National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program-Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs), 22351-22355 [E8-9108]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 81 / Friday, April 25, 2008 / Notices
3. Reporting: 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 multi-year
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
https://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/
appforms/appforms.html.
Note: NIDRR will provide information by
letter to grantees on how and when to submit
the final performance report.
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4. Performance Measures: NIDRR
assesses the quality of its funded
projects through review of grantee
performance and products. Each year,
NIDRR examines a portion of its
grantees to determine:
• The percentage of newly-awarded
NIDRR projects that are multi-site,
collaborative, controlled studies of
interventions and programs.
• The number of accomplishments
(e.g., new or improved tools, methods,
discoveries, standards, interventions,
programs, or devices) developed or
tested with NIDRR funding that have
been judged by expert panels to be of
high quality and to advance the field.
• The average number of publications
per award based on NIDRR-funded
research and development activities in
refereed journals.
• The percentage of new grants that
include studies funded by NIDRR that
assess the effectiveness of interventions,
programs, and devices using rigorous
methods.
NIDRR uses information submitted by
grantees as part of their Annual
Performance Reports (APRs) in support
of these performance measures.
Updates on the Government
Performance and Results Act of 1993
(GPRA) indicators, revisions, and
methods appear on the NIDRR Program
Review Web site: https://
www.neweditions.net/pr/commonfiles/
pmconcepts.htm.
Grantees should consult this site on a
regular basis to obtain details and
explanations on how NIDRR programs
contribute to the advancement of the
Department’s long-term and annual
performance goals.
VII. Agency Contact
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Room 6029, PCP, Washington, DC
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20202. Telephone: (202) 245–7462 or by
e-mail: Donna.Nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a TDD, call the Federal
Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–
877–8339.
VIII. Other Information
Alternative Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document
and a copy of the application package in
an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, or computer diskette)
by contacting the Grants and Contracts
Services Team, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC
20202–2550. Telephone: (202) 245–
7363. If you use a TDD, call the FRS,
toll-free, at 1–800–877–8339.
Electronic Access to This Document:
You can view this document, as well as
all other documents of this Department
published in the Federal Register, in
text or Adobe Portable Document
Format (PDF) on the Internet at the
following site: https://www.ed.gov/news/
fedregister.
To use PDF you must have Adobe
Acrobat Reader, which is available free
at this site. If you have questions about
using PDF, call the U.S. Government
Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1–
888–293–6498; or in the Washington,
DC, area at (202) 512–1530.
Note: The official version of this document
is the document published in the Federal
Register. Free Internet access to the official
edition of the Federal Register and the Code
of Federal Regulations is available on GPO
Access at: https://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.
Dated: April 22, 2008.
Tracey R. Justesen,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E8–9109 Filed 4–24–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)—
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program—
Disability Rehabilitation Research
Projects (DRRPs)
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services (OSERS),
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priority and
definitions.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services, in conjunction with the
Assistant Secretary for Vocational and
Adult Education and the Assistant
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Secretary for Postsecondary Education,
announces a priority and definitions for
a Center on Postsecondary Education for
Students With Intellectual Disabilities
(Center) under the DRRP program
administered by NIDRR. The Assistant
Secretary may use this priority and
definitions for competitions in fiscal
year (FY) 2008 and later years. We take
this action to focus research attention on
areas of national need. We intend this
priority and definitions to improve
postsecondary education and other
outcomes for individuals with
intellectual disabilities.
DATES: Effective Date: This priority and
definitions are effective May 27, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tracy Justesen, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Room 5107, Potomac Center Plaza,
Washington, DC 20202–2700. Attention
Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 245–
7462 or by e-mail:
donna.nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD), call the
Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–
877–8339.
Individuals with disabilities can
obtain this document in an alternative
format (e.g., Braille, large print,
audiotape, or computer diskette) on
request to the contact person listed
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects (DRRP) Program
The purpose of the DRRP program is
to improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended, by developing
methods, procedures, and rehabilitation
technologies that advance a wide range
of independent living and employment
outcomes for individuals with
disabilities, especially individuals with
the most severe disabilities. DRRPs
carry out one or more of the following
types of activities, as specified and
defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through
350.19: Research, training,
demonstration, development,
dissemination, utilization, and technical
assistance. An applicant for assistance
under this program must demonstrate in
its application how it will address, in
whole or in part, the needs of
individuals with disabilities from
minority backgrounds (34 CFR
350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant
may take to meet this requirement are
found in 34 CFR 350.40(b). In addition,
NIDRR intends to require all DRRP
applicants to meet the General
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
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Projects (DRRP) Requirements priority
that it published in a notice of final
priorities in the Federal Register on
April 28, 2006 (71 FR 25472).
Additional information on the DRRP
program can be found at: https://
www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/resprogram.html#DRRP.
We published a notice of proposed
priority and definitions (NPP) for
NIDRR’s DRRP program in the Federal
Register on December 11, 2007 (72 FR
70316). The NPP included a background
statement that described our rationale
for the priority and definitions proposed
in that notice.
There are differences between the
NPP and this notice of final priority and
definitions (NFP) as discussed in the
following section.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
In response to our invitation in the
NPP, 11 parties submitted comments on
the proposed priority and definitions.
An analysis of the comments and of any
changes in the priority and definitions
since publication of the NPP follows.
Generally, we do not address
technical and other minor changes, or
suggested changes the law does not
authorize us to make under the
applicable statutory authority. In
addition, we do not address general
comments that raised concerns not
directly related to the proposed priority
or definitions.
Comment: One commenter suggested
that the Center be designed so that
students with intellectual disabilities
(ID) or developmental disabilities (DD)
are not segregated from other students.
