Applications for New Awards; Personnel Development To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities-Preparation of Early Intervention and Special Education Personnel Serving Children With Disabilities Who Have High-Intensity Needs, 24173-24181 [2023-08249]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 19, 2023 / Notices Dated: April 13, 2023. Jennifer M. Wallace, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–08214 Filed 4–18–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Applications for New Awards; Personnel Development To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities—Preparation of Early Intervention and Special Education Personnel Serving Children With Disabilities Who Have High-Intensity Needs Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2023 for Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities— Preparation of Early Intervention and Special Education Personnel Serving Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.325K. This notice relates to the approved information collection under OMB control number 1820–0028. DATES: Applications Available: April 19, 2023. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 13, 2023. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 14, 2023. Pre-Application Webinar Information: No later than April 24, 2023, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services will post details on prerecorded informational webinars designed to provide technical assistance to interested applicants. Links to the webinars may be found at https:// www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/osep/ new-osep-grants.html. ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at www.federalregister.gov/documents/ 2022/12/07/2022-26554/commoninstructions-for-applicants-todepartment-of-education-discretionarygrant-programs. Please note that these Common Instructions supersede the lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Apr 18, 2023 Jkt 259001 version published on December 27, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sunyoung Ahn, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5013, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202–5076. Telephone: 202–987–0141. Email: Sunyoung.Ahn@ed.gov. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7–1–1. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Full Text of Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose of Program: The purposes of this program are to (1) help address State-identified needs for personnel preparation in early intervention, special education, related services, and regular education to work with children, including infants, toddlers, and youth, with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been determined through scientifically based research, to be successful in serving those children. Priorities: This competition includes one absolute priority and, within that absolute priority, one competitive preference priority. In accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(v), the absolute priority is from allowable activities specified in the statute (see sections 662 and 681 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. 1462 and 1481)). Absolute Priority: For FY 2023 and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications 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: Preparation of Early Intervention and Special Education Personnel Serving Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs. Background: The purpose of this priority is to prepare scholars who are fully credentialed to serve children, including infants, toddlers, and youth, with disabilities (children with disabilities) who have high-intensity needs.1 The Department is committed to 1 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘high-intensity needs’’ refers to a complex array of disabilities (e.g., multiple disabilities, significant cognitive disabilities, significant physical disabilities, significant sensory disabilities, significant autism, significant emotional disabilities, or significant learning disabilities, including dyslexia) or the needs of children with these disabilities requiring PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 24173 promoting equity for children with disabilities to access educational resources and opportunities, and a high priority for the Department is to increase the number of personnel, including increasing the number of multilingual personnel and personnel from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, who provide services to children with disabilities. To support these goals, under this absolute priority, the Department will fund high-quality projects that prepare early intervention and special education personnel at the bachelor’s degree, certification, master’s degree, or educational specialist degree levels for professional practice in a variety of education settings, including natural environments (the home and community settings in which children with and without disabilities participate), early childhood programs, classrooms, schools, and distance learning environments; including increasing the number of multilingual personnel and personnel from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. Projects will also prepare such personnel to support each child with a disability who has high-intensity needs in meeting high expectations and to have meaningful and effective collaborations with other providers, families, and administrators. For decades, State demand for fully credentialed early intervention and special education personnel to serve children with disabilities has persistently exceeded the available supply (Mason-Williams et al., 2020). The shortages have been exacerbated by the COVID–19 pandemic and are at a crisis point nationally. According to a recent survey by the National Center for Education Statistics, most schools reported starting the 2022–23 school year short-staffed for both instructional and non-instructional staff, with the most severe shortages for special education personnel (U.S. Department of Education, 2022). Recent data related to the special education personnel pipeline also indicate discouraging trends. Enrollment in educator preparation programs has dropped 35 percent over the last five years, foreshadowing an insufficient pipeline of special education personnel (Council of Administrators of Special Education, 2020). Also, special education personnel intensive, individualized intervention(s) (i.e., that are specifically designed to address persistent learning or behavior difficulties, implemented with greater frequency and for an extended duration than is commonly available in a typical classroom or early intervention setting, or which require personnel to have knowledge and skills in identifying and implementing multiple evidencebased interventions). E:\FR\FM\19APN1.SGM 19APN1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 24174 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 19, 2023 / Notices continue to leave the teaching profession at nearly twice the rate of their general education colleagues (Council of Administrators of Special Education, 2020). These shortages limit the field’s ability to ensure that each child can meet challenging objectives and receive an education that addresses individualized needs and is both meaningful and appropriately ambitious, which is essential for preparing them for the future. The need for personnel with the knowledge and skills to serve children with disabilities who have highintensity needs is even greater. To effectively serve children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs, personnel require specialized or advanced skills and knowledge to work within a multidisciplinary team, collaboratively design and deliver evidence-based instruction and intensive individualized intervention(s), and provide instruction and interventions in person and through distance learning technologies in natural environments, classrooms, and schools that address the needs of these individuals (Boe et al., 2013; Browder et al., 2014; McLeskey & Brownell, 2015). Personnel also need leadership skills to strengthen professional practice and cultural and linguistic competencies to effectively deliver services and education for children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs, including children who are multilingual and children who are from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. To enable personnel to provide efficient, high-quality, integrated, and equitable services, both in person and through distance learning technologies, personnel preparation programs need to embed, into preservice training in early intervention settings, early childhood programs, and schools; content, practices, and extensive field or clinical experiences that are evidence-based and culturally and linguistically responsive. Therefore, this priority aims to fund high-quality projects that prepare scholars in early intervention and special education, including multilingual scholars and scholars from racially, and ethnically diverse backgrounds, who are fully credentialed to enter the field and serve children with disabilities who have highintensity needs. Priority: The purpose of this priority is to increase the number and improve the quality of personnel, including multilingual personnel and personnel from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, who are fully credentialed to serve children who have high- VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Apr 18, 2023 Jkt 259001 intensity needs 2 in early intervention and special education. The priority will fund high-quality projects that prepare scholars 3 in early intervention and special education at the bachelor’s degree, certification,4 master’s degree, or educational specialist degree levels for professional practice in natural environments, early childhood programs, classrooms, school settings, and in distance learning environments serving children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs. Note: Projects may include individuals who are not funded as scholars, but are in degree programs (e.g., general education, early childhood education, administration) that are cooperating with the grantee’s project. These individuals may participate in the coursework, assignments, field or clinical experiences, and other opportunities required of scholars’ program of study (e.g., speaker series, monthly seminars) if doing so does not diminish the benefit for project-funded scholars (e.g., by reducing funds available for scholar support or limiting opportunities for scholars to participate in project activities). Note: Projects that partner with related services 5 programs to prepare 2 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘high-intensity needs’’ refers to a complex array of disabilities (e.g., multiple disabilities, significant cognitive disabilities, significant physical disabilities, significant sensory disabilities, significant autism, significant emotional disabilities, or significant learning disabilities, including dyslexia) or the needs of children with these disabilities requiring intensive, individualized intervention(s) (i.e., that are specifically designed to address persistent learning or behavior difficulties, implemented with greater frequency and for an extended duration than is commonly available in a typical classroom or early intervention setting, or which require personnel to have knowledge and skills in identifying and implementing multiple evidencebased interventions). 3 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘scholar’’ means an individual who: (a) is pursuing a bachelor’s, certification, master’s, or educational specialist degree in early intervention or special education; (b) receives scholarship assistance as authorized under section 662 of IDEA (34 CFR 304.3(g)); (c) will be eligible for a license, endorsement, or certification from a State or national credentialing authority following completion of the degree program identified in the application; and (d) will be able to be employed in a position that serves children with disabilities for a minimum of 51 percent of their time or case load. Individuals pursuing degrees in general education or early childhood education do not qualify as ‘‘scholars’’ eligible for scholarship assistance. 4 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘certification’’ refers to programs of study that lead to State licensure, endorsement, or certification that qualifies graduates to teach or provide services to children with disabilities. Programs of study that lead to a certificate of completion from the institution of higher education (IHE), but do not lead to State licensure, endorsement, or certification, do not qualify. 5 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘related services’’ includes: speech-language pathology and PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 early intervention or special education personnel can qualify under this priority. In such situations, scholars in the partnering related services degree program (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, or clinical doctorate degree) may receive scholar support to complete their related services degree. Degree programs across more than one institution of higher education (IHE) may partner together within a project. Personnel preparation degree programs that prepare all scholars to be dually certified, including dually certified in special education and a related service, can qualify under this priority. Note: Applications that propose to prepare only related services personnel are not eligible under this priority but can qualify under Preparation of Related Services Personnel Serving Children with Disabilities who have HighIntensity Needs priority (ALN 84.325R). Focus Areas: Within this absolute priority, the Secretary intends to support projects under the following two focus areas: (A) Preparing Personnel to Serve Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children with Disabilities who have HighIntensity Needs; and (B) Preparing Personnel to Serve School-Age Children with Disabilities who have HighIntensity Needs. Applicants must identify the specific focus area (i.e., A or B) under which they are applying as part of the competition title on the application cover sheet (SF 424, line 12). Applicants may not submit the same proposal under more than one focus area. Applicants may submit different proposals in different focus areas. Note: The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) may fund out of rank order high-quality applications to ensure that projects are funded in both Focus Area A and Focus Area B. Focus Area A: Preparing Personnel to Serve Infants, Toddlers, and PreschoolAge Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs. This focus area is for projects that prepare early intervention and special education personnel to provide services to infants, toddlers, and preschool children with disabilities. In States where certification in early intervention is combined with certification in early childhood special education, applicants may propose a combined early intervention and early childhood special education personnel audiology services; interpreting services; psychological services; applied behavior analysis; physical therapy and occupational therapy; recreation, including therapeutic recreation; social work services; counseling services, including rehabilitation counseling; and orientation and mobility services. E:\FR\FM\19APN1.SGM 19APN1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 19, 2023 / Notices preparation project under this focus area. In States where the certification age range is other than birth through five, applicants must propose a preparation project that complies with the State’s certification requirements for early intervention and early childhood special education personnel. Focus Area B: Preparing Personnel to Serve School-Age Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs. This focus area is for projects that prepare special education personnel to work with school-age children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs. Focus Areas A and B: Applicants may, but are not required to, use up to the first 12 months of the performance period and up to $100,000 of funds awarded in the first budget period for planning, including enhancing an existing program, without enrolling scholars. If an applicant chooses to use the first year for program planning, then the applicant must provide sufficient justification for requesting program planning time and include the goals, objectives, and intended outcomes of program planning in year one, a description of the proposed strategies and activities to be supported, and a timeline for the work. The proposed strategies may include activities such as— (1) Updating coursework, group assignments, or extensive and coordinated field or clinical experiences in early intervention settings, early childhood programs, and schools needed to support preparation for early intervention and special education personnel, including personnel from groups that are underrepresented in the field, including personnel with disabilities, multilingual personnel, and personnel from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, serving children with disabilities who have highintensity needs; (2) Building capacity (e.g., hiring a field supervisor, providing professional development for faculty and field supervisors) of the program to prepare scholars, including scholars from groups that are underrepresented in the field, including scholars with disabilities, multilingual scholars, and scholars from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, to serve children with disabilities with high-intensity needs and their families; (3) Purchasing needed resources (e.g., additional teaching supplies or specialized equipment to enhance instruction); or (4) Establishing relationships with early intervention and early childhood programs or schools to serve as sites for VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Apr 18, 2023 Jkt 259001 field or clinical experiences needed to support the project. These sites may include high-need local educational agencies (LEAs),6 high-poverty schools,7 schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement,8 and schools implementing a targeted support and improvement plan 9 for children with disabilities; early childhood and early intervention programs located within the geographic boundaries of a highneed LEA; and early childhood and early intervention programs located within the geographical boundaries of an LEA serving the highest percentage of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement or implementing targeted support and improvement plans in the State. Additional Federal funds may be requested for scholar support and other grant activities occurring in year one of the project, provided that the total request for year one does not exceed the maximum award available for one budget period of 12 months (i.e., $250,000). Note: Applicants proposing projects to develop, expand, or add a new area of emphasis to early intervention or special education programs must provide, in their applications, information on how these new areas will be sustained once Federal funding ends. Note: Project periods under this priority may be up to 60 months. 