Notices. Notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions

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BILLING CODE 3710-08-M DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests AGENCY: Department of Education. SUMMARY: The Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer, invites comments on the proposed information collection requests as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before March 14, 2005. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35) requires that the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)provide interested Federal agencies and the public an early opportunity to comment on information collection requests. OMB may amend or waive the requirement for public consultation to the extent that public participation in the approval process would defeat the purpose of the information collection, violate State or Federal law, or substantially interfere with any agency's ability to perform its statutory obligations. The Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer, publishes that notice containing proposed information collection requests prior to submission of these requests to OMB. Each proposed information collection, grouped by office, contains the following:

(1)Type of review requested, *e.g.* , new, revision, extension, existing or reinstatement;

(2)title;

(3)summary of the collection;

(4)description of the need for, and proposed use of, the information;

(5)respondents and frequency of collection; and

(6)reporting and/or recordkeeping burden. OMB invites public comment. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues:

(1)Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department;

(2)will this information be processed and used in a timely manner;

(3)is the estimate of burden accurate;

(4)how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(5)how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Dated: January 7, 2005. Angela C. Arrington, Leader, Information Management Case Services Team, Regulatory Information Management Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer. Office of Elementary and Secondary Education *Type of Review:* Reinstatement. *Title:* Survey on the Use of Funds Under Title II, Part A. *Frequency:* Annually. *Affected Public:* State, local, or tribal government, SEAs or LEAs (primary). *Reporting and Recordkeeping Hour Burden: Responses:* 800. *Burden Hours:* 4,000. *Abstract:* This study is being conducted to inform the Department's performance indicators for the Government Performance and Results Act

(GPRA)report for the Title II, Part A program. Requests for copies of the proposed information collection request may be accessed from *http://edicsweb.ed.gov,* by selecting the “Browse Pending Collections” link and by clicking on link number 2663. When you access the information collection, click on “Download Attachments” to view. Written requests for information should be addressed to U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Potomac Center, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20202-4700. Requests may also be electronically mailed to the Internet address *OCIO_RIMG@ed.gov* or faxed to

(202)245-6621. Please specify the complete title of the information collection when making your request. Comments regarding burden and/or the collection activity requirements should be directed to Kathy Axt at her e-mail address *Kathy.Axt@ed.gov.* Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf

(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339. [FR Doc. E5-131 Filed 1-12-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Innovation and Improvement Notice Reopening the Advanced Placement

(AP)Test Fee Fiscal Year

(FY)2005 Competition *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

(CFDA)Number:* 84.330B. SUMMARY: On November 9, 2004, we published in the **Federal Register** (69 FR 65028) a notice inviting applications for the AP Test Fee FY 2005 competition. The original notice for this FY 2005 competition established a December 13, 2004 deadline date for eligible applicants to apply for funding under this program. In order to afford as many eligible applicants as possible an opportunity to receive funding under this program, we are reopening the AP Test Fee FY 2005 competition. The new application deadline date for the competition is January 24, 2005. DATES: *Deadline for Transmittal of Applications:* January 24, 2005 (by 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, if transmitted electronically or by hand-delivery). Note: Applications for grants under the AP Test Fee program must be submitted electronically using the Electronic Grant Application System (e-Application) available through the Department's e-Grants system, unless a waiver is granted. For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically or to request a waiver of the electronic submission requirement, please refer to Section IV. 6. *Other Submission Requirements* in the November 9, 2004 notice (69 FR 65029-65030). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madeline E. Baggett, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 4W210, Washington, DC 20202-5943. Telephone:

(202)260-2502 or by e-mail: *madeline.baggett@ed.gov.* If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Relay Service

(FRS)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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Any eligible applicant may apply for funding under this program by the deadline in this notice. Eligible applicants that submitted their applications for the AP Test Fee FY 2005 competition to the Department prior to the competition's original deadline date of December 13, 2004 are not required to re-submit their applications or re-apply in order to be considered for FY 2005 awards under this program. We encourage eligible applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible to avoid any problems with filing electronic applications on the last day. The deadline for submission of applications will not be extended any further. *Electronic Access to This Document:* You may view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the **Federal Register** , in text or Adobe Portable Document Format

(PDF)on the Internet at the following site: *http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.* To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC, area at

