02-11914. Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Submission for OMB review; comment request.

SUMMARY:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, the National Science Foundation (NSF) is inviting the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on this proposed continuing information collection. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 67 FR 2914 and no comments were received. NSF is forwarding the proposed submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice.

DATES:

Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received by OMB within 30 days of publication in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of NSF, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of NSF's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; or (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725-17th Street, N.W. Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send e-mail to [e-mail]. Copies of the submission may be obtained by calling [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne H. Plimpton, NSF Reports Clearance Officer at [phone] or send e-mail to [e-mail].

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: Cross-Project Evaluation of the National Science Foundation's Local Systemic Change through Teacher Enhancement Program (LSC).

OMB Control No.: 3145-0161.

Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF) requests an extension of approval of instruments to be used in the evaluation of the Local Systemic Change (LSC) through Teacher Enhancement Program that were previously approved through May 2002 (OMB No. 3145-0136). The surveys are part of the ongoing data collection for the program-wide evaluation of the LSC. Each of the 72 currently funded projects administers teacher and principal questionnaires and conducts teacher interviews at appropriate times during the school year based on the program evaluation design.

These surveys have been ongoing for a number of years in LSC projects funded by NSF. The LSC program is a large-scale effort to modify the nature of teacher in-service training (or professional development) provided to mathematics and science teachers in a large number of school districts across the country. Currently there are 72 projects funded at up to $6 million each. The database maintained by Horizon Research, Inc. for LSC is designed to provide information on the total system, both for accountability and for judging effectiveness. For example, NSF is required to report for GPRA the number of teachers receiving NSF in-service and development support. This information is gathered through this recurring study of the LSC projects.

Expected Respondents: A total of 150 teachers and 55 principals from schools in each of the 72 LSC projects, for a total of 10,800 teachers and 3,960 principals participating in the LSC program.

Burden On The Public: 3,960 hours for teachers and 990 hours for principals per year.

Dated: May 8, 2002.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.