[Notices]
[Page 36825-36828]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07jy98-136]
[[Page 36825]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part V
Department of Education
_______________________________________________________________________
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities National Programs--Federal
Activities Grants Program; Office of Elementary and Secondary
Education--Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities National
Programs; Combined Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for
Fiscal Year 1998; Notices
[[Page 36826]]
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities National Programs;
Federal Activities Grants Program
AGENCY: Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priorities and selection criteria for fiscal
year 1998.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Secretary announces final priorities and selection
criteria for fiscal year (FY) 1998 under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools
and Communities (SDFSC) National Programs Federal Activities Grants
Program. The Secretary takes this action to focus Federal financial
assistance on identified national needs to promote the creation of safe
and orderly learning environments for all students and to encourage the
development of systems to collect data related to youth drug use and
violent behavior.
EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities take effect August 6, 1998.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information about the two
priorities under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities
National Programs Federal Activities Grants Program, contact the Safe
and Drug-Free Schools Program, U.S. Department of Education, 600
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 603 Portals, Washington, D.C. 20202-
6123. Telephone: (202) 260-3954. FAX (202) 260-3748. Internet: http://
www.Patricia__Rattler@ed.gov.
Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD)
may call the Federal Information Relay Service at (FIRS) at 1-800-877-
8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through
Friday.
Note: This notice of final priority does not solicit
applications. A notice inviting applications under these
competitions is published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal
Register.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice contains two final priorities
and related selection criteria for fiscal year 1998. Under absolute
priority one (CFDA 84.184G, State and Local Educational Agency Drug and
Violence Prevention Data Collection), the Secretary may make awards for
up to 24 months. Under absolute priority number two (CFDA 84.184J),
Model Demonstration Programs, the Secretary may award cooperative
agreements for up to 60 months. Cooperative agreements funded through
this priority will serve as national demonstration sites to test
strategies, assess effectiveness, and make a major contribution to the
development and dissemination of models and components of models that
can be used by school districts and other youth-serving agencies
nationwide.
On May 19, 1998, the Secretary published the proposed priorities
for these competitions in a Notice of Request for Public Comments in
the Federal Register (63 FR 27646). In response to comments received,
the Secretary made no modifications, as noted in the following
section-- Analysis of Comments and Changes--of this notice of final
priorities.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
In response to the Secretary's invitation to comment on the
proposed priorities, the Department received four responses. These
included responses from local educational agencies, a State agency, and
an individual. Comments that did not suggest changes in the priority
language are not addressed. An analysis of the comments, organized by
priority, follows.
Priority 1--State and Local Educational Agency Drug and Violence
Prevention Data Collection
Comment: One commenter suggested strengthening the language in this
priority concerning coordination with other existing data collection
efforts by requiring applicants to document other existing data
collection activities and how they will collaborate with them. The
commenter suggested requiring letters from youth-serving agencies in
other, non-educational domains as part of applications to help
demonstrate collaboration.
Discussion: The language in the proposed priority requires
applicants to describe how efforts proposed as part of the project have
been coordinated with and will not duplicate existing data collection
efforts. The proposed change in the priority would require a level of
proof that is unnecessary in order to permit evaluation of a proposal.
Changes: None.
Priority 2--Model Demonstration Programs to Create Safe and Orderly
Learning Environments in Schools
Comments: Two commenters proposed modifications to this priority
that would limit the variety of program models that could be
implemented with a grant under this priority.
Discussion: The existing language in the priority is specifically
designed to include a wide range of possible program models that meet
general criteria. The proposed limitations would significantly reduce
the flexibility provided in the original language.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested that language in the priority be
revised to require that the entire model program proposed be based on
research, not just specific components or strategies.
Discussion: The language in the proposed priority is intended to
solicit applications that combine multiple strategies and programs into
a model program that will comprehensively address the risk factors that
predispose youth to drug use and violent behavior. Because research-
based information about the effect of combined strategies and programs
as a comprehensive model is limited, the proposed priority language
allows applicants the flexibility to propose model programs that
combine research-based programs and strategies in innovative or
untested ways.
Changes: None.