(202)512-1530. 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: *http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.* Dated: January 7, 2005. Nina Shokraii Rees, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement. [FR Doc. E5-129 Filed 1-12-05; 8:45am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination Program AGENCY: Office of Innovation and Improvement, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions. SUMMARY: The Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement proposes a priority, requirements, and definitions under the Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination program. We may use this priority and these requirements and definitions for competitions in fiscal year

(FY)2005 and later years. We take this action to focus Federal financial assistance on an identified national need for the enhancement, expansion, documentation, evaluation, and dissemination of innovative, cohesive models that have demonstrated that they effectively:

(1)Integrate standards-based arts education into the core elementary and middle school curricula;

(2)strengthen standards-based arts instruction in these grades; and

(3)improve elementary and middle schools students' academic performance, including their skills in creating, performing, and responding to the arts. We intend the priority, requirements, and definitions to increase the amount of information on effective models for arts education that is available nationally and to integrate the arts with standards-based education programs. DATES: We must receive your comments on or before February 14, 2005. ADDRESSES: Address all comments about the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions to Diane Austin, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 4W214, Washington, DC 20202-5943. If you prefer to send your comments through the Internet, use the following address: *comments@ed.gov.* You must include the term “artsdemo” in the subject line of your electronic message. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Austin. Telephone:

(202)260-1280 or via Internet: *Diane.Austin@ed.gov.* If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Relay Service

(FRS)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 contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Invitation To Comment We invite you to submit comments regarding the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice. To ensure that your comments have maximum effect in developing the notice of final priority, requirements, and definitions, we urge you to identify clearly the specific proposed priority, requirement or definition that each comment addresses. We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of reducing regulatory burden that might result from the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions. Please let us know of any further opportunities we should take to reduce potential costs or increase potential benefits while preserving the effective and efficient administration of the program. During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public comments about the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in room 4W214, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal holidays. Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the Rulemaking Record On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public rulemaking record for the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions. If you want to schedule an appointment for this type of aid, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. We will announce the final priority, requirements, and definitions in a notice in the **Federal Register.** We will determine the final priority, requirements, and definitions after considering responses to this notice and other information available to the Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing additional priorities, requirements, and definitions, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements. Note: This notice does *not* solicit applications. In any year in which we choose to use the priority, requirements, and definitions, we invite applications through a notice in the **Federal Register** . When inviting applications, we designate the priority as absolute, competitive preference, or invitational. The effect of each type of priority follows: *Absolute Priority:* Under an absolute priority we consider only applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)). *Competitive Preference Priority:* Under a competitive preference priority we give competitive preference to an application by either

(1)awarding additional points, depending on how well or the extent to which the application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or

(2)selecting an application that meets the competitive priority over an application of comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)). *Invitational Priority:* Under an invitational priority we are particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)). Discussion of Proposed Priority, Requirements, and Definitions This program supports the development of, and dissemination of information about, model school-based arts education programs. Priority Proposed Priority We propose the following priority for this program: This priority supports projects that enhance, expand, document, evaluate, and disseminate innovative cohesive models that are based on research and have demonstrated their effectiveness in

(1)integrating standards-based arts education into the core elementary or middle school curriculum,

(2)strengthening standards-based arts instruction in the elementary or middle school grades, and

(3)improving the academic performance, including their skills in creating, performing, and responding to the arts, of students in elementary or middle school. In order to meet this priority an applicant must demonstrate that the model project for which it seeks funding

(1)serves only elementary schools or middle schools, or both and

(2)is linked to State and national standards intended to enable all students to meet challenging expectations, and to improving student and school performance. *Rationale:* The Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination program seeks to address the lack of high-quality, research-based arts education programs by encouraging partnerships of arts and education specialists to enhance, expand, and document effective models for improving arts education and student achievement, including performance on State or local standardized tests. The program seeks to provide more communities with solid information regarding innovative models for effectively strengthening arts instruction, improving students' skills in creating, performing, and responding to works of art, and increasing student achievement in other academic subjects. By proposing that projects serve students in elementary or middle schools only, we intend for this program to provide a vehicle for including arts instruction in the core curriculum of elementary and middle schools in a seamless manner. Unlike high schools, elementary and most middle schools do not have separate art classes in their curriculum. Requirements Proposed Application Requirement We propose the following application requirement for this program: To be eligible for Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination funds, applicants must propose to address the needs of low-income children by carrying out projects that serve at least one elementary or middle school in which 35 percent or more of the children enrolled are from low-income families (based on data used in meeting the poverty criteria set out in Title I, Section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (ESEA)). *Rationale:* Studies have found that improving the quality of arts education has a particularly positive impact on students from low-income backgrounds. Unfortunately, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds are almost twice as likely to attend arts-poor schools. We propose this application requirement in an attempt to address the needs of low-income children. Proposed Eligibility Requirement We propose the following eligibility requirement for this program: To be eligible to receive funding under the Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination program, an applicant must be:

