02-1416. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request clearance of this collection. In accordance with this requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques of other forms of information collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Written comments should be received by March 25, 2002 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date would be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments regarding the information collection and requests for copies of the proposed information collection request should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA 22230, or by e-mail to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne Plimpton on [phone] or send email to [e-mail]. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: The Cross Site Analysis of the national Science Foundation's Local Systemic Change Through Teacher Enhancement Program (LSC).

OMB Control No.: 3145-0161.

Expiration Date of Approval: May 31, 2002.

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 Teach 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 teach 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 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 t4eachers 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: January 15, 2002.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

NSF Reports Clearance Officer.