81_FR_11814 81 FR 11770 - Applications for New Awards; Technical Assistance and Dissemination To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities-Model Demonstration Projects To Improve Literacy Outcomes for English Learners With Disabilities in Grades Three Through Five or Three Through Six

81 FR 11770 - Applications for New Awards; Technical Assistance and Dissemination To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities-Model Demonstration Projects To Improve Literacy Outcomes for English Learners With Disabilities in Grades Three Through Five or Three Through Six

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 44 (March 7, 2016)

Page Range11770-11778
FR Document2016-05026

Overview Information: Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities--Model Demonstration Projects to Improve Literacy Outcomes for English Learners with Disabilities in Grades Three through Five or Three through Six. Notice inviting applications for a new award for fiscal year (FY) 2016. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.326M.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 44 (Monday, March 7, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 44 (Monday, March 7, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11770-11778]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-05026]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Technical Assistance and 
Dissemination To Improve Services and Results for Children With 
Disabilities--Model Demonstration Projects To Improve Literacy Outcomes 
for English Learners With Disabilities in Grades Three Through Five or 
Three Through Six

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: 
    Overview Information: Technical Assistance and Dissemination to 
Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities--Model 
Demonstration Projects to Improve Literacy Outcomes for English 
Learners with Disabilities in Grades Three through Five or Three 
through Six.
    Notice inviting applications for a new award for fiscal year (FY) 
2016.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.326M.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: March 7, 2016.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: April 21, 2016.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: June 20, 2016.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Technical Assistance and 
Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with 
Disabilities program is to promote academic achievement and to improve 
results for children with disabilities by providing technical 
assistance (TA), supporting model demonstration projects, disseminating 
useful information, and implementing activities that are supported by 
scientifically based research.
    Priorities: This competition has one absolute priority. In 
accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(v), the absolute priority is from 
allowable activities specified in the statute or otherwise authorized 
in the statute (see sections 663 and 681(d) of the Individuals with 
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. 1463, 1481(d).
    Absolute Priority: For FY 2016 and any subsequent year in which we 
make awards from the list of unfunded applicants from this competition, 
this priority is an absolute priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we 
consider only applications that meet this priority.
    This priority is:
    Model Demonstration Projects to Improve Literacy Outcomes for 
English Learners with Disabilities in Grades Three through Five or 
Three through Six.
    Background: IDEA has authorized model demonstrations to improve 
early intervention, educational, or transitional results for children 
\1\ with disabilities since the mid-1970s. For the purposes of this 
priority, a model is a set of existing evidence-based interventions and 
implementation strategies (i.e., core components) that research 
suggests will improve child, teacher, or system outcomes when 
implemented with fidelity. Model demonstrations involve investigating 
the degree to which a given model can be implemented and sustained in 
typical settings, by staff employed in those settings, while achieving 
outcomes similar to those attained under research conditions.
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    \1\ For the purpose of this priority, the term ``children'' 
includes infants, toddlers, children, and youth.
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    The purpose of this priority is to fund three cooperative 
agreements to establish and operate model demonstration projects that 
will assess how models can: (a) Improve literacy outcomes for English 
Learners \2\ with disabilities (ELSWDs) in grades three through five or 
three through six, within a multi-tier system of supports (MTSS) 
framework; \3\ (b) use culturally responsive principles; \4\ and (c) be 
implemented by educators and sustained in general and special education 
settings.
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    \2\ For purposes of this priority, the term English Learners 
refers to those students considered to be Limited English Proficient 
(LEP) students or English Learners, as those terms are defined under 
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended (ESEA), and 
in the State in which the grantee implements its model demonstration 
projects under this priority.
    \3\ Multi-tier System of Supports means a comprehensive 
continuum of evidence-based, systemic practices to support a rapid 
response to students' needs, with regular observation to facilitate 
data-based instructional decisionmaking.
    \4\ Culturally responsive principles promote redesigning the 
learning environments to support the development and success of all 
students. Some examples of incorporating culturally responsive 
principles into learning environments include communicating high 
expectations to all students, incorporating students' cultural and 
home experiences into lessons by reshaping the curriculum to reflect 
students' experiences, and engaging students in activities where 
they can converse with one another on topics that tap into their 
background knowledge and experiences (Aceves & Orosco, 2014; Gay, 
2010).
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    The most recent average scale scores \5\ in reading for fourth 
graders on the

[[Page 11771]]

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP, 2014) by subgroup 
were: English Learners (ELs), 192; students with disabilities (SWDs), 
188; ELSWDs, 151; and students who were not ELs or SWDs, 230. Seven 
percent of ELs, 10 percent of SWDs, and 2 percent of ELSWDs scored at 
the proficient level compared to 31 percent of students who were not 
ELs or SWDs (U.S. Department of Education, 2014). These figures are 
especially troubling because, according to assessments using criteria 
that correspond to the NAEP skill levels, children who are not 
proficient readers by the end of third grade are four times more likely 
to drop out of school than their peers who are proficient readers 
(Hernandez, 2012). The disparities in achievement as illustrated by 
these data underscore the challenges that schools encounter in 
educating ELSWDs.
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    \5\ The NAEP Reading scale ranges from 0 to 500. Source: U.S. 
Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National 
Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational 
Progress, 2013 Reading Assessment.
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    Children must possess the ability to read for understanding in 
order to meet college- and career-ready standards (Foorman & Wanzek, 
2015). However, children must first develop basic literacy skills, 
including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and 
comprehension, to become proficient readers (National Reading Panel, 
2000) and to read for understanding.
    Therefore, models should be designed to build literacy skills for 
ELSWDs as a stepping stone to reading for understanding. Approaches to 
improve literacy must include a combination of effective instruction, 
modeling, professional development, and evidence-based teaching 
practices that are appropriate for ELSWDs in both classrooms and small 
group settings (Giroir, Grimaldo, Vaughn, & Roberts, 2015; Klingner & 
Soltero-Gonzalez, 2009). In addition, research suggests that proposed 
models should be replicable across multiple contexts (e.g., content 
area instruction, small group settings, multiple school sites) with a 
goal of scaling-up for wider use (Domitrovich et al., 2008).
    Priority: The purpose of this priority is to fund three cooperative 
agreements to establish and operate model demonstration projects that 
will assess how models can: (a) Improve literacy outcomes for ELSWDs in 
grades three through five or three through six, within an MTSS 
framework; (b) use culturally responsive principles; and (c) be 
implemented by educators and sustained in general and special education 
settings. Applicants must propose models that meet the following 
requirements:
    (a) The model's core intervention components (e.g., services, 
assessments, processes, data collection instruments) must include:
    (1) A framework that includes, at a minimum, universal screening, 
progress monitoring, and effective core instruction; \6\
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    \6\ School sites that are selected must have an existing MTSS 
framework that demonstrates strong core instruction.
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    (2) Culturally responsive principles within each component of the 
framework;
    (3) Interventions that meet the needs of the specific population 
and are supported by scientifically based research;
    (4) Practices that are valid and reliable and ensure appropriate 
identification of ELs as having disabilities;
    (5) Measures of literacy outcomes,\7\ using standardized measures 
when applicable, and teacher and systems outcomes, when appropriate;
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    \7\ Applicants must ensure the confidentiality of individual 
data, consistent with the requirements of section 444 of the General 
Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g), commonly known as the 
``Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act'' (FERPA), and State 
laws or regulations concerning the confidentiality of individual 
records. Final FERPA regulatory changes became effective January 3, 
2012, and include requirements for data sharing. Applicants are 
encouraged to review the final FERPA regulations published on 
December 2, 2011 (76 FR 75604). Questions can be sent to the Family 
Policy Compliance Office (www.ed.gov/fpco) at (202) 260-3887 or 
[email protected].
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    (6) Measures of language proficiency in the child's first language 
and English; and
    (7) Measures of the model's social validity, i.e., measures of 
educators', parents', and students' satisfaction with the model 
components, processes, and outcomes.
    (b) The model's core implementation components must include:
    (1) Strategies for selecting \8\ and recruiting sites, including 
approaches to introducing the model to and promoting the model among 
site participants,\9\ with consideration given to the following 
criteria:
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    \8\ For factors to consider when selecting model demonstration 
sites, the applicant should refer to Assessing Sites for Model 
Demonstration: Lessons Learned for OSEP Grantees at http://mdcc.sri.com/documents/reports/MDCC_Site_Assessment_Brief_09-30-11.pdf. The document also contains a site assessment tool.
    \9\ For factors to consider while preparing for model 
demonstration implementation, the applicant should refer to 
Preparing for Model Demonstration Implementation at http://mdcc.sri.com/documents/MDCC_PreparationStage_Brief_Apr2013.pdf.
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    (i) Each project must include at least three elementary schools 
with students in grades three through five or three through six. Each 
school must have at least 40 percent and no fewer than 100 students who 
have been identified as ELs in these grades; and
    (ii) In each of the schools, at least 10 percent of the identified 
ELs in grades three through five or three through six must be ELSWDs 
with literacy goals on their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs);
    (2) A lag site implementation, which involves selecting one of the 
three sites in year one of the project period to begin implementation 
of the project's model for at least three years, with the other two 
schools beginning implementation in year two;
    (3) A professional development component that includes an evidence-
based coaching strategy to enable staff to implement the interventions 
with fidelity; and
    (4) Measures of the performance of the professional development 
(e.g., improvements in teacher instructional delivery and knowledge) 
required by paragraph (b)(3) of this section, including measures of the 
fidelity of implementation.
    (c) The core strategies for sustaining the model must include:
    (1) Documentation that permits current and future practitioners to 
replicate and tailor the model at any site; \10\ and
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    \10\ For a guide on documenting model demonstration sustainment 
and replication, the applicant should refer to Planning for 
Replication and Dissemination From the Start: Guidelines for Model 
Demonstration Projects at http://mdcc.sri.com/documents/MDCC_ReplicationBrief_SEP2013.pdf.
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    (2) Strategies for the grantee to sustain the model, such as 
developing easily accessible training materials or coordinating with TA 
providers who might serve as future trainers.
    To be considered for funding under this absolute priority, 
applicants must meet the application requirements contained in this 
priority. Each project funded under this absolute priority also must 
meet the programmatic and administrative requirements specified in the 
priority.
    Application Requirements. An applicant must include in its 
application--
    (a) A project design that is at least supported by strong theory 
(as defined in this notice) that supports the promise (e.g., evidence 
base) of the proposed model, its components, and processes to improve 
literacy outcomes for ELSWDs;
    (b) A logic model that depicts, at a minimum, the goals, 
activities, outputs, and outcomes of the proposed model demonstration 
project. A logic model used in connection with this priority

[[Page 11772]]

communicates how a project will achieve its outcomes and provides a 
framework for both the formative and summative evaluations of the 
project;

    Note: The following Web sites provide examples for constructing 
logic models: www.researchutilization.org/matrix/logicmodel_resource3c.html and www.osepideasthatwork.org/logicModel/index.asp.

    (c) A description of the activities and measures to be incorporated 
into the proposed model demonstration project to improve literacy 
outcomes for ELSWDs, including a timeline of how and when the 
components are introduced within the model. A detailed and complete 
description must include the following:
    (1) All the intervention components, including culturally 
responsive principles and, at a minimum, those components listed under 
paragraph (a) under the heading Priority, and the supporting 
literature.
    (2) The existing and proposed child, teacher, and system outcome 
measures and social validity measures. The measures should be described 
as completely as possible, referenced as appropriate, and included, 
when available, in an appendix.
    (3) All the implementation components, including, at a minimum, 
those listed under paragraph (b) under the heading Priority, and the 
supporting literature. The existing or proposed implementation fidelity 
measures, including those measuring the fidelity of the professional 
development strategy, should be described as completely as possible, 
referenced as appropriate, and included, when available, in an 
appendix. In addition, this description should include:
    (i) Demographics, including, at a minimum, ethnicity, gender, grade 
level, and age for all ELSWDs at all implementation sites that have 
been identified and successfully recruited for the purposes of this 
application using the selection and recruitment strategies described in 
paragraph (b)(1) under the heading Priority;
    (ii) Whether the implementation sites are high-poverty, high-need, 
rural, urban, or suburban LEAs or schools; and

    Note: Applicants are encouraged to identify, to the extent 
possible, the sites willing to participate in the applicant's model 
demonstration. Final site selection will be determined in 
consultation with the OSEP project officer following the kick-off 
meeting described in paragraph (f)(1) of these application 
requirements.

    (iii) The lag design for implementation consistent with the 
requirements in paragraph (b)(2) under the heading Priority.
    (4) All the strategies to promote sustaining and replicating the 
model, including, at a minimum, those listed in paragraph (c) under the 
heading Priority.
    (d) A description of the evaluation activities and measures to be 
incorporated into the proposed model demonstration project. A detailed 
and complete description must include:
    (1) A formative evaluation plan, consistent with the project's 
logic model, that includes evaluation questions, source(s) for data, a 
timeline for data collection, and analysis plans. The plan must show 
how the outcome (e.g., child measures, social validity) and 
implementation data (e.g., fidelity) will be used separately or in 
combination to improve the project during the performance period. The 
plan also must outline how these data will be reviewed by project 
staff, when they will be reviewed, and how they will be used during the 
course of the project to adjust the model or its implementation to 
increase the model's usefulness, generalizability, and potential for 
sustainability; and
    (2) A summative evaluation plan, including a timeline, to collect 
and analyze data on positive changes to child, teacher, and systems 
outcome measures over time or relative to comparison groups that can be 
reasonably attributable to project activities. The plan must show how 
the child or system outcome and implementation data collected by the 
project will be used separately or in combination to demonstrate the 
promise of the model.
    (e) A budget for attendance at the following:
    (1) A one and one half-day kick-off meeting to be held in 
Washington, DC, after receipt of the award;
    (2) A three-day Project Directors' Conference in Washington, DC, 
occurring twice during the project performance period; and
    (3) Four travel days spread across years two through four of the 
project period to attend planning meetings, Department briefings, 
Department-sponsored conferences, and other meetings, as requested by 
OSEP, to be held in Washington, DC, with the OSEP project officer.
    Other Project Activities. To meet the requirements of this 
priority, each project, at a minimum, must:
    (a) Communicate and collaborate on an ongoing basis with other 
relevant Department-funded projects, including, at minimum, OSEP-funded 
TA centers that might disseminate information on the model or support 
the scale-up efforts of an effective model;
    (b) Maintain ongoing (i.e., at least monthly) telephone and email 
communication with the OSEP project officer and the other model 
demonstration projects funded under this priority; and
    (c) If the project maintains a Web site, include relevant 
information about the model, the intervention, and the demonstration 
activities that meets government- or industry-recognized standards for 
accessibility.
    Competitive Preference Priority: Within this absolute priority, we 
give competitive preference to applications that address the following 
priority. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award an additional two 
points to an application that meets this priority.
    The priority is:
    Evidence of Promise Supporting the Proposed Model (2 Points).
    Projects that are supported by evidence that meets the conditions 
set out in the definition of ``evidence of promise'' (as defined in 
this notice). The proposed project must include:
    (a) A detailed review of the research that meets at least the 
evidence of promise standard and that supports the promise (e.g., 
evidence base) of the proposed model, its components, and processes to 
improve literacy outcomes for ELSWDs;
    (b) A logic model that depicts, at a minimum, the goals, 
activities, outputs, and outcomes of the proposed model demonstration 
project. A logic model communicates how a project will achieve its 
outcomes and provides a framework for both the formative and summative 
evaluations of the project; and
    (c) A description of the activities and measures to be incorporated 
into the proposed model demonstration project to improve literacy 
outcomes for ELSWDs, including how and when the components are 
introduced within the model. A detailed and complete description must 
contain all of the implementation components, including, at a minimum, 
those listed under paragraph (a) and linked to supporting literature. 
The existing or proposed implementation fidelity measures, including 
those measuring the fidelity of the professional development strategy, 
should be described as completely as possible, referenced as 
appropriate, and included, when available, in an appendix.

    Note: An applicant addressing this competitive preference 
priority must identify up to two study citations that meet this 
standard.


[[Page 11773]]



References

Aceves, T.C., & Orosco, M.J. (2014). Culturally responsive teaching 
(Document No. IC-2). Retrieved from University of Florida, 
Collaboration for Effective Educator, Development, Accountability, 
and Reform Center Web site: http://ceedar.education.ufl.edu/tools/innovation-configurations/.
Domitrovich, C., Bradshaw, C., Poduska, J., Hoagwood, K., Buckley, 
J., Olin, S., . . . Ialongo, N. (2008). Maximizing the 
implementation quality of evidence-based preventive interventions in 
schools: A conceptual framework. Advances in School Mental Health 
Promotion, 1(3), 6-28. Retrieved from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1754730X.2008.9715730.
Foorman, B.R., & Wanzek, J. (2015). Classroom Reading Instruction 
for all Students. In S.R. Jimerson, K. Burns, & A.M. VanDerHeyden 
(EDs.), Handbook of Response to Intervention (pp. 235-252). New 
York, NY: Springer.
Gay, G. (2010). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, 
and practice. New York, NY: Teacher's College Press.
Giroir, S., Grimaldo, L.R., Vaughn, S., Roberts, G. (2015). 
Interactive read-alouds for English learners in the elementary 
grades. Reading Teacher, 68(8), 639-648.
Hernandez, D. (2012). Double Jeopardy. How Third Grade Reading 
Skills and Poverty Influence High School Graduation. Retrieved from 
Annie E. Casey Foundation Web site: http://gradelevelreading.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Double-Jeopardy-Report-030812-for-web1.pdf.
Klingner, J., & Soltero-Gonzalez, L. (2009). Culturally and 
linguistically responsive literacy instruction for English Language 
Learners with learning disabilities. Multiple Voices for Ethnically 
Diverse Exceptional Learners, 12(1), 4-20.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2000). 
Report of the National Reading Panel. Teaching children to read: An 
evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on 
reading and its implications for reading instruction (NIH 
Publication No. 00-4769). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing 
Office.
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. 
(2014). National Center for Education Statistics, National 
Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), The Nation's Report Card. 
Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from http://nationsreportcard.gov.

    Definitions: The following definitions apply to the priority:
    Evidence of promise means there is empirical evidence to support 
the theoretical linkage(s) between at least one critical component and 
at least one relevant outcome presented in the logic model for the 
proposed process, product, strategy, or practice. Specifically, 
evidence of promise means the conditions in both paragraphs (i) and 
(ii) of this definition are met:
    (i) There is at least one study that is a--
    (A) Correlational study with statistical controls for selection 
bias;
    (B) Quasi-experimental design study that meets the What Works 
Clearinghouse Evidence Standards with reservations; or
    (C) Randomized controlled trial that meets the What Works 
Clearinghouse Evidence Standards with or without reservations.
    (ii) The study referenced in paragraph (i) of this definition found 
a statistically significant or substantively important (defined as a 
difference of 0.25 standard deviations or larger) favorable association 
between at least one critical component and one relevant outcome 
presented in the logic model for the proposed process, product, 
strategy, or practice.
    English Learner, when used with respect to an individual, means an 
individual--
    (A) Who is aged 3 through 21;
    (B) Who is enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary school 
or secondary school;
    (C)(i) Who was not born in the United States or whose native 
language is a language other than English;
    (ii)(I) Who is a Native American or Alaska Native, or a native 
resident of the outlying areas; and
    (II) Who comes from an environment where a language other than 
English has had a significant impact on the individual's level of 
English language proficiency; or
    (iii) Who is migratory, whose native language is a language other 
than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other 
than English is dominant; and
    (D) Whose difficulties in speaking, reading, writing, or 
understanding the English language may be sufficient to deny the 
individual--
    (i) The ability to meet the State's proficient level of achievement 
on State assessments described in section 1111(b)(3) of the ESEA;
    (ii) The ability to successfully achieve in classrooms where the 
language of instruction is English; or
    (iii) The opportunity to participate fully in society.
    Logic model (also referred to as theory of action) means a well-
specified conceptual framework that identifies key components of the 
proposed process, product, strategy, or practice (i.e., the active 
``ingredients'' that are hypothesized to be critical to achieving the 
relevant outcomes) and describes the relationships among the key 
components and outcomes, theoretically and operationally.
    Quasi-experimental design study means a study using a design that 
attempts to approximate an experimental design by identifying a 
comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in important 
respects. These studies, depending on design and implementation, can 
meet What Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards with reservations (but 
not What Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards without reservations).
    Randomized controlled trial means a study that employs random 
assignment of, for example, students, teachers, classrooms, schools, or 
districts to receive the intervention being evaluated (the treatment 
group) or not to receive the intervention (the control group). The 
estimated effectiveness of the intervention is the difference between 
the average outcomes for the treatment group and for the control group. 
These studies, depending on design and implementation, can meet What 
Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards without reservations.
    Relevant outcome means the student outcome(s) (or the ultimate 
outcome if not related to students) the proposed process, product, 
strategy, or practice is designed to improve; consistent with the 
specific goals of a program.
    Strong theory means a rationale for the proposed process, product, 
strategy, or practice that includes a logic model.
    What Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards means the standards set 
forth in the What Works Clearinghouse Procedures and Standards Handbook 
(Version 3.0, March 2014), which can be found at the following link: 
http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/DocumentSum.aspx?sid=19.
    Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking: Under the Administrative Procedure 
Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553) the Department generally offers interested 
parties the opportunity to comment on proposed priorities and other 
requirements. Section 681(d) of IDEA, however, makes the public comment 
requirements of the APA inapplicable to the absolute priority and 
related definitions in this notice.
    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1463 and 1481.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 
84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of Management and Budget 
Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension 
(Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as 
regulations of

[[Page 11774]]

the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative 
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal 
Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the 
Department in 2 CFR part 3474.

    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants 
except federally recognized Indian tribes.


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

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative agreement.
    Estimated Available Funds: $1,200,000.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2017 from the list of 
unfunded applications from this competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $375,000 to $400,000.
    Estimated Average Size of Award: $400,000.
    Maximum Award: We will reject and not review any application that 
proposes a budget exceeding $400,000 for a single budget period of 12 
months.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 3.

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

    Project Period: Up to 48 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: State educational agencies (SEAs); LEAs, 
including public charter schools that are considered LEAs under State 
law; IHEs; other public agencies; private nonprofit organizations; 
outlying areas; freely associated States; Indian tribes or tribal 
organizations; and for-profit organizations.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not require cost 
sharing or matching.
    3. Eligible Subgrantees: (a) Under 75.708(b) and (c) a grantee may 
award subgrants--to directly carry out project activities described in 
its application--to the following types of entities: SEAs; LEAs, 
including public charter schools that are considered LEAs under State 
law; IHEs; other public agencies; private nonprofit organizations; 
outlying areas; freely associated States; Indian tribes or tribal 
organizations; and for-profit organizations.
    (b) The grantee may award subgrants to entities it has identified 
in an approved application.
    4. Other General Requirements:
    (a) Recipients of funding under this competition must make positive 
efforts to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with 
disabilities (see section 606 of IDEA).
    (b) Each applicant for, and recipient of, funding under this 
program must involve individuals with disabilities, or parents of 
individuals with disabilities ages birth through 26, in planning, 
implementing, and evaluating the project (see section 682(a)(1)(A) of 
IDEA).

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: You can obtain an 
application package via the Internet or from the Education Publications 
Center (ED Pubs). To obtain a copy via the Internet, use the following 
address: www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html. To obtain a 
copy from ED Pubs, write, fax, or call: ED Pubs, U.S. Department of 
Education, P.O. Box 22207, Alexandria, VA 22304. Telephone, toll free: 
1-877-433-7827. FAX: (703) 605-6794. If you use a telecommunications 
device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call, toll free: 
1-877-576-7734.
    You can contact ED Pubs at its Web site, also: www.EDPubs.gov or at 
its email address: [email protected].
    If you request an application package from ED Pubs, be sure to 
identify this competition as follows: CFDA number 84.326M.
    Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application 
package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, 
or compact disc) by contacting the person or team listed under 
Accessible Format in section VIII of this notice.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements 
concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you 
must submit, are in the application package for this competition.
    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 
no more than 50 pages, using the following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double-space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, reference citations, and captions, as well as 
all text in charts, tables, figures, graphs, and screen shots.
     Use a font that is 12 point or larger.
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial. An application submitted in any other font 
(including Times Roman or Arial Narrow) will not be accepted.
    The page limit and double-spacing requirements do 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 abstract (follow the guidance provided in the 
application package for completing the abstract), the table of 
contents, the list of priority requirements, the resumes, the reference 
list, the letters of support, or the appendices. However, the page 
limit and double-spacing requirements do apply to all of Part III, the 
application narrative, including all text in charts, tables, figures, 
graphs, and screen shots.
    We will reject your application if you exceed the page limit in the 
application narrative section or if you apply standards other than 
those specified in this notice and the application package.
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    Applications Available: March 7, 2016.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: April 21, 2016.
    Applications for grants under this competition must be submitted 
electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov). For 
information (including dates and times) about how to submit your 
application electronically, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery 
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, please refer to Other Submission Requirements in section 
IV of this notice.
    We do not consider an application that does not comply with the 
deadline requirements.
    Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact 
the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII 
of this notice. If the Department provides an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in connection with the 
application process, the individual's application remains subject to 
all other requirements and limitations in this notice.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: June 20, 2016.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: This competition is subject to 
Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. 
Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under 
Executive Order 12372

[[Page 11775]]

is in the application package for this program.
    5. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    6. Data Universal Numbering System Number, Taxpayer Identification 
Number, and System for Award Management: To do business with the 
Department of Education, you must--
    a. Have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and a 
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);
    b. Register both your DUNS number and TIN with the System for Award 
Management (SAM) (formerly the Central Contractor Registry), the 
Government's primary registrant database;
    c. Provide your DUNS number and TIN on your application; and
    d. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information 
while your application is under review by the Department and, if you 
are awarded a grant, during the project period.
    You can obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet at the 
following Web site: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. A DUNS number can be 
created within one to two business days.
    If you are a corporate entity, agency, institution, or 
organization, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue Service. 
If you are an individual, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal 
Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration. If you need a 
new TIN, please allow two to five weeks for your TIN to become active.
    The SAM registration process can take approximately seven business 
days, but may take upwards of several weeks, depending on the 
completeness and accuracy of the data you enter into the SAM database. 
Thus, if you think you might want to apply for Federal financial 
assistance under a program administered by the Department, please allow 
sufficient time to obtain and register your DUNS number and TIN. We 
strongly recommend that you register early.