Discussion: The Center is designed to
conduct research and disseminate
information on promising practices in
postsecondary education; it will not
provide postsecondary education for
students with ID or DD. Therefore,
because the Center will not provide
direct services to students, the
recommendation that it be designed so
that students with ID or DD are not
segregated from other students is
inapplicable.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter noted that
individuals with disabilities often have
significant health issues and that
success in postsecondary education may
be related to their health status. This
commenter recommended that the
Center involve personnel with expertise
in health issues related to individuals
with disabilities.
Discussion: Nothing in the priority
precludes applicants from proposing to
involve personnel with expertise in the
health of individuals with ID (e.g., these
individuals might serve on the Center’s
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advisory committee). However, we do
not have a basis for requiring all
applicants to do so.
Changes: None.
Comments: Two commenters asked
for a definition of ‘‘longitudinal study’’
and whether the longitudinal study
must be limited to an analysis of
existing datasets or if the Center could
collect its own longitudinal data. In
addition, they asked whether applicants
could propose to conduct analyses of
existing datasets that were not
mentioned specifically in the NPP.
Discussion: We recognize that, given
the level of funding available for the
Center, the Center would be unable to
conduct a longitudinal study. Therefore,
we have revised the priority to require
the Center to do one or both of the
following: (1) Engage in data collection
activities, or (2) conduct secondary
analyses of existing national and State
longitudinal datasets. The purpose of
the data collection activities and
secondary data analyses would be to
generate knowledge about the extent to
which variations in educational,
vocational, and independent living
outcomes for students with ID are
associated with participation in
different types of postsecondary
education programs. The National
Longitudinal Transition Study-2
(NLTS–2) and the Florida K–20 Data
Warehouse are examples of existing data
sources that contain relevant data and
have not been analyzed fully; applicants
may propose to use other extant data
sources. We believe that much can be
learned from existing data sources
without necessarily expending funds on
designing surveys or collecting data.
Finally, we do not believe it is necessary
to define the term ‘‘longitudinal study’’
because the final priority does not
require the Center to conduct such a
study.
Changes: We have removed all
references to conducting a longitudinal
study from the priority. Instead, we
have clarified the language in paragraph
(b) to indicate that the Center must (1)
engage in data collection activities; or
(2) conduct secondary analyses of
existing datasets, such as the NLTS–2
and the Florida K–20 Data Warehouse;
or both.
Comment: One commenter suggested
that efforts to collect new longitudinal
data or establish baseline data may be
more beneficial than analyses of existing
data that are intended to generate
knowledge about the relationship
between postsecondary education and
outcomes among individuals with ID.
Discussion: The funds available for
this priority will likely not permit the
Center to collect new longitudinal data
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or establish baseline data. However, we
are convinced that conducting data
collection activities, secondary analyses
of existing data, or both, will generate
new and beneficial knowledge about
outcomes associated with postsecondary
education programs for individuals with
ID. Because this is the case, paragraph
(b) of the priority allows applicants to
conduct data collection activities,
analyze existing datasets, or engage in
both activities.
Changes: None.
Comment: Seven commenters noted
that the datasets mentioned under
paragraph (b) of the priority (i.e., the
NLTS–2 and the Florida K–20 Data
Warehouse) have limitations in
disability variables and descriptors of
postsecondary education programs that
could negatively impact the extent to
which secondary analyses relating to the
population of individuals with ID may
be completed. Further, the commenters
expressed concern that neither of these
datasets contains variables that are
necessary to connect the outcomes of
students with ID to the different types
of postsecondary education programs
that serve students with ID. These
commenters also noted that neither
dataset provides information on dual
enrollment programs, and that some
variables relating to postsecondary
outcomes in the NLTS–2 dataset have
zero percent of cases of people with ID.
Discussion: With respect to disability
variables or identifier codes, while it is
true that neither of the datasets
mentioned in the priority include the
‘‘intellectual disabilities’’ code, both
datasets include related codes that
would make it possible to conduct
analyses that cover students with ID and
that could address important outcomes
for this population. For example,
although the Florida K–20 Data
Warehouse does not include an
‘‘intellectual disabilities’’ code, it
contains 22 ‘‘exceptionality’’ codes that
include (a) educable mentally
handicapped, (b) trainable mentally
handicapped, and (c) profoundly
mentally handicapped. Using these
codes, it would be possible to identify
a sample of students with ID by
selecting students whose primary
disability is educable, trainable, or
profoundly mentally handicapped, and
to conduct any number of analyses
related to the outcomes for this
population. Likewise, while the NLTS–
2 does not include an ‘‘intellectual
disabilities’’ code, it would be possible
to identify a sample of students with ID
in the dataset by selecting students
whose primary disability is mental
retardation or who were identified as
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having mental retardation on either the
parent or teacher interview.
With respect to descriptors of
postsecondary education, while it is
true that neither dataset provides
information on dual enrollment
programs, we believe that there are
many variables or descriptors related to
students with ID that are worth
exploring.
Lastly, the commenters observed that
some variables related to postsecondary
outcomes in the NLTS–2 dataset show
zero percent of cases of individuals with
ID. However, the commenters did not
identify any specific postsecondary
variables or explain the importance of
these variables to the work of the
Center. The NLTS–2 has five waves of
data, and only three of these waves
include individuals who are old enough
to be included in the postsecondary
sample, particularly because many
students with ID attend secondary
school to the maximum age (21 years
old or older). We believe that the
number of variables lacking relevant
cases should decline as individuals age
in the postsecondary category.
Changes: None.
Comment: Seven commenters noted
that the effort to develop and implement
postsecondary education programs for
individuals with ID is in its early stages.
Given this fact, six of these commenters
noted that experimental designs would
be premature, and one recommended
that the Center be allowed to use
multiple research methods and data
collection designs.
Discussion: Paragraph (b) of the
priority requires the Center to conduct
scientifically based research. The
definition of scientifically based
research, as the term is used in the
priority, includes but is not limited to
research that utilizes experimental or
quasi-experimental designs. We are
interested in rigorous methods of
research that produce findings that are
useful for the education field and for
further research. The peer review
process will determine the merits of
each proposal.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter asked how
‘‘postsecondary education programs’’
are defined.