6 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘high-need LEA’’ means an LEA (a) that serves not fewer than 10,000 children from families with incomes below the poverty line; or (b) for which not less than 20 percent of the children are from families with incomes below the poverty line. 7 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘high-poverty school’’ means a school in which at least 50 percent of students are from low-income families as determined using one of the measures of poverty specified in section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). For middle and high schools, eligibility may be calculated on the basis of comparable data from feeder schools. Eligibility as a high-poverty school under this definition is determined on the basis of the most currently available data. 8 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘school implementing a comprehensive support and improvement plan’’ means a school identified for comprehensive support and improvement by a State under section 1111(c)(4)(D) of the ESEA that includes (a) not less than the lowest performing 5 percent of all schools in the State receiving funds under title I, part A of the ESEA; (b) all public high schools in the State failing to graduate one third or more of their students; and (c) public schools in the State described in section 1111(d)(3)(A)(i)(II) of the ESEA. 9 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘school implementing a targeted support and improvement plan’’ means a school identified for targeted support and improvement by a State that has developed and is implementing a school-level targeted support and improvement plan to improve student outcomes based on the indicators in the statewide accountability system defined in section 1111(d)(2) of the ESEA. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 24175 Projects should be designed to ensure that all proposed scholars successfully complete the program within 60 months from the start of the project. The Secretary may reduce continuation awards for any project in which scholar recruitment is not on track or scholars are not on track to complete the program within the project period. To be considered for funding under this absolute priority, all program applicants must meet the requirements contained in this priority. To meet the requirements of this priority an applicant must— (a) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under ‘‘Significance,’’ how— (1) The proposed project will address the need in the proposed preparation focus area to prepare personnel who are fully qualified to serve children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs; (2) The proposed project will increase the number of personnel in the proposed preparation focus area who demonstrate the competencies 10 needed to— (i) Promote high expectations and improve outcomes for children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs; (ii) Differentiate curriculum and instruction; (iii) Provide intensive, evidencebased 11 individualized instruction and interventions in person and through distance learning technologies in a variety of early intervention, early childhood, and school settings (e.g., natural environments; public schools, including charter schools; private schools; and other nonpublic education settings, including home education); (iv) Provide culturally and linguistically responsive instruction and services; (v) Collaborate with diverse partners, including multilingual individuals, individuals and families from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities, using a multidisciplinary team approach to address the individualized 10 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘competencies’’ means what a person knows and can do—the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively function in a role (National Professional Development Center on Inclusion, 2011). 11 For the purposes of this priority, ‘‘evidencebased’’ means, at a minimum, evidence that demonstrates a rationale (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1), where a key project component (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1) included in the project’s logic model (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1) is informed by research or evaluation findings that suggest the project component is likely to improve relevant outcomes (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1). E:\FR\FM\19APN1.SGM 19APN1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 24176 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 19, 2023 / Notices developmental, learning, and academic needs of children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs, and support their successful transitions from early childhood to elementary, elementary to secondary, or transition to postsecondary education and the workforce; and (vi) Exercise leadership to improve professional practice and services and education for children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs; and (3) The applicant has successfully graduated students in their program, including students with disabilities, multilingual students, and students who are from racially, and ethnically diverse backgrounds, including data disaggregated by disability status, race, national origin and primary language(s), and the number of students who have graduated in the last five years. (b) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under ‘‘Quality of project services,’’ how— (1) The project will conduct its planning activities, if the applicant will use any of the allowable first 12 months of the project period for planning; (2) The project will recruit and retain scholars. To meet this requirement, the applicant must describe— (i) The selection criteria the project will use to identify applicants for admission in the program; (ii) The specific recruitment strategies the project will use to attract applicants, including from groups that are underrepresented in the field, including applicants with disabilities, multilingual applicants, and applicants from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds to ensure a diverse pool of applicants; and Note: Applicants should engage in focused outreach and recruitment to increase the number of applicants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the field, including applicants with disabilities, multilingual applicants, and applicants from racial and ethnic diversity backgrounds, but the selection criteria the applicant intends to use must ensure equal access and treatment of all applicants seeking admission to the program and must be consistent with applicable law, including Federal civil rights law. (iii) The approach that will be used to mentor and support all scholars, and any specific approaches to supporting groups that are underrepresented in the field, including individuals with disabilities, multilingual scholars, and scholars from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, for retention and completion of the program within the project period and preparing them for VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Apr 18, 2023 Jkt 259001 careers in early intervention or special education; and (3) The project will be designed to promote the acquisition of the competencies needed by early intervention or special education personnel to support improved outcomes for children with disabilities with high-intensity needs. To address this requirement, the applicant must— (i) Describe how the proposed components, such as coursework; field or clinical experiences in early intervention, early childhood, and school settings; work-based experiences; or other opportunities provided to scholars, and sequence of the project components will enable the scholars to acquire the competencies needed by personnel working with children with disabilities with high-intensity needs; (ii) Describe how the proposed project will reflect current evidence-based practices (EBPs) to prepare scholars to provide effective and equitable evidence-based culturally and linguistically responsive instruction, interventions, and services that improve outcomes for children with disabilities with high-intensity needs, in a variety of educational or early childhood and early intervention settings, including inperson and remote settings; and (iii) Describe how the proposed project will engage partners, including: multilingual individuals and individuals and families from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds; public or private partnering agencies, schools, or programs; centers or organizations that provide services to children with disabilities and their families; and individuals with disabilities and their families, to inform and support project components. (c) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under ‘‘Quality of the project personnel and management plan,’’ how— (1) The project director and other key project personnel are qualified to prepare scholars in the project’s preparation focus area; (2) The project director and other key project personnel will manage the components of the project; and (3) The time commitments of the project director and other key project personnel are adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project. (d) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under ‘‘Adequacy of resources,’’ how— (1) Information regarding the types of accommodations and resources available to fully support scholars’ wellbeing and a work-life balance (e.g., university and community mental health supports, counseling services, PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 health resources, housing resources, child care) will be disseminated and how the project will support scholars to access those accommodations and resources in a timely basis, if needed, while the scholar is in the program; (2) The types of accommodations and resources provided to support scholars’ well-being and a work-life balance will be individualized based on scholars’ cultural, academic, and social emotional needs with the goal of supporting them to complete the program; and (3) The budget is adequate for meeting the project objectives and mitigating financial burden to scholars in completing the program of study. Note: Scholar support does not need to be uniform for all scholars and should be customized for individual scholars based on scholars’ financial needs, including consideration of all costs associated with the cost of attendance, even if that means enrolling fewer scholars. Scholar support can include support for cost of attendance (i.e., tuition and fees; university student health insurance; an allowance for books, materials, and supplies; an allowance for miscellaneous personal expenses; an allowance for dependent care, such as child care; and/or an allowance for room and board), travel in conjunction with training assignments including conference registration, and stipends to support scholars’ completion of the program. Projections for scholar support should consider tuition increases and cost of living increases over the project period. (e) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under ‘‘Quality of the project evaluation,’’ how the applicant will— (1) Evaluate how well the goals or objectives of the proposed project have been met. To meet this requirement, the applicant must describe— (i) The outcomes to be measured for both the project and the scholars, particularly the acquisition of scholars’ competencies; and (ii) The evaluation methodologies, data collection methods, and data analyses that will be used; and (2) Collect, analyze, and use data on scholars supported by the project to inform the project on an ongoing basis. (f) Demonstrate, in the appendices or narrative under ‘‘Required project assurances’’ as directed, that the following requirements are met. The applicant must— (1) Include in appendix A of the application— (i) Charts, tables, figures, graphs, screen shots, and visuals that provide information directly relating to the application requirements for the E:\FR\FM\19APN1.SGM 19APN1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 19, 2023 / Notices narrative. Appendix A should not be used for supplementary information. Please note that charts, tables, figures, graphs, and screen shots can be singlespaced when placed in appendix A; and (ii) A letter of support from a public or private partnering agency, school, or program, that states it will provide scholars with a field or clinical experience in a high-need LEA, a highpoverty school, a school implementing a comprehensive support and improvement plan, a school implementing a targeted support and improvement plan for children with disabilities, an SEA, an early childhood and early intervention program located within the geographical boundaries of a high-need LEA, or an early childhood and early intervention program located within the geographical boundaries of an LEA serving the highest percentage of schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement or implementing targeted support and improvement plans in the State; (2) Include in appendix B of the application— (i) A table that lists the project’s required coursework and includes the course title, brief description, learning goals, and relevant State or national professional organization personnel standards for each course; (ii) Four exemplar course syllabi required by the degree program that reflect EBPs across the areas of assessment; social, emotional, and behavior development and learning; inclusive practices; instructional strategies; and literacy as appropriate; (3) Include in the application budget attendance by the project director at a three-day project directors’ meeting in Washington, DC, during each year of the project; and (4) Provide an assurance that— (i) The project will meet the requirements in 34 CFR 304.23, particularly those related to (i) informing all scholarship recipients of their service obligation commitment; and (ii) disbursing scholarships. Failure by a grantee to properly meet these requirements is a violation of the grant award that may result in the grantee being liable for returning any misused funds to the Department; (ii) The project will meet the statutory requirements in section 662(e) through (h) of IDEA; (iii) The project will be operated in a manner consistent with nondiscrimination requirements contained in Federal civil rights laws; (iv) All the syllabi for the project’s required coursework will be provided if requested by OSEP; VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Apr 18, 2023 Jkt 259001 (v) At least 65 percent of the total award over the project period (i.e., up to 5 years) will be used for scholar support; (vi) Scholar support provided by the project (e.g., tuition and fees; university student health insurance; an allowance for books, materials, and supplies; an allowance for miscellaneous personal expenses; an allowance for dependent care, such as child care; and an allowance for room and board) is not based on the condition that the scholar work for the grantee (e.g., personnel at the IHE); (vii) The project director, key personnel, and scholars will actively participate in learning opportunities (e.g., webinars, briefings) supported by OSEP. This is intended to promote opportunities for participants to understand reporting requirements, share resources, and generate new knowledge by addressing topics of common interest to participants across projects including Department priorities and needs in the field; (viii) The project website, if applicable, will be of high quality, with an easy-to-navigate design that meets government or industry-recognized standards for accessibility; (ix) Scholar accomplishments (e.g., public service, awards, publications, conference presentations) will be reported in annual and final performance reports; and (x) Annual data will be submitted on each scholar who receives grant support (OMB Control Number 1820–0686). The primary purposes of the data collection are to track the service obligation fulfillment of scholars who receive funds from OSEP grants and to collect data for program performance measure reporting under 34 CFR 75.110. Data collection includes the submission of a signed, completed pre-scholarship agreement and exit certification for each scholar funded under an OSEP grant (see paragraph (f)(4)(i) of this priority). Applicants are encouraged to visit the Personnel Development Program Data Collection System website at https:// pdp.ed.gov/osep for further information about this data collection requirement. 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 3 points to an application that meets the Competitive Preference Priority. Applicants should indicate in the abstract if they are addressing the competitive preference priority. The priority is: PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 24177 Competitive Preference Priority— Applications from New Potential Grantees (0 or 3 points). (a) Under this priority, an applicant must demonstrate that the applicant (e.g., the IHE) has not had an active discretionary grant under the program from which it seeks funds, in the last five years before the deadline date for submission of applications under the 84.325K program. (b) For the purpose of this priority, a grant is active until the end of the grant’s project or funding period, including any extensions of those periods that extend the grantee’s authority to obligate funds. References: Boe, E. E., deBettencourt, L., Dewey, J. F., Rosenberg, M. S., Sindelar, P. T., & Leko, C. D. (2013). Variability in demand for special education teachers: Indicators, explanations, and impacts. Exceptionality, 21(2), 103–125. Browder, D. M., Wood, L., Thompson, J., & Ribuffo, C. (2014). Evidence-based practices for students with severe disabilities (Document No. IC–3). https:// ceedar.education.ufl.edu/tool/ innovation-configurations/. Council of Administrators of Special Education (2020). Proceedings of Special Education Legislative Summit 2020. https://exceptionalchildren.org/sites/ default/files/2020-07/AllBriefs_2020.pdf. Mason-Williams, L., Bettini, E., Peyton, D., Harvey, A., Rosenberg, M., & Sindelar, P. T. (2020). Rethinking shortages in special education: Making good on the promise of an equal opportunity for students with disabilities. Teacher Education and Special Education, 43(1), 45–62. McLeskey, J., & Brownell, M. (2015). Highleverage practices and teacher preparation in special education (Document No. PR–1). https:// ceedar.