Native American Application Package

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Vocational and Adult Education

Washington, D.C. 20202-7241

FISCAL YEAR 2006

Native American Career and

Technical Education Program

Application for Grants

Form Approved

OMB No. 1830-0542

Expiration Date:

CFDA Number 84.101

DATED MATERIAL-OPEN IMMEDIATELY

Closing Date:

ADD DATE

Dear Colleague:

Thank you for your interest in the Native American Career and Technical Education Program,

Administered by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education of the U.S. Department of

Education. The Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP) is authorized under Section 116 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education

Improvement Act of 2006. A copy of the Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for

Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 and the authorizing statute are provided in the application package.

The purpose of the Native American Career and Technical Education Program is to provide

grants to improve career and technical education programs that are consistent with the purposes

of the Act and that benefit American Indians and Alaska Natives. Please take the time to review

the selection criteria and all of the application instructions thoroughly.

Applications for grants under this program may be submitted electronically using the Grants.gov

Apply site (Grants.gov), or in paper format by mail or hand delivery. Your participation in

Grants.gov is voluntary. For information (including dates and times) concerning how to submit

your application electronically, or by mail or hand delivery, please refer to section IV. (6) Other

Submission Requirements in the Notice and other sections of this application package.

The Department will award discretionary grants on a competitive basis for a project period of up

to 5 years. We expect to award grants in September 2007. Please visit our program website at

http://www.ed.gov/programs/ctenavtep/funding.html for further information. If you have any questions about the program after reviewing the application package, please contact Gwen Washington or Linda Mayo at (202) 245-7790 or (202) 245-7792, respectively. You may also contact us by email at gwen.washington@ed.gov or linda.mayo@ed.gov.

Again, thank you for your interest. We look forward to receiving your application and appreciate your efforts to meet the educational needs of Native American and Alaska Native students through this program.

Gwen Washington

Linda Mayo

Program Officers

Native American and Career

And Technical Education Program

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Dear Colleague Letter

2. Program Information

   1. Applicable Regulations……………………………………………

   2. Statutory Changes Affecting NACTEP (Purpose) ………………

   3. Program Contact…………………………………………………..

   4. Eligible Applicants…………………………………………………

   5. Type of Awards…………………………………………………….

   6. Estimated Available Funds………………………………………..

   7. Estimated Range of Awards………………………………………

   8. Estimated Average Size of Awards………………………………

   9. Estimated Number of Awards……………………………………

   10. Project Period……………………………………………………..

   11. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications………………………..

   12. Authorized projects, services, and activities……………………..

3. Selection Criteria

   1. Need for Project…………………………………………………….

   2. Significance………………………………………………………….

   3. Quality of the Project Design……………………………………….

   4. Quality of Project Services…………………………………………

   5. Quality of Project Personnel……………………………………….

   6. Adequacy of Resources……………………………………………..

   7. Quality of the Management Plan…………………………………..

   8. Quality of Project Evaluation………………………………………

4. Special Considerations……………………………………………………..

5. Program Requirements……………………………………………………

6. Indian Self Determination Contracts…………………………………….

7. Definitions…………………………………………………………………..

8. Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)…………………….

9. Legal and Regulatory Documents

1. Application Notice (To Be Inserted)………………………………….

2. Program Statute……………………………………………………….

SECTION A

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP) is authorized by section 116 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (Perkins IV) (20 U.S.C.A. 2301 et seq.). The NACTEP formerly known as the Native American Vocational and Technical Education Program (NAVTEP) provides grants to improve career and technical education programs that are consistent with the purposes of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (Act) and that benefit Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Applicable Regulations

The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, 99.

Note: The regulations in 34 CFR, part 86, apply to institutions of higher education only.