(1)One or more LEAs, including charter schools that are considered LEAs under State law and regulations, that may work in partnership with one or more of the following: • A State or local non-profit or governmental arts organization, • A State educational agency

(SEA)or regional educational service agency, • An institution of higher education, or • A public or private agency, institution, or organization, such as a community- or faith-based organization; or

(2)One or more State or local non-profit or governmental arts organizations that must work in partnership with one or more LEAs and may partner with one or more of the following: • An SEA or regional educational service agency, • An institution of higher education, or • A public or private agency, institution, or organization, such as a community- or faith-based organization. Note: If more than one LEA or arts organization wishes to form a consortium and jointly submit a single application, they must follow the procedures for group applications described in 34 CFR 75.127 through 34 CFR 75.129 of the Education Department General Administrative Regulations. *Rationale:* The statute encourages collaborative activities with Federal agencies or institutions involved in arts education, arts educators, and organizations representing the arts, including State and local arts agencies involved in arts education. Prior competitions under this program have been open to applications from a variety of public and private education and arts organizations. We have received feedback from stakeholders that collaborative programs are being effectively managed by such entities. In addition, various types of organizations are in positions to effectively manage and evaluate model arts integration programs that serve needy school children. Definitions Proposed Definitions Several important terms associated with this program are not defined in the authorizing statute. We, therefore, propose, for the purpose of this program, to define the following terms: *Arts* includes music, dance, theater, media, and visual arts, including folk arts. *Integrating* means

(i)encouraging the use of high-quality arts instruction in other academic/content areas and

(ii)strengthening the place of the arts as a core academic subject in the school curriculum. *Based on research* , when used with respect to an activity or a program, means that, to the extent possible, the activity or program is based on the most rigorous theory, research, and evaluation available and is effective in improving student achievement and performance and other program objectives. Executive Order 12866 This notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential costs and benefits of this regulatory action. The potential costs associated with the notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions are those resulting from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary for administering this program effectively and efficiently. In assessing the potential costs and benefits—both quantitative and qualitative—of this notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions, we have determined that the benefits of the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions justify the costs. We also have determined that this regulatory action does not unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the exercise of their governmental functions. Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits The potential costs associated with the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice are minimal while the benefits are significant. Grantees may incur some costs associated with completing the application process in terms of staff and partner time, copying, and mailing or delivery. The benefit of the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice is that grants supported under this program will be able to provide information on effective models. This information will be helpful to schools and communities looking for guidance on how to improve the educational performance of at-risk children and youth by providing arts education services and programs—especially programs incorporating arts education standards. Intergovernmental Review This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. One of the objectives of the Executive Order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened federalism. The Executive Order relies on processes developed by State and local governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance. This document provides early notification of our specific plans and action for this program. Electronic Access to This Document You may view this document, as well as all other Department of Education documents published in the **Federal Register** , in text or Adobe Portable Document Format

(GPO)toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC, area at

(202)512-1530. 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: *http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.* (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.351D Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination) Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7271. Dated: January 7, 2005. Nina Shokraii Rees, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement. [FR Doc. E5-122 Filed 1-12-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Professional Development for Arts Educators Program AGENCY: Office of Innovation and Improvement, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions. SUMMARY: The Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement proposes a priority, requirements, and definitions under the Professional Development for Arts Educators program. We may use this priority and these requirements and definitions for competitions in fiscal year

(FY)2005 and later years. We take this action to focus Federal financial assistance on an identified national need for professional development for arts educators that focuses on the development, enhancement, and expansion of standards-based arts instruction or that integrates arts instruction with other subject area content, and to improve student achievement of low-income students in kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). We intend the priority, requirements, and definitions to improve the performance of needy children and to increase the amount of information on effective professional development for arts educators that is available nationally. DATES: We must receive your comments on or before February 14, 2005. ADDRESSES: Address all comments about the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions to Carol Sue Fromboluti, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 4W233, Washington, DC 20202-5943. If you prefer to send your comments through the Internet, use the following address: *comments@ed.gov* . You must include the term “artspd” in the subject line of your electronic message. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Sue Fromboluti. Telephone:

