legislation creating the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and
Talented Students Education Program requires the Secretary to give
highest priority to programs serving economically disadvantaged,
limited English proficient, and disabled students who are gifted and
talented. The Secretary believes that there are many gifted and
talented students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and who are
not recognized or served by traditional gifted and talented education
programs. He believes that these projects will serve as models for ways
to identify and serve these students more effectively.
Changes: None.
Comments: One commenter expressed concern that the Competitive
Preference Priority for Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities
(EZ/EC) excluded some of the most needy socioeconomic and geographic
areas, such as the rural communities in his State.
Discussion: The list of EZ/ECs, which were designated by the
Departments of Agriculture and Housing and Urban Development, contains
some rural areas. These EZ/ECs have great need and have already
established comprehensive community development plans. The Secretary
believes that the limited resources available would have the greatest
impact if the funds are directed to these communities. Awarding five
(5) additional points to applications from EZ/ECs will not preclude
consideration of applications that address the needs of students in
other needy geographic areas.
Changes: None.
Comments: Another commenter objected to the use of the Competitive
Preference Priority for EZ/ECs because it would eliminate the
possibility of projects from his State being seriously considered for
funding. This commenter recommended the priorities focus on the
research that is needed to improve services to gifted students.
Discussion: The legislation creating the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and
Talented Students Education Program contains provisions for a National
Center for Research and Development in the Education of Gifted and
Talented Children and Youth. The Center is responsible for carrying out
the research on methods and techniques for identifying and teaching
gifted and talented students. The legislation restricts the amount of
funding available for this activity to no more than 30% of the total
amount available for the Program. The Secretary believes the remainder
of the funds are best used to support demonstration projects to serve
the needs of the target audience.
Changes: None.
Priorities
Under 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 applications that meet this
absolute priority:
[[Page 18216]]
Absolute Priority--Model Programs
Projects that establish and operate model programs to serve gifted
and talented students in schools in which at least 50 percent of the
students enrolled are from low-income families. Projects must include
students who may not be served by traditional gifted and talented
programs, including economically disadvantaged students, limited
English proficient students, and students with disabilities. The
projects must incorporate high-level content and performance standards
in one or more of the core subject areas as well as utilize innovative
teaching strategies. The projects must provide comprehensive ongoing
professional development opportunities for staff. The projects must
incorporate training for parents in ways to support their children's
educational progress. There must also be comprehensive evaluation of
the projects' activities.
The Secretary believes that the limited resources available under
the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program will
have the greatest impact if the funds are directed to communities that
have the greatest need and have already established comprehensive
community development plans. Therefore, the Secretary establishes the
following competitive priority to focus Federal funds on gifted and
talented projects that would address the needs of Empowerment Zones or
Enterprise Communities.
Competitive Preference Priority--Empowerment Zone or Enterprise
Community
Within this absolute priority concerning model projects, the
Secretary, under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), gives preference to
applications that meet the following competitive priority. The
Secretary awards five (5) points to an application that meets this
competitive priority. These points would be in addition to any points
the application earns under the evaluation criteria for the program:
Projects that implement model programs in one or more schools in an
Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community or that primarily serve
students who reside in the EZ or EC. Applicants must ensure that the
proposed program relates to the strategic plan and will be an integral
part of the Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community program.
Intergovernmental Review
This program is subject to the requirements of Executive Order
12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR Part 79. The objective of the
Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a
strengthened federalism by relying on processes developed by State and
local 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
this program.
Applicable Regulations: (a) 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 85
and 86; and (b) the final regulations for Standards for the Conduct and
Evaluation of Activities Carried Out by the Office of Educational
Research and Improvement (OERI)--Evaluation of Applications for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements and Proposals for Contracts, published on
September 14, 1995 in the Federal Register (60 FR 47808) and to be
codified at 34 CFR Part 700.
Note: The regulations in 34 CFR Part 791 previously applicable
to this program will no longer apply to this program.
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C 8032-8036.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.206A, Jacob K.
Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program).
Dated: April 18, 1996.
Sharon P. Robinson,
Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement.
Appendix--Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities
Empowerment Zones (EZ)
Georgia: Atlanta
Illinois: Chicago
Kentucky: Kentucky Highlands*
Maryland: Baltimore
Michigan: Detroit
Mississippi: Mid Delta*
New York: Harlem, Bronx
Pennsylvania/New Jersey: Philadelphia, Camden
Texas: Rio Grande Valley*
Supplemental Empowerment Zones (SEZ)
California: Los Angeles
Ohio: Cleveland
Enterprise Communities (EC)
Alabama: Birmingham
Alabama: Chambers County*
Alabama: Greene, Sumter Counties*
Arizona: Phoenix
Arizona: Arizona Border*
Arkansas: East Central*
Arkansas: Mississippi County*
Arkansas: Pulaski County
California: Imperial County*
California: Los Angeles, Huntington Park
California: San Diego
California: San Francisco, Bayview, Hunter's Point
California: Watsonville*
Colorado: Denver
Connecticut: Bridgeport
Connecticut: New Haven
Delaware: Wilmington
District of Columbia: Washington
Florida: Jackson County*
Florida: Tampa
Florida: Miami, Dade County
Georgia: Albany
Georgia: Central Savannah*
Georgia: Crisp, Dooley Counties*
Illinois: East St. Louis
Illinois: Springfield
Indiana: Indianapolis
Iowa: Des Moines
Kentucky: Louisville
Louisiana: Northeast Delta*
Louisiana: Macon Ridge*
Louisiana: New Orleans
Louisiana: Ouachita Parish
Massachusetts: Lowell
Massachusetts: Springfield
Michigan: Five Cap*
Michigan: Flint
Michigan: Muskegon
Minnesota: Minneapolis
Minnesota: St. Paul
Mississippi: Jackson
Mississippi: North Delta*
Missouri: East Prairie*
Missouri: St. Louis
Nebraska: Omaha
Nevada: Clarke County, Las Vegas
New Hampshire: Manchester
New Jersey: Newark
New Mexico: Albuquerque
New Mexico: Moro, Rico Arriba, Taos Counties*
New York: Albany, Schenectady, Troy
New York: Buffalo
New York: Newburgh, Kingston
New York: Rochester
North Carolina: Charlotte
North Carolina: Halifax, Edgecombe, Wilson Counties*
North Carolina: Robeson County*
Ohio: Akron
Ohio: Columbus
Ohio: Greater Portsmouth*
Oklahoma: Choctaw, McCurtain Counties*
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
Oregon: Josephine*
Oregon: Portland
Pennsylvania: Harrisburg
Pennsylvania: Lock Haven*
Pennsylvania: Pittsburg
Rhode Island: Providence
South Carolina: Charleston
South Carolina: Williamsburg County*
South Dakota: Beadle, Spink Counties*
Tennessee: Fayette, Haywood Counties*
Tennessee: Memphis
Tennessee: Nashville
Tennessee/Kentucky: Scott, McCreary Counties*
Texas: Dallas
Texas: El Paso
Texas: San Antonio
Texas: Waco
Utah: Ogden
Vermont: Burlington
Virginia: Accomack*
Virginia: Norfolk
Washington: Lower Yakima*
Washington: Seattle
Washington: Tacoma
West Virginia: West Central*
West Virginia: Huntington
[[Page 18217]]
West Virginia: McDowell*
Wisconsin: Milwaukee
*denotes rural designee
Enhanced Enterprise Communities (EEC)
California: Oakland
Massachusetts: Boston
Missouri/ Kansas: Kansas City, Kansas City
Texas: Houston
[FR Doc. 96-10012 Filed 4-23-96; 8:45 am]
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