Statutory Changes Affecting the NACTEP

Purpose: In the Act, Congress has expanded and added elements to the statement of purpose, most significantly by stating that, among other statutory purposes, programs should build on the efforts of States and localities to develop challenging academic and technical standards, and to assist students in meeting such standards, including student academic achievement standards, especially in preparation for the high skill, high wage, or high demand occupations in emerging or established professions. (20 U.S.C. 2301 (1)) Congress has also added to the statement of purpose the requirement that programs should provide technical assistance that promotes leadership, initial preparation, and professional development, improve the quality of career and technical education teachers, faculty, principals, administrators, and counselors. (20 U.S. C. 2301 (5)) Additionally, the Act’s purpose section has been amended to include supporting partnerships among secondary schools, postsecondary institutions, baccalaureate degree granting institutions, area career technical centers, local workforce investment boards, business and industry, and intermediaries, as well as providing career and technical education students with opportunities throughout their lives, in conjunction with other education and training programs, to attain the knowledge and skills needed to keep the United States competitive. (20 U.S.C. 2301 (6) and (7))

PROGRAM CONTACT

If you have any questions about the program after reviewing the application package, please

contact Gwen Washington or Linda Mayo at (202) 245-7790 or (202) 245-7792, respectively.

You may also contact us by email at gwen.washington@ed.gov or linda.mayo@ed.gov Information on the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP)

is also available on our website at http://www.ed.gov/programs/ctenavtep/funding.html

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

The following entities are eligible for an award under the NACTEP:

1. A Federally recognized Indian tribe.

2. A tribal organization.

3. An Alaska Native entity

4. A Bureau-funded school, except for a bureau funded school proposing to use its award to support secondary school career and technical education programs.

5. Any tribe, tribal organization, Alaska Native entity, or eligible Bureau-funded school may apply individually or as part of a consortium with one or more eligible tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native entities, or eligible Bureau-funded schools. (Eligible applicants seeking to apply for funds as a consortium should read and follow the regulations in 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, which apply to group applications.)

Note: An applicant must include documentation in its application showing that it and, if appropriate, consortium members are eligible according to the requirements in paragraphs (a) and (b) of the “ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS” section of the notice.

Note: In accordance with the definition of the term “tribal organization” in the Indian Self-Determination Education Act (ISDEA) (25 U.S.C. 450 (b) (1)), any tribal organization proposing to provide NACTEP services for the benefit of more than one Indian tribe must first obtain the approval of each Indian tribe it proposes to serve and must submit documentation of such approval with its application. Documentation of tribal approval will be a prerequisite to the awarding of a NACTEP grant to any tribal organization proposing to serve more than one Indian tribe. (20 U.S.C. 450 (b) (1))

Cost Sharing or Matching: This program does not involve cost sharing or matching requirements, but does involve supplement-not-supplant funding provisions.

Type of Awards: Discretionary grants

Estimated Available Funds:

The U.S. Department of Education is estimating that $14,632,000 will be available for new awards for the first 12 months of the 60-month project period. Funding for years two through five is subject to the availability of funds and to a grantee meeting the requirements of 34 CFR 75.253

Estimated Range of Awards: $300,000 to $600,000 for the first 12 months.

Estimated Average Size of Awards: $400,000

Estimated Number of Awards: 30

Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in the notice.

Project Period: Up to 60 months

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: (INSERT DATE 45 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER).

SELECTION CRITERIA

The Secretary uses the following program criteria to evaluate an application. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses.

(a) Need for Project. (5 points) In determining the need for the proposed project, we consider the following factor:

1. The extent of the need for the services to be provided or the activities to be carried out by the proposed project, as evidenced by data such as local labor market demand, occupational trends, or from surveys, recommendations from accrediting agencies, or tribal economic development plans. (5 points)

(b) Significance. (15 points) In determining the significance of the proposed project, we consider the following factors:

1. The potential contribution of the proposed project toward increasing the understanding of educational needs, issues, or educational strategies for providing career and technical education to American Indians and Alaska Natives. (5 points)

2. The likelihood that the proposed project will result in system change or improvement in the applicant’s educational program as evidenced by the types of training and activities identified in the project application. (5 points)

3. The extent to which the proposed project is likely to build local capacity to provide, improve, or expand services that address the career and technical needs of the target population. (5 points)

(c) Quality of the project design. (25 points) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, we consider the following factors:

1. The extent to which goals, objectives, and outcomes are clearly specified and measurable

(e.g., student career and technical education activities; identification of the requirements

for each course of study to be provided under the project, the technical skill proficiencies to be taught and industry-recognized standards or competency assessments to be used, including related training areas and a description of the industry certifications, credentials, certificates, or degrees that students may earn; expected enrollments, completions, and student placements in jobs, military specialties, and continuing education/training opportunities in each career training area; the number of teachers, counselors, and administrators to be trained.) (10 points)