    Note:  Once your SAM registration is active, it may be 24 to 48 
hours before you can access the information in, and submit an 
application through, Grants.gov.

    If you are currently registered with SAM, you may not need to make 
any changes. However, please make certain that the TIN associated with 
your DUNS number is correct. Also note that you will need to update 
your registration annually. This may take three or more business days.
    Information about SAM is available at www.SAM.gov. To further 
assist you with obtaining and registering your DUNS number and TIN in 
SAM or updating your existing SAM account, we have prepared a SAM.gov 
Tip Sheet, which you can find at: www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html.
    In addition, if you are submitting your application via Grants.gov, 
you must (1) be designated by your organization as an Authorized 
Organization Representative (AOR); and (2) register yourself with 
Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these steps are outlined at the 
following Grants.gov Web page: www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.
    7. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under 
this competition must be submitted electronically unless you qualify 
for an exception to this requirement in accordance with the 
instructions in this section.
    a. Electronic Submission of Applications.
    Applications for grants under the Model Demonstration Projects to 
Improve Literacy Outcomes for English Learners with Disabilities in 
Grades Three through Five or Three through Six competition, CFDA number 
84.326M, must be submitted electronically using the Governmentwide 
Grants.gov Apply site at www.Grants.gov. Through this site, you will be 
able to download a copy of the application package, complete it 
offline, and then upload and submit your application. You may not email 
an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format 
unless, as described elsewhere in this section, you qualify for one of 
the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no 
later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written 
statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these 
exceptions. Further information regarding calculation of the date that 
is two weeks before the application deadline date is provided later in 
this section under Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement.
    You may access the electronic grant application for the Model 
Demonstration Projects to Improve Literacy Outcomes for English 
Learners with Disabilities in Grades Three through Five or Three 
through Six competition at www.Grants.gov. You must search for the 
downloadable application package for this competition by the CFDA 
number. Do not include the CFDA number's alpha suffix in your search 
(e.g., search for 84.326, not 84.326M).
    Please note the following:
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation.
     Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time 
stamped. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted and must 
be date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than 4:30 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as 
otherwise noted in this section, we will not accept your application if 
it is received--that is, date and time stamped by the Grants.gov 
system--after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application 
deadline date. We do not consider an application that does not comply 
with the deadline requirements. When we retrieve your application from 
Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are rejecting your application 
because it was date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system after 
4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date.
     The amount of time it can take to upload an application 
will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the 
application and the speed of your Internet connection. Therefore, we 
strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline 
date to begin the submission process through Grants.gov.
     You should review and follow the Education Submission 
Procedures for submitting an application through Grants.gov that are 
included in the application package for this competition to ensure that 
you submit your application in a timely manner to the Grants.gov 
system. You can also find the Education Submission Procedures 
pertaining to Grants.gov under News and Events on the Department's G5 
system home page at www.G5.gov. In addition, for specific guidance and 
procedures for submitting an application through Grants.gov, please 
refer to the Grants.gov Web site at: www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you 
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, as described elsewhere in this section, and submit your 
application in paper format.
     You must submit all documents electronically, including 
all information you typically provide on the following forms: The 
Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the Department of 
Education Supplemental Information for SF 424, Budget Information--Non-

[[Page 11776]]

Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and 
certifications.
     You must upload any narrative sections and all other 
attachments to your application as files in a read-only, non-modifiable 
Portable Document Format (PDF). Do not upload an interactive or 
fillable PDF file. If you upload a file type other than a read-only, 
non-modifiable PDF (e.g., Word, Excel, WordPerfect, etc.) or submit a 
password-protected file, we will not review that material. Please note 
that this could result in your application not being considered for 
funding because the material in question--for example, the project 
narrative--is critical to a meaningful review of your proposal. For 
that reason it is important to allow yourself adequate time to upload 
all material as PDF files. The Department will not convert material 
from other formats to PDF. Additional, detailed information on how to 
attach files is in the application instructions.
     Your electronic application must comply with any page-
limit requirements described in this notice.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that 
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. This notification indicates 
receipt by Grants.gov only, not receipt by the Department. Grants.gov 
will also notify you automatically by email if your application met all 
the Grants.gov validation requirements or if there were any errors 
(such as submission of your application by someone other than a 
registered Authorized Organization Representative, or inclusion of an 
attachment with a file name that contains special characters). You will 
be given an opportunity to correct any errors and resubmit, but you 
must still meet the deadline for submission of applications.
    Once your application is successfully validated by Grants.gov, the 
Department will retrieve your application from Grants.gov and send you 
an email with a unique PR/Award number for your application.
    These emails do not mean that your application is without any 
disqualifying errors. While your application may have been successfully 
validated by Grants.gov, it must also meet the Department's application 
requirements as specified in this notice and in the application 
instructions. Disqualifying errors could include, for instance, failure 
to upload attachments in a read-only, non-modifiable PDF; failure to 
submit a required part of the application; or failure to meet applicant 
eligibility requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that your 
submitted application has met all of the Department's requirements.
     We may request that you provide us original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
    Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of Technical Issues 
with the Grants.gov System: If you are experiencing problems submitting 
your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov 
Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. You must obtain a 
Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it.
    If you are prevented from electronically submitting your 
application on the application deadline date because of technical 
problems with the Grants.gov system, we will grant you an extension 
until 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, the following business day to 
enable you to transmit your application electronically or by hand 
delivery. You also may mail your application by following the mailing 
instructions described elsewhere in this notice.
    If you submit an application after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, 
on the application deadline date, please contact the person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII of this notice and 
provide an explanation of the technical problem you experienced with 
Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number. We will 
accept your application if we can confirm that a technical problem 
occurred with the Grants.gov system and that the problem affected your 
ability to submit your application by 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, 
on the application deadline date. We will contact you after we 
determine whether your application will be accepted.

    Note: The extensions to which we refer in this section apply 
only to the unavailability of, or technical problems with, the 
Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an extension if you failed 
to fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before 
the application deadline date and time or if the technical problem 
you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system.

    Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an 
exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your 
application in paper format, if you are unable to submit an application 
through the Grants.gov system because--
     You do not have access to the Internet; or
     You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to 
the Grants.gov system; and
     No later than two weeks before the application deadline 
date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the 
application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business 
day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement 
to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception 
prevents you from using the Internet to submit your application.
    If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be 
postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline 
date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must 
receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the 
application deadline date.
    Address and mail or fax your statement to: Tara Courchaine, U.S. 
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 5143, Potomac 
Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-5108. FAX: (202) 245-7590.
    Your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the 
mail or hand delivery instructions described in this notice.
    b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.
    If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you may mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a 
commercial carrier) your application to the Department. You must mail 
the original and two copies of your application, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address: 
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
(CFDA Number 84.326M) LBJ Basement Level 1, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20202-4260.
    You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:
    (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 of the 
U.S. Department of Education.
    If you mail your 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 U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated 
postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your 
local post office.


[[Page 11777]]


    We will not consider applications postmarked after the application 
deadline date.
    c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery.
    If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper 
application to the Department by hand. You must deliver the original 
and two copies of your application by hand, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address: 
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
(CFDA Number 84.326M) 550 12th Street SW., Room 7039, Potomac Center 
Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-4260.
    The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily 
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, except 
Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.

    Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications: If you 
mail or hand deliver your application to the Department--
    (1) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by 
the Department--in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including 
suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are 
submitting your application; and
    (2) The Application Control Center will mail to you a 
notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not 
receive this notification within 15 business days from the 
application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of 
Education Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 75.210 and are listed in the application package.
    2. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
requires various assurances, including those applicable to Federal 
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or 
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department 
of Education (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    3. Additional Review and Selection Process Factors: In the past, 
the Department has had difficulty finding peer reviewers for certain 
competitions because so many individuals who are eligible to serve as 
peer reviewers have conflicts of interest. The standing panel 
requirements under section 682(b) of IDEA also have placed additional 
constraints on the availability of reviewers. Therefore, the Department 
has determined that for some discretionary grant competitions, 
applications may be separated into two or more groups and ranked and 
selected for funding within specific groups. This procedure will make 
it easier for the Department to find peer reviewers by ensuring that 
greater numbers of individuals who are eligible to serve as reviewers 
for any particular group of applicants will not have conflicts of 
interest. It also will increase the quality, independence, and fairness 
of the review process, while permitting panel members to review 
applications under discretionary grant competitions for which they also 
have submitted applications. However, if the Department decides to 
select an equal number of applications in each group for funding, this 
may result in different cut-off points for fundable applications in 
each group.
    4. Risk Assessment and Special Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.205, before awarding grants under this competition the Department 
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 
3474.10, the Secretary may impose special conditions and, in 
appropriate circumstances, high-risk conditions on a grant if the 
applicant or grantee is not financially stable; has a history of 
unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or other management system 
that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D; has not 
fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or is otherwise not 
responsible.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your 
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award 
Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to 
access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally, 
also.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section of this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.
    3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, 
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and 
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply 
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
    (b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final 
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the 
Secretary. If you receive a multiyear award, you must submit an annual 
performance report that provides the most current performance and 
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance 
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, 
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
    (c) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the Secretary may provide a grantee 
with additional funding for data collection analysis and reporting. In 
this case the Secretary establishes a data collection period.
    4. Performance Measures: Under the Government Performance and 
Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), the Department has established a set of 
performance measures, including long-term measures, that are designed 
to yield information on various aspects of the effectiveness and 
quality of the Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve 
Services and Results for Children With Disabilities program. We will 
use these measures to evaluate the extent to which projects provide 
high-quality products and services, the relevance of project products 
and services to educational and early intervention policy and practice, 
and the use of products and services to improve educational and early 
intervention policy and practice.
    Projects funded under this competition are required to submit data 
on these measures as directed by OSEP.
    Grantees will be required to report information on their project's 
performance in annual and final performance reports to the Department 
(34 CFR 75.590).

[[Page 11778]]

    5. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: Whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the 
performance targets in the grantee's approved application.
    In making a continuation award, the Secretary also considers 
whether the grantee is operating in compliance with the assurances in 
its approved application, including those applicable to Federal civil 
rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities 
receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Agency Contact

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Courchaine, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 5143, Potomac Center Plaza, 
Washington, DC 20202-5108. Telephone: (202) 245-6462.
    If you use a TDD or a TTY, call the Federal Relay Service, toll 
free, at 1-800-877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format 
(e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) by contacting 
the Grants and Contracts Services Team, U.S. Department of Education, 
400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 5037, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, 
DC 20202-2550. Telephone: (202) 245-7363. If you use a TDD or a TTY, 
call the FRS, toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
    Electronic Access to This Document: 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 via the Federal Digital System 
at: www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well 
as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal 
Register, in text or PDF. To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat 
Reader, which is available free at the site.
    You may also access documents of the Department published in the 
Federal Register by using the article search feature at: 
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search 
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published 
by the Department.