Discussion: Although the Definitions
section of the NPP included a definition
of ‘‘postsecondary education programs,’’
upon further review, we believe that
this definition is not sufficiently clear
because it did not incorporate the
language from the background section of
the NPP referring to dual enrollment
programs for students with ID who are
still enrolled in high school and are
receiving special education services. To
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clarify what we mean, instead of
providing a definition of
‘‘postsecondary education programs,’’
we will provide a more expansive
explanation of the term ‘‘postsecondary
education programs’’ in the text of the
priority.
Changes: We have removed the
definition of ‘‘postsecondary education
programs’’ from the Definitions section
of this notice, and revised paragraph (a)
of the priority to provide a fuller
explanation of what is meant by this
term.
Comment: Four commenters
recommended that the Department’s
Office of Postsecondary Education
(OPE) be included in the list of the
Center’s required collaborators in
paragraph (h) of the priority.
Discussion: As described in the
opening paragraph of the priority, OPE
is one of the sponsors of this Center.
However, many of the activities
supported by this Center will focus on
technical assistance and research.
Because OPE does not fund technical
assistance grantees, it would not be
appropriate or useful to require the
Center to collaborate with OPE for
purposes of this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: Six commenters suggested
that ‘‘employment’’ be added to the list
of key outcomes described in the
opening sentence of paragraph (b) of
this priority. While these commenters
noted that vocational outcomes are
important, they stated that employment
should be highlighted by specifically
including it in the list of outcomes for
students with ID.
Discussion: We agree that
employment is a desired outcome for
individuals with ID participating in
postsecondary education programs and
will add it to the list of outcomes in
paragraph (b) of the priority.
Changes: We have added employment
to the list of outcomes described in
paragraph (b) of the priority.
Comment: Five commenters noted
that legislation is pending in Congress
that would authorize demonstration
projects and a coordinating center, the
primary purpose of which would be
training and technical assistance on
programs providing postsecondary
education for individuals with ID. These
commenters noted that the Center
should focus primarily on research and
dissemination of technical assistance
materials. The commenters recommend
that the Center remain distinct from the
projects pending in Congress.
Discussion: We agree that the focus of
the Center should be on research and
the dissemination of technical
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assistance materials, and we believe that
this purpose is reflected in the priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: Five commenters
recommended that the priority expand
the age range of students with ID who
will be the focus of the Center’s work to
13 to 26 years. They expressed that
students with ID may require additional
time to complete a postsecondary
education program. These commenters
also noted that the definition of students
with intellectual disabilities is overly
restrictive in terms of the age of onset
of a student’s disability and the scope of
the disabilities covered.
Discussion: We agree that the
proposed age range of 16 to 24 years is
too restrictive. The age range of students
included in the NLTS–2 and the Florida
K–20 Education Data Warehouse is
comparable to the age range of 13 to 26
years suggested by the commenters.
Changing the age range to 13 to 26 years
of age in the definition of students with
intellectual disabilities would support
the Center’s potential use of these two
databases as key data sources for its
analyses. In addition, using this age
range would address the commenters’
concerns that students with ID may
require additional time to complete a
postsecondary education program.
Therefore, we will change the definition
of students with intellectual disabilities
to cover individuals 13 to 26 years of
age. In addition, although some
individuals acquire disabilities that
result in cognitive limitations after the
age of 18, we continue to agree with the
American Association of Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities and the
Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission that students with
intellectual disabilities are students
whose disability occurred before age 18.
We do not believe this definition is too
restrictive in terms of scope of
disabilities covered; we are simply
restricting the definition to those
individuals who acquired their
disability prior to age 18 regardless of
the specific disability involved.
Changes: We have revised paragraph
(a) of the definition of students with
intellectual disabilities so that the term
includes individuals ages 13 to 26.
Comment: Two commenters suggested
that universal design for learning be a
required element for evaluating
promising practices under paragraph (a)
of the priority. These commenters
proposed a definition of universal
design for learning that the Department
could use in connection with the
proposed priority.
Discussion: We consider universal
design for learning to be one approach
that could be evaluated as a promising
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practice rather than a required element
for evaluating promising practices. We,
therefore, decline to make the requested
changes.
Changes: None.
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Note: This notice does not solicit
applications. In any year in which we choose
to use this priority and definitions, we invite
applications through a notice in the Federal
Register. When inviting applications we
designate the priority as absolute,
competitive preference, or invitational. The
effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute
priority, we consider only applications
that meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority:
Under a competitive preference priority,
we give competitive preference to an
application by either (1) awarding
additional points, depending on how
well or the extent to which the
application meets the competitive
preference priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an
application that meets the competitive
preference priority over an application
of comparable merit that does not meet
the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an
invitational priority, we are particularly
interested in applications that meet the
invitational priority. However, we do
not give an application that meets the
invitational priority a competitive or
absolute preference over other
applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
This NFP is in concert with President
George W. Bush’s New Freedom
Initiative (NFI) and NIDRR’s Final LongRange Plan for FY 2005–2009 (Plan).
The NFI can be accessed on the Internet
at the following site: https://
www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/
newfreedom.
The Plan, which was published in the
Federal Register on February 15, 2006
(71 FR 8165), can be accessed on the
Internet at the following site: https://
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/
nidrr/policy.html.
Through the implementation of the
NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks to: (1)
Improve the quality and utility of
disability and rehabilitation research;
(2) foster an exchange of expertise,
information, and training to facilitate
the advancement of knowledge and
understanding of the unique needs of
traditionally underserved populations;
(3) determine best strategies and
programs to improve rehabilitation
outcomes for underserved populations;
(4) identify research gaps; (5) identify
mechanisms of integrating research and
practice; and, (6) disseminate findings.
