The International Research and Studies Program

AGENCY:

Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION:

Publication of the year 2003 annual report.

SUMMARY:

The Secretary announces the publication of the annual report listing the books and research materials produced with assistance provided under Section 605 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Section 605 of the HEA authorizes the International Research and Studies Program.

Under this program, the Secretary awards grants and contracts for—

(a) Studies and surveys to determine the needs for increased or improved instruction in 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) 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 programs so supported;

(c) Evaluation of the extent to which programs assisted under Title VI of the HEA that address national needs would not otherwise be offered;

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

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

(f) The development and publication of specialized materials for use in foreign language, area studies, and other international fields, or for training foreign language, area, and other international specialists;

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

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

(i) Research on applying performance tests and standards across all areas of foreign language instruction and classroom use.

2003 Program Activities

In fiscal year 2003, 27 new grants ($2,979,686) and 24 continuation grants ($2,665,562) were awarded under the International Research and Studies Program. These grants are active currently, and will be monitored through progress reports submitted by grantees. Grantees have 90 days after the expiration of the grant to submit the products resulting from their research to the Department of Education for review and acceptance.

Completed Research

A number of completed research projects resulting from grants made during prior fiscal years have been received during the past year. These are listed below.

To obtain a copy of a completed study, contact the author at the given address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For a copy of the 2003 annual report and further information regarding the International Research and Studies Program, contact Jose L. Martinez, Program Officer, International Education Programs Service, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, NW., suite 6000, Washington, DC 20006-8521. Telephone: (202) 502-7635 or via e-mail at: Jose.Martinez@ed.gov

If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339.

Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative format (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request to the program contact person listed in this section.

Electronic Access to This Document

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Note:

The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html