    Dated: March 1, 2016.
Michael K. Yudin,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2016-05026 Filed 3-4-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4000-01-P



                                                    11770                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices

                                                    accordance with the Paperwork                           DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION                               CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider only
                                                    Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C.                                                                        applications that meet this priority.
                                                    3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general                    Applications for New Awards;                             This priority is:
                                                    public and Federal agencies with an                     Technical Assistance and                                 Model Demonstration Projects to
                                                    opportunity to comment on proposed,                     Dissemination To Improve Services                     Improve Literacy Outcomes for English
                                                    revised, and continuing collections of                  and Results for Children With                         Learners with Disabilities in Grades
                                                    information. This helps the Department                  Disabilities—Model Demonstration                      Three through Five or Three through
                                                    assess the impact of its information                    Projects To Improve Literacy                          Six.
                                                    collection requirements and minimize                    Outcomes for English Learners With                       Background: IDEA has authorized
                                                    the public’s reporting burden. It also                  Disabilities in Grades Three Through                  model demonstrations to improve early
                                                    helps the public understand the                         Five or Three Through Six                             intervention, educational, or transitional
                                                    Department’s information collection                                                                           results for children 1 with disabilities
                                                                                                            AGENCY:  Office of Special Education and              since the mid-1970s. For the purposes of
                                                    requirements and provide the requested
                                                                                                            Rehabilitative Services, Department of                this priority, a model is a set of existing
                                                    data in the desired format. ED is
                                                                                                            Education.                                            evidence-based interventions and
                                                    soliciting comments on the proposed
                                                    information collection request (ICR) that               ACTION: Notice.                                       implementation strategies (i.e., core
                                                    is described below. The Department of                                                                         components) that research suggests will
                                                                                                            SUMMARY:
                                                    Education is especially interested in                                                                         improve child, teacher, or system
                                                                                                              Overview Information: Technical
                                                    public comment addressing the                                                                                 outcomes when implemented with
                                                                                                            Assistance and Dissemination to
                                                    following issues: (1) Is this collection                                                                      fidelity. Model demonstrations involve
                                                                                                            Improve Services and Results for
                                                    necessary to the proper functions of the                                                                      investigating the degree to which a
                                                                                                            Children with Disabilities—Model
                                                    Department; (2) will this information be                                                                      given model can be implemented and
                                                                                                            Demonstration Projects to Improve
                                                    processed and used in a timely manner;                                                                        sustained in typical settings, by staff
                                                                                                            Literacy Outcomes for English Learners
                                                    (3) is the estimate of burden accurate;                                                                       employed in those settings, while
                                                                                                            with Disabilities in Grades Three
                                                    (4) how might the Department enhance                                                                          achieving outcomes similar to those
                                                                                                            through Five or Three through Six.
                                                    the quality, utility, and clarity of the                                                                      attained under research conditions.
                                                                                                              Notice inviting applications for a new                 The purpose of this priority is to fund
                                                    information to be collected; and (5) how
                                                                                                            award for fiscal year (FY) 2016.                      three cooperative agreements to
                                                    might the Department minimize the
                                                                                                              Catalog of Federal Domestic                         establish and operate model
                                                    burden of this collection on the
                                                                                                            Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.326M.                    demonstration projects that will assess
                                                    respondents, including through the use
                                                    of information technology. Please note                  DATES:                                                how models can: (a) Improve literacy
                                                    that written comments received in                         Applications Available: March 7,                    outcomes for English Learners 2 with
                                                    response to this notice will be                         2016.                                                 disabilities (ELSWDs) in grades three
                                                    considered public records.                                Deadline for Transmittal of                         through five or three through six, within
                                                                                                            Applications: April 21, 2016.                         a multi-tier system of supports (MTSS)
                                                       Title of Collection: National Student
                                                                                                              Deadline for Intergovernmental                      framework; 3 (b) use culturally
                                                    Loan Data System (NSLDS)
                                                                                                            Review: June 20, 2016.                                responsive principles; 4 and (c) be
                                                       OMB Control Number: 1845–0035                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            implemented by educators and
                                                       Type of Review: A revision of an                                                                           sustained in general and special
                                                    existing information collection                         Full Text of Announcement
                                                                                                                                                                  education settings.
                                                       Respondents/Affected Public: State,                  I. Funding Opportunity Description                       The most recent average scale scores 5
                                                    Local, and Tribal Governments; Private                    Purpose of Program: The purpose of                  in reading for fourth graders on the
                                                    Sector                                                  the Technical Assistance and                             1 For the purpose of this priority, the term
                                                       Total Estimated Number of Annual                     Dissemination to Improve Services and                 ‘‘children’’ includes infants, toddlers, children, and
                                                    Responses: 28,188                                       Results for Children with Disabilities                youth.
                                                       Total Estimated Number of Annual                     program is to promote academic                           2 For purposes of this priority, the term English

                                                    Burden Hours: 60,798                                    achievement and to improve results for                Learners refers to those students considered to be
                                                                                                            children with disabilities by providing               Limited English Proficient (LEP) students or English
                                                       Abstract: The United States                                                                                Learners, as those terms are defined under the
                                                                                                            technical assistance (TA), supporting                 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as
                                                    Department of Education will collect
                                                                                                            model demonstration projects,                         amended (ESEA), and in the State in which the
                                                    data through the National Student Loan
                                                                                                            disseminating useful information, and                 grantee implements its model demonstration
                                                    Data System from Federal Perkins Loan                                                                         projects under this priority.
                                                                                                            implementing activities that are
                                                    holders (or their servicers) and Guaranty                                                                        3 Multi-tier System of Supports means a
                                                                                                            supported by scientifically based
                                                    Agencies (GA) about Federal Perkins,                                                                          comprehensive continuum of evidence-based,
                                                                                                            research.                                             systemic practices to support a rapid response to
                                                    Federal Family Education, and William
                                                                                                              Priorities: This competition has one                students’ needs, with regular observation to
                                                    D. Ford Direct Student Loans to be used                                                                       facilitate data-based instructional decisionmaking.
                                                                                                            absolute priority. In accordance with 34
                                                    to manage the federal student loan                                                                               4 Culturally responsive principles promote
                                                                                                            CFR 75.105(b)(2)(v), the absolute
                                                    programs, develop policy, and                                                                                 redesigning the learning environments to support
                                                                                                            priority is from allowable activities                 the development and success of all students. Some
                                                    determine eligibility for programs under
                                                                                                            specified in the statute or otherwise                 examples of incorporating culturally responsive
                                                    title IV of the Higher Education Act of
                                                                                                            authorized in the statute (see sections               principles into learning environments include
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                                                    1965, as amended (HEA).                                                                                       communicating high expectations to all students,
                                                                                                            663 and 681(d) of the Individuals with
                                                      Dated: March 1, 2016.                                                                                       incorporating students’ cultural and home
                                                                                                            Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20                 experiences into lessons by reshaping the
                                                    Kate Mullan,                                            U.S.C. 1463, 1481(d).                                 curriculum to reflect students’ experiences, and
                                                    Acting Director, Information Collection                   Absolute Priority: For FY 2016 and                  engaging students in activities where they can
                                                    Clearance Division, Office of the Chief Privacy         any subsequent year in which we make                  converse with one another on topics that tap into
                                                    Officer, Office of Management.                                                                                their background knowledge and experiences
                                                                                                            awards from the list of unfunded                      (Aceves & Orosco, 2014; Gay, 2010).
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–04881 Filed 3–4–16; 8:45 am]              applicants from this competition, this                   5 The NAEP Reading scale ranges from 0 to 500.

                                                    BILLING CODE 4000–01–P                                  priority is an absolute priority. Under 34            Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of



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                                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices                                                      11771

                                                    National Assessment of Educational                      propose models that meet the following                 through six. Each school must have at
                                                    Progress (NAEP, 2014) by subgroup                       requirements:                                          least 40 percent and no fewer than 100
                                                    were: English Learners (ELs), 192;                         (a) The model’s core intervention                   students who have been identified as
                                                    students with disabilities (SWDs), 188;                 components (e.g., services, assessments,               ELs in these grades; and
                                                    ELSWDs, 151; and students who were                      processes, data collection instruments)                   (ii) In each of the schools, at least 10
                                                    not ELs or SWDs, 230. Seven percent of                  must include:                                          percent of the identified ELs in grades
                                                    ELs, 10 percent of SWDs, and 2 percent                     (1) A framework that includes, at a                 three through five or three through six
                                                    of ELSWDs scored at the proficient level                minimum, universal screening, progress                 must be ELSWDs with literacy goals on
                                                    compared to 31 percent of students who                  monitoring, and effective core                         their Individualized Education
                                                    were not ELs or SWDs (U.S. Department                   instruction; 6                                         Programs (IEPs);
                                                    of Education, 2014). These figures are                     (2) Culturally responsive principles                   (2) A lag site implementation, which
                                                    especially troubling because, according                 within each component of the                           involves selecting one of the three sites
                                                    to assessments using criteria that                      framework;                                             in year one of the project period to begin
                                                    correspond to the NAEP skill levels,                       (3) Interventions that meet the needs               implementation of the project’s model
                                                    children who are not proficient readers                 of the specific population and are                     for at least three years, with the other
                                                    by the end of third grade are four times                supported by scientifically based                      two schools beginning implementation
                                                    more likely to drop out of school than                  research;                                              in year two;
                                                    their peers who are proficient readers                     (4) Practices that are valid and reliable              (3) A professional development
                                                    (Hernandez, 2012). The disparities in                   and ensure appropriate identification of               component that includes an evidence-
                                                    achievement as illustrated by these data                ELs as having disabilities;                            based coaching strategy to enable staff to
                                                    underscore the challenges that schools                     (5) Measures of literacy outcomes,7                 implement the interventions with
                                                    encounter in educating ELSWDs.                          using standardized measures when                       fidelity; and
                                                       Children must possess the ability to                 applicable, and teacher and systems                       (4) Measures of the performance of the
                                                    read for understanding in order to meet                 outcomes, when appropriate;                            professional development (e.g.,
                                                    college- and career-ready standards                        (6) Measures of language proficiency                improvements in teacher instructional
                                                    (Foorman & Wanzek, 2015). However,                      in the child’s first language and English;             delivery and knowledge) required by
                                                    children must first develop basic                       and                                                    paragraph (b)(3) of this section,
                                                    literacy skills, including phonemic                        (7) Measures of the model’s social                  including measures of the fidelity of
                                                    awareness, phonics, fluency,                            validity, i.e., measures of educators’,                implementation.
                                                    vocabulary, and comprehension, to                       parents’, and students’ satisfaction with                 (c) The core strategies for sustaining
                                                    become proficient readers (National                     the model components, processes, and                   the model must include:
                                                                                                            outcomes.                                                 (1) Documentation that permits
                                                    Reading Panel, 2000) and to read for
                                                                                                               (b) The model’s core implementation                 current and future practitioners to
                                                    understanding.
                                                                                                            components must include:                               replicate and tailor the model at any
                                                       Therefore, models should be designed                    (1) Strategies for selecting 8 and                  site; 10 and
                                                    to build literacy skills for ELSWDs as a                recruiting sites, including approaches to                 (2) Strategies for the grantee to sustain
                                                    stepping stone to reading for                           introducing the model to and promoting                 the model, such as developing easily
                                                    understanding. Approaches to improve                    the model among site participants,9                    accessible training materials or
                                                    literacy must include a combination of                  with consideration given to the                        coordinating with TA providers who
                                                    effective instruction, modeling,                        following criteria:                                    might serve as future trainers.
                                                    professional development, and                              (i) Each project must include at least                 To be considered for funding under
                                                    evidence-based teaching practices that                  three elementary schools with students                 this absolute priority, applicants must
                                                    are appropriate for ELSWDs in both                      in grades three through five or three                  meet the application requirements
                                                    classrooms and small group settings                                                                            contained in this priority. Each project
                                                    (Giroir, Grimaldo, Vaughn, & Roberts,                     6 School sites that are selected must have an        funded under this absolute priority also
                                                    2015; Klingner & Soltero-Gonzalez,                      existing MTSS framework that demonstrates strong       must meet the programmatic and
                                                    2009). In addition, research suggests                   core instruction.                                      administrative requirements specified in
                                                    that proposed models should be                            7 Applicants must ensure the confidentiality of
                                                                                                                                                                   the priority.
                                                    replicable across multiple contexts (e.g.,              individual data, consistent with the requirements of
                                                                                                            section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act       Application Requirements. An
                                                    content area instruction, small group                   (20 U.S.C. 1232g), commonly known as the ‘‘Family      applicant must include in its
                                                    settings, multiple school sites) with a                 Educational Rights and Privacy Act’’ (FERPA), and      application—
                                                    goal of scaling-up for wider use                        State laws or regulations concerning the                  (a) A project design that is at least
                                                    (Domitrovich et al., 2008).                             confidentiality of individual records. Final FERPA
                                                                                                            regulatory changes became effective January 3,         supported by strong theory (as defined
                                                       Priority: The purpose of this priority               2012, and include requirements for data sharing.       in this notice) that supports the promise
                                                    is to fund three cooperative agreements                 Applicants are encouraged to review the final          (e.g., evidence base) of the proposed
                                                    to establish and operate model                          FERPA regulations published on December 2, 2011        model, its components, and processes to
                                                                                                            (76 FR 75604). Questions can be sent to the Family
                                                    demonstration projects that will assess                 Policy Compliance Office (www.ed.gov/fpco) at          improve literacy outcomes for ELSWDs;
                                                    how models can: (a) Improve literacy                    (202) 260–3887 or FERPA@ed.gov.                           (b) A logic model that depicts, at a
                                                    outcomes for ELSWDs in grades three                       8 For factors to consider when selecting model       minimum, the goals, activities, outputs,
                                                    through five or three through six, within               demonstration sites, the applicant should refer to     and outcomes of the proposed model
                                                                                                            Assessing Sites for Model Demonstration: Lessons
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                                                    an MTSS framework; (b) use culturally                   Learned for OSEP Grantees at http://mdcc.sri.com/
                                                                                                                                                                   demonstration project. A logic model
                                                    responsive principles; and (c) be                       documents/reports/MDCC_Site_Assessment_Brief_          used in connection with this priority
                                                    implemented by educators and                            09-30-11.pdf. The document also contains a site
                                                    sustained in general and special                        assessment tool.                                         10 For a guide on documenting model
                                                                                                              9 For factors to consider while preparing for        demonstration sustainment and replication, the
                                                    education settings. Applicants must
                                                                                                            model demonstration implementation, the                applicant should refer to Planning for Replication
                                                                                                            applicant should refer to Preparing for Model          and Dissemination From the Start: Guidelines for
                                                    Education Sciences, National Center for Education       Demonstration Implementation at http://mdcc.sri.       Model Demonstration Projects at http://mdcc.sri.
                                                    Statistics, National Assessment of Educational          com/documents/MDCC_PreparationStage_Brief_             com/documents/MDCC_ReplicationBrief_
                                                    Progress, 2013 Reading Assessment.                      Apr2013.pdf.                                           SEP2013.pdf.