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/ uploads/2016/05/High-LeveragePractices-and-Teacher-Preparation-inSpecial-Education.pdf. National Professional Development Center on Inclusion. (August, 2011). Competencies for early childhood educators in the context of inclusion: Issues and guidance for States. The University of North Carolina, FPG Child Development Institute. U.S. Department of Education. (2022). Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics. School Pulse Panel (2021–22). https://ies.ed.gov/ schoolsurvey/spp/. 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. Section 681(d) of IDEA, however, makes the public comment requirements of the APA inapplicable to the priorities in this notice. E:\FR\FM\19APN1.SGM 19APN1 24178 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 19, 2023 / Notices Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1462 and 1481. Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in Federal civil rights laws. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations 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 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. (d) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 304. Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs only. II. Award Information Type of Award: Discretionary grants. Estimated Available Funds: $6,750,000. Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2024 from the list of unfunded applications from this competition. Estimated Range of Awards: $200,000–$250,000 per year. Estimated Average Size of Awards: $225,000 per year. Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $250,000 for a single budget period of 12 months. Estimated Number of Awards: 27. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Project Period: Up to 60 months. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are IHEs and private nonprofit organizations. Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, you may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from a State taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the applicant’s VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:21 Apr 18, 2023 Jkt 259001 certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4) any item described above if that item applies to a State or national parent organization, together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate. 2.a. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing or matching is not required for this competition. b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a training indirect cost rate. This limits indirect cost reimbursement to an entity’s actual indirect costs, as determined in its negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, or eight percent of a modified total direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more information regarding training indirect cost rates, see 34 CFR 75.562. For more information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated indirect cost rate, please see https:// www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/ intro.html. c. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform Guidance. 3. Subgrantees: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c), a grantee under this competition may award subgrants—to directly carry out project activities described in its application—to the following types of entities: IHEs, nonprofit organizations suitable to carry out the activities proposed in the application, and public agencies. The grantee may award subgrants to entities it has identified in an approved application or that it selects through a competition under procedures established by the grantee, consistent with 34 CFR 75.708(b)(2). 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. Applicants for, and recipients of, funding must, with respect to the aspects of their proposed project relating to the absolute priority, 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). PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at www.federalregister.gov/ content/pkg/FR–2022–12–07/pdf/2022– 26554.pdf, which contain requirements and information on how to submit an application. Please note that these Common Instructions supersede the version published on December 27, 2021. 2. 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 is in the application package for this competition. 3. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice. 4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the application narrative to no more than 40 pages; (2) limit the whole application to no more than 100 pages; and (3) use 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. The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; 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 recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative, including all text in charts, tables, figures, graphs, and screen shots. E:\FR\FM\19APN1.SGM 19APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 19, 2023 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 V. Application Review Information 1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition are from 34 CFR 75.210 and are as follows: (a) Significance (10 points). (1) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed project. (2) In determining the significance of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors: (i) The extent to which the proposed project will prepare personnel for fields in which shortages have been demonstrated; and (ii) The importance or magnitude of the results or outcomes likely to be attained by the proposed project, especially improvements in teaching and student achievement. (b) Quality of project services (35 points). (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project. (2) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors: (i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project reflect up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice; (ii) The extent to which the training or professional development services to be provided by the proposed project are of sufficient quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice among the recipients of those services; (iii) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for maximizing the effectiveness of project services; and (iv) The extent to which the proposed activities constitute a coherent, sustained program of training in the field. (c) Quality of project personnel and quality of the management plan (20 points). (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project personnel and the quality of the management plan. (2) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Apr 18, 2023 Jkt 259001 traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors: (i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel; (ii) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks; and (iii) The extent to which the time commitments of the project director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project. (d) Adequacy of resources (20 points). (1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources of the proposed project. (2) In determining the adequacy of resources of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors: (i) The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization or the lead applicant organization; and (ii) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project. (e) Quality of the project evaluation (15 points). (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed project. (2) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors: (i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project; and (ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 24179 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 (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. 4. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 200.206, before awarding grants under this competition the Department conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 200.208, the Secretary may impose specific conditions, and under 2 CFR 3474.10, 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. 5. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this competition to receive an award that over the course of the project period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), under 2 CFR 200.206(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards—that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant—before we make an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that is in the E:\FR\FM\19APN1.SGM 19APN1 24180 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 19, 2023 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 integrity and performance system (currently referred to as the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)), accessible through the System for Award Management. You may review and comment on any information about yourself that a Federal agency previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS. Please note that, if the total value of your currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 200, appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2 CFR part 200, appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal funds you receive exceed $10,000,000. 6. In General: In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department will review and consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice inviting applications in accordance with— (a) Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR 200.205); (b) Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 115—232) (2 CFR 200.216); (c) Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR 200.322); and (d) Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR 200.340). 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Apr 18, 2023 Jkt 259001 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. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. Additionally, a grantee that is awarded competitive grant funds must have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. This dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR 3474.20. 4. 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. 5. Performance Measures: For the purposes of Department reporting under 34 CFR 75.110, the Department has PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program. These measures include (1) the percentage of preparation programs that incorporate scientifically based practices or EBPs into their curricula; (2) the percentage of scholars completing the preparation program who are knowledgeable and skilled in EBPs that improve outcomes for children with disabilities; (3) the percentage of scholars who exit the preparation program prior to completion due to poor academic performance; (4) the percentage of scholars completing the preparation program who are working in the area(s) in which they were prepared upon program completion; (5) the Federal cost per scholar who completed the preparation program; (6) the percentage of scholars who completed the preparation program and are employed in high-need districts; and (7) the percentage of scholars who completed the preparation program and who are rated effective by their employers. In addition, the Department will gather information on the following outcome measures: the number and percentage of scholars proposed by the grantee in their application that were actually enrolled and making satisfactory academic progress in the current academic year; the number and percentage of enrolled scholars who are on track to complete the training program by the end of the project’s original grant period; and the percentage of scholars who completed the preparation program and are employed in the field of special education for at least two years. Grantees may be asked to participate in assessing and providing information on these aspects of program quality. 6. 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, whether the grantee has made substantial progress in achieving 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 E:\FR\FM\19APN1.SGM 19APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 19, 2023 / Notices 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. Other Information Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format. Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. 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 Portable Document Format (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. Katherine Neas, Deputy Assistant Secretary. Delegated the authority to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. [FR Doc. 2023–08249 Filed 4–18–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION Notice of Federal Advisory Committee Charter Renewals U.S. Election Assistance Commission. ACTION: Notice of Federal Advisory Committee Charter renewals. Standards Board, the Technical Guidelines Development Committee, and Local Leadership Council for a twoyear period through April 13, 2025. The Board of Advisors, the Standards Board, and the Technical Guidelines Development Committee are federal advisory committees under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and created by the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The Local Leadership Council is a discretionary federal advisory committee, established by the EAC on June 8, 2021. DATES: Renewed through April 13, 2025. ADDRESSES: Election Assistance Commission, 633 3rd Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001. To Obtain a Copy of the Charters: A complete copy of the Charters are available from the EAC in electronic format. An electronic copy can be downloaded in PDF format on the EAC’s website, https://www.eac.gov. In order to obtain a paper copy of the Charters, please mail your request to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission FACA Boards Management at 633 3rd Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristen Muthig, Telephone: (202) 897– 9285, Email: kmuthig@eac.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board of Advisors, the Standards Board, and the Technical Guidelines Development Committee are Federal advisory committees created by statute whose mission is to advise the EAC through review of the voluntary voting systems guidelines, review of voluntary guidance, and review of best practices recommendations. The Local Leadership Council is a discretionary advisory committee and is made up of 100 local election officials who are current or former officers in each state’s local election official association. In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92–463, as amended, this notice advises interested persons of the renewal of these Charters. Camden Kelliher, Associate Counsel, U.S. Election Assistance Commission. [FR Doc. 2023–08215 Filed 4–18–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 AGENCY: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the purpose of this notice is to announce that the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has renewed the charters for the Board of Advisors, the SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Apr 18, 2023 Jkt 259001 21st Century Energy Workforce Advisory Board Office of Energy Jobs, Office of Policy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of establishment. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 24181 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) announces the establishment of the 21st Century Energy Workforce Advisory Board (EWAB), pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (hereafter, ‘‘IIJA’’), and in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), and the rules and regulations in implementation of that Act. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Piper O’Keefe, Designated Federal Officer, Office of Energy Jobs, Office of Policy, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585 at (202) 809–5110, or piper.o’keefe@hq.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As detailed in its Charter, EWAB will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on a strategy for the Department to support and develop a skilled energy workforce that meets the current and future industry and labor needs of the energy sector; provides opportunities for students to become qualified for placement in traditional energy sector and emerging energy sector jobs; identifies areas in which the Department can effectively utilize the technical expertise of the Department to support the workforce activities of other Federal agencies; strengthens and engages the workforce training programs of the Department and the National Laboratories in carrying out the Equity in Energy Initiative of the Department and other Department workforce priorities; develops plans to support and retrain displaced and unemployed energy sector workers; and prioritizes education and job training for underrepresented groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, Indian Tribes, women, veterans, and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. EWAB will also analyze the effectiveness of existing Departmentdirected support and existing energy workforce training programs. The Advisory Board shall submit an annual report containing its findings and proposed energy workforce strategy to the Secretary, as described in section 18744(c) of IIJA. Pursuant to section 18744(b) of IIJA, the Advisory Board shall be composed of not fewer than 10 and not more than 15 members, who are appointed by the Secretary of Energy. Board members will be appointed for two- or three-year terms and may be reappointed during the membership renewal period following review. The EWAB will meet bi-monthly. When vacancies occur, the Secretary of Energy will identify SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\19APN1.SGM 19APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24173-24181]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-08249]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Applications for New Awards; Personnel Development To Improve 
Services and Results for Children With Disabilities--Preparation of 
Early Intervention and Special Education Personnel Serving Children 
With Disabilities Who Have High-Intensity Needs