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Priority—Center on Postsecondary
Education for Students With
Intellectual Disabilities
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services,
the Assistant Secretary for Vocational
and Adult Education, and the Assistant
Secretary for Postsecondary Education
jointly announce a priority for a DRRP—
the Center on Postsecondary Education
for Students with Intellectual
Disabilities (Center). In order to meet
this priority, the Center must—
(a) Identify key characteristics and
promising practices of postsecondary
education programs at community
colleges, vocational-technical schools,
and four-year colleges that currently
serve students with intellectual
disabilities (ID), including specialized
programs that are intended to promote
independence and improve employment
outcomes for students with ID such as
dual enrollment programs for students
with ID who are still enrolled in high
school and receiving special education
services. This includes collecting
information on—
(1) How students with ID are recruited
and retained in these programs;
(2) The extent to which students with
ID are enrolled in academic courses as
part of these programs; and
(3) The types and extent of
accommodations provided to students
with ID in order to ensure their active
participation in these programs;
(b) Conduct scientifically based
research (as defined in 20 U.S.C.
7801(37) and included in the Definitions
section of this notice) to determine
whether variations in educational,
vocational, employment, and
independent living outcomes for
students with ID are associated with
participation in different types of
postsecondary education programs. To
fulfill this requirement, the Center must
do one or both of the following: (1)
Engage in data collection activities or (2)
conduct secondary analyses of existing
national and State longitudinal datasets,
such as the National Longitudinal
Transition Study-2 (NLTS–2) and the
Florida K–20 Education Data
Warehouse.
Note: The NLTS–2 and the Florida K–20
Education Data Warehouse are only examples
of existing datasets that may be used for
purposes of conducting secondary analysis.
Reports of study findings and data tables
containing frequency counts for some
variables can be accessed at: https://
www.nlts2.org. For information on acquiring
restricted-use data sets for NLTS–2, see page:
https://www.nlts2.org/data_tables/datatable_
training.html. of this Web site. The Florida
K–20 Education Data Warehouse can be
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accessed at: https://
www.edwapp.doe.state.fl.us/doe/.
(c) Compile existing technical
assistance materials and develop new
materials, as needed, including
information on promising practices that
can be replicated, for postsecondary
education institutions that are
developing new programs or expanding
existing programs to provide activities
for students with ID. Technical
assistance materials must be informed
by knowledge acquired through the
Center’s research program, as the
knowledge becomes available;
(d) Partner with existing training and
technical assistance providers for the
purpose of disseminating technical
assistance materials to postsecondary
education programs interested in
developing new programs or expanding
existing programs for students with ID.
To the extent possible, technical
assistance and other informational
materials should be disseminated to
interested students with ID and their
families;
(e) Provide technical assistance
information and materials to
appropriate NIDRR research and
dissemination centers, including the
National Center for the Dissemination of
Disability Research and the Research
Utilization Support and Help (RUSH)
Project at the Southwest Educational
Development Laboratory, and the Center
for International Rehabilitation Research
Information and Exchange at the State
University of New York at Buffalo;
(f) Establish an advisory committee of
researchers, vocational rehabilitation
providers, transition planners,
secondary and postsecondary educators,
individuals with ID, and parents of
individuals with ID to provide the
Center, on an ongoing basis, with
guidance on the Center’s research and
technical assistance activities;
(g) Conduct a formative evaluation of
the Center’s activities, using clear
performance objectives to ensure
continuous improvement in the
operation of the Center, including
objective measures of progress in
implementing the project and ensuring
the quality of research and technical
assistance; and
(h) To the extent possible, consult
with the sponsors of activities that are
similar or related to the Center’s
activities, especially, existing training
and technical assistance resources that
have been established by relevant
offices within the U.S. Department of
Education, including the Rehabilitation
Services Administration’s Rehabilitation
Continuing Education Programs; the
Office of Special Education Programs’
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Technical Assistance and Dissemination
Network and Technical Assistance
Communities of Practice; the Office of
Vocational and Adult Education’s
National Research Center for Career and
Technical Education; and the NIDRR
network of knowledge translation
grantees. This consultation must be
designed to avoid duplication of efforts
and to facilitate the exchange of
information, pool resources, and
improve the overall effectiveness of the
Center’s activities.
Definitions
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services,
the Assistant Secretary for Vocational
and Adult Education, and the Assistant
Secretary for Postsecondary Education
jointly establish the following
definitions for the purpose of the Center
on Postsecondary Education for
Students With Intellectual Disabilities
priority:
(1) Adaptive skill areas, as used in the
definition of students with intellectual
disabilities, means the basic skills
needed for everyday life, such as
communication, self-care, home living,
social skills, leisure, health and safety,
self-direction, functional academics
(reading, writing, basic math), and work.
(2) Scientifically based research has
the meaning given the term in 20 U.S.C.
7801(37): Research that involves the
application of rigorous, systematic, and
objective procedures to obtain reliable
and valid knowledge relevant to
education activities and programs. It
includes research that—
(a) Employs systematic, empirical
methods that draw on observation or
experiment;
(b) Involves rigorous data analyses
that are adequate to test the stated
hypotheses and justify the general
conclusions drawn;
(c) Relies on measurements or
observational methods that provide
reliable and valid data across evaluators
and observers, across multiple
measurements and observations, and
across studies by the same or different
investigators;
(d) Is evaluated using experimental or
quasi-experimental designs in which
individual entities, programs, or
activities are assigned to different
conditions and with appropriate
controls to evaluate the effects of the
condition of interest, with a preference
for random-assignment experiments, or
other designs to the extent that those
designs contain within-condition or
across-condition controls;
(e) Ensures that experimental studies
are presented in sufficient detail and
clarity to allow for replication or, at a
VerDate Aug<31>2005
20:20 Apr 24, 2008
Jkt 214001
minimum, offer the opportunity to build
systematically on their findings; and
(f) Has been accepted by a peerreviewed journal or approved by a panel
of independent experts through a
comparably rigorous, objective, and
scientific review.
(3) Students with intellectual
disabilities means—
(a) Individuals ages 13 through 26
whose intellectual functioning levels
require significant changes in
instructional methods and
modifications to the curriculum in order
to participate in postsecondary
education programs;
(b) Individuals who have significant
limitations in adaptive skill areas as
expressed in conceptual, social, and
practical adaptive skills; and
(c) Individuals whose disabilities
originated before the age of 18.
Executive Order 12866
This NFP has been reviewed in
accordance with Executive Order 12866.
Under the terms of the order, we have
assessed the potential costs and benefits
of this regulatory action.
The potential costs associated with
this NFP are those resulting from
statutory requirements and those we
have determined as necessary for
administering this program effectively
and efficiently.
In assessing the potential costs and
benefits—both quantitative and
qualitative—of this NFP, we have
determined that the benefits of the final
priority and definitions justify the costs.
Summary of Potential Costs and
Benefits
The benefits of the DRRP programs
have been well established over the
years in that other DRRP projects have
been completed successfully. The
priority and definitions announced in
this notice will generate new knowledge
through research, dissemination,
utilization, and technical assistance.
Another benefit of the final priority
and definitions is that establishing a
new DRRP will support the President’s
NFI and improve the lives of
individuals with disabilities. The new
DRRP will generate, disseminate, and
promote the use of new information that
will improve the options for individuals
with intellectual disabilities to achieve
improved education, employment, and
independent living outcomes.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34
CFR part 350.
Electronic Access to This Document
You may view this document, as well
as all other Department of Education
documents published in the Federal
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
22355
Register, in text or Adobe Portable
Document Format (PDF) on the Internet
at the following site: https://www.ed.gov/
news/fedregister/.
To use PDF you must have Adobe
Acrobat Reader, which is available free
at this site. If you have questions about
using PDF, call the U.S. Government
Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1–
888–293–6498; or in the Washington,
DC, area at (202) 512–1530.
Note: The official version of this document
is the document published in the Federal
Register. Free Internet access to the official
edition of the Federal Register and the Code
of Federal Regulations is available on GPO
Access at: https://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Numbers 84.133A Disability Rehabilitation
Research Projects)
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and
764(a).
Dated: April 22, 2008.
Tracy R. Justesen,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E8–9108 Filed 4–24–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Privacy Act of 1974; System of
Records—Adult English as a Second
Language (ESL) Literacy Impact Study
Institute of Education Sciences,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of a new system of
records.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
Privacy Act of 1974, as amended
(Privacy Act), the Department of
Education (Department) publishes this
notice of a new system of records
entitled ‘‘Adult English as a Second
Language (ESL) Literacy Impact Study’’
(18–13–19). The National Center for
Education Evaluation and Regional
Assistance at the Department’s Institute
of Education Sciences (IES)
commissioned this evaluation. It will be
conducted under a contract that IES
awarded in September 2004.
The study will address the following
questions:
(1) How effective is instruction based
on a literacy workbook in improving the
English reading and speaking skills of
low-literate adult ESL learners?
(2) Is instruction based upon the
workbook more effective for certain
groups of students (e.g., native Spanish
speakers)?
(3) How well do instructors
implement the instruction based upon
the workbook?
E:\FR\FM\25APN1.SGM
25APN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 81 (Friday, April 25, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22351-22355]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-9108]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR)--Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers
Program--Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs)
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
(OSERS), Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priority and definitions.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, in conjunction with the Assistant Secretary
for Vocational and Adult Education and the Assistant Secretary for
Postsecondary Education, announces a priority and definitions for a
Center on Postsecondary Education for Students With Intellectual
Disabilities (Center) under the DRRP program administered by NIDRR. The
Assistant Secretary may use this priority and definitions for
competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2008 and later years. We take this
action to focus research attention on areas of national need. We intend
this priority and definitions to improve postsecondary education and
other outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
DATES: Effective Date: This priority and definitions are effective May
27, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracy Justesen, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 5107, Potomac Center Plaza,
Washington, DC 20202-2700. Attention Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202)
245-7462 or by e-mail: donna.nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the
Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document in an
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program
The purpose of the DRRP program is to improve the effectiveness of
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
by developing methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that
advance a wide range of independent living and employment outcomes for
individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most
severe disabilities. DRRPs carry out one or more of the following types
of activities, as specified and defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through
350.19: Research, training, demonstration, development, dissemination,
utilization, and technical assistance. An applicant for assistance
under this program must demonstrate in its application how it will
address, in whole or in part, the needs of individuals with
disabilities from minority backgrounds (34 CFR 350.40(a)). The
approaches an applicant may take to meet this requirement are found in
34 CFR 350.40(b). In addition, NIDRR intends to require all DRRP
applicants to meet the General Disability and Rehabilitation Research
[[Page 22352]]
Projects (DRRP) Requirements priority that it published in a notice of
final priorities in the Federal Register on April 28, 2006 (71 FR
25472).
Additional information on the DRRP program can be found at: https://
www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP.
We published a notice of proposed priority and definitions (NPP)
for NIDRR's DRRP program in the Federal Register on December 11, 2007
(72 FR 70316). The NPP included a background statement that described
our rationale for the priority and definitions proposed in that notice.
There are differences between the NPP and this notice of final
priority and definitions (NFP) as discussed in the following section.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
In response to our invitation in the NPP, 11 parties submitted
comments on the proposed priority and definitions. An analysis of the
comments and of any changes in the priority and definitions since
publication of the NPP follows.
Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes, or
suggested changes the law does not authorize us to make under the
applicable statutory authority. In addition, we do not address general
comments that raised concerns not directly related to the proposed
priority or definitions.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the Center be designed so
that students with intellectual disabilities (ID) or developmental
disabilities (DD) are not segregated from other students.