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                                                    11772                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices

                                                    communicates how a project will                            (4) All the strategies to promote                     (b) Maintain ongoing (i.e., at least
                                                    achieve its outcomes and provides a                     sustaining and replicating the model,                 monthly) telephone and email
                                                    framework for both the formative and                    including, at a minimum, those listed in              communication with the OSEP project
                                                    summative evaluations of the project;                   paragraph (c) under the heading                       officer and the other model
                                                      Note: The following Web sites provide                 Priority.                                             demonstration projects funded under
                                                    examples for constructing logic models:                    (d) A description of the evaluation                this priority; and
                                                    www.researchutilization.org/matrix/                     activities and measures to be                            (c) If the project maintains a Web site,
                                                    logicmodel_resource3c.html and                          incorporated into the proposed model                  include relevant information about the
                                                    www.osepideasthatwork.org/logicModel/                   demonstration project. A detailed and
                                                    index.asp.                                                                                                    model, the intervention, and the
                                                                                                            complete description must include:                    demonstration activities that meets
                                                       (c) A description of the activities and                 (1) A formative evaluation plan,
                                                                                                                                                                  government- or industry-recognized
                                                    measures to be incorporated into the                    consistent with the project’s logic
                                                                                                                                                                  standards for accessibility.
                                                    proposed model demonstration project                    model, that includes evaluation
                                                    to improve literacy outcomes for                        questions, source(s) for data, a timeline                Competitive Preference Priority:
                                                    ELSWDs, including a timeline of how                     for data collection, and analysis plans.              Within this absolute priority, we give
                                                    and when the components are                             The plan must show how the outcome                    competitive preference to applications
                                                    introduced within the model. A detailed                 (e.g., child measures, social validity)               that address the following priority.
                                                    and complete description must include                   and implementation data (e.g., fidelity)              Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we award
                                                    the following:                                          will be used separately or in                         an additional two points to an
                                                       (1) All the intervention components,                 combination to improve the project                    application that meets this priority.
                                                    including culturally responsive                         during the performance period. The                       The priority is:
                                                    principles and, at a minimum, those                     plan also must outline how these data                    Evidence of Promise Supporting the
                                                    components listed under paragraph (a)                   will be reviewed by project staff, when               Proposed Model (2 Points).
                                                    under the heading Priority, and the                     they will be reviewed, and how they
                                                    supporting literature.                                  will be used during the course of the                    Projects that are supported by
                                                       (2) The existing and proposed child,                 project to adjust the model or its                    evidence that meets the conditions set
                                                    teacher, and system outcome measures                    implementation to increase the model’s                out in the definition of ‘‘evidence of
                                                    and social validity measures. The                       usefulness, generalizability, and                     promise’’ (as defined in this notice). The
                                                    measures should be described as                         potential for sustainability; and                     proposed project must include:
                                                    completely as possible, referenced as                      (2) A summative evaluation plan,                      (a) A detailed review of the research
                                                    appropriate, and included, when                         including a timeline, to collect and                  that meets at least the evidence of
                                                    available, in an appendix.                              analyze data on positive changes to                   promise standard and that supports the
                                                       (3) All the implementation                           child, teacher, and systems outcome                   promise (e.g., evidence base) of the
                                                    components, including, at a minimum,                    measures over time or relative to                     proposed model, its components, and
                                                    those listed under paragraph (b) under                  comparison groups that can be                         processes to improve literacy outcomes
                                                    the heading Priority, and the supporting                reasonably attributable to project                    for ELSWDs;
                                                    literature. The existing or proposed                    activities. The plan must show how the                   (b) A logic model that depicts, at a
                                                    implementation fidelity measures,                       child or system outcome and                           minimum, the goals, activities, outputs,
                                                    including those measuring the fidelity                  implementation data collected by the                  and outcomes of the proposed model
                                                    of the professional development                         project will be used separately or in                 demonstration project. A logic model
                                                    strategy, should be described as                        combination to demonstrate the promise                communicates how a project will
                                                    completely as possible, referenced as                   of the model.                                         achieve its outcomes and provides a
                                                    appropriate, and included, when                            (e) A budget for attendance at the                 framework for both the formative and
                                                    available, in an appendix. In addition,                 following:                                            summative evaluations of the project;
                                                    this description should include:                           (1) A one and one half-day kick-off                and
                                                       (i) Demographics, including, at a                    meeting to be held in Washington, DC,
                                                    minimum, ethnicity, gender, grade                       after receipt of the award;                              (c) A description of the activities and
                                                    level, and age for all ELSWDs at all                       (2) A three-day Project Directors’                 measures to be incorporated into the
                                                    implementation sites that have been                     Conference in Washington, DC,                         proposed model demonstration project
                                                    identified and successfully recruited for               occurring twice during the project                    to improve literacy outcomes for
                                                    the purposes of this application using                  performance period; and                               ELSWDs, including how and when the
                                                    the selection and recruitment strategies                   (3) Four travel days spread across                 components are introduced within the
                                                    described in paragraph (b)(1) under the                 years two through four of the project                 model. A detailed and complete
                                                    heading Priority;                                       period to attend planning meetings,                   description must contain all of the
                                                       (ii) Whether the implementation sites                Department briefings, Department-                     implementation components, including,
                                                    are high-poverty, high-need, rural,                     sponsored conferences, and other                      at a minimum, those listed under
                                                    urban, or suburban LEAs or schools; and                 meetings, as requested by OSEP, to be                 paragraph (a) and linked to supporting
                                                                                                            held in Washington, DC, with the OSEP                 literature. The existing or proposed
                                                      Note: Applicants are encouraged to
                                                    identify, to the extent possible, the sites             project officer.                                      implementation fidelity measures,
                                                    willing to participate in the applicant’s                  Other Project Activities. To meet the              including those measuring the fidelity
                                                                                                            requirements of this priority, each                   of the professional development
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                                                    model demonstration. Final site selection
                                                    will be determined in consultation with the             project, at a minimum, must:                          strategy, should be described as
                                                    OSEP project officer following the kick-off                (a) Communicate and collaborate on                 completely as possible, referenced as
                                                    meeting described in paragraph (f)(1) of these          an ongoing basis with other relevant                  appropriate, and included, when
                                                    application requirements.                               Department-funded projects, including,                available, in an appendix.
                                                      (iii) The lag design for                              at minimum, OSEP-funded TA centers                      Note: An applicant addressing this
                                                    implementation consistent with the                      that might disseminate information on                 competitive preference priority must identify
                                                    requirements in paragraph (b)(2) under                  the model or support the scale-up efforts             up to two study citations that meet this
                                                    the heading Priority.                                   of an effective model;                                standard.



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                                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices                                             11773

                                                    References                                              the conditions in both paragraphs (i)                 components and outcomes, theoretically
                                                                                                            and (ii) of this definition are met:                  and operationally.
                                                    Aceves, T.C., & Orosco, M.J. (2014).                       (i) There is at least one study that is               Quasi-experimental design study
                                                        Culturally responsive teaching                      a—                                                    means a study using a design that
                                                        (Document No. IC–2). Retrieved from                    (A) Correlational study with statistical           attempts to approximate an
                                                        University of Florida, Collaboration for            controls for selection bias;                          experimental design by identifying a
                                                        Effective Educator, Development,
                                                        Accountability, and Reform Center Web
                                                                                                               (B) Quasi-experimental design study                comparison group that is similar to the
                                                        site: http://ceedar.education.ufl.edu/              that meets the What Works                             treatment group in important respects.
                                                        tools/innovation-configurations/.                   Clearinghouse Evidence Standards with                 These studies, depending on design and
                                                    Domitrovich, C., Bradshaw, C., Poduska, J.,             reservations; or                                      implementation, can meet What Works
                                                        Hoagwood, K., Buckley, J., Olin, S., . . .             (C) Randomized controlled trial that               Clearinghouse Evidence Standards with
                                                        Ialongo, N. (2008). Maximizing the                  meets the What Works Clearinghouse                    reservations (but not What Works
                                                        implementation quality of evidence-                 Evidence Standards with or without                    Clearinghouse Evidence Standards
                                                        based preventive interventions in                   reservations.                                         without reservations).
                                                        schools: A conceptual framework.                       (ii) The study referenced in paragraph                Randomized controlled trial means a
                                                        Advances in School Mental Health                    (i) of this definition found a statistically          study that employs random assignment
                                                        Promotion, 1(3), 6–28. Retrieved from:                                                                    of, for example, students, teachers,
                                                        http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1754730X.
                                                                                                            significant or substantively important
                                                        2008.9715730.                                       (defined as a difference of 0.25 standard             classrooms, schools, or districts to
                                                    Foorman, B.R., & Wanzek, J. (2015).                     deviations or larger) favorable                       receive the intervention being evaluated
                                                        Classroom Reading Instruction for all               association between at least one critical             (the treatment group) or not to receive
                                                        Students. In S.R. Jimerson, K. Burns, &             component and one relevant outcome                    the intervention (the control group). The
                                                        A.M. VanDerHeyden (EDs.), Handbook                  presented in the logic model for the                  estimated effectiveness of the
                                                        of Response to Intervention (pp. 235–               proposed process, product, strategy, or               intervention is the difference between
                                                        252). New York, NY: Springer.                       practice.                                             the average outcomes for the treatment
                                                    Gay, G. (2010). Culturally responsive                      English Learner, when used with                    group and for the control group. These
                                                        teaching: Theory, research, and practice.           respect to an individual, means an                    studies, depending on design and
                                                        New York, NY: Teacher’s College Press.
                                                    Giroir, S., Grimaldo, L.R., Vaughn, S.,
                                                                                                            individual—                                           implementation, can meet What Works
                                                        Roberts, G. (2015). Interactive read-                  (A) Who is aged 3 through 21;                      Clearinghouse Evidence Standards
                                                        alouds for English learners in the                     (B) Who is enrolled or preparing to                without reservations.
                                                        elementary grades. Reading Teacher,                 enroll in an elementary school or                        Relevant outcome means the student
                                                        68(8), 639–648.                                     secondary school;                                     outcome(s) (or the ultimate outcome if
                                                    Hernandez, D. (2012). Double Jeopardy. How                 (C)(i) Who was not born in the United              not related to students) the proposed
                                                        Third Grade Reading Skills and Poverty              States or whose native language is a                  process, product, strategy, or practice is
                                                        Influence High School Graduation.                   language other than English;                          designed to improve; consistent with
                                                        Retrieved from Annie E. Casey                          (ii)(I) Who is a Native American or                the specific goals of a program.
                                                        Foundation Web site: http://gradelevel              Alaska Native, or a native resident of the               Strong theory means a rationale for
                                                        reading.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/
                                                                                                            outlying areas; and                                   the proposed process, product, strategy,
                                                        01/Double-Jeopardy-Report-030812-for-
                                                        web1.pdf.
                                                                                                               (II) Who comes from an environment                 or practice that includes a logic model.
                                                    Klingner, J., & Soltero-Gonzalez, L. (2009).            where a language other than English has                  What Works Clearinghouse Evidence
                                                        Culturally and linguistically responsive            had a significant impact on the                       Standards means the standards set forth
                                                        literacy instruction for English Language           individual’s level of English language                in the What Works Clearinghouse
                                                        Learners with learning disabilities.                proficiency; or                                       Procedures and Standards Handbook
                                                        Multiple Voices for Ethnically Diverse                 (iii) Who is migratory, whose native               (Version 3.0, March 2014), which can be
                                                        Exceptional Learners, 12(1), 4–20.                  language is a language other than                     found at the following link: http://ies.
                                                    National Institute of Child Health and                  English, and who comes from an                        ed.gov/ncee/wwc/DocumentSum.aspx
                                                        Human Development. (2000). Report of                environment where a language other                    ?sid=19.
                                                        the National Reading Panel. Teaching                                                                         Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking:
                                                                                                            than English is dominant; and
                                                        children to read: An evidence-based
                                                        assessment of the scientific research
                                                                                                               (D) Whose difficulties in speaking,                Under the Administrative Procedure Act
                                                        literature on reading and its implications          reading, writing, or understanding the                (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553) the Department
                                                        for reading instruction (NIH Publication            English language may be sufficient to                 generally offers interested parties the
                                                        No. 00–4769). Washington, DC: U.S.                  deny the individual—                                  opportunity to comment on proposed
                                                        Government Printing Office.                            (i) The ability to meet the State’s                priorities and other requirements.
                                                    U.S. Department of Education, Institute of              proficient level of achievement on State              Section 681(d) of IDEA, however, makes
                                                        Education Sciences. (2014). National                assessments described in section                      the public comment requirements of the
                                                        Center for Education Statistics, National           1111(b)(3) of the ESEA;                               APA inapplicable to the absolute
                                                        Assessment of Educational Progress                     (ii) The ability to successfully achieve           priority and related definitions in this
                                                        (NAEP), The Nation’s Report Card.                   in classrooms where the language of
                                                        Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from
                                                                                                                                                                  notice.
                                                        http://nationsreportcard.gov.
                                                                                                            instruction is English; or                               Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1463
                                                                                                               (iii) The opportunity to participate               and 1481.
                                                      Definitions: The following definitions                fully in society.                                        Applicable Regulations: (a) The
                                                    apply to the priority:                                     Logic model (also referred to as theory            Education Department General
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                                                      Evidence of promise means there is                    of action) means a well-specified                     Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in
                                                    empirical evidence to support the                       conceptual framework that identifies                  34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86,
                                                    theoretical linkage(s) between at least                 key components of the proposed                        97, 98, and 99. (b) The Office of
                                                    one critical component and at least one                 process, product, strategy, or practice               Management and Budget Guidelines to
                                                    relevant outcome presented in the logic                 (i.e., the active ‘‘ingredients’’ that are            Agencies on Governmentwide
                                                    model for the proposed process,                         hypothesized to be critical to achieving              Debarment and Suspension
                                                    product, strategy, or practice.                         the relevant outcomes) and describes                  (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as
                                                    Specifically, evidence of promise means                 the relationships among the key                       adopted and amended as regulations of