(202)205-9654 or via Internet: *Carol.Fromboluti@ed.gov* . If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Relay Service

(FRS)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 contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Invitation To Comment We invite you to submit comments regarding the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice. To ensure that your comments have maximum effect in developing the notice of final priority, requirements, and definitions, we urge you to identify clearly the specific proposed priority, requirement, or definition that each comment addresses. We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of reducing regulatory burden that might result from the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions. Please let us know of any further opportunities we should take to reduce potential costs or increase potential benefits while preserving the effective and efficient administration of the program. During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public comments about the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in room 4W242, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., eastern time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal holidays. Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the Rulemaking Record On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public rulemaking record for the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions. If you want to schedule an appointment for this type of aid, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. We will announce the final priority, requirements, and definitions in a notice in the **Federal Register** . We will determine the final priority, requirements, and definitions after considering responses to this notice and other information available to the Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing additional priorities, requirements, and definitions, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements. *Note:* This notice does *not* solicit applications. In any year in which we choose to use the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions, we invite applications through a notice in the **Federal Register** . When inviting applications, we designate the priority as absolute, competitive preference, or invitational. The effect of each type of priority follows: *Absolute Priority:* Under an absolute priority we consider only applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)). *Competitive Preference Priority:* Under a competitive preference priority we give competitive preference to an application by either

(1)awarding additional points, depending on how well or the extent to which the application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or

(2)selecting an application that meets the competitive priority over an application of comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)). *Invitational Priority:* Under an invitational priority we are particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)). Discussion of Proposed Priority, Requirements, and Definitions Through this program, the Department intends to fund model professional development programs for music, dance, drama, and visual arts educators of K-12 students in high-poverty schools. The purpose of this program is to strengthen standards-based arts education programs and to help ensure that all students meet challenging State academic content standards and challenging State student academic achievement standards in the arts. Priority Proposed Priority We propose the following priority for this program: This priority supports professional development programs for K-12 arts educators that use innovative instructional methods and current knowledge from education research and focus on—

(1)The development, enhancement, or expansion of standards-based arts education programs; or

(2)The integration of standards-based arts instruction with other core academic area content. In order to meet this priority, an applicant must demonstrate that the project for which it seeks funding is linked to State and national standards intended to enable all students to meet challenging expectations, and to improving student and school performance. *Rationale:* It is the intent of this program to provide professional development programs for arts educators that can be linked to student achievement, including performance on State or local standardized tests. While arts content and achievement standards have been voluntarily adopted in many States throughout the country, teachers often need professional development on how to implement education standards both for arts programs and for programs designed to integrate arts with other subject areas. The proposed priority would support projects that would provide professional development services that are linked to learning standards. Requirements Proposed Application Requirement We propose the following application requirement for this program: To be eligible for Professional Development for Arts Educators Program funds, applicants must propose to carry out professional development programs for art educators of K-12 low-income children and youth by implementing projects in schools in which 50 percent or more of the children enrolled are from low-income families (based on the poverty criteria set out in Title I, Section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (ESEA)). *Rationale:* Studies have found that improving the quality of arts education has a particularly positive impact on students from low-income backgrounds. We believe this poverty requirement is necessary in order to focus services on the most needy children. Proposed Eligibility Requirement We propose the following eligibility requirement for this program: To be eligible to receive funding under the Professional Development for Arts Educators program, an applicant must be— A local educational agency (LEA), which may be a charter school that is considered an LEA, that is acting on behalf of an individual school or schools that meets the poverty criterion with respect to children from low-income families that is specified in the application requirement elsewhere in this notice, and that must work in partnership with one or more of the following—

(1)A State or local non-profit or governmental arts organization;

(2)A State educational agency

(SEA)or regional educational service agency;