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice 
inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2023 for 
Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with 
Disabilities--Preparation of Early Intervention and Special Education 
Personnel Serving Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity 
Needs, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.325K. This notice relates to 
the approved information collection under OMB control number 1820-0028.

DATES: 
    Applications Available: April 19, 2023.
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 13, 2023.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 14, 2023.
    Pre-Application Webinar Information: No later than April 24, 2023, 
the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services will post 
details on pre-recorded informational webinars designed to provide 
technical assistance to interested applicants. Links to the webinars 
may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/osep/new-osep-grants.html.

ADDRESSES: For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an 
application, please refer to our Common Instructions for Applicants to 
Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the 
Federal Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at 
www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/12/07/2022-26554/common-instructions-for-applicants-to-department-of-education-discretionary-grant-programs. Please note that these Common Instructions supersede 
the version published on December 27, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sunyoung Ahn, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5013, Potomac Center Plaza, 
Washington, DC 20202-5076. Telephone: 202-987-0141. Email: 
[email protected].
    If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and 
wish to access telecommunications relay services, please dial 7-1-1.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The purposes of this program are to (1) help 
address State-identified needs for personnel preparation in early 
intervention, special education, related services, and regular 
education to work with children, including infants, toddlers, and 
youth, with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the 
necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been 
determined through scientifically based research, to be successful in 
serving those children.
    Priorities: This competition includes one absolute priority and, 
within that absolute priority, one competitive preference priority. In 
accordance with 34 CFR 75.105(b)(2)(v), the absolute priority is from 
allowable activities specified in the statute (see sections 662 and 681 
of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. 
1462 and 1481)).
    Absolute Priority: For FY 2023 and any subsequent year in which we 
make awards from the list of unfunded applications 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:
    Preparation of Early Intervention and Special Education Personnel 
Serving Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs.
    Background:
    The purpose of this priority is to prepare scholars who are fully 
credentialed to serve children, including infants, toddlers, and youth, 
with disabilities (children with disabilities) who have high-intensity 
needs.\1\ The Department is committed to promoting equity for children 
with disabilities to access educational resources and opportunities, 
and a high priority for the Department is to increase the number of 
personnel, including increasing the number of multilingual personnel 
and personnel from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, who 
provide services to children with disabilities. To support these goals, 
under this absolute priority, the Department will fund high-quality 
projects that prepare early intervention and special education 
personnel at the bachelor's degree, certification, master's degree, or 
educational specialist degree levels for professional practice in a 
variety of education settings, including natural environments (the home 
and community settings in which children with and without disabilities 
participate), early childhood programs, classrooms, schools, and 
distance learning environments; including increasing the number of 
multilingual personnel and personnel from racially and ethnically 
diverse backgrounds. Projects will also prepare such personnel to 
support each child with a disability who has high-intensity needs in 
meeting high expectations and to have meaningful and effective 
collaborations with other providers, families, and administrators.
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    \1\ For the purposes of this priority, ``high-intensity needs'' 
refers to a complex array of disabilities (e.g., multiple 
disabilities, significant cognitive disabilities, significant 
physical disabilities, significant sensory disabilities, significant 
autism, significant emotional disabilities, or significant learning 
disabilities, including dyslexia) or the needs of children with 
these disabilities requiring intensive, individualized 
intervention(s) (i.e., that are specifically designed to address 
persistent learning or behavior difficulties, implemented with 
greater frequency and for an extended duration than is commonly 
available in a typical classroom or early intervention setting, or 
which require personnel to have knowledge and skills in identifying 
and implementing multiple evidence-based interventions).
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    For decades, State demand for fully credentialed early intervention 
and special education personnel to serve children with disabilities has 
persistently exceeded the available supply (Mason-Williams et al., 
2020). The shortages have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and 
are at a crisis point nationally. According to a recent survey by the 
National Center for Education Statistics, most schools reported 
starting the 2022-23 school year short-staffed for both instructional 
and non-instructional staff, with the most severe shortages for special 
education personnel (U.S. Department of Education, 2022). Recent data 
related to the special education personnel pipeline also indicate 
discouraging trends. Enrollment in educator preparation programs has 
dropped 35 percent over the last five years, foreshadowing an 
insufficient pipeline of special education personnel (Council of 
Administrators of Special Education, 2020). Also, special education 
personnel