Priorities: Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) and the Safe and Drug-Free
Schools and Communities Act of 1994, the Secretary gives an absolute
preference to applications that meet one of the following priorities.
The Secretary funds under this competition only applications that meet
one of these absolute priorities.
Absolute Priority 1 and Selection Criteria--State and Local Educational
Agency Drug and Violence Prevention Data Collection (CFDA 84.184G)
Priority 1:
Under this priority, applicants must propose projects that--
(1) Develop, improve, expand, or enhance the collection of data
related to youth drug use and violence; and
(2) Develop and implement processes to ensure that high-quality
data are used to form policy, assess needs, select interventions, and
assess the success of drug and violence prevention activities funded
under the SDFSCA State Grants Program. Projects may be State-wide in
scope or limited to an individual local educational agency, or a
consortium of local educational agencies, with a student enrollment
that exceeds 30,000.
Projects must address drug and violence prevention data for
students in general, not just for a sub-set of the population (e.g.,
non-English speaking students or hearing-impaired students).
To be considered for funding under this competition, a project must
include--
(1) Concrete plans, with time lines, that detail how the results of
new or improved data collection efforts will be incorporated into State
and local educational agency efforts to assess needs, select
interventions, and assess success of drug and violence prevention
efforts;
[[Page 36827]]
(2) Outcome-based performance indicators that will be used to judge
the success of the project;
(3) A description of how efforts proposed as part of the project
have been coordinated with and will not duplicate data collection
efforts being implemented by other State or local agencies; and
(4) If the applicant is other than a State or local educational
agency, evidence of commitment from the State educational agency (for
State-wide projects) or from the superintendent of schools (for local
projects).
Selection Criteria
(a)(1) The Secretary uses the following selection criteria to
evaluate proposals submitted under this priority.
The maximum score for all of the criteria in this section is 100
points.
The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses
with the criterion.
(b) The criteria. --
1. Need for project. (15 points)
In determining need for the proposed project, the following factors
are considered:
(a) The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or
the activities to be carried out by the proposed project.
(b) The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services,
infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be
addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude
of those gaps or weaknesses.
2. Significance. (25 points)
In determining the significance of the proposed project, the
following factors are considered:
(a) The significance of the problem or issues to be addressed by
the proposed project.
(b) The likelihood that the proposed project will result in system
change or improvement.
(c ) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to build
local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the
needs of the target population.
3. Quality of the project design. (25 points)
In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project,
the following factors are considered:
(a) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.
(b) The extent to which the proposed project is designed to build
capacity and yield results that will extend beyond the period of
Federal financial assistance.
(c ) The extent to which the proposed project will be coordinated
with similar or related efforts, and with other appropriate community,
State, and Federal resources.
4. Adequacy of resources. (15 points)
In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project,
the following factors are considered:
(a) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the
objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project.
(b) The potential for the incorporation of project purposes,
activities or benefits into the ongoing program of the agency or
organization at the end of Federal funding.
5. Quality of the management plan (10 points).
In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed
project, the following factor is considered: The adequacy of the
management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on
time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities,
time lines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks.
6. Quality of the project evaluation. (10 points)
In determining the quality of the evaluation to be conducted for
the proposed project, the following factor is considered: The extent to
which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and
permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended
outcomes.
Absolute Priority 2 and Selection Criteria--Model Demonstration
Programs to Create Safe and Orderly Learning Environments in Schools
(CFDA 84.184J)
Priority 2:
Projects proposed under this priority are expected to
comprehensively address multiple factors that predispose youth to drug
use and violent behavior. Therefore, projects will not be funded for:
(a) basic support of existing programs; (b) replication of a single
program of demonstrated effectiveness, or (c) less than $500,000 or
more than $1 million.
Projects supported under this priority will be funded for
implementation in one site for three years and for replication in
additional sites for two years. Projects will be reviewed during the
third year to examine, among other factors, the degree to which the
evaluation findings at the original site are promising, and the quality
of the evaluation design proposed to test the model at other sites
during years four and five. Projects that fail to demonstrate
effectiveness at the original site will not be funded to test the
model's replication in other sites.