(3)An institution of higher education; or

(4)A public or private agency, institution, or organization, including a museum, an arts education association, a library, a theater, or a community-or faith-based organization. *Rationale:* The most effective professional development programs are systemic and have the full support of school leadership. Therefore, it is essential that eligibility be limited to LEAs. Professional development in the area of arts education is often enhanced when it taps the expertise of professional arts organizations or other entities. Accordingly, an LEA would be required to partner with one of these organizations. Definitions Proposed Definitions The terms “arts educator” and “integrate”, which are important concepts associated with this program, are not defined in the authorizing statute. We, therefore, propose, for the purpose of this program, to define these terms as follows: *Arts educator* means a teacher who works in music, drama, dance, or the visual arts. *Integrate* means, in the context of projects funded under this program, to strengthen

(i)the use of high-quality arts instruction within other academic content areas, and

(ii)the place of the arts as a core academic subject in the school curriculum. Executive Order 12866 This notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential costs and benefits of this regulatory action. The potential costs associated with the notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions are those resulting from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary for administering this program effectively and efficiently. In assessing the potential costs and benefits—both quantitative and qualitative—of this notice of proposed priority, requirements, and definitions, we have determined that the benefits of the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions justify the costs. We also have determined that this regulatory action does not unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the exercise of their governmental functions. Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits The potential costs associated with the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice are minimal, while the benefits are significant. Grantees may incur some costs associated with completing the application process in terms of staff and partner time, copying, and mailing or delivery. The benefit of the proposed priority, requirements, and definitions in this notice is that grantees will develop professional development programs for arts educators, especially those programs that incorporate arts education standards and are designed to improve the educational performance of at-risk children and youth. Intergovernmental Review This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. One of the objectives of the Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and strengthened federalism. The Executive order relies on processes developed by State and local governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance. This document provides early notification of our specific plans and action for this program. Electronic Access to This Document You may view this document, as well as all other Department of Education documents published in the **Federal Register** , in text or Adobe Portable Document Format

(GPO)toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington DC area at

(202)512-1530. 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: *http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.* Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7271. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.351C Professional Development for Arts Educators) Dated: January 7, 2005. Nina Shokraii Rees, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement. [FR Doc. E5-125 Filed 1-12-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, as Amended by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 ACTION: Notice of public meeting to seek comments and suggestions on regulatory issues under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. SUMMARY: The Secretary announces plans to hold the first of a series of informal public meetings to seek comments and suggestions from the public prior to developing and publishing proposed regulations to implement programs under the recently revised Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. *Date and Time of Public Meeting:* Friday, January 28, 2005 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ADDRESSES: University of Delaware, University of Delaware Conference Center, John M. Clayton Hall, Room 106, 100 Pencader Way, Newark, DE 19716. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Troy R. Justesen. Telephone:

(202)245-7468. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On December 3, 2004, the President signed into law Pub. L. 108-446, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, amending the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Copies of the new law may be obtained at the following Web site: *http://www.gpoaccess.gov/plaws/index.html.* Enactment of the new law provides an opportunity to consider improvements in the regulations implementing the IDEA (including both formula and discretionary grant programs) that would strengthen the Federal effort to ensure every child with a disability has available a free appropriate public education that—

(1)Is of high quality, and

(2)Is designed to achieve the high standards reflected in the No Child Left Behind Act and regulations. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services will be holding a series of informal meetings during the first few months of calendar year 2005 to seek input and suggestions for developing regulations, as needed, based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. This notice provides specific information about the first of these meetings, scheduled for Newark, DE (see *Date and Time of Public Meeting* earlier in this Notice). Other informal meetings will be conducted in the following locations: • Atlanta, GA; • Boston, MA; • Columbus, OH; • San Diego, CA; • Laramie, WY; and • Washington, DC. In subsequent **Federal Register** notices, we will notify you of the specific dates and locations of each of these meetings, as well as other relevant information. Individuals who need accommodations for a disability in order to attend the meeting ( *i.e.* , interpreting services, assistive listening devices, and material in alternative format) should notify the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The meeting location is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Dated: January 7, 2005. John H. Hager, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. [FR Doc. E5-119 Filed 1-12-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Office of Fossil Energy Orders Granting Authority To Import and Export Natural Gas, Including the Import of Liquefied Natural Gas In the matter of: 04-118-NG, 04-121-NG, 04-119-NG, 04-122-NG, 04-127-NG, 02-85-NG, 04-126-NG, 04-117-NG, 04-123-NG, 04-128-NG, 04-129-NG, 04-130-NG, 04-125-NG, 04-124-NG, 04-132-NG; Amerada Hess Corporation, Cascade Natural Gas Corporation, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Keyspan Gas East Corporation, BP Energy Company, Keyspan Gas East Corporation, Bay State Gas Company, Engage Energy Canada, L.P., Nexen Marketing U.S.A. Inc., Termoelectria de Mexicali, S. de R.L. de C.V., Boss Energy, Ltd., Texas Eastern Transmission, LP, Boston Gas Company, Northern Utilities, Inc., Dominion Exploration Canada, Ltd. AGENCY: Office of Fossil Energy, DOE. ACTION: Notice of orders. SUMMARY: The Office of Fossil Energy