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                                                    11774                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices

                                                    the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. (c)                  to employ and advance in employment                      • Use one of the following fonts:
                                                    The Uniform Administrative                              qualified individuals with disabilities               Times New Roman, Courier, Courier
                                                    Requirements, Cost Principles, and                      (see section 606 of IDEA).                            New, or Arial. An application submitted
                                                    Audit Requirements for Federal Awards                     (b) Each applicant for, and recipient               in any other font (including Times
                                                    in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and                       of, funding under this program must                   Roman or Arial Narrow) will not be
                                                    amended as regulations of the                           involve individuals with disabilities, or             accepted.
                                                    Department in 2 CFR part 3474.                          parents of individuals with disabilities                 The page limit and double-spacing
                                                      Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79               ages birth through 26, in planning,                   requirements do not apply to Part I, the
                                                    apply to all applicants except federally                implementing, and evaluating the                      cover sheet; Part II, the budget section,
                                                    recognized Indian tribes.                               project (see section 682(a)(1)(A) of                  including the narrative budget
                                                                                                            IDEA).                                                justification; Part IV, the assurances and
                                                      Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86                                                                     certifications; or the abstract (follow the
                                                    apply to institutions of higher education               IV. Application and Submission                        guidance provided in the application
                                                    (IHEs) only.                                            Information                                           package for completing the abstract), the
                                                                                                               1. Address to Request Application                  table of contents, the list of priority
                                                    II. Award Information
                                                                                                            Package: You can obtain an application                requirements, the resumes, the reference
                                                       Type of Award: Cooperative                           package via the Internet or from the                  list, the letters of support, or the
                                                    agreement.                                              Education Publications Center (ED                     appendices. However, the page limit
                                                       Estimated Available Funds:                           Pubs). To obtain a copy via the Internet,             and double-spacing requirements do
                                                    $1,200,000.                                             use the following address: www.ed.gov/                apply to all of Part III, the application
                                                       Contingent upon the availability of                  fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html.                narrative, including all text in charts,
                                                    funds and the quality of applications,                  To obtain a copy from ED Pubs, write,                 tables, figures, graphs, and screen shots.
                                                    we may make additional awards in FY                     fax, or call: ED Pubs, U.S. Department                   We will reject your application if you
                                                    2017 from the list of unfunded                          of Education, P.O. Box 22207,                         exceed the page limit in the application
                                                    applications from this competition.                     Alexandria, VA 22304. Telephone, toll                 narrative section or if you apply
                                                       Estimated Range of Awards: $375,000                  free: 1–877–433–7827. FAX: (703) 605–                 standards other than those specified in
                                                    to $400,000.                                            6794. If you use a telecommunications                 this notice and the application package.
                                                       Estimated Average Size of Award:                                                                              3. Submission Dates and Times:
                                                                                                            device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
                                                    $400,000.                                                                                                        Applications Available: March 7,
                                                       Maximum Award: We will reject and                    telephone (TTY), call, toll free: 1–877–
                                                                                                            576–7734.                                             2016.
                                                    not review any application that                                                                                  Deadline for Transmittal of
                                                    proposes a budget exceeding $400,000                       You can contact ED Pubs at its Web
                                                                                                            site, also: www.EDPubs.gov or at its                  Applications: April 21, 2016.
                                                    for a single budget period of 12 months.                                                                         Applications for grants under this
                                                       Estimated Number of Awards: 3.                       email address: edpubs@inet.ed.gov.
                                                                                                                                                                  competition must be submitted
                                                                                                               If you request an application package
                                                      Note: The Department is not bound by any                                                                    electronically using the Grants.gov
                                                                                                            from ED Pubs, be sure to identify this
                                                    estimates in this notice.                                                                                     Apply site (Grants.gov). For information
                                                                                                            competition as follows: CFDA number
                                                       Project Period: Up to 48 months.                                                                           (including dates and times) about how
                                                                                                            84.326M.
                                                                                                                                                                  to submit your application
                                                    III. Eligibility Information                               Individuals with disabilities can
                                                                                                                                                                  electronically, or in paper format by
                                                                                                            obtain a copy of the application package
                                                       1. Eligible Applicants: State                                                                              mail or hand delivery if you qualify for
                                                                                                            in an accessible format (e.g., braille,
                                                    educational agencies (SEAs); LEAs,                                                                            an exception to the electronic
                                                                                                            large print, audiotape, or compact disc)
                                                    including public charter schools that are                                                                     submission requirement, please refer to
                                                                                                            by contacting the person or team listed
                                                    considered LEAs under State law; IHEs;                                                                        Other Submission Requirements in
                                                                                                            under Accessible Format in section VIII
                                                    other public agencies; private nonprofit                                                                      section IV of this notice.
                                                                                                            of this notice.                                          We do not consider an application
                                                    organizations; outlying areas; freely
                                                                                                               2. Content and Form of Application                 that does not comply with the deadline
                                                    associated States; Indian tribes or tribal
                                                                                                            Submission: Requirements concerning                   requirements.
                                                    organizations; and for-profit
                                                                                                            the content of an application, together                  Individuals with disabilities who
                                                    organizations.
                                                       2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This                    with the forms you must submit, are in                need an accommodation or auxiliary aid
                                                    program does not require cost sharing or                the application package for this                      in connection with the application
                                                    matching.                                               competition.                                          process should contact the person listed
                                                       3. Eligible Subgrantees: (a) Under                      Page Limit: The application narrative              under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
                                                    75.708(b) and (c) a grantee may award                   (Part III of the application) is where you,           CONTACT in section VII of this notice. If
                                                    subgrants—to directly carry out project                 the applicant, address the selection                  the Department provides an
                                                    activities described in its application—                criteria that reviewers use to evaluate               accommodation or auxiliary aid to an
                                                    to the following types of entities: SEAs;               your application. You must limit Part III             individual with a disability in
                                                    LEAs, including public charter schools                  to no more than 50 pages, using the                   connection with the application
                                                    that are considered LEAs under State                    following standards:                                  process, the individual’s application
                                                    law; IHEs; other public agencies; private                  • A ‘‘page’’ is 8.5″ x 11″, on one side            remains subject to all other
                                                    nonprofit organizations; outlying areas;                only, with 1″ margins at the top, bottom,             requirements and limitations in this
                                                                                                            and both sides.
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                                                    freely associated States; Indian tribes or                                                                    notice.
                                                    tribal organizations; and for-profit                       • Double-space (no more than three                    Deadline for Intergovernmental
                                                    organizations.                                          lines per vertical inch) all text in the              Review: June 20, 2016.
                                                       (b) The grantee may award subgrants                  application narrative, including titles,                 4. Intergovernmental Review: This
                                                    to entities it has identified in an                     headings, footnotes, quotations,                      competition is subject to Executive
                                                    approved application.                                   reference citations, and captions, as well            Order 12372 and the regulations in 34
                                                       4. Other General Requirements:                       as all text in charts, tables, figures,               CFR part 79. Information about
                                                       (a) Recipients of funding under this                 graphs, and screen shots.                             Intergovernmental Review of Federal
                                                    competition must make positive efforts                     • Use a font that is 12 point or larger.           Programs under Executive Order 12372


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                                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices                                              11775

