\[Code of Federal Regulations\]

\[Title 34, Volume 3\]

\[Revised as of July 1, 2001\]

\[CITE: 34CFR655\]

**TITLE 34\--EDUCATION**

**CHAPTER VI\--OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION,**

**DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION**

**PART 655---INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS\--GENERAL PROVISIONS**

**Subpart A\--General**

Sec.

655.1 Which programs do these regulations govern?

655.3 What regulations apply to the International Education Programs?

655.4 What definitions apply to the International Education Programs?

**Subpart B\--What Kinds of Projects Does the Secretary Assist?**

655.10 What kinds of projects does the Secretary assist?

**Subpart C \[Reserved\]**

**Subpart D\--How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?**

655.30 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?

655.31 What general selection criteria does the Secretary use?

655.32 What additional factors does the Secretary consider in making
grant awards?

Authority: 20 U.S.C 1121-1130b, unless otherwise noted.

Source: 47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, unless otherwise noted.

**Subpart A\--General**

**Sec. 655.1 Which programs do these regulations govern?**

The regulations in this part govern the administration of the following
programs in international education:

\(a\) The National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and
Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies (section 602
of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended);

\(b\) The Language Resource Centers Program (section 603);

\(c\) The Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language
Program (section 604);

\(d\) The International Research and Studies Program (section 605); and

\(e\) The Business and International Education Program (section 613).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121-1130b)

\[47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993;
64CFR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999\]

**Sec. 655.3 What regulations apply to the International Education
Programs?**

The following regulations apply to the International Education Programs:

\(a\) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations
(EDGAR) as follows:

\(1\) 34 CFR part 74 (Administration of Grants to Institutions of Higher
Education, Hospitals, and Nonprofit Organizations).

\(2\) 34 CFR part 75 (Direct Grant Programs).

\(3\) 34 CFR part 77 (Definitions that Apply to Department Regulations).

\(4\) 34 CFR part 79 (Intergovernmental Review of Department of
Education Programs and Activities), except that part 79 does not apply
to 34 CFR parts 660, 669, and 671.

\(5\) 34 CFR part 82 (New Restrictions on Lobbying).

\(6\) 34 CFR part 85 (Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension
(Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace
(Grants).

\(7\) 34 CFR part 86 (Drug-Free Schools and Campuses).

\(b\) The regulations in this part 655; and

\(c\) As appropriate, the regulations in\--

\(1\) 34 CFR part 656 (National Resource Centers Program for Foreign
Language and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International
Studies);

\(2\) 34 CFR part 657 (Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships
Program);

\(3\) 34 CFR part 658 (Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign
Language Program);

\(4\) 34 CFR part 660 (International Research and Studies Program);

\(5\) 34 CFR part 661 (Business and International Education Program);
and

\(6\) 34 CFR part 669 (Language Resource Centers Program).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121-1127; 1221e-3)

\[47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993;
64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999\]

**Sec. 655.4 What definitions apply to the International Education
Programs?**

> \(a\) Definitions in EDGAR. The following terms used in this part and
> 34 CFR parts 656, 657, 658, 660, 661, and 669 are defined in 34 CFR
> part 77:

+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| Acquisition     | EDGAR           | Grant period    | Private         |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| Applicant       | Equipment       | Local           | Public          |
|                 |                 | educational     |                 |
| Application     | Facilities      | agency          | Secretary       |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| Award           | Fiscal year     | Nonprofit       | State           |
|                 |                 |                 | educational     |
| Budget          | Grant           | Project         | agency          |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| Contract        | Grantee         | Project period  | Supplies        |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121-1127)

\(b\) Definitions that apply to these programs: The following definition
applies to International Education Programs:

Combination of institutions of higher education means a group of
institutions of higher education that have entered into a cooperative
arrangement for the purpose of carrying out a common objective, or a
public or private nonprofit agency, organization, or institution
designated or created by a group of institutions of higher education for
the purpose of carrying out a common objective on their behalf.

Critical languages means each of the languages contained in the list of
critical languages designated by the Secretary pursuant to section
212(d) of the Education for Economic Security Act, except that, in the
implementation of this definition, the Secretary may set priorities
according to the purposes of title VI of the Higher Education Act of
1965, as amended.

Institution of higher education means, in addition to an institution
that meets the definition of section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965, as amended, an institution that meets the requirements of
section 101(a) except that (1) it is not located in the United States,
and (2) it applies for assistance under title VI of the Higher Education
Act of 1965, as amended, in consortia with institutions that meet the
definitions in section 101(a).

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121-1127, and 1141)

\[47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993;
64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999\]

**Subpart B\--What Kinds of Projects Does the Secretary Assist?**

**Sec. 655.10 What kinds of projects does the Secretary assist?**

Subpart B of 34 CFR parts 656, 657, 658, 660, 661, and 669 describes the
kinds of projects that the Secretary assists under the International
Education Programs.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1021-1027)

\[47 FR 14116, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993,
64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999\]

**Subpart C \[Reserved\]**

**Subpart D\--How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?**

**Sec. 655.30 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?**

The Secretary evaluates an applications for International Education
Programs on the basis of\--

> \(a\) The general criteria in Sec. 655.31; and
>
> \(b\) The specific criteria in, as applicable, subpart D of 34 CFR
> parts 658, 660, 661, and 669.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121-1127)

\[64 FR 7739, Feb. 16, 1999\]

**Sec. 655.31 What general selection criteria does the Secretary use?**

\(a\) Plan of operation. (1) The Secretary reviews each application for
information that shows the quality of the plan of operation for the
project.

\(2\) The Secretary looks for information that shows---

\(i\) High quality in the design of the project;

\(ii\) An effective plan of management that ensures proper and efficient
administration of the project;

\(iii\) A clear description of how the objectives of the project relate
to the purpose of the program;

\(iv\) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel to
achieve each objective; and

\(v\) A clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access
and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of
groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as---

\(A\) Members of racial or ethnic minority groups;

\(B\) Women; and

\(C\) Handicapped persons.

\(b\) Quality of key personnel. (1) The Secretary reviews each
application for information that shows the quality of the key personnel
the applicant plans to use on the project.

\(2\) The Secretary looks for information that shows\--

\(i\) The qualifications of the project director (if one is to be used);

\(ii\) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be used
in the project. In the case of faculty, the qualifications of the
faculty and the degree to which that faculty is directly involved in the
actual teaching and supervision of students; and

\(iii\) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2) (i)
and (ii) of this section plans to commit to the project; and

\(iv\) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its
nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for
employment from persons who are members of groups that have been
traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic
minority groups, women, handicapped persons, and the elderly.

\(3\) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary
considers evidence of past experience and training, in fields related to
the objectives of the project, as well as other information that the
applicant provides.

\(c\) Budget and cost effectiveness. (1) The Secretary reviews each
application for information that shows that the project has an adequate
budget and is cost effective.

\(2\) The Secretary looks for information that shows\--

\(i\) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project
activities; and

\(ii\) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the
project.

\(d\) Evaluation plan. (1) The Secretary reviews each application for
information that shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the
project.

\(2\) The Secretary looks for information that shows methods of
evaluation that are appropriate for the project and, to the extent
possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.

\(e\) Adequacy of resources. (1) The Secretary reviews each application
for information that shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate
resources to the project.

\(2\) The Secretary looks for information that shows\--

\(i\) Other than library, facilities that the applicant plans to use are
adequate (language laboratory, museums, etc.); and

\(ii\) The equipment and supplies that the applicant plans to use are
adequate.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121-1127)

**Sec. 655.32 What additional factors does the Secretary consider in
making grant awards?**

Except for 34 CFR parts 656, 657, and 661, to the extent practicable and
consistent with the criterion of excellence, the Secretary seeks to
achieve an equitable distribution of funds throughout the Nation.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1126(b)).

\[58 FR 32575, June 10, 1993\]

\[Code of Federal Regulations\]

\[Title 34, Volume 3\]

\[Revised as of July 1, 2001\]

\[CITE: 34CFR669\]

**TITLE 34\--EDUCATION**

**CHAPTER VI\--OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION,**

**DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION**

SECTION **34 CFR 660**

\[Code of Federal Regulations\]

\[Title 34, Volume 3, Parts 400 to End\]

\[Revised as of July 1, 1999\]

\[CITE**:** 34CFR660**.**1\]

**TITLE 34\--EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION**

**PART 660\--THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND STUDIES PROGRAM**

**SUBPART A--- WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND STUDIES**
**PROGRAM?**

**Sec.** **660.1** **What is the International Research and Studies**
**Program?** The Secretary may, directly or through grants or contracts,
conduct research and studies which contribute to the purposes of the
International Education Program authorized by part A of title VI of the
Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). The research and studies
may include, but are not limited to---

a.  Studies and surveys to determine needs for increased or improved
    instruction in modern foreign languages, area studies, or other
    international fields, including the demand for foreign language,
    area, and other international specialists in government, education,
    and the private sector;

b.  Research on more effective methods of providing instruction and
    achieving competency in foreign languages, area studies, or other
    international fields;

c.  Research on applying performance tests and standards across all
    areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use;