Discussion: The Center is designed to conduct research and
disseminate information on promising practices in postsecondary
education; it will not provide postsecondary education for students
with ID or DD. Therefore, because the Center will not provide direct
services to students, the recommendation that it be designed so that
students with ID or DD are not segregated from other students is
inapplicable.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter noted that individuals with disabilities
often have significant health issues and that success in postsecondary
education may be related to their health status. This commenter
recommended that the Center involve personnel with expertise in health
issues related to individuals with disabilities.
Discussion: Nothing in the priority precludes applicants from
proposing to involve personnel with expertise in the health of
individuals with ID (e.g., these individuals might serve on the
Center's advisory committee). However, we do not have a basis for
requiring all applicants to do so.
Changes: None.
Comments: Two commenters asked for a definition of ``longitudinal
study'' and whether the longitudinal study must be limited to an
analysis of existing datasets or if the Center could collect its own
longitudinal data. In addition, they asked whether applicants could
propose to conduct analyses of existing datasets that were not
mentioned specifically in the NPP.
Discussion: We recognize that, given the level of funding available
for the Center, the Center would be unable to conduct a longitudinal
study. Therefore, we have revised the priority to require the Center to
do one or both of the following: (1) Engage in data collection
activities, or (2) conduct secondary analyses of existing national and
State longitudinal datasets. The purpose of the data collection
activities and secondary data analyses would be to generate knowledge
about the extent to which variations in educational, vocational, and
independent living outcomes for students with ID are associated with
participation in different types of postsecondary education programs.
The National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS-2) and the Florida
K-20 Data Warehouse are examples of existing data sources that contain
relevant data and have not been analyzed fully; applicants may propose
to use other extant data sources. We believe that much can be learned
from existing data sources without necessarily expending funds on
designing surveys or collecting data. Finally, we do not believe it is
necessary to define the term ``longitudinal study'' because the final
priority does not require the Center to conduct such a study.
Changes: We have removed all references to conducting a
longitudinal study from the priority. Instead, we have clarified the
language in paragraph (b) to indicate that the Center must (1) engage
in data collection activities; or (2) conduct secondary analyses of
existing datasets, such as the NLTS-2 and the Florida K-20 Data
Warehouse; or both.
Comment: One commenter suggested that efforts to collect new
longitudinal data or establish baseline data may be more beneficial
than analyses of existing data that are intended to generate knowledge
about the relationship between postsecondary education and outcomes
among individuals with ID.
Discussion: The funds available for this priority will likely not
permit the Center to collect new longitudinal data or establish
baseline data. However, we are convinced that conducting data
collection activities, secondary analyses of existing data, or both,
will generate new and beneficial knowledge about outcomes associated
with postsecondary education programs for individuals with ID. Because
this is the case, paragraph (b) of the priority allows applicants to
conduct data collection activities, analyze existing datasets, or
engage in both activities.
Changes: None.
Comment: Seven commenters noted that the datasets mentioned under
paragraph (b) of the priority (i.e., the NLTS-2 and the Florida K-20
Data Warehouse) have limitations in disability variables and
descriptors of postsecondary education programs that could negatively
impact the extent to which secondary analyses relating to the
population of individuals with ID may be completed. Further, the
commenters expressed concern that neither of these datasets contains
variables that are necessary to connect the outcomes of students with
ID to the different types of postsecondary education programs that
serve students with ID. These commenters also noted that neither
dataset provides information on dual enrollment programs, and that some
variables relating to postsecondary outcomes in the NLTS-2 dataset have
zero percent of cases of people with ID.
Discussion: With respect to disability variables or identifier
codes, while it is true that neither of the datasets mentioned in the
priority include the ``intellectual disabilities'' code, both datasets
include related codes that would make it possible to conduct analyses
that cover students with ID and that could address important outcomes
for this population. For example, although the Florida K-20 Data
Warehouse does not include an ``intellectual disabilities'' code, it
contains 22 ``exceptionality'' codes that include (a) educable mentally
handicapped, (b) trainable mentally handicapped, and (c) profoundly
mentally handicapped. Using these codes, it would be possible to
identify a sample of students with ID by selecting students whose
primary disability is educable, trainable, or profoundly mentally
handicapped, and to conduct any number of analyses related to the
outcomes for this population. Likewise, while the NLTS-2 does not
include an ``intellectual disabilities'' code, it would be possible to
identify a sample of students with ID in the dataset by selecting
students whose primary disability is mental retardation or who were
identified as
[[Page 22353]]
having mental retardation on either the parent or teacher interview.
With respect to descriptors of postsecondary education, while it is
true that neither dataset provides information on dual enrollment
programs, we believe that there are many variables or descriptors
related to students with ID that are worth exploring.
Lastly, the commenters observed that some variables related to
postsecondary outcomes in the NLTS-2 dataset show zero percent of cases
of individuals with ID. However, the commenters did not identify any
specific postsecondary variables or explain the importance of these
variables to the work of the Center. The NLTS-2 has five waves of data,
and only three of these waves include individuals who are old enough to
be included in the postsecondary sample, particularly because many
students with ID attend secondary school to the maximum age (21 years
old or older). We believe that the number of variables lacking relevant
cases should decline as individuals age in the postsecondary category.
Changes: None.
Comment: Seven commenters noted that the effort to develop and
implement postsecondary education programs for individuals with ID is
in its early stages. Given this fact, six of these commenters noted
that experimental designs would be premature, and one recommended that
the Center be allowed to use multiple research methods and data
collection designs.
Discussion: Paragraph (b) of the priority requires the Center to
conduct scientifically based research. The definition of scientifically
based research, as the term is used in the priority, includes but is
not limited to research that utilizes experimental or quasi-
experimental designs. We are interested in rigorous methods of research
that produce findings that are useful for the education field and for
further research. The peer review process will determine the merits of
each proposal.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter asked how ``postsecondary education
programs'' are defined.