[[Page 24174]]

continue to leave the teaching profession at nearly twice the rate of 
their general education colleagues (Council of Administrators of 
Special Education, 2020). These shortages limit the field's ability to 
ensure that each child can meet challenging objectives and receive an 
education that addresses individualized needs and is both meaningful 
and appropriately ambitious, which is essential for preparing them for 
the future.
    The need for personnel with the knowledge and skills to serve 
children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs is even 
greater. To effectively serve children with disabilities who have high-
intensity needs, personnel require specialized or advanced skills and 
knowledge to work within a multidisciplinary team, collaboratively 
design and deliver evidence-based instruction and intensive 
individualized intervention(s), and provide instruction and 
interventions in person and through distance learning technologies in 
natural environments, classrooms, and schools that address the needs of 
these individuals (Boe et al., 2013; Browder et al., 2014; McLeskey & 
Brownell, 2015). Personnel also need leadership skills to strengthen 
professional practice and cultural and linguistic competencies to 
effectively deliver services and education for children with 
disabilities who have high-intensity needs, including children who are 
multilingual and children who are from racially and ethnically diverse 
backgrounds.
    To enable personnel to provide efficient, high-quality, integrated, 
and equitable services, both in person and through distance learning 
technologies, personnel preparation programs need to embed, into 
preservice training in early intervention settings, early childhood 
programs, and schools; content, practices, and extensive field or 
clinical experiences that are evidence-based and culturally and 
linguistically responsive. Therefore, this priority aims to fund high-
quality projects that prepare scholars in early intervention and 
special education, including multilingual scholars and scholars from 
racially, and ethnically diverse backgrounds, who are fully 
credentialed to enter the field and serve children with disabilities 
who have high-intensity needs.
    Priority:
    The purpose of this priority is to increase the number and improve 
the quality of personnel, including multilingual personnel and 
personnel from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, who are 
fully credentialed to serve children who have high-intensity needs \2\ 
in early intervention and special education. The priority will fund 
high-quality projects that prepare scholars \3\ in early intervention 
and special education at the bachelor's degree, certification,\4\ 
master's degree, or educational specialist degree levels for 
professional practice in natural environments, early childhood 
programs, classrooms, school settings, and in distance learning 
environments serving children with disabilities who have high-intensity 
needs.
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    \2\ For the purposes of this priority, ``high-intensity needs'' 
refers to a complex array of disabilities (e.g., multiple 
disabilities, significant cognitive disabilities, significant 
physical disabilities, significant sensory disabilities, significant 
autism, significant emotional disabilities, or significant learning 
disabilities, including dyslexia) or the needs of children with 
these disabilities requiring intensive, individualized 
intervention(s) (i.e., that are specifically designed to address 
persistent learning or behavior difficulties, implemented with 
greater frequency and for an extended duration than is commonly 
available in a typical classroom or early intervention setting, or 
which require personnel to have knowledge and skills in identifying 
and implementing multiple evidence-based interventions).
    \3\ For the purposes of this priority, ``scholar'' means an 
individual who: (a) is pursuing a bachelor's, certification, 
master's, or educational specialist degree in early intervention or 
special education; (b) receives scholarship assistance as authorized 
under section 662 of IDEA (34 CFR 304.3(g)); (c) will be eligible 
for a license, endorsement, or certification from a State or 
national credentialing authority following completion of the degree 
program identified in the application; and (d) will be able to be 
employed in a position that serves children with disabilities for a 
minimum of 51 percent of their time or case load. Individuals 
pursuing degrees in general education or early childhood education 
do not qualify as ``scholars'' eligible for scholarship assistance.
    \4\ For the purposes of this priority, ``certification'' refers 
to programs of study that lead to State licensure, endorsement, or 
certification that qualifies graduates to teach or provide services 
to children with disabilities. Programs of study that lead to a 
certificate of completion from the institution of higher education 
(IHE), but do not lead to State licensure, endorsement, or 
certification, do not qualify.
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    Note: Projects may include individuals who are not funded as 
scholars, but are in degree programs (e.g., general education, early 
childhood education, administration) that are cooperating with the 
grantee's project. These individuals may participate in the coursework, 
assignments, field or clinical experiences, and other opportunities 
required of scholars' program of study (e.g., speaker series, monthly 
seminars) if doing so does not diminish the benefit for project-funded 
scholars (e.g., by reducing funds available for scholar support or 
limiting opportunities for scholars to participate in project 
activities).
    Note: Projects that partner with related services \5\ programs to 
prepare early intervention or special education personnel can qualify 
under this priority. In such situations, scholars in the partnering 
related services degree program (e.g., bachelor's, master's, or 
clinical doctorate degree) may receive scholar support to complete 
their related services degree. Degree programs across more than one 
institution of higher education (IHE) may partner together within a 
project. Personnel preparation degree programs that prepare all 
scholars to be dually certified, including dually certified in special 
education and a related service, can qualify under this priority.
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    \5\ For the purposes of this priority, ``related services'' 
includes: speech-language pathology and audiology services; 
interpreting services; psychological services; applied behavior 
analysis; physical therapy and occupational therapy; recreation, 
including therapeutic recreation; social work services; counseling 
services, including rehabilitation counseling; and orientation and 
mobility services.
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    Note: Applications that propose to prepare only related services 
personnel are not eligible under this priority but can qualify under 
Preparation of Related Services Personnel Serving Children with 
Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs priority (ALN 84.325R).
    Focus Areas:
    Within this absolute priority, the Secretary intends to support 
projects under the following two focus areas: (A) Preparing Personnel 
to Serve Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children with 
Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs; and (B) Preparing Personnel 
to Serve School-Age Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity 
Needs.
    Applicants must identify the specific focus area (i.e., A or B) 
under which they are applying as part of the competition title on the 
application cover sheet (SF 424, line 12). Applicants may not submit 
the same proposal under more than one focus area. Applicants may submit 
different proposals in different focus areas.
    Note: The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) may fund out 
of rank order high-quality applications to ensure that projects are 
funded in both Focus Area A and Focus Area B.
    Focus Area A: Preparing Personnel to Serve Infants, Toddlers, and 
Preschool-Age Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs. 
This focus area is for projects that prepare early intervention and 
special education personnel to provide services to infants, toddlers, 
and preschool children with disabilities. In States where certification 
in early intervention is combined with certification in early childhood 
special education, applicants may propose a combined early intervention 
and early childhood special education personnel