                                                    is in the application package for this                  with obtaining and registering your                      • When you enter the Grants.gov site,
                                                    program.                                                DUNS number and TIN in SAM or                         you will find information about
                                                       5. Funding Restrictions: We reference                updating your existing SAM account,                   submitting an application electronically
                                                    regulations outlining funding                           we have prepared a SAM.gov Tip Sheet,                 through the site, as well as the hours of
                                                    restrictions in the Applicable                          which you can find at: www2.ed.gov/                   operation.
                                                    Regulations section of this notice.                     fund/grant/apply/sam-faqs.html.                          • Applications received by Grants.gov
                                                       6. Data Universal Numbering System                      In addition, if you are submitting your            are date and time stamped. Your
                                                    Number, Taxpayer Identification                         application via Grants.gov, you must (1)              application must be fully uploaded and
                                                    Number, and System for Award                            be designated by your organization as an              submitted and must be date and time
                                                    Management: To do business with the                     Authorized Organization Representative                stamped by the Grants.gov system no
                                                    Department of Education, you must—                      (AOR); and (2) register yourself with                 later than 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC
                                                       a. Have a Data Universal Numbering                   Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these                time, on the application deadline date.
                                                    System (DUNS) number and a Taxpayer                     steps are outlined at the following                   Except as otherwise noted in this
                                                    Identification Number (TIN);                            Grants.gov Web page: www.grants.gov/                  section, we will not accept your
                                                       b. Register both your DUNS number                    web/grants/register.html.                             application if it is received—that is, date
                                                    and TIN with the System for Award                                                                             and time stamped by the Grants.gov
                                                                                                               7. Other Submission Requirements:
                                                    Management (SAM) (formerly the                                                                                system—after 4:30 p.m., Washington,
                                                                                                            Applications for grants under this
                                                    Central Contractor Registry), the                                                                             DC time, on the application deadline
                                                                                                            competition must be submitted
                                                    Government’s primary registrant                                                                               date. We do not consider an application
                                                                                                            electronically unless you qualify for an
                                                    database;                                                                                                     that does not comply with the deadline
                                                       c. Provide your DUNS number and                      exception to this requirement in
                                                                                                            accordance with the instructions in this              requirements. When we retrieve your
                                                    TIN on your application; and                                                                                  application from Grants.gov, we will
                                                       d. Maintain an active SAM                            section.
                                                                                                               a. Electronic Submission of                        notify you if we are rejecting your
                                                    registration with current information                                                                         application because it was date and time
                                                    while your application is under review                  Applications.
                                                                                                               Applications for grants under the                  stamped by the Grants.gov system after
                                                    by the Department and, if you are                                                                             4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the
                                                    awarded a grant, during the project                     Model Demonstration Projects to
                                                                                                                                                                  application deadline date.
                                                    period.                                                 Improve Literacy Outcomes for English
                                                                                                                                                                     • The amount of time it can take to
                                                       You can obtain a DUNS number from                    Learners with Disabilities in Grades
                                                                                                                                                                  upload an application will vary
                                                    Dun and Bradstreet at the following                     Three through Five or Three through Six               depending on a variety of factors,
                                                    Web site: http://fedgov.dnb.com/                        competition, CFDA number 84.326M,                     including the size of the application and
                                                    webform. A DUNS number can be                           must be submitted electronically using                the speed of your Internet connection.
                                                    created within one to two business days.                the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply                   Therefore, we strongly recommend that
                                                       If you are a corporate entity, agency,               site at www.Grants.gov. Through this                  you do not wait until the application
                                                    institution, or organization, you can                   site, you will be able to download a                  deadline date to begin the submission
                                                    obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue                  copy of the application package,                      process through Grants.gov.
                                                    Service. If you are an individual, you                  complete it offline, and then upload and                 • You should review and follow the
                                                    can obtain a TIN from the Internal                      submit your application. You may not                  Education Submission Procedures for
                                                    Revenue Service or the Social Security                  email an electronic copy of a grant                   submitting an application through
                                                    Administration. If you need a new TIN,                  application to us.                                    Grants.gov that are included in the
                                                    please allow two to five weeks for your                    We will reject your application if you             application package for this competition
                                                    TIN to become active.                                   submit it in paper format unless, as                  to ensure that you submit your
                                                       The SAM registration process can take                described elsewhere in this section, you              application in a timely manner to the
                                                    approximately seven business days, but                  qualify for one of the exceptions to the              Grants.gov system. You can also find the
                                                    may take upwards of several weeks,                      electronic submission requirement and                 Education Submission Procedures
                                                    depending on the completeness and                       submit, no later than two weeks before                pertaining to Grants.gov under News
                                                    accuracy of the data you enter into the                 the application deadline date, a written              and Events on the Department’s G5
                                                    SAM database. Thus, if you think you                    statement to the Department that you                  system home page at www.G5.gov. In
                                                    might want to apply for Federal                         qualify for one of these exceptions.                  addition, for specific guidance and
                                                    financial assistance under a program                    Further information regarding                         procedures for submitting an
                                                    administered by the Department, please                  calculation of the date that is two weeks             application through Grants.gov, please
                                                    allow sufficient time to obtain and                     before the application deadline date is               refer to the Grants.gov Web site at:
                                                    register your DUNS number and TIN.                      provided later in this section under                  www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/
                                                    We strongly recommend that you                          Exception to Electronic Submission                    apply-for-grants.html.
                                                    register early.                                         Requirement.                                             • You will not receive additional
                                                       Note: Once your SAM registration is active,             You may access the electronic grant                point value because you submit your
                                                    it may be 24 to 48 hours before you can                 application for the Model                             application in electronic format, nor
                                                    access the information in, and submit an                Demonstration Projects to Improve                     will we penalize you if you qualify for
                                                    application through, Grants.gov.                        Literacy Outcomes for English Learners                an exception to the electronic
                                                      If you are currently registered with                  with Disabilities in Grades Three                     submission requirement, as described
                                                    SAM, you may not need to make any                       through Five or Three through Six                     elsewhere in this section, and submit
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                                                    changes. However, please make certain                   competition at www.Grants.gov. You                    your application in paper format.
                                                    that the TIN associated with your DUNS                  must search for the downloadable                         • You must submit all documents
                                                    number is correct. Also note that you                   application package for this competition              electronically, including all information
                                                    will need to update your registration                   by the CFDA number. Do not include                    you typically provide on the following
                                                    annually. This may take three or more                   the CFDA number’s alpha suffix in your                forms: The Application for Federal
                                                    business days.                                          search (e.g., search for 84.326, not                  Assistance (SF 424), the Department of
                                                      Information about SAM is available at                 84.326M).                                             Education Supplemental Information for
                                                    www.SAM.gov. To further assist you                         Please note the following:                         SF 424, Budget Information—Non-


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                                                    11776                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices

                                                    Construction Programs (ED 524), and all                 responsibility to ensure that your                       • No later than two weeks before the
                                                    necessary assurances and certifications.                submitted application has met all of the              application deadline date (14 calendar
                                                       • You must upload any narrative                      Department’s requirements.                            days or, if the fourteenth calendar day
                                                    sections and all other attachments to                      • We may request that you provide us               before the application deadline date
                                                    your application as files in a read-only,               original signatures on forms at a later               falls on a Federal holiday, the next
                                                    non-modifiable Portable Document                        date.                                                 business day following the Federal
                                                    Format (PDF). Do not upload an                             Application Deadline Date Extension                holiday), you mail or fax a written
                                                    interactive or fillable PDF file. If you                in Case of Technical Issues with the                  statement to the Department, explaining
                                                    upload a file type other than a read-                   Grants.gov System: If you are                         which of the two grounds for an
                                                    only, non-modifiable PDF (e.g., Word,                   experiencing problems submitting your                 exception prevents you from using the
                                                    Excel, WordPerfect, etc.) or submit a                   application through Grants.gov, please                Internet to submit your application.
                                                    password-protected file, we will not                    contact the Grants.gov Support Desk,                     If you mail your written statement to
                                                    review that material. Please note that                  toll free, at 1–800–518–4726. You must                the Department, it must be postmarked
                                                    this could result in your application not               obtain a Grants.gov Support Desk Case                 no later than two weeks before the
                                                    being considered for funding because                    Number and must keep a record of it.                  application deadline date. If you fax
                                                    the material in question—for example,                      If you are prevented from                          your written statement to the
                                                    the project narrative—is critical to a                  electronically submitting your                        Department, we must receive the faxed
                                                    meaningful review of your proposal. For                 application on the application deadline               statement no later than two weeks
                                                    that reason it is important to allow                    date because of technical problems with               before the application deadline date.
                                                    yourself adequate time to upload all                    the Grants.gov system, we will grant you                 Address and mail or fax your
                                                    material as PDF files. The Department                   an extension until 4:30 p.m.,                         statement to: Tara Courchaine, U.S.
                                                    will not convert material from other                    Washington, DC time, the following                    Department of Education, 400 Maryland
                                                    formats to PDF. Additional, detailed                    business day to enable you to transmit                Avenue SW., Room 5143, Potomac
                                                    information on how to attach files is in                your application electronically or by                 Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202–
                                                    the application instructions.                           hand delivery. You also may mail your                 5108. FAX: (202) 245–7590.
                                                       • Your electronic application must                                                                            Your paper application must be
                                                                                                            application by following the mailing
                                                    comply with any page-limit
                                                                                                            instructions described elsewhere in this              submitted in accordance with the mail
                                                    requirements described in this notice.
                                                                                                            notice.                                               or hand delivery instructions described
                                                       • After you electronically submit
                                                    your application, you will receive from                    If you submit an application after 4:30            in this notice.
                                                    Grants.gov an automatic notification of                 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the                        b. Submission of Paper Applications
                                                    receipt that contains a Grants.gov                      application deadline date, please                     by Mail.
                                                    tracking number. This notification                      contact the person listed under FOR                      If you qualify for an exception to the
                                                    indicates receipt by Grants.gov only, not               FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in                        electronic submission requirement, you
                                                    receipt by the Department. Grants.gov                   section VII of this notice and provide an             may mail (through the U.S. Postal
                                                    will also notify you automatically by                   explanation of the technical problem                  Service or a commercial carrier) your
                                                    email if your application met all the                   you experienced with Grants.gov, along                application to the Department. You
                                                    Grants.gov validation requirements or if                with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case                 must mail the original and two copies
                                                    there were any errors (such as                          Number. We will accept your                           of your application, on or before the
                                                    submission of your application by                       application if we can confirm that a                  application deadline date, to the
                                                    someone other than a registered                         technical problem occurred with the                   Department at the following address:
                                                    Authorized Organization                                 Grants.gov system and that the problem                U.S. Department of Education,
                                                    Representative, or inclusion of an                      affected your ability to submit your                  Application Control Center, Attention:
                                                    attachment with a file name that                        application by 4:30 p.m., Washington,                 (CFDA Number 84.326M) LBJ Basement
                                                    contains special characters). You will be               DC time, on the application deadline                  Level 1, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.,
                                                    given an opportunity to correct any                     date. We will contact you after we                    Washington, DC 20202–4260.
                                                    errors and resubmit, but you must still                 determine whether your application                       You must show proof of mailing
                                                    meet the deadline for submission of                     will be accepted.                                     consisting of one of the following:
                                                    applications.                                              Note: The extensions to which we refer in             (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service
                                                       Once your application is successfully                this section apply only to the unavailability         postmark.
                                                    validated by Grants.gov, the Department                 of, or technical problems with, the Grants.gov           (2) A legible mail receipt with the
                                                    will retrieve your application from                     system. We will not grant you an extension            date of mailing stamped by the U.S.
                                                    Grants.gov and send you an email with                   if you failed to fully register to submit your        Postal Service.
                                                    a unique PR/Award number for your                       application to Grants.gov before the                     (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or
                                                    application.                                            application deadline date and time or if the          receipt from a commercial carrier.
                                                                                                            technical problem you experienced is                     (4) Any other proof of mailing
                                                       These emails do not mean that your
                                                                                                            unrelated to the Grants.gov system.
                                                    application is without any disqualifying                                                                      acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S.
                                                    errors. While your application may have                   Exception to Electronic Submission                  Department of Education.
                                                    been successfully validated by                          Requirement: You qualify for an                          If you mail your application through
                                                    Grants.gov, it must also meet the                       exception to the electronic submission                the U.S. Postal Service, we do not
                                                    Department’s application requirements                   requirement, and may submit your                      accept either of the following as proof
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                                                    as specified in this notice and in the                  application in paper format, if you are               of mailing:
                                                    application instructions. Disqualifying                 unable to submit an application through                  (1) A private metered postmark.
                                                    errors could include, for instance,                     the Grants.gov system because—                           (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by
                                                    failure to upload attachments in a read-                  • You do not have access to the                     the U.S. Postal Service.
                                                    only, non-modifiable PDF; failure to                    Internet; or                                            Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not
                                                    submit a required part of the                             • You do not have the capacity to                   uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before
                                                    application; or failure to meet applicant               upload large documents to the                         relying on this method, you should check
                                                    eligibility requirements. It is your                    Grants.gov system; and                                with your local post office.