Discussion: Although the Definitions section of the NPP included a
definition of ``postsecondary education programs,'' upon further
review, we believe that this definition is not sufficiently clear
because it did not incorporate the language from the background section
of the NPP referring to dual enrollment programs for students with ID
who are still enrolled in high school and are receiving special
education services. To clarify what we mean, instead of providing a
definition of ``postsecondary education programs,'' we will provide a
more expansive explanation of the term ``postsecondary education
programs'' in the text of the priority.
Changes: We have removed the definition of ``postsecondary
education programs'' from the Definitions section of this notice, and
revised paragraph (a) of the priority to provide a fuller explanation
of what is meant by this term.
Comment: Four commenters recommended that the Department's Office
of Postsecondary Education (OPE) be included in the list of the
Center's required collaborators in paragraph (h) of the priority.
Discussion: As described in the opening paragraph of the priority,
OPE is one of the sponsors of this Center. However, many of the
activities supported by this Center will focus on technical assistance
and research. Because OPE does not fund technical assistance grantees,
it would not be appropriate or useful to require the Center to
collaborate with OPE for purposes of this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: Six commenters suggested that ``employment'' be added to
the list of key outcomes described in the opening sentence of paragraph
(b) of this priority. While these commenters noted that vocational
outcomes are important, they stated that employment should be
highlighted by specifically including it in the list of outcomes for
students with ID.
Discussion: We agree that employment is a desired outcome for
individuals with ID participating in postsecondary education programs
and will add it to the list of outcomes in paragraph (b) of the
priority.
Changes: We have added employment to the list of outcomes described
in paragraph (b) of the priority.
Comment: Five commenters noted that legislation is pending in
Congress that would authorize demonstration projects and a coordinating
center, the primary purpose of which would be training and technical
assistance on programs providing postsecondary education for
individuals with ID. These commenters noted that the Center should
focus primarily on research and dissemination of technical assistance
materials. The commenters recommend that the Center remain distinct
from the projects pending in Congress.
Discussion: We agree that the focus of the Center should be on
research and the dissemination of technical assistance materials, and
we believe that this purpose is reflected in the priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: Five commenters recommended that the priority expand the
age range of students with ID who will be the focus of the Center's
work to 13 to 26 years. They expressed that students with ID may
require additional time to complete a postsecondary education program.
These commenters also noted that the definition of students with
intellectual disabilities is overly restrictive in terms of the age of
onset of a student's disability and the scope of the disabilities
covered.
Discussion: We agree that the proposed age range of 16 to 24 years
is too restrictive. The age range of students included in the NLTS-2
and the Florida K-20 Education Data Warehouse is comparable to the age
range of 13 to 26 years suggested by the commenters. Changing the age
range to 13 to 26 years of age in the definition of students with
intellectual disabilities would support the Center's potential use of
these two databases as key data sources for its analyses. In addition,
using this age range would address the commenters' concerns that
students with ID may require additional time to complete a
postsecondary education program. Therefore, we will change the
definition of students with intellectual disabilities to cover
individuals 13 to 26 years of age. In addition, although some
individuals acquire disabilities that result in cognitive limitations
after the age of 18, we continue to agree with the American Association
of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission that students with intellectual disabilities are
students whose disability occurred before age 18. We do not believe
this definition is too restrictive in terms of scope of disabilities
covered; we are simply restricting the definition to those individuals
who acquired their disability prior to age 18 regardless of the
specific disability involved.
Changes: We have revised paragraph (a) of the definition of
students with intellectual disabilities so that the term includes
individuals ages 13 to 26.
Comment: Two commenters suggested that universal design for
learning be a required element for evaluating promising practices under
paragraph (a) of the priority. These commenters proposed a definition
of universal design for learning that the Department could use in
connection with the proposed priority.
Discussion: We consider universal design for learning to be one
approach that could be evaluated as a promising
[[Page 22354]]
practice rather than a required element for evaluating promising
practices. We, therefore, decline to make the requested changes.
Changes: None.
Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in
which we choose to use this priority and definitions, we invite
applications through a notice in the Federal Register. When inviting
applications we designate the priority as absolute, competitive
preference, or invitational. The effect of each type of priority
follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by either
(1) awarding additional points, depending on how well or the extent to
which the application meets the competitive preference priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets the
competitive preference priority over an application of comparable merit
that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are
particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational
priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other
applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
This NFP is in concert with President George W. Bush's New Freedom
Initiative (NFI) and NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan for FY 2005-2009
(Plan). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the following site:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom.
The Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on February
15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), can be accessed on the Internet at the following
site: https://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.html.
Through the implementation of the NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks to:
(1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation
research; (2) foster an exchange of expertise, information, and
training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding
of the unique needs of traditionally underserved populations; (3)
determine best strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation
outcomes for underserved populations; (4) identify research gaps; (5)
identify mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and, (6)
disseminate findings.
Priority--Center on Postsecondary Education for Students With
Intellectual Disabilities
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services, the Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education,
and the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education jointly
announce a priority for a DRRP--the Center on Postsecondary Education
for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (Center). In order to meet
this priority, the Center must--
(a) Identify key characteristics and promising practices of
postsecondary education programs at community colleges, vocational-
technical schools, and four-year colleges that currently serve students
with intellectual disabilities (ID), including specialized programs
that are intended to promote independence and improve employment
outcomes for students with ID such as dual enrollment programs for
students with ID who are still enrolled in high school and receiving
special education services. This includes collecting information on--
(1) How students with ID are recruited and retained in these
programs;
(2) The extent to which students with ID are enrolled in academic
courses as part of these programs; and
(3) The types and extent of accommodations provided to students
with ID in order to ensure their active participation in these
programs;
(b) Conduct scientifically based research (as defined in 20 U.S.C.
