A proposed rule with request for comment with regard to the Department of State Exchange Visitor Program secondary school category appeared in this morning's Federal Register: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-10168.htm

This a far-reaching and carefully drawn rule--a few key points from this morning's initial read:

- The comment period is 30 days, so comments are due on June 2;

- The Department intends the rule to take effect for the 2011/2012 school year;

- The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has done extensive research on fingerprinting, and the rule includes a fingerprinting requirement. The rule seeks advice on ink/paper vs. electronic fingerprinting;

- The rule places limits on, but does not entirely exclude, hosting by single adults. The Department asserts that a family consists of more than one person;

- The rule requires extensive training and supervision of local coordinators;

- The rule specifies that host family orientation must take place after a family has been vetted and accepted into the program, and contemplates (seeks sponsor input) re: limiting the number of students each coordinator can oversee. Host families must be visited within two months of program start by an organizational rep other than the local coordinator;

- Assessment of host family income ranges is required.

- The rule includes language that students may not be recruited and placed based on athletic ability;

- The rule codifies ECA's recent policy statement prohibiting payment of host families.  

The Alliance is now beginning the process of coordinating responses by the comment deadline of June 2.