2. The extent to which the design of the proposed project is appropriate to and will successfully address the needs of the target population or other identified needs as evidenced by the applicant’s description of programs and activities that align with the target population’s needs. (5 points)

3. The extent to which the design for implementing and evaluating the proposed project

plans for and is likely to result in the development of information to guide possible dissemination of project practices, activities or strategies, including information about the effectiveness of the approach or strategies employed by the project, including a description of the planned dissemination activities, the kind of practices, activities, or strategies to be disseminated, the target audience for the dissemination of such practices, activities, or strategies, and the proposed uses for such disseminated practices, activities, or strategies. (5 points)

4. The extent to which the proposed project will establish linkages with or will be coordinated with similar or related efforts, and with community, State, or Federal resources, as appropriate. (5 points)

(d) Quality of Project Services. (20 points) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project, we consider the following factors:

1. 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 project staff and instructors, including whether the proposed training and professional development plans that clearly address ways in which learning gaps will be addressed and how continuous review of performance will be conducted to identify training needs. (5 points)

2. The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project will create opportunities for students to receive an industry-recognized credential, become employed in high skill, high wage, and high demand occupations, or both. (5 points)

3. The extent to which the services proposed in the project will create opportunities to acquire technical skill proficiencies, industry certifications, or the skills identified by State or industry-recognized career and technical education programs or professions. In describing the services, there must be a clear link between the services and the skill proficiencies, industry certifications, credentials, certificates, or degrees that students may earn. (10 points)

(e ) Quality of project personnel. (15 points) In determining the quality of project personnel, we consider the following factors:

1. The extent to which the applicant encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. (5 points)

2. The qualifications, including relevant training, expertise, and experience, of the project director, key personnel and project consultants. (5 points).

3. The extent to which the project will use instructors who are certified to teach in the field in which they will provide instruction. (5 points)

(f) Adequacy of resources. (20 points) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, we consider the following factors:

(1)The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization(s) and the tribal entity or entities to be served. (5 points)

(2) The extent to which the budget is adequate and costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives and design of the proposed project. (5 points)

(3) The relevance and demonstrated commitment (e.g., through written career and technical education agreements, memoranda of understanding, letters of support and commitment, or commitments to employ project participants, as appropriate) of the applicant, members of the consortium, local employers, or tribal entities to be served by the project. (5 points)

(4)The potential for continued support of the project after Federal funding ends.

(5 points)

(g) Quality of the management plan. (15 points) In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, we consider the following factors:

(1) 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 the milestones and performance standards for accomplishing project tasks. (5 points)

(2) The extent to which the time commitments of the project director and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project. (5 points)

(3) The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products and services from the proposed project. (5 points)

(h) Quality of the project evaluation. (25 points) In determining the quality of evaluation, we consider the following factors:

1. The extent to which the methods of evaluation proposed by the grantee are thorough, feasible, and appropriate, to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project. (5 points)

(2) 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 the GPRA performance measures discussed elsewhere in the notice, and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to the extent possible. (5 points)

(3) The extent to which the methods of the evaluation includes processes that consider the

validity and integrity of data collection and analysis; accessibility of appropriate and timely data; accurate descriptions of performance, collection processes that yield unbiased, unprejudiced, and impartial data results; and the extent to which representation of the data clearly communicates an accurate picture of performance. (5 points)

(4) The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and continuous improvement toward achieving intended outcomes. (5 points)

(5) The quality of the evaluation to be conducted by an external evaluator with the necessary background and technical expertise to carry out the evaluation. (5 points)

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

In addition to the points to be awarded to applicants based on the selection criteria, under section 116(e) of the Act, the Secretary awards—

(a) Up to 10 points to applications that propose approaches that involve, coordinate with, or encourage tribal economic development plans; and

(b) Five points to applications from tribally controlled colleges or university that--

(1) Are accredited or are candidates for accreditation by a nationally recognized accreditation organization as an institution of postsecondary career and technical education; or

(2) Operate career and technical education programs that are accredited or are candidates for accreditation by a nationally recognized accreditation organization and issue certificates for completion of career and technical education programs. (20 U.S.C. 2326(e)).