d.  Developing and publishing specialized materials for use in foreign
    language, area studies, and other international fields or for
    training foreign language, area, and other international
    specialists;

e.  Studies and surveys to assess the use of graduates of programs
    supported under title VI of the HEA by governmental, educational,
    and private-sector organizations and other studies assessing the
    outcomes and effectiveness of supported programs;

f.  Comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to provide
    international capabilities at institutions of higher education;

g.  Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under title VI
    of the HEA that address national needs would not otherwise be
    offered;

h.  Studies and surveys of the use of technologies in foreign language,
    area studies, and international studies programs; and

i.  Studies and evaluations of effective practices in the dissemination
    of international information, materials, research, teaching
    strategies, and testing techniques throughout the educational
    community, including elementary and secondary schools.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

\[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993;
64 FR 7740, Feb. 16, 1999\]

**Sec.** **660.2 Who is eligible to apply for grants under this**
**program?**

Public and private agencies, organizations, and institutions, and
individuals are eligible to apply for grants under this part.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

**Sec.** **660.3 What regulations apply?**

The following regulations apply to this program:

(a) The regulations in 34 CFR part 655.

(b) b\) The regulations in this part 660.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1121-1125)

\[58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993\]

**Sec.** **660.4 What definitions apply to the International Research**
**and Studies Program?**

The definitions in 34 CFR 655.4 apply to this program.(Authority: U.S.C.
1121-1127)

####### SUBPART B--- WHAT KINDS OF PROJECTS DOES THE SECRETARY ASSIST UNDER THIS PROGRAM?

**Sec.** **660.10 What activities does the Secretary assist?**

An applicant may apply for funds to carry out any of the following types
of activities:

(a) Studies and surveys to determine the need for increased or improved
    instruction in---

    1.  Modern foreign languages; and

    2.  Area studies and other international fields needed to provide
        full understanding of the places in which those languages are
        commonly used.

(b) Research and studies---

    1.  On more effective methods of instruction and achieving
        competency in modern foreign languages, area studies, or other
        international fields;

    2.  To evaluate competency in those foreign languages, area studies,
        or other international fields; or

    3.  On the application of performance tests and standards across all
        areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use.

(c) The development and publication of specialized materials---

    1.  For use by students and teachers of modern foreign languages,
        area studies, and other international fields; and

    2.  For use in---

        i.  Providing such instruction and evaluation; or

        ii. Training individuals to provide such instruction and
            evaluation.

(d) Research, surveys, studies, or the development of instructional
    materials that serve to enhance international understanding.

(e) Other research or material development projects that further the
    purposes of the International Education Program authorized by part A
    of title VI of the HEA.

(f) Studies and surveys to assess the use of graduates of programs
    supported under title VI of the HEA by governmental, educational,
    and private-sector organizations, and other studies assessing the
    outcomes and effectiveness of supported programs.

(g) Comparative studies of the effectiveness of strategies to provide
    international capabilities at institutions of higher education.

(h) Evaluations of the extent to which programs assisted under title VI
    of the HEA that address national needs would not otherwise be
    offered.

(i) Studies and surveys of the uses of technology in foreign language,
    area studies, and international studies programs.

(j) Studies and evaluations of effective practices in the dissemination
    of international information, materials, research, teaching
    strategies, and testing techniques through the education community,
    including elementary and secondary schools.

> (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)\[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at
> 52 FR 28424, July 29, 1987; 58 FR 32577, June **10**, 1993; 64 FR
> 7740, Feb. 16, 1999\]

####### SUBPART C \[RESERVED\]

####### SUBPART D---HOW DOES THE SECRETARY MAKE A GRANT?

####### Sec. 660.30 How does the Secretary evaluate an application? 

(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a research project, a
    study, or a survey on the basis of the criteria in Secs. 660.31 and
    660.32.

(b) The Secretary evaluates an application for the development of
    specialized instructional materials on the basis of the criteria in
    Secs. 660.31 and 660.33

(c) The Secretary awards up to 100 possible points for these criteria.
    The maximum possible points for each criterion are shown in
    parentheses.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

**Sec.** **660**.**31** **What selection** **criteria does the Secretary
use for all applications for a grant?**

The Secretary uses the following criteria in evaluating applications for
research or studies projects:

(a) Plan of operation. (10 points) (See 34 CFR 655.**31**(a))

(b) Quality of key personnel. (10 points) (See 34 CFR 655.**31**(b))

(c) Budget and cost effectiveness. (10 points) (See 34 CFR
    655.**31**(c))

(d) Evaluation plan. (5 points) (See 34 CFR 655.**31**(d))

(e) Adequacy of resources. (5 points) (See 34 CFR 655.**31**(e))

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)

\[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993\]

**Sec.** **660.32** **What additional selection criteria does the
Secretary use for an application for a research project, a survey, or a
study?**

In addition to the criteria referred to in Sec. 660.31, the Secretary
applies the following criteria to an application for a research project,
study, or survey:

(a) Need for the project. (10 points) The Secretary reviews each
    application for information that shows---

    1.  A need for the proposed project in the field of study on which
        the project focuses; and

    2.  That the proposed project will provide information about the
        present and future needs of the United States for study in
        foreign language and other international fields.

