A Review of the Title VI and Fulbright-Hays International Education Programs

As a result of Congressional findings “that globalization and the war on terrorism have increased America’s need for international experts as well as for citizens with foreign language skills and global understanding”, the Center for Education received a contract for a Congressionally mandated study to evaluate Title VI international education programs of the Higher Education Act as well as section 102(b)(6) Fulbright-Hays international education programs administered through the U.S. Department of Education.

The Department of Education’s International Education Programs Service administers and funds these 14 discretionary grant programs to expand the international dimension of American education and to increase U.S. capabilities in the less commonly taught foreign languages and related area studies. The programs fund foreign language and area training, curriculum development, research, and a wide range of international education activities.

The National Research Council study will review the adequacy and effectiveness of Title VI and Fulbright-Hays programs in addressing their statutory missions and in building the nation's international and foreign language expertise—particularly as needed for economic, foreign affairs and national security purposes. Congress identified eight key areas to address in evaluating the performance of these programs.

The committee includes expertise in foreign language acquisition, international and area studies, program evaluation, statistics and methodology, education policy, information technology applications for education, international business education, and foreign affairs. For more biographical information about committee members, please visit the Current Projects database of the National Academies.

Questions and comments may be directed to Mary Ellen O’Connell, Study Director, at 202-334-2607.

Committee Meetings

1st meeting February 14-15, 2006 in Washington, DC
Announcement of First Meeting and Response Form
Agenda for First Meeting

2^nd meeting May 18, 2006 in Washington, DC
Agenda for Second Meeting

3^rd meeting July 20-21, 2006 in Woods Hole, MA
This meeting was closed in its entirety.

4^th meeting October 5-6, 2006 in Irvine, CA
Agenda for Fourth Meeting

5^th meeting December 14-15, 2006 in Washington, DC
This meeting was closed in its entirety.