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To ensure the high quality of NACTEP projects and the achievement of the goals and purposes of section 116(e) of the Act, the Secretary establishes the following program requirements for successful applicants:

(a) Evaluation. Each grantee must budget for and conduct an ongoing evaluation of its effectiveness. An independent evaluator must conduct the evaluation. The evaluation must--

(1) Be appropriate for the project and be both formative and summative in nature;

2. Include –

(A) Performance measures that are clearly related to the goals, objectives, and

intended outcomes of the project and the Government Performance Results Act

(GPRA) performance measures for the NACTEP;

(B) Qualitative and quantitative data with respect to –

1. Academic, career and technical competencies demonstrated by the participants and the number and kinds of academic and work credentials acquired by individuals, including participation in programs providing skill proficiency assessments, industry certifications, or training at the associate degree level that is articulated with an advanced degree option.

2. Enrollment, completion, and placement of participants by gender for each occupation for which training was provided.

3. Job or work skill attainment or enhancement, including participation in apprenticeship and work-based learning programs, student progress in achieving technical skill proficiencies necessary to obtain employment in the field for which the student has been prepared, including technical skills in the industry the student is preparing to enter.

4. Activities during the formative stages of the project, to help guide and improve the project, as well as a summative evaluation that includes recommendations for disseminating project activities and results.

5. The number and/or percentage of students that obtained industry-recognized credentials, certificates, or degrees.

6. The outcomes of students’ technical assessments, by type and scores, if available.

7. The rates of attainment of a proficiency credential or certificate, in conjunction with a secondary school diploma.

(3) Measure the effectiveness of the project, including a comparison between the intended and observed results, and a demonstration of a clear link between the observed results and the specific treatment given to project participants;

(4) Measure the extent to which information about or resulting from the project was disseminated at other sites, such as through the grantee’s development and use of guides or manuals that provide step-by-step directions for practitioners to follow when initiating similar efforts; and

(5) Measure the long-term impact of the project, e.g., follow-up data on students employment, sustained employment, promotions, further/continuing education or training, or the impact the project had on tribal economic development or career and technical education activities offered by tribes.

(b) Reporting. At the end of a project period, each grantee will be required to submit a final performance report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary. In the case of multi-year awards, grantees funded through this project are required to submit semi-annual and annual performance reports that provide the most current performance and financial expenditure information as specified by the Secretary in 34 CFR 74.51, 75.118 and 80.40. Each grantee must submit to the Secretary the following reports –

(1) A semi-annual, annual, and final performance report, unless the Secretary requires more frequent reporting, summarizing significant project accomplishments and, if applicable, barriers impeding progress and steps taken to alleviate those barriers.

(2) The performance reports must include--

(i) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for the period. Describe any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that materially impair the ability of the project to accomplish its purposes, along with the reasons for slippage and an explanation of any action taken or contemplated to resolve the difficulties;

(ii) A description of any favorable developments that will permit the project to accomplish its purposes sooner, at less cost, or more effectively than projected; and

(iii) A statistical report covering quantitative analyses of --

(A)The extent to which the project achieved its goals with respect to enrollment, skill proficiencies earned by completion, and placement of participants for the most recently completed training cycle(s) by gender and by programs of study for which instruction was provided. The report must also include the following:

(1)At the secondary level, the percentage of career and technical education students who:

(i) Attained academic content standards and student academic achievement standards that meet challenging State defined academic standards for reading/language arts, and mathematics.

(ii) Attained career and technical skill proficiencies, including student achievement on technical assessments that are aligned with industry-recognized standards, if available and appropriate.

(iii) Attained a secondary school diploma.

(iv) Attained a proficiency credential, certificate, or degree in conjunction with a secondary school diploma, if a credential, certificate, or degree is offered in conjunction with a secondary school diploma, in the State in which the project operates.

(v) Were placed in --

(A) Postsecondary education or advanced training;

(B) Military service; or

3. Employment.

(2) At the postsecondary level, the percentage of career and technical education students who:

(i) Attained challenging career and technical skill proficiencies, including student achievement on technical assessments that are aligned with industry-recognized standards, if available and appropriate.