(FE)of the Department of Energy gives notice that during December 2004, it issued Orders granting authority to import and export natural gas, including the import of liquefied natural gas. These Orders are summarized in the attached appendix and may be found on the FE Web site at *http://www.fe.doe.gov* (select gas regulation). They are also available for inspection and copying in the Office of Natural Gas Regulatory Activities, Docket Room 3E-033, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585,

(202)586-9478. The Docket Room is open between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Issued in Washington, DC, on January 5, 2005. R.F. Corbin, Manager, Natural Gas Regulatory Activities, Office of Oil and Gas Global Security and Supply, Office of Fossil Energy. Appendix Orders Granting Import/Export Authorizations [DOE/FE Authority] Order No. Date issued Importer/exporter FE Docket No. Import volume Export volume Comments 2050 12-2-04 Amerada Hess Corporation; 04-118-NG 100 Bcf 100 Bcf Import and export natural gas from and to Canada beginning on January 1, 2005 and extending through December 31, 2006. 2052 12-6-04 San Diego Gas & Electric Company; 04-119-NG 5 Bcf Import and export a combined total of natural gas from and to Mexico, beginning on November 22, 2004, and extending through November 21, 2006. 2053 12-9-04 Keyspan Gas East Corporation; 04-122-NG 25 Bcf Import and export a combined total of natural gas from and to Canada, beginning on December 10, 2004, and extending through December 9, 2006. 2054 12-9-04 BP Energy Company; 04-127-NG 1,100 Bcf Import and export a combined total of natural gas from and to Canada and Mexico, beginning on December 9, 2004, and extending through December 8, 2006. 1831-A 12-9-04 Keyspan as East Corporation; 02-85-NG Vacate blanket import and export authority. 2055 12-9-04 Bay State Gas Company; 04-126-NG 60 Bcf Import and export a combined total of natural gas from and to Canada, beginning on April 1, 2003, and extending through March 31, 2005. 2056 12-9-04 Engage Energy Canada, L.P.; 04-117-NG 1,000 Bcf Import and export a combined total of natural gas from and to Canada, and import LNG from other international sources, beginning on January 1, 2005, and extending through December 31, 2006. 2057 12-9-04 Nexen Marketing U.S.A. Inc.; 04-123-NG 200 Bcf Import and export a combined total of natural gas from and to Canada and Mexico, beginning on January 1, 2004, and extending through December 31, 2006. 2058 12-21-04 Termoelectria de Mexicali, S. de R.L. de C.V.; 04-128-NG 300 Bcf Import and export a combined total of natural gas from and to Mexico, beginning on December 21, 2004, and extending through December 20, 2006. 2059 12-21-04 Boss Energy, Ltd.; 04-129-NG 10 Bcf; 5 Bcf 10 Bcf; 5 Bcf Import and export natural gas from and to Canada and Mexico, beginning on December 21, 2004, and extending through December 20, 2006. 2060 12-21-04 Texas Eastern Transmission, L.P.; 04-130-NG 2 Bcf Import and export a combined total of natural gas from and to Mexico, beginning on December 17, 2004, and extending through December 16, 2006. 2061 12-22-06 Boston Gas Company; 04-125-NG 10 Bcf Import and export a combined total of natural gas from and to Canada, beginning on December 22, 2004, and extending through December 21, 2006. 2062 12-22-04 Northern Utilities, Inc.; 04-124-NG 30 Bcf Import and export a combined total of natural gas from and to Canada, beginning on January 15, 2005, and extending through January 14, 2007. 2063 12-30-04 Dominion Exploration Canada Ltd.; 04-132-NG 25 Bcf Import natural gas from Canada, beginning on December 30, 2004, and extending through December 29, 2006. [FR Doc. 05-713 Filed 1-12-05; 8:45 am]

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