[[Page 24175]]

preparation project under this focus area. In States where the 
certification age range is other than birth through five, applicants 
must propose a preparation project that complies with the State's 
certification requirements for early intervention and early childhood 
special education personnel.
    Focus Area B: Preparing Personnel to Serve School-Age Children with 
Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs. This focus area is for 
projects that prepare special education personnel to work with school-
age children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs.
    Focus Areas A and B:
    Applicants may, but are not required to, use up to the first 12 
months of the performance period and up to $100,000 of funds awarded in 
the first budget period for planning, including enhancing an existing 
program, without enrolling scholars. If an applicant chooses to use the 
first year for program planning, then the applicant must provide 
sufficient justification for requesting program planning time and 
include the goals, objectives, and intended outcomes of program 
planning in year one, a description of the proposed strategies and 
activities to be supported, and a timeline for the work. The proposed 
strategies may include activities such as--
    (1) Updating coursework, group assignments, or extensive and 
coordinated field or clinical experiences in early intervention 
settings, early childhood programs, and schools needed to support 
preparation for early intervention and special education personnel, 
including personnel from groups that are underrepresented in the field, 
including personnel with disabilities, multilingual personnel, and 
personnel from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, serving 
children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs;
    (2) Building capacity (e.g., hiring a field supervisor, providing 
professional development for faculty and field supervisors) of the 
program to prepare scholars, including scholars from groups that are 
underrepresented in the field, including scholars with disabilities, 
multilingual scholars, and scholars from racially and ethnically 
diverse backgrounds, to serve children with disabilities with high-
intensity needs and their families;
    (3) Purchasing needed resources (e.g., additional teaching supplies 
or specialized equipment to enhance instruction); or
    (4) Establishing relationships with early intervention and early 
childhood programs or schools to serve as sites for field or clinical 
experiences needed to support the project. These sites may include 
high-need local educational agencies (LEAs),\6\ high-poverty 
schools,\7\ schools identified for comprehensive support and 
improvement,\8\ and schools implementing a targeted support and 
improvement plan \9\ for children with disabilities; early childhood 
and early intervention programs located within the geographic 
boundaries of a high-need LEA; and early childhood and early 
intervention programs located within the geographical boundaries of an 
LEA serving the highest percentage of schools identified for 
comprehensive support and improvement or implementing targeted support 
and improvement plans in the State.
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    \6\ For the purposes of this priority, ``high-need LEA'' means 
an LEA (a) that serves not fewer than 10,000 children from families 
with incomes below the poverty line; or (b) for which not less than 
20 percent of the children are from families with incomes below the 
poverty line.
    \7\ For the purposes of this priority, ``high-poverty school'' 
means a school in which at least 50 percent of students are from 
low-income families as determined using one of the measures of 
poverty specified in section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). For middle and 
high schools, eligibility may be calculated on the basis of 
comparable data from feeder schools. Eligibility as a high-poverty 
school under this definition is determined on the basis of the most 
currently available data.
    \8\ For the purposes of this priority, ``school implementing a 
comprehensive support and improvement plan'' means a school 
identified for comprehensive support and improvement by a State 
under section 1111(c)(4)(D) of the ESEA that includes (a) not less 
than the lowest performing 5 percent of all schools in the State 
receiving funds under title I, part A of the ESEA; (b) all public 
high schools in the State failing to graduate one third or more of 
their students; and (c) public schools in the State described in 
section 1111(d)(3)(A)(i)(II) of the ESEA.
    \9\ For the purposes of this priority, ``school implementing a 
targeted support and improvement plan'' means a school identified 
for targeted support and improvement by a State that has developed 
and is implementing a school-level targeted support and improvement 
plan to improve student outcomes based on the indicators in the 
statewide accountability system defined in section 1111(d)(2) of the 
ESEA.
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    Additional Federal funds may be requested for scholar support and 
other grant activities occurring in year one of the project, provided 
that the total request for year one does not exceed the maximum award 
available for one budget period of 12 months (i.e., $250,000).
    Note: Applicants proposing projects to develop, expand, or add a 
new area of emphasis to early intervention or special education 
programs must provide, in their applications, information on how these 
new areas will be sustained once Federal funding ends.
    Note: Project periods under this priority may be up to 60 months. 
Projects should be designed to ensure that all proposed scholars 
successfully complete the program within 60 months from the start of 
the project. The Secretary may reduce continuation awards for any 
project in which scholar recruitment is not on track or scholars are 
not on track to complete the program within the project period.
    To be considered for funding under this absolute priority, all 
program applicants must meet the requirements contained in this 
priority.
    To meet the requirements of this priority an applicant must--
    (a) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under 
``Significance,'' how--
    (1) The proposed project will address the need in the proposed 
preparation focus area to prepare personnel who are fully qualified to 
serve children with disabilities who have high-intensity needs;
    (2) The proposed project will increase the number of personnel in 
the proposed preparation focus area who demonstrate the competencies 
\10\ needed to--
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ For the purposes of this priority, ``competencies'' means 
what a person knows and can do--the knowledge, skills, and 
dispositions necessary to effectively function in a role (National 
Professional Development Center on Inclusion, 2011).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) Promote high expectations and improve outcomes for children 
with disabilities who have high-intensity needs;
    (ii) Differentiate curriculum and instruction;
    (iii) Provide intensive, evidence-based \11\ individualized 
instruction and interventions in person and through distance learning 
technologies in a variety of early intervention, early childhood, and 
school settings (e.g., natural environments; public schools, including 
charter schools; private schools; and other nonpublic education 
settings, including home education);
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ For the purposes of this priority, ``evidence-based'' 
means, at a minimum, evidence that demonstrates a rationale (as 
defined in 34 CFR 77.1), where a key project component (as defined 
in 34 CFR 77.1) included in the project's logic model (as defined in 
34 CFR 77.1) is informed by research or evaluation findings that 
suggest the project component is likely to improve relevant outcomes 
(as defined in 34 CFR 77.1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (iv) Provide culturally and linguistically responsive instruction 
and services;
    (v) Collaborate with diverse partners, including multilingual 
individuals, individuals and families from racially and ethnically 
diverse backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities, using a 
multidisciplinary team approach to address the individualized

[[Page 24176]]