(ii) Attained an industry-recognized credential, a certificate, or a degree.

(iii) Are retained in postsecondary education or transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.

(iv) Were placed in --

(A) Military service;

(B) Apprenticeship programs; or

(C) Employment, including retention in employment and placement in a specific occupation or profession.

(v) Were referred to social or related services that were intended to improve the extent to which participants benefited from the project (e.g., referring a student to an agency that will help to obtain child care or health care, which would result in improved classroom attendance) or to prepare for or obtain employment.

Note: An annual evaluation report must be submitted along with the annual performance report. The Grant Performance Report (ED 524B) forms must be used for submission of the semi-annual, annual and final performance reports. All reports must be submitted through eReports, ED’s electronic performance reporting initiative. The electronic submission of data will facilitate aggregation and analysis of grantee data by ED. The Department’s program staff will provide instructions for submitting the required reports.

INDIAN SELF DETERMINATION CONTRACTS

Section 116(b)(2) of the Act provides that grants or contracts awarded under section 116 are subject to the terms and conditions of section 102 of the Indian Self-Determination Act (ISDA)(25 U.S.C. 450f) and must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Act of April 16, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 455-457), which are relevant to the programs administered under section 116(b) of the Act. Section 102 of the ISDA authorizes Indian tribes to request self-determination contracts. Accordingly, an Indian tribe or tribal organization that has applied to the Secretary for financial assistance under the NACTEP and has been notified of its selection to be a recipient of financial assistance may submit a request to operate its NACTEP project through a section 102 Indian self-determination contract.

In accordance with section 102(a) of the ISDA, any tribe or tribal organization requesting to operate its project under an Indian self-determination contract must do so by tribal resolution. After successful applicants are selected under this NACTEP competition, the Secretary will review any requests to operate a project under an Indian self-determination contract pursuant to the ISDA. If a request for an Indian self-determination contract is approved, the Indian tribe or tribal organization submitting the request will be required, to the extent possible, to operate its project in accordance with the terms of the ISDA, the Act, and the non-statutory program requirements established in the notice.

As with grants under the NACTEP, self-determination contracts under NACTEP are limited to a 60-month project and subject to the availability of funds. The career and technical education programs, services, and activities provided through an Indian self-determination contract would have to be essentially the same as were proposed in the initial application and approved by the Department. Any tribe or tribal organization that is successful under the competition announced in the notice and is selected to receive funding, but whose request for an Indian self-determination contract is denied, may appeal the denial to the Secretary. If you have questions about ISDA self-determination contracts, please contact the staff listed in the “For Further Information Contact” section of the notice.

Definitions

The Act of April 16, 1934 means the Federal law commonly known as the “Johnson-O’Malley Act” that authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make contracts for the education of Indians and other purposes (25 U.S.C. 455-457).

Acute economic need means an income that is at or below the national poverty level according to the latest available data from the Department of Commerce or the Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines.

Alaska Native or Native means—a citizen of the United States who is a person of one-fourth

degree or more Alaska Indian (including Tsimshian Indians not enrolled in the Metlakta Indian Community) Eskimo, or Aleut blood, or a combination thereof. The terms includes--

(a) Any Native, as so defined, either or both of whose adoptive parents are not Natives; and

(b) In the absence of proof of a minimum blood quantum, any citizen of the United States who is regarded as an Alaska Native by the Native village or Native group of which he or she claims to be a member and whose father or mother is (or, if deceased, was) regarded as Native by any village or group. Any decision of the Secretary of Interior regarding eligibility for enrollment will be final. (20 U.S.C. 2326(a)(1); 43 U.S.C. 1602(b)).

Alaska Native entity means an entity such as an Alaska Native village, group, or regional or village corporation.

Alaska Native group means any tribe, band, clan, village, community, or village association of Natives in Alaska composed of less than twenty-five Natives, who comprise a majority of the residents of the locality. (43 U.S.C. 1602(d)).

Alaska Native village means any tribe, band, clan, group, village, community, or association in Alaska--

(a) Listed in sections 1610 and 1615 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; or

(b) That meets the requirements of chapter 33 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act;

and

(c)That the Secretary of Interior determines was, on the 1970 census enumeration date (as shown by the census or other evidence satisfactory to the Secretary of Interior, who shall make findings of fact in each instance), composed of twenty-five or more Natives. (43 U.S.C. 1602(c)).

Alaska regional corporation means an Alaska Native regional corporation established under the laws of the State of Alaska in accordance with the provisions of chapter 33 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. (43 U.S.C. 1602(g)).

Alaska village corporation means an Alaska Native Village Corporation organized under the laws of the State of Alaska as a business for profit or nonprofit corporation to hold, invest, manage and/or distribute lands, property, funds, and other rights and assets for and on behalf of a Native village in accordance with the terms of chapter 33 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. (43 U.S.C. 1602(j)).

Bureau means the Bureau of Indian Affairs (e.g., currently the Bureau of Indian Education) of the Department of the Interior. (25 U.S.C. 2021 (2)).

Bureau-funded school means --

(a) A Bureau operated elementary or secondary day or boarding school or Bureau-operated dormitory for students attending a school other than a Bureau school. (25 U.S.C. 2021 (3) and (4));

(b) An elementary or secondary school or dormitory which receives financial assistance for its operation under contract, grant, or agreement with the Bureau under section 102, 103(a), or 208 of the Indian Self-Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 450f, 450h(a), or 458d) or under the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of 1988 (25 U.S.C. 2504 et seq.). (25 U.S.C. 2021 (3) and (5)); or

(c ) A school for which assistance is provided under the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of 1988 (25 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.). (25 U.S.C. 2021).

Career and technical education means organized educational activities that —

(a) Offer a sequence of courses that –

(1) Provides individuals with coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in current or emerging professions;

(2) Provides technical skills proficiency, an industry-recognized credential, a certificate, or an associate degree; and

(3) May include prerequisite courses (other than a remedial course) that meet the

requirements of this subparagraph; and

(b) Includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of an industry, including entrepreneurship, of an individual. (20 U.S.C. 2302 (5)).

Coherent sequence of courses means a series of courses in which career and academic education is integrated, and which directly relates to, and leads to, both academic and occupational competencies. The term included competency – based education and academic education, and adult training or retraining, including sequential units encompassed within a single adult retraining course that otherwise meet the requirements of this definition.

Direct assistance to students means tuition, dependent care, transportation, books, and supplies that are necessary for a student to participate in a project funded under this program.

Indian means a person who is a member of an Indian tribe. (20 U.S.C. 2326 (a) (3); 25 U.S.C. 450b(d)).

Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. (20 U.S.C. 2326(a)(3); 25 U.S.C. 450b(e)).

Institution of higher education means—

(a) An educational institution in any State that—

(1) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a

school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a

certificate;

(2) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond

secondary education;

(3) Provides an educational program for which the institution awards a bachelor’s degree

or provides not less than a 2-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward

such a degree;

(4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and

(5) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association, or if not so

accredited, is an institution that has been granted pre-accreditation status by such an agency or association that has been recognized by the Secretary of Education for the granting of pre-accreditation status, and the Secretary of Education has determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time.

(b) The term also includes—

(1) Any school that provides not less than a 1-year program of training to prepare

students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and that meets the provisions of paragraphs (a)(1), (2), (4) and (5) of this definition.

(2) A public or nonprofit private educational institution in any State that, in lieu of the

requirement in paragraph (a)(1) of this definition, admits as regular students persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is located. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1001 and 2302(18)).

Special populations means--

(a) Individuals with disabilities;

(b) Individuals from economically disadvantaged families, including foster children;

(c) Individuals preparing for nontraditional training fields;

(d) Single parents, including single pregnant women;

(e) Displaced homemakers; and

(f) Individuals with limited English proficiency.(20 U.S.C. 2302(29)).

Stipend means a subsistence allowance for a student that is necessary for the student to participate in a project funded under this program.

Tribal organization means the recognized governing body of any Indian tribe; any legally established organization of Indians that is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by that governing body or that is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by the organization and which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities, provided that in any case where a contract is let or grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than one Indian tribe, the approval of each such Indian tribe shall be a prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant. (20 U.S.C. 2326(a)(3); 25 U.S.C. 450b(l)).