(b) Usefulness of expected results. (10 points) The Secretary reviews
    each application for information that shows the extent to which the
    results of the proposed project are likely to be used by other
    research projects or programs with similar objectives.

(c) Development of new knowledge. (10 points) The Secretary reviews each
    application for information that shows that the extent to which the
    proposed project is likely to develop new knowledge that will
    contribute to the purposes of the International Education Program
    authorized by part A of title VI of the HEA.

(d) Formulation of problems and knowledge of related research. (10
    points) The Secretary reviews each application for information that
    shows that problems, questions, or hypotheses to be dealt with by
    the applicant---

    1.  Are well formulated; and

    2.  Reflect adequate knowledge of related research.

(e) Specificity of statement of procedures. (10 points) The Secretary
    reviews each application for the specificity and completeness of the
    statement of procedures to be followed, including a discussion of
    such components as sampling techniques, controls, data to be
    gathered, and statistical and other analyses to be undertaken.

(f) Adequacy of methodology and scope of project. (10 points) The
    Secretary reviews each application for information that shows---

    1.  The adequacy of the proposed teaching, testing, and research
        methodology; and

    2.  The size, scope, and duration of the proposed project.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)\[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58
FR 32577, June 10, 1993\]

**Sec. 660.33** **What additional** **selection criteria does the
Secretary use for an application to develop specialized instructional
materials?**

In addition to the criteria referred to in Sec. 660.31, the Secretary
applies the following criteria to an application for assistance to
develop specialized instructional materials.

(a) Need for the project. (10 points) The Secretary reviews each
    application for information that shows that---

    1.  The proposed materials are needed in the educational field of
        study on which the project focuses; and

    2.  The language or languages, the area, region, or country, or the
        issues or studies for which the materials are to be developed,
        are of sufficient priority and significance to the national
        interest to warrant financial support by the Federal Government.

(b) Potential for the use of materials in other programs. (10 points)
    The Secretary reviews each application for information that shows
    the extent to which the proposed materials may be used elsewhere in
    the United States.

(c) Account of related materials. (10 points) The Secretary reviews each
    application for information that shows that---

    1.  All existing related or similar materials have been accounted
        for and the critical commentary on their adequacy is appropriate
        and accurate; and

    2.  The proposed materials will not duplicate any existing adequate
        materials.

(d) Likelihood of achieving results. (10 points) The Secretary reviews
    each application for information that shows that the outlined
    methods and procedures for preparing the materials are practicable
    and can be expected to produce the anticipated results.

(e) Expected contribution to other programs. (10 points) The Secretary
    reviews each application for information that shows the extent to
    which the proposed work may contribute significantly to
    strengthening, expanding, or improving programs of foreign language
    studies, area studies, or international studies in the United
    States.

(f) Description of final form of materials. (5 points) The Secretary
    reviews each application for information that shows a high degree of
    specificity in the description of the contents and final form of the
    proposed materials.

(g) Provisions for pretesting and revision. (5 points) The Secretary
    reviews each application for information that shows that adequate
    provision has been made for---

    1.  Pretesting the proposed materials; and (2) If necessary,
        revising the proposed materials before publication.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)\[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58
FR 32577, June 10, 1993\]

**Sec. 660.34** **What priorities** **may the Secretary establish?**

(a) The Secretary may each year select for funding from among the
    following priorities:

    1.  Categories of eligible projects described in Sec. 660.10.

    2.  Specific languages or regions for study or materials
        development; for example, the Near or Middle East, South Asia,
        Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Inner Asia, the Far East, Africa
        or Latin America, or the languages of those regions.

    3.  Topics of research and studies; for example, language
        acquisition processes, methodology of foreign language
        instruction, foreign language performance testing, or
        assessments of resources and needs.

    4.  Levels of education; for example, elementary, secondary,
        postsecondary or university-level education, or teacher
        education.

(b) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice
    published in the Federal Register.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1126)

\[47 FR 14124, Apr. 1, 1982, as amended at 58 FR 32577, June 10, 1993\]

**Sec. 660.40** **What are the** **limitations on allowable costs?**

Funds awarded under this part may not be used for the training of
students and teachers.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1125)