developmental, learning, and academic needs of children with 
disabilities who have high-intensity needs, and support their 
successful transitions from early childhood to elementary, elementary 
to secondary, or transition to postsecondary education and the 
workforce; and
    (vi) Exercise leadership to improve professional practice and 
services and education for children with disabilities who have high-
intensity needs; and
    (3) The applicant has successfully graduated students in their 
program, including students with disabilities, multilingual students, 
and students who are from racially, and ethnically diverse backgrounds, 
including data disaggregated by disability status, race, national 
origin and primary language(s), and the number of students who have 
graduated in the last five years.
    (b) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under 
``Quality of project services,'' how--
    (1) The project will conduct its planning activities, if the 
applicant will use any of the allowable first 12 months of the project 
period for planning;
    (2) The project will recruit and retain scholars. To meet this 
requirement, the applicant must describe--
    (i) The selection criteria the project will use to identify 
applicants for admission in the program;
    (ii) The specific recruitment strategies the project will use to 
attract applicants, including from groups that are underrepresented in 
the field, including applicants with disabilities, multilingual 
applicants, and applicants from racially and ethnically diverse 
backgrounds to ensure a diverse pool of applicants; and
    Note: Applicants should engage in focused outreach and recruitment 
to increase the number of applicants from groups that are traditionally 
underrepresented in the field, including applicants with disabilities, 
multilingual applicants, and applicants from racial and ethnic 
diversity backgrounds, but the selection criteria the applicant intends 
to use must ensure equal access and treatment of all applicants seeking 
admission to the program and must be consistent with applicable law, 
including Federal civil rights law.
    (iii) The approach that will be used to mentor and support all 
scholars, and any specific approaches to supporting groups that are 
underrepresented in the field, including individuals with disabilities, 
multilingual scholars, and scholars from racially and ethnically 
diverse backgrounds, for retention and completion of the program within 
the project period and preparing them for careers in early intervention 
or special education; and
    (3) The project will be designed to promote the acquisition of the 
competencies needed by early intervention or special education 
personnel to support improved outcomes for children with disabilities 
with high-intensity needs. To address this requirement, the applicant 
must--
    (i) Describe how the proposed components, such as coursework; field 
or clinical experiences in early intervention, early childhood, and 
school settings; work-based experiences; or other opportunities 
provided to scholars, and sequence of the project components will 
enable the scholars to acquire the competencies needed by personnel 
working with children with disabilities with high-intensity needs;
    (ii) Describe how the proposed project will reflect current 
evidence-based practices (EBPs) to prepare scholars to provide 
effective and equitable evidence-based culturally and linguistically 
responsive instruction, interventions, and services that improve 
outcomes for children with disabilities with high-intensity needs, in a 
variety of educational or early childhood and early intervention 
settings, including in-person and remote settings; and
    (iii) Describe how the proposed project will engage partners, 
including: multilingual individuals and individuals and families from 
racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds; public or private 
partnering agencies, schools, or programs; centers or organizations 
that provide services to children with disabilities and their families; 
and individuals with disabilities and their families, to inform and 
support project components.
    (c) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under 
``Quality of the project personnel and management plan,'' how--
    (1) The project director and other key project personnel are 
qualified to prepare scholars in the project's preparation focus area;
    (2) The project director and other key project personnel will 
manage the components of the project; and
    (3) The time commitments of the project director and other key 
project personnel are adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed 
project.
    (d) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under 
``Adequacy of resources,'' how--
    (1) Information regarding the types of accommodations and resources 
available to fully support scholars' well-being and a work-life balance 
(e.g., university and community mental health supports, counseling 
services, health resources, housing resources, child care) will be 
disseminated and how the project will support scholars to access those 
accommodations and resources in a timely basis, if needed, while the 
scholar is in the program;
    (2) The types of accommodations and resources provided to support 
scholars' well-being and a work-life balance will be individualized 
based on scholars' cultural, academic, and social emotional needs with 
the goal of supporting them to complete the program; and
    (3) The budget is adequate for meeting the project objectives and 
mitigating financial burden to scholars in completing the program of 
study.
    Note: Scholar support does not need to be uniform for all scholars 
and should be customized for individual scholars based on scholars' 
financial needs, including consideration of all costs associated with 
the cost of attendance, even if that means enrolling fewer scholars. 
Scholar support can include support for cost of attendance (i.e., 
tuition and fees; university student health insurance; an allowance for 
books, materials, and supplies; an allowance for miscellaneous personal 
expenses; an allowance for dependent care, such as child care; and/or 
an allowance for room and board), travel in conjunction with training 
assignments including conference registration, and stipends to support 
scholars' completion of the program. Projections for scholar support 
should consider tuition increases and cost of living increases over the 
project period.
    (e) Demonstrate, in the narrative section of the application under 
``Quality of the project evaluation,'' how the applicant will--
    (1) Evaluate how well the goals or objectives of the proposed 
project have been met. To meet this requirement, the applicant must 
describe--
    (i) The outcomes to be measured for both the project and the 
scholars, particularly the acquisition of scholars' competencies; and
    (ii) The evaluation methodologies, data collection methods, and 
data analyses that will be used; and
    (2) Collect, analyze, and use data on scholars supported by the 
project to inform the project on an ongoing basis.
    (f) Demonstrate, in the appendices or narrative under ``Required 
project assurances'' as directed, that the following requirements are 
met. The applicant must--
    (1) Include in appendix A of the application--
    (i) Charts, tables, figures, graphs, screen shots, and visuals that 
provide information directly relating to the application requirements 
for the

[[Page 24177]]

narrative. Appendix A should not be used for supplementary information. 
Please note that charts, tables, figures, graphs, and screen shots can 
be single-spaced when placed in appendix A; and
    (ii) A letter of support from a public or private partnering 
agency, school, or program, that states it will provide scholars with a 
field or clinical experience in a high-need LEA, a high-poverty school, 
a school implementing a comprehensive support and improvement plan, a 
school implementing a targeted support and improvement plan for 
children with disabilities, an SEA, an early childhood and early 
intervention program located within the geographical boundaries of a 
high-need LEA, or an early childhood and early intervention program 
located within the geographical boundaries of an LEA serving the 
highest percentage of schools identified for comprehensive support and 
improvement or implementing targeted support and improvement plans in 
the State;
    (2) Include in appendix B of the application--
    (i) A table that lists the project's required coursework and 
includes the course title, brief description, learning goals, and 
relevant State or national professional organization personnel 
standards for each course;
    (ii) Four exemplar course syllabi required by the degree program 
that reflect EBPs across the areas of assessment; social, emotional, 
and behavior development and learning; inclusive practices; 
instructional strategies; and literacy as appropriate;
    (3) Include in the application budget attendance by the project 
director at a three-day project directors' meeting in Washington, DC, 
during each year of the project; and
    (4) Provide an assurance that--
    (i) The project will meet the requirements in 34 CFR 304.23, 
particularly those related to (i) informing all scholarship recipients 
of their service obligation commitment; and (ii) disbursing 
scholarships. Failure by a grantee to properly meet these requirements 
is a violation of the grant award that may result in the grantee being 
liable for returning any misused funds to the Department;
    (ii) The project will meet the statutory requirements in section 
662(e) through (h) of IDEA;
    (iii) The project will be operated in a manner consistent with 
nondiscrimination requirements contained in Federal civil rights laws;
    (iv) All the syllabi for the project's required coursework will be 
provided if requested by OSEP;
    (v) At least 65 percent of the total award over the project period 
(i.e., up to 5 years) will be used for scholar support;
    (vi) Scholar support provided by the project (e.g., tuition and 
fees; university student health insurance; an allowance for books, 
materials, and supplies; an allowance for miscellaneous personal 
expenses; an allowance for dependent care, such as child care; and an 
allowance for room and board) is not based on the condition that the 
scholar work for the grantee (e.g., personnel at the IHE);
    (vii) The project director, key personnel, and scholars will 
actively participate in learning opportunities (e.g., webinars, 
briefings) supported by OSEP. This is intended to promote opportunities 
for participants to understand reporting requirements, share resources, 
and generate new knowledge by addressing topics of common interest to 
participants across projects including Department priorities and needs 
in the field;
    (viii) The project website, if applicable, will be of high quality, 
with an easy-to-navigate design that meets government or industry-
recognized standards for accessibility;
    (ix) Scholar accomplishments (e.g., public service, awards, 
publications, conference presentations) will be reported in annual and 
final performance reports; and
    (x) Annual data will be submitted on each scholar who receives 
grant support (OMB Control Number 1820-0686). The primary purposes of 
the data collection are to track the service obligation fulfillment of 
scholars who receive funds from OSEP grants and to collect data for 
program performance measure reporting under 34 CFR 75.110. Data 
collection includes the submission of a signed, completed pre-
scholarship agreement and exit certification for each scholar funded 
under an OSEP grant (see paragraph (f)(4)(i) of this priority). 
Applicants are encouraged to visit the Personnel Development Program 
Data Collection System website at https://pdp.ed.gov/osep for further 
information about this data collection requirement.
    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 3 points 
to an application that meets the Competitive Preference Priority. 
Applicants should indicate in the abstract if they are addressing the 
competitive preference priority.
    The priority is:
    Competitive Preference Priority--Applications from New Potential 
Grantees (0 or 3 points).
    (a) Under this priority, an applicant must demonstrate that the 
applicant (e.g., the IHE) has not had an active discretionary grant 
under the program from which it seeks funds, in the last five years 
before the deadline date for submission of applications under the 
84.325K program.
    (b) For the purpose of this priority, a grant is active until the 
end of the grant's project or funding period, including any extensions 
of those periods that extend the grantee's authority to obligate funds.
    References:

Boe, E. E., deBettencourt, L., Dewey, J. F., Rosenberg, M. S., 
Sindelar, P. T., & Leko, C. D. (2013). Variability in demand for 
special education teachers: Indicators, explanations, and impacts. 
Exceptionality, 21(2), 103-125.
Browder, D. M., Wood, L., Thompson, J., & Ribuffo, C. (2014). 
Evidence-based practices for students with severe disabilities 
(Document No. IC-3). https://ceedar.education.ufl.edu/tool/innovation-configurations/.
Council of Administrators of Special Education (2020). Proceedings 
of Special Education Legislative Summit 2020. https://exceptionalchildren.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/AllBriefs_2020.pdf.
Mason-Williams, L., Bettini, E., Peyton, D., Harvey, A., Rosenberg, 
M., & Sindelar, P. T. (2020). Rethinking shortages in special 
education: Making good on the promise of an equal opportunity for 
students with disabilities. Teacher Education and Special Education, 
43(1), 45-62.
McLeskey, J., & Brownell, M. (2015). High-leverage practices and 
teacher preparation in special education (Document No. PR-1). https://ceedar.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/High-Leverage-Practices-and-Teacher-Preparation-in-Special-Education.pdf.
National Professional Development Center on Inclusion. (August, 
2011). Competencies for early childhood educators in the context of 
inclusion: Issues and guidance for States. The University of North 
Carolina, FPG Child Development Institute.
U.S. Department of Education. (2022). Institute of Education 
Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics. School Pulse 
Panel (2021-22). https://ies.ed.gov/schoolsurvey/spp/.

    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. Section 
681(d) of IDEA, however, makes the public comment requirements of the 
APA inapplicable to the priorities in this notice.