Tribally Controlled College or University means an institution of higher education, which is formally controlled, or has been formally sanctioned, or chartered, by the governing body of an Indian tribe or tribes, except that no more than one such institution shall be recognized with respect to any such tribe. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 2302(33) and 25 U.S.C. 1801(a)(4))

Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)

The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) places new management expectations and requirements on Federal departments and agencies by creating a framework for more effective planning, budgeting, program evaluation, and fiscal accountability for Federal programs. The intent of GPRA is to improve public confidence by holding Federal departments and agencies accountable for achieving program results. Departments and agencies must clearly describe the goals and objectives of their programs, identify resources and actions needed to accomplish these goals and objectives, develop a means of measuring progress made, and regularly report on their achievement. One important source of program information on successes and lessons learned is the project evaluation conducted under individual grants. The Department has developed the following core factors and measures for evaluating the overall effectiveness of NACTEP projects:

(a) At the secondary level: An increase in the percentage of career and technical education students who:

(1) Attain academic content standards and student academic achievement standards that meet challenging State defined academic standards for reading/language arts, and mathematics.

2. Attain career and technical skill proficiencies, including student achievement on technical assessments that are aligned with industry-recognized standards, if available and appropriate.

3. Attain a secondary school diploma.

(4) If a credential, certificate, or degree is offered by the State, in which the project operates, in conjunction with a secondary school diploma, rates of attainment of a proficiency credential, certificate, or degree in conjunction with a secondary school diploma.

(5) Placed in –

(i) Postsecondary education or advanced training;

(ii) Military service; or

(iii) Employment.

(b) At the postsecondary level: An increase in the percentage of career and technical education students who:

(1) Attain challenging career and technical skill proficiencies, including student achievement on technical assessments that are aligned with industry-recognized standards, if available and appropriate.

(2) Attain an industry-recognized credential, a certificate, or a degree.

(3)Are retained in postsecondary education or transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.

(4) Placed in –

1. Military service; or

2. Apprenticeship programs.

(5) Are placed or have been retained in employment, including placement in high skill, high wage, or high demand occupations or professions.

(c) At the adult education level:

The percentage of participating adult CTE students who –

1. Enroll in a postsecondary education or training program;

2. Attain CTE skill proficiencies aligned with industry-recognized standards;

3. Receive industry-recognized credentials or certificates; and

4. Are placed in a job, upgraded in a job, or retain employment.

Note: All grantees will be expected to submit an annual performance report addressing these performance measures, to the extent feasible and to the extent that they apply to each grantee’s NACTEP project.

Section B Legal and Regulatory Documents

Application Notice

Program Statute

SEC. 116. <<NOTE: 20 USC 2326.>> NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAMS.

``(a) Definitions.--In this section:

``(1) Alaska native.--The term `Alaska Native' means a

Native as such term is defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native

Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602).

``(2) Bureau-funded school.--The term `Bureau-funded school'

has the meaning given the term in section 1141 of the Education

Amendments of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 2021).

``(3) Indian, Indian tribe, and tribal organization.--The

terms `Indian', `Indian tribe', and `tribal organization' have

the meanings given the terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-

Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).

``(4) Native Hawaiian.--The term `Native Hawaiian' means any

individual any of whose ancestors were natives, prior to 1778,

of the area which now comprises the State of Hawaii.

``(5) Native Hawaiian organization.--The term `Native

Hawaiian organization' has the meaning given the term in

[[Page 120 STAT. 708]] section 7207 of the Native Hawaiian Education Act

(20 U.S.C.7517).

``(b) Program Authorized.--

``(1) Authority.--From <<NOTE: Grants. Contracts.>> funds

reserved under section 111(a)(1)(B)(i), the Secretary shall make

grants to or enter into contracts with Indian tribes, tribal

organizations, and Alaska Native entities to carry out the

authorized programs described in subsection (c), except that

such grants or contracts shall not be awarded to secondary

school programs in Bureau-funded schools.

``(2) Indian tribes and tribal organizations.--The grants or

contracts described in this section that are awarded to any

Indian tribe or tribal organization shall be subject to the

terms and conditions of section 102 of the Indian Self-

Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 450f) and shall be conducted in

accordance with the provisions of sections 4, 5, and 6 of the

Act of April 16, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 455-457), which are relevant to

the programs administered under this subsection.