Under this priority, applicants must propose projects that:
(1) Develop and implement a model with specific components or
strategies that are based on theory, research, or evaluation data;
(2) Identify outcomes intended to result in behavioral change in
youth served and other indicators of the effectiveness of the model
(e.g., improved bonding to school and to the community, reductions in
disciplinary referrals, absence of firearms and other weapons in
schools, acquisition of pro-social skills, and reductions in alcohol,
tobacco, and other drug use by the target population);
(3 ) Evaluate the model by using multiple measures to determine the
effectiveness of the model and its components or strategies; and
(4) Produce detailed documentation of procedures and materials that
would enable others to replicate the model as implemented at the
original site.
Applicants must provide the following : (a) recent and historical
data on drug use by youth; (b) data that describe patterns of violence
and disruptive acts in schools; (c) rates of referral to juvenile
justice authorities for bringing weapons to school, drug use or
possession, and violent criminal acts; (d) evidence of gang and
violence problems in the target community, and (e) demographic
information for the geographic area in which the school is located.
Selection Criteria
(a)(1) The Secretary uses the following selection criteria to
evaluate proposals submitted under this priority.
The maximum score for all of the criteria in this section is 100
points.
(2) The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in
parentheses.
(b) The criteria. --
1. Significance. (30 points)
In determining the significance of the proposed project, the
following factors are considered:
(a) The potential contribution of the proposed project to the
development and advancement of theory, knowledge, and practices in the
field of study.
(b) The extent to which the proposed project is likely to yield
findings that may be utilized by other appropriate agencies and
organizations.
(c ) The potential replicability of the proposed project or
strategies, including, as appropriate, the potential for implementation
in a variety of settings.
2. Quality of the project design. (25 points)
[[Page 36828]]
In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project,
the following factors are considered:
(a) The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be
achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.
(b) The extent to which there is a conceptual framework underlying
the proposed research or demonstration activities and the quality of
that framework.
(c ) The extent to which the design of the proposed project
reflects up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice.
(d) The quality of the proposed demonstration design and procedures
for documenting project activities and results;
(e) The extent to which the proposed project represents an
exceptional approach to the priority or priorities established for the
competition.
3. Adequacy of resources. (10 points)
In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project,
the following factors are considered:
(a) The relevance and demonstrated commitment of each partner in
the proposed project to the implementation and success of the project.
(b) The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the
objectives, design and potential significance of the proposed project.
4. Quality of the management plan. (10 points)
In determining the quality of the management plan, the following
factors will be considered:
(a) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly
defined responsibilities, time lines, and milestones for accomplishing
project tasks.
(b) 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.
5. Quality of the project evaluation. (25 points)
In determining the quality of the evaluation, the following factors
will be considered:
(a) The extent to which the methods of the evaluation are thorough,
feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives and outcomes of the
proposed project.
(b) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the
intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and
qualitative data to the extent possible.
Intergovernmental Review
This program is subject to the requirements of Executive Order
12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR Part 79. The objective of the
Executive Order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a
strengthened federalism by relying on processes developed by State and
local governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal
financial assistance.
In accordance with the order, this document is intended to provide
early notification of the Departments's specific plans and actions for
this program.
Electronic Access to This Document
Anyone may view this document, as well as all other Department of
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or
portable document format (pdf) on the World Wide Web at either of the
following sites:
http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
http://www.ed.gov/news.html
To use the pdf you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with
Search, which is available free at either of the preceding sites. If
you have questions about using the pdf, call the U.S. Government
Printing Office toll free at 1-888-293-6498.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternate format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed above. Government
Printing Office toll free at 1-888-293-6498.
Anyone may also view these documents in text copy only on an
electronic bulletin board of the Department. Telephone: (202) 219-1511
or, toll free, 1-800-222-4922. The documents are located under Option
G--Files/Announcements, Bulletins and Press Releases.
Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal Register.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 84.184G and 84.184J,
Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act National Programs--
Federal Activities Grants Program.)
Dated: July 2, 1998.
Gerald N. Tirozzi,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.
[FR Doc. 98-18033 Filed 7-6-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P