[[Page 24178]]

    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1462 and 1481.
    Note: Projects will be awarded and must be operated in a manner 
consistent with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in Federal 
civil rights laws.
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations 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 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. (d) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 304.
    Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to IHEs only.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $6,750,000.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2024 from the list of 
unfunded applications from this competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $200,000-$250,000 per year.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $225,000 per year.
    Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $250,000 for a 
single budget period of 12 months.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 27.
    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice.
    Project Period: Up to 60 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are IHEs and private 
nonprofit organizations.
    Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, you 
may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) proof that the 
Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an 
organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from a State 
taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the 
organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and 
that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private 
shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the applicant's 
certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly 
establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4) any item 
described above if that item applies to a State or national parent 
organization, together with a statement by the State or parent 
organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.
    2.a. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost sharing or matching is not 
required for this competition.
    b. Indirect Cost Rate Information: This program uses a training 
indirect cost rate. This limits indirect cost reimbursement to an 
entity's actual indirect costs, as determined in its negotiated 
indirect cost rate agreement, or eight percent of a modified total 
direct cost base, whichever amount is less. For more information 
regarding training indirect cost rates, see 34 CFR 75.562. For more 
information regarding indirect costs, or to obtain a negotiated 
indirect cost rate, please see https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/intro.html.
    c. Administrative Cost Limitation: This program does not include 
any program-specific limitation on administrative expenses. All 
administrative expenses must be reasonable and necessary and conform to 
Cost Principles described in 2 CFR part 200 subpart E of the Uniform 
Guidance.
    3. Subgrantees: Under 34 CFR 75.708(b) and (c), a grantee under 
this competition may award subgrants--to directly carry out project 
activities described in its application--to the following types of 
entities: IHEs, nonprofit organizations suitable to carry out the 
activities proposed in the application, and public agencies. The 
grantee may award subgrants to entities it has identified in an 
approved application or that it selects through a competition under 
procedures established by the grantee, consistent with 34 CFR 
75.708(b)(2).
    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. Applicants for, and recipients of, funding must, with respect to 
the aspects of their proposed project relating to the absolute 
priority, 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. Application Submission Instructions: Applicants are required to 
follow the Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of 
Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal 
Register on December 7, 2022 (87 FR 75045) and available at 
www.federalregister.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-12-07/pdf/2022-26554.pdf, 
which contain requirements and information on how to submit an 
application. Please note that these Common Instructions supersede the 
version published on December 27, 2021.
    2. 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 is in the application package for this 
competition.
    3. Funding Restrictions: We reference regulations outlining funding 
restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    4. Recommended Page Limit: The application narrative is where you, 
the applicant, address the selection criteria that reviewers use to 
evaluate your application. We recommend that you (1) limit the 
application narrative to no more than 40 pages; (2) limit the whole 
application to no more than 100 pages; and (3) use 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.
    The recommended page limit does not apply to the cover sheet; the 
budget section, including the narrative budget justification; 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 
recommended page limit does apply to all of the application narrative, 
including all text in charts, tables, figures, graphs, and screen 
shots.

[[Page 24179]]

V. Application Review Information

    1. Selection Criteria: The selection criteria for this competition 
are from 34 CFR 75.210 and are as follows:
    (a) Significance (10 points).
    (1) The Secretary considers the significance of the proposed 
project.
    (2) In determining the significance of the proposed project, the 
Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the proposed project will prepare personnel 
for fields in which shortages have been demonstrated; and
    (ii) The importance or magnitude of the results or outcomes likely 
to be attained by the proposed project, especially improvements in 
teaching and student achievement.
    (b) Quality of project services (35 points).
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the services to be 
provided by the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by 
the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and 
sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for 
eligible project participants who are members of groups that have 
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or disability.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed 
project reflect up-to-date knowledge from research and effective 
practice;
    (ii) The extent to which the training or professional development 
services to be provided by the proposed project are of sufficient 
quality, intensity, and duration to lead to improvements in practice 
among the recipients of those services;
    (iii) The extent to which the services to be provided by the 
proposed project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for 
maximizing the effectiveness of project services; and
    (iv) The extent to which the proposed activities constitute a 
coherent, sustained program of training in the field.
    (c) Quality of project personnel and quality of the management plan 
(20 points).
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the project personnel 
and the quality of the management plan.
    (2) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary 
considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for 
employment from persons who are members of groups that have 
traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national 
origin, gender, age, or disability.
    (3) In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of key project personnel;
    (ii) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks; and
    (iii) The extent to which the time commitments of the project 
director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are 
appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed 
project.
    (d) Adequacy of resources (20 points).
    (1) The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources of the 
proposed project.
    (2) In determining the adequacy of resources of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the following factors:
    (i) The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, 
supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization or the 
lead applicant organization; and
    (ii) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to 
the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed 
project.
    (e) Quality of the project evaluation (15 points).
    (1) The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project.
    (2) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary 
considers the following factors:
    (i) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, 
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the 
proposed project; and
    (ii) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide 
performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward 
achieving intended outcomes.
    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 
(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.
    4. Risk Assessment and Specific Conditions: Consistent with 2 CFR 
200.206, before awarding grants under this competition the Department 
conducts a review of the risks posed by applicants. Under 2 CFR 
200.208, the Secretary may impose specific conditions, and under 2 CFR 
3474.10, 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.
    5. Integrity and Performance System: If you are selected under this 
competition to receive an award that over the course of the project 
period may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently 
$250,000), under 2 CFR 200.206(a)(2) we must make a judgment about your 
integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal 
awards--that is, the risk posed by you as an applicant--before we make 
an award. In doing so, we must consider any information about you that 
is in the

[[Page 24180]]

integrity and performance system (currently referred to as the Federal 
Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)), 
accessible through the System for Award Management. You may review and 
comment on any information about yourself that a Federal agency 
previously entered and that is currently in FAPIIS.
    Please note that, if the total value of your currently active 
grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from the 
Federal Government exceeds $10,000,000, the reporting requirements in 2 
CFR part 200, appendix XII, require you to report certain integrity 
information to FAPIIS semiannually. Please review the requirements in 2 
CFR part 200, appendix XII, if this grant plus all the other Federal 
funds you receive exceed $10,000,000.
    6. In General: In accordance with the Office of Management and 
Budget's guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal 
laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department will review and 
consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice inviting 
applications in accordance with--
    (a) Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering 
results based on the program objectives through an objective process of 
evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR 200.205);
    (b) Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video 
surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 115--232) (2 CFR 
200.216);
    (c) Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to 
maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United 
States (2 CFR 200.322); and
    (d) Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest 
extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program 
goals or agency priorities (2 CFR 200.340).

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. Open Licensing Requirements: Unless an exception applies, if you 
are awarded a grant under this competition, you will be required to 
openly license to the public grant deliverables created in whole, or in 
part, with Department grant funds. When the deliverable consists of 
modifications to pre-existing works, the license extends only to those 
modifications that can be separately identified and only to the extent 
that open licensing is permitted under the terms of any licenses or 
other legal restrictions on the use of pre-existing works. 
Additionally, a grantee that is awarded competitive grant funds must 
have a plan to disseminate these public grant deliverables. This 
dissemination plan can be developed and submitted after your 
application has been reviewed and selected for funding. For additional 
information on the open licensing requirements please refer to 2 CFR 
3474.20.
    4. 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.
    5. Performance Measures: For the purposes of Department reporting 
under 34 CFR 75.110, 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 Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results 
for Children with Disabilities program. These measures include (1) the 
percentage of preparation programs that incorporate scientifically 
based practices or EBPs into their curricula; (2) the percentage of 
scholars completing the preparation program who are knowledgeable and 
skilled in EBPs that improve outcomes for children with disabilities; 
(3) the percentage of scholars who exit the preparation program prior 
to completion due to poor academic performance; (4) the percentage of 
scholars completing the preparation program who are working in the 
area(s) in which they were prepared upon program completion; (5) the 
Federal cost per scholar who completed the preparation program; (6) the 
percentage of scholars who completed the preparation program and are 
employed in high-need districts; and (7) the percentage of scholars who 
completed the preparation program and who are rated effective by their 
employers.
    In addition, the Department will gather information on the 
following outcome measures: the number and percentage of scholars 
proposed by the grantee in their application that were actually 
enrolled and making satisfactory academic progress in the current 
academic year; the number and percentage of enrolled scholars who are 
on track to complete the training program by the end of the project's 
original grant period; and the percentage of scholars who completed the 
preparation program and are employed in the field of special education 
for at least two years.
    Grantees may be asked to participate in assessing and providing 
information on these aspects of program quality.
    6. 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, whether 
the grantee has made substantial progress in achieving 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

[[Page 24181]]

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. Other Information

    Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities 
can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an 
accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an 
accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text 
format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, 
audiotape, or compact disc, or other accessible format.
    Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this 
document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may 
access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of 
Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. 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 Portable Document Format (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.

Katherine Neas,
Deputy Assistant Secretary. Delegated the authority to perform the 
functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for the Office of 
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2023-08249 Filed 4-18-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P


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