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                                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices                                            11777

                                                      We will not consider applications                        3. Additional Review and Selection                 requirements in the Applicable
                                                    postmarked after the application                        Process Factors: In the past, the                     Regulations section of this notice.
                                                    deadline date.                                          Department has had difficulty finding                   We reference the regulations outlining
                                                      c. Submission of Paper Applications                   peer reviewers for certain competitions               the terms and conditions of an award in
                                                    by Hand Delivery.                                       because so many individuals who are                   the Applicable Regulations section of
                                                      If you qualify for an exception to the                eligible to serve as peer reviewers have              this notice and include these and other
                                                    electronic submission requirement, you                  conflicts of interest. The standing panel             specific conditions in the GAN. The
                                                    (or a courier service) may deliver your                 requirements under section 682(b) of                  GAN also incorporates your approved
                                                    paper application to the Department by                  IDEA also have placed additional                      application as part of your binding
                                                    hand. You must deliver the original and                 constraints on the availability of                    commitments under the grant.
                                                    two copies of your application by hand,                 reviewers. Therefore, the Department                    3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a
                                                    on or before the application deadline                   has determined that for some                          grant under this competition, you must
                                                    date, to the Department at the following                discretionary grant competitions,                     ensure that you have in place the
                                                    address: U.S. Department of Education,                  applications may be separated into two                necessary processes and systems to
                                                    Application Control Center, Attention:                  or more groups and ranked and selected                comply with the reporting requirements
                                                    (CFDA Number 84.326M) 550 12th                          for funding within specific groups. This              in 2 CFR part 170 should you receive
                                                    Street SW., Room 7039, Potomac Center                   procedure will make it easier for the                 funding under the competition. This
                                                    Plaza, Washington, DC 20202–4260.                       Department to find peer reviewers by                  does not apply if you have an exception
                                                      The Application Control Center                        ensuring that greater numbers of                      under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
                                                    accepts hand deliveries daily between                   individuals who are eligible to serve as                 (b) At the end of your project period,
                                                    8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington,                 reviewers for any particular group of                 you must submit a final performance
                                                    DC time, except Saturdays, Sundays,                     applicants will not have conflicts of                 report, including financial information,
                                                    and Federal holidays.                                   interest. It also will increase the quality,          as directed by the Secretary. If you
                                                                                                            independence, and fairness of the                     receive a multiyear award, you must
                                                       Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper
                                                    Applications: If you mail or hand deliver                                                                     submit an annual performance report
                                                                                                            review process, while permitting panel
                                                    your application to the Department—                                                                           that provides the most current
                                                                                                            members to review applications under
                                                       (1) You must indicate on the envelope                                                                      performance and financial expenditure
                                                                                                            discretionary grant competitions for
                                                    and—if not provided by the Department—in                                                                      information as directed by the Secretary
                                                                                                            which they also have submitted
                                                    Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number,                                                                        under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary
                                                    including suffix letter, if any, of the                 applications. However, if the
                                                                                                                                                                  may also require more frequent
                                                    competition under which you are submitting              Department decides to select an equal
                                                                                                                                                                  performance reports under 34 CFR
                                                    your application; and                                   number of applications in each group
                                                                                                                                                                  75.720(c). For specific requirements on
                                                       (2) The Application Control Center will              for funding, this may result in different
                                                    mail to you a notification of receipt of your                                                                 reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/
                                                                                                            cut-off points for fundable applications
                                                    grant application. If you do not receive this                                                                 fund/grant/apply/appforms/
                                                                                                            in each group.
                                                    notification within 15 business days from the                                                                 appforms.html.
                                                    application deadline date, you should call
                                                                                                               4. Risk Assessment and Special                        (c) Under 34 CFR 75.250(b), the
                                                    the U.S. Department of Education                        Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR                     Secretary may provide a grantee with
                                                    Application Control Center at (202) 245–                200.205, before awarding grants under                 additional funding for data collection
                                                    6288.                                                   this competition the Department                       analysis and reporting. In this case the
                                                                                                            conducts a review of the risks posed by               Secretary establishes a data collection
                                                    V. Application Review Information                       applicants. Under 2 CFR 3474.10, the                  period.
                                                      1. Selection Criteria: The selection                  Secretary may impose special                             4. Performance Measures: Under the
                                                    criteria for this competition are from 34               conditions and, in appropriate                        Government Performance and Results
                                                    CFR 75.210 and are listed in the                        circumstances, high-risk conditions on a              Act of 1993 (GPRA), the Department has
                                                    application package.                                    grant if the applicant or grantee is not              established a set of performance
                                                      2. Review and Selection Process: We                   financially stable; has a history of                  measures, including long-term
                                                    remind potential applicants that in                     unsatisfactory performance; has a                     measures, that are designed to yield
                                                    reviewing applications in any                           financial or other management system                  information on various aspects of the
                                                    discretionary grant competition, the                    that does not meet the standards in 2                 effectiveness and quality of the
                                                    Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR                    CFR part 200, subpart D; has not                      Technical Assistance and Dissemination
                                                    75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the               fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant;            to Improve Services and Results for
                                                    applicant in carrying out a previous                    or is otherwise not responsible.                      Children With Disabilities program. We
                                                    award, such as the applicant’s use of                   VI. Award Administration Information                  will use these measures to evaluate the
                                                    funds, achievement of project                                                                                 extent to which projects provide high-
                                                    objectives, and compliance with grant                      1. Award Notices: If your application              quality products and services, the
                                                    conditions. The Secretary may also                      is successful, we notify your U.S.                    relevance of project products and
                                                    consider whether the applicant failed to                Representative and U.S. Senators and                  services to educational and early
                                                    submit a timely performance report or                   send you a Grant Award Notification                   intervention policy and practice, and
                                                    submitted a report of unacceptable                      (GAN); or we may send you an email                    the use of products and services to
                                                    quality.                                                containing a link to access an electronic             improve educational and early
                                                      In addition, in making a competitive                  version of your GAN. We may notify
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                                                                                                                                                                  intervention policy and practice.
                                                    grant award, the Secretary requires                     you informally, also.                                    Projects funded under this
                                                    various assurances, including those                        If your application is not evaluated or            competition are required to submit data
                                                    applicable to Federal civil rights laws                 not selected for funding, we notify you.              on these measures as directed by OSEP.
                                                    that prohibit discrimination in programs                   2. Administrative and National Policy                 Grantees will be required to report
                                                    or activities receiving Federal financial               Requirements: We identify                             information on their project’s
                                                    assistance from the Department of                       administrative and national policy                    performance in annual and final
                                                    Education (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4,                  requirements in the application package               performance reports to the Department
                                                    108.8, and 110.23).                                     and reference these and other                         (34 CFR 75.590).


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                                                    11778                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2016 / Notices

                                                       5. Continuation Awards: In making a                  your search to documents published by                 is expected that the SEQ will adopt the
                                                    continuation award under 34 CFR                         the Department.                                       following agenda:
                                                    75.253, the Secretary considers, among                    Dated: March 1, 2016.                               Day 1
                                                    other things: Whether a grantee has                     Michael K. Yudin,
                                                    made substantial progress in achieving                                                                        1. Adoption of the Agenda
                                                                                                            Assistant Secretary for Special Education and         2. Approval of the Summary Record of
                                                    the goals and objectives of the project;                Rehabilitative Services.
                                                    whether the grantee has expended funds                                                                             the 146th Meeting
                                                                                                            [FR Doc. 2016–05026 Filed 3–4–16; 8:45 am]
                                                    in a manner that is consistent with its                                                                       3. Status of Compliance with IEP
                                                                                                            BILLING CODE 4000–01–P                                     Agreement Stockholding
                                                    approved application and budget; and,
                                                    if the Secretary has established                                                                                   Obligations
                                                    performance measurement                                                                                       4. Australian Compliance Update
                                                    requirements, the performance targets in                DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY                                  5. Bilateral Stockholding in non-OECD
                                                    the grantee’s approved application.                                                                                Countries
                                                       In making a continuation award, the                  International Energy Agency Meetings                  6. Association—Handling Association
                                                    Secretary also considers whether the                    AGENCY:   Department of Energy.                            country participation at SEQ
                                                    grantee is operating in compliance with                 ACTION:   Notice of meetings.                              meetings
                                                    the assurances in its approved                                                                                7. Programme Work Budget
                                                    application, including those applicable                 SUMMARY:    The Industry Advisory Board               8. Outcome of Ministerial Meeting
                                                    to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit              (IAB) to the International Energy
                                                    discrimination in programs or activities                                                                      Day 2
                                                                                                            Agency (IEA) will meet on March 15–
                                                    receiving Federal financial assistance                  16, 2016, at the headquarters of the IEA              9. ERR Programme
                                                    from the Department (34 CFR 100.4,                      in Paris, France in connection with a                 10. Emergency Response Review of the
                                                    104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).                       joint meeting of the IEA’s Standing                        Slovak Republic
                                                                                                            Group on Emergency Questions (SEQ)                    11. Mid-Term Review of Japan
                                                    VII. Agency Contact
                                                                                                            and the IEA’s Standing Group on the Oil               12. Update on Exercise in Capitals
                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:      Tara              Market (SOM) on March 17, 2016, in                         (EXCAP)
                                                    Courchaine, U.S. Department of                          connection with a meeting of the SEQ                  13. Emergency Response Review of
                                                    Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.,                     on that day.                                               Korea
                                                    Room 5143, Potomac Center Plaza,                        DATES: March 15–17, 2016.                             14. Update on ERE8 Arrangements
                                                    Washington, DC 20202–5108.                              ADDRESSES: 9, rue de la Fédération,
                                                                                                                                                                  15. Mexican Accession
                                                    Telephone: (202) 245–6462.                              Paris, France.                                        16. Outreach Activities
                                                      If you use a TDD or a TTY, call the                                                                         17. Emergency response Review of
                                                    Federal Relay Service, toll free, at 1–                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                                                                                       Hungary
                                                    800–877–8339.                                           Thomas Reilly, Assistant General                      18. Industry Advisory Board Update
                                                                                                            Counsel for International and National                19. Emergency Response Review of
                                                    VIII. Other Information                                 Security Programs, Department of                           Spain
                                                       Accessible Format: Individuals with                  Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue                      20. Mid-Term Review of United States
                                                    disabilities can obtain this document                   SW., Washington, DC 20585, 202–586–                   21. Oral Reports by Administrations
                                                    and a copy of the application package in                5000.                                                 22. Overview of Emergency Response
                                                    an accessible format (e.g., braille, large              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In                              Legislation
                                                    print, audiotape, or compact disc) by                   accordance with section 252(c)(1)(A)(i)               23. Saving Oil in a Hurry—Update
                                                    contacting the Grants and Contracts                     of the Energy Policy and Conservation                 24. ERR Report Re-design
                                                    Services Team, U.S. Department of                       Act (42 U.S.C. 6272(c)(1)(A)(i)) (EPCA),              25. Other Business
                                                    Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.,                     the following notice of meetings is                      —Provisional 2016 Schedule of SEQ
                                                    Room 5037, Potomac Center Plaza,                        provided:                                                  and SOM Meetings
                                                    Washington, DC 20202–2550.                                 Meetings of the Industry Advisory
                                                                                                                                                                     —31 May–2 June
                                                    Telephone: (202) 245–7363. If you use a                 Board (IAB) to the International Energy                  —27–29 September
                                                    TDD or a TTY, call the FRS, toll free, at               Agency (IEA) will be held at the
                                                                                                            headquarters of the IEA, 9, rue de la                    The agenda of the SEQ meeting on
                                                    1–800–877–8339.
                                                       Electronic Access to This Document:                  Fédération, Paris, France, on March 15,             March 17, 2106 is under the control of
                                                    The official version of this document is                2016, commencing at 2:00 p.m.,                        the SEQ and the SOM. It is expected
                                                    the document published in the Federal                   continuing at 9:30 a.m. on March 16,                  that the SEQ and the SOM will adopt
                                                    Register. Free Internet access to the                   2016 and again at 9:30 a.m. on March                  the following agenda:
                                                    official edition of the Federal Register                17, 2016. The purpose of this notice is               1. Adoption of the Agenda
                                                    and the Code of Federal Regulations is                  to permit attendance by representatives               2. Approval of the Summary Record of
                                                    available via the Federal Digital System                of U.S. company members of the IAB at                      the 15 October 2015 Joint Session
                                                    at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you                 a joint meeting of the IEA’s Standing                 3. Report on Russian Oil Prospects
                                                    can view this document, as well as all                  Group on Emergency Questions (SEQ)                    4. Report on Recent Oil Market and
                                                    other documents of this Department                      and the IEA’s Standing Group on the Oil                    Policy Developments in IEA
                                                    published in the Federal Register, in                   Markets (SOM) on March 17, to be held                      Countries
                                                    text or PDF. To use PDF you must have                   at the same location commencing at 9:30               5. The Current Oil Market Situation
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is                          a.m. The IAB will also hold a                         6. Panel: Outlook for Oil Markets
                                                    available free at the site.                             preparatory meeting among company                     7. Floor discussion
                                                       You may also access documents of the                 representatives at the same location at               8. Other business
                                                    Department published in the Federal                     8:30 a.m. on March 16. The agenda for                    —Tentative schedule of upcoming
                                                    Register by using the article search                    this preparatory meeting is to review the                  SEQ and SOM meetings for 2016:
                                                    feature at: www.federalregister.gov.                    agenda for the SEQ meeting.                                31 May–2 June
                                                    Specifically, through the advanced                         The agenda of the joint meeting of the                As provided in section 252(c)(1)(A)(ii)
                                                    search feature at this site, you can limit              SEQ is under the control of the SEQ. It               of the Energy Policy and Conservation


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Document Created: 2018-02-02 15:07:54
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 15:07:54
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesApplications Available: March 7, 2016.
ContactTara Courchaine, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 5143, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-5108. Telephone: (202) 245-6462.
FR Citation81 FR 11770 

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