``(3) Special authority relating to secondary schools

operated or supported by the bureau of Indian affairs.--An

Indian tribe, a tribal organization, or an Alaska Native entity,

that receives funds through a grant made or contract entered

into under paragraph (1) may use the funds to provide assistance

to a secondary school operated or supported by the Bureau of

Indian Affairs to enable such school to carry out career and

technical education programs.

(4) Matching.--If sufficient funding is available, the Bureau of Indian Affairs

shall expend an amount equal to the amount made available under this

subsection, relating to programs for Indians, to pay a part of the costs of

programs funded under this subsection. During each fiscal year the Bureau

of Indian Affairs shall expend not less than the amount expended

during the prior fiscal year on career and technical education

programs, services, and technical activities administered

directly by, or under contract with, the Bureau of Indian

Affairs, except that in no year shall funding for such programs,

services, and activities be provided from accounts and programs

that support other Indian <<NOTE: Plan.>> education programs.

The Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for

Indian Affairs shall prepare jointly a plan for the expenditure

of funds made available and for the evaluation of programs

assisted under this subsection. Upon the completion of a joint

plan for the expenditure of the funds and the evaluation of the

programs, the Secretary shall assume responsibility for the

administration of the program, with the assistance and

consultation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

``(5) Regulations.--If the Secretary promulgates any

regulations applicable to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall--

``(A) confer with, and allow for active

participation by, representatives of Indian tribes,

tribal organizations, and individual tribal members; and

``(B) promulgate the regulations under subchapter

III of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code,

commonly known as the `Negotiated Rulemaking Act of

1990'.

``(6) Application.--Any Indian tribe, tribal organization,

or Bureau-funded school eligible to receive assistance under

[[Page 120 STAT. 709]] this subsection may apply individually or as part of a

consortium with another such Indian tribe, tribal organization, or Bureau-funded

school.

``(c) Authorized Activities.--

``(1) Authorized programs.--Funds made available under this

section shall be used to carry out career and technical

education programs consistent with the purpose of this Act.

``(2) Stipends.--

``(A) In general.--Funds received pursuant to grants

or contracts awarded under subsection (b) may be used to

provide stipends to students who are enrolled in career

and technical education programs and who have acute

economic needs which cannot be met through work-study

programs.

``(B) Amount.--Stipends described in subparagraph

(A) shall not exceed reasonable amounts as prescribed by

the Secretary.

``(d) Grant or Contract Application.--In order to receive a grant or

contract under this section, an organization, tribe, or entity described

in subsection (b) shall submit an application to the Secretary that

shall include an assurance that such organization, tribe, or entity

shall comply with the requirements of this section.

``(e) Restrictions and Special Considerations.--The Secretary may

not place upon grants awarded or contracts entered into under subsection

(b) any restrictions relating to programs other than restrictions that

apply to grants made to or contracts entered into with States pursuant

to allotments under section 111(a). The Secretary, in awarding grants

and entering into contracts under this section, shall ensure that the

grants and contracts will improve career and technical education

programs, and shall give special consideration to--

``(1) programs that involve, coordinate with, or encourage

tribal economic development plans; and

``(2) applications from tribally controlled colleges or

universities that--

``(A) are accredited or are candidates for

accreditation by a nationally recognized accreditation

organization as an institution of postsecondary career

and technical education; or

``(B) operate career and technical education

programs that are accredited or are candidates for

accreditation by a nationally recognized accreditation

organization, and issue certificates for completion of

career and technical education programs.

``(f) Consolidation of Funds.--Each organization, tribe, or entity

receiving assistance under this section may consolidate such assistance

with assistance received from related programs in accordance with the

provisions of the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services

Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.).

``(g) Nonduplicative and Nonexclusive Services.--Nothing in this

section shall be construed--

``(1) to limit the eligibility of any organization, tribe,

or entity described in subsection (b) to participate in any

activity offered by an eligible agency or eligible recipient

under this title; or [[Page 120 STAT. 710]]

``(2) to preclude or discourage any agreement, between any

organization, tribe, or entity described in subsection (b) and

any eligible agency or eligible recipient, to facilitate the

provision of services by such eligible agency or eligible

recipient to the population served by such eligible agency or

eligible recipient.