7801(37) and included in the Definitions section of this notice) to
determine whether variations in educational, vocational, employment,
and independent living outcomes for students with ID are associated
with participation in different types of postsecondary education
programs. To fulfill this requirement, the Center must do one or both
of the following: (1) Engage in data collection activities or (2)
conduct secondary analyses of existing national and State longitudinal
datasets, such as the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS-2)
and the Florida K-20 Education Data Warehouse.
Note: The NLTS-2 and the Florida K-20 Education Data Warehouse
are only examples of existing datasets that may be used for purposes
of conducting secondary analysis. Reports of study findings and data
tables containing frequency counts for some variables can be
accessed at: https://www.nlts2.org. For information on acquiring
restricted-use data sets for NLTS-2, see page: https://www.nlts2.org/
data_tables/datatable_training.html. of this Web site. The Florida
K-20 Education Data Warehouse can be accessed at: https://
www.edwapp.doe.state.fl.us/doe/.
(c) Compile existing technical assistance materials and develop new
materials, as needed, including information on promising practices that
can be replicated, for postsecondary education institutions that are
developing new programs or expanding existing programs to provide
activities for students with ID. Technical assistance materials must be
informed by knowledge acquired through the Center's research program,
as the knowledge becomes available;
(d) Partner with existing training and technical assistance
providers for the purpose of disseminating technical assistance
materials to postsecondary education programs interested in developing
new programs or expanding existing programs for students with ID. To
the extent possible, technical assistance and other informational
materials should be disseminated to interested students with ID and
their families;
(e) Provide technical assistance information and materials to
appropriate NIDRR research and dissemination centers, including the
National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research and the
Research Utilization Support and Help (RUSH) Project at the Southwest
Educational Development Laboratory, and the Center for International
Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange at the State
University of New York at Buffalo;
(f) Establish an advisory committee of researchers, vocational
rehabilitation providers, transition planners, secondary and
postsecondary educators, individuals with ID, and parents of
individuals with ID to provide the Center, on an ongoing basis, with
guidance on the Center's research and technical assistance activities;
(g) Conduct a formative evaluation of the Center's activities,
using clear performance objectives to ensure continuous improvement in
the operation of the Center, including objective measures of progress
in implementing the project and ensuring the quality of research and
technical assistance; and
(h) To the extent possible, consult with the sponsors of activities
that are similar or related to the Center's activities, especially,
existing training and technical assistance resources that have been
established by relevant offices within the U.S. Department of
Education, including the Rehabilitation Services Administration's
Rehabilitation Continuing Education Programs; the Office of Special
Education Programs'
[[Page 22355]]
Technical Assistance and Dissemination Network and Technical Assistance
Communities of Practice; the Office of Vocational and Adult Education's
National Research Center for Career and Technical Education; and the
NIDRR network of knowledge translation grantees. This consultation must
be designed to avoid duplication of efforts and to facilitate the
exchange of information, pool resources, and improve the overall
effectiveness of the Center's activities.
Definitions
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services, the Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education,
and the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education jointly
establish the following definitions for the purpose of the Center on
Postsecondary Education for Students With Intellectual Disabilities
priority:
(1) Adaptive skill areas, as used in the definition of students
with intellectual disabilities, means the basic skills needed for
everyday life, such as communication, self-care, home living, social
skills, leisure, health and safety, self-direction, functional
academics (reading, writing, basic math), and work.
(2) Scientifically based research has the meaning given the term in
20 U.S.C. 7801(37): Research that involves the application of rigorous,
systematic, and objective procedures to obtain reliable and valid
knowledge relevant to education activities and programs. It includes
research that--
(a) Employs systematic, empirical methods that draw on observation
or experiment;
(b) Involves rigorous data analyses that are adequate to test the
stated hypotheses and justify the general conclusions drawn;
(c) Relies on measurements or observational methods that provide
reliable and valid data across evaluators and observers, across
multiple measurements and observations, and across studies by the same
or different investigators;
(d) Is evaluated using experimental or quasi-experimental designs
in which individual entities, programs, or activities are assigned to
different conditions and with appropriate controls to evaluate the
effects of the condition of interest, with a preference for random-
assignment experiments, or other designs to the extent that those
designs contain within-condition or across-condition controls;
(e) Ensures that experimental studies are presented in sufficient
detail and clarity to allow for replication or, at a minimum, offer the
opportunity to build systematically on their findings; and
(f) Has been accepted by a peer-reviewed journal or approved by a
panel of independent experts through a comparably rigorous, objective,
and scientific review.
(3) Students with intellectual disabilities means--
(a) Individuals ages 13 through 26 whose intellectual functioning
levels require significant changes in instructional methods and
modifications to the curriculum in order to participate in
postsecondary education programs;
(b) Individuals who have significant limitations in adaptive skill
areas as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive
skills; and
(c) Individuals whose disabilities originated before the age of 18.
Executive Order 12866
This NFP has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order
12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential
costs and benefits of this regulatory action.
The potential costs associated with this NFP are those resulting
from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary
for administering this program effectively and efficiently.
In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative
and qualitative--of this NFP, we have determined that the benefits of
the final priority and definitions justify the costs.
Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits
The benefits of the DRRP programs have been well established over
the years in that other DRRP projects have been completed successfully.
The priority and definitions announced in this notice will generate new
knowledge through research, dissemination, utilization, and technical
assistance.
Another benefit of the final priority and definitions is that
establishing a new DRRP will support the President's NFI and improve
the lives of individuals with disabilities. The new DRRP will generate,
disseminate, and promote the use of new information that will improve
the options for individuals with intellectual disabilities to achieve
improved education, employment, and independent living outcomes.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
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(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 84.133A Disability
Rehabilitation Research Projects)
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(a).
Dated: April 22, 2008.
Tracy R. Justesen,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E8-9108 Filed 4-24-08; 8:45 am]
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