Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the following information collection requirement to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13. This is the second notice for public comment; the first was published in the Federal Register at 80 FR 24288, and no comments were received. NSF is forwarding the proposed renewal submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance simultaneously with the publication of this second notice. The full submission may be found at: http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency'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; (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 NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1265, Arlington, VA 22230, or by email to splimpto@nsf.gov. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling 703-292-7556.

NSF 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.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1265, Arlington, VA 22230, or by email to splimpto@nsf.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Call or write, Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1265, Arlington, VA 22230, or by email to splimpto@nsf.gov. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (including federal holidays).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST): State Coordinators Survey.

OMB Number: 3145—NEW.

Type of request: Intent to seek approval for ICR.

Abstract

The PAEMST is a White House program established by Congress in 1983 authorizing the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year to teachers of mathematics and science at the elementary and secondary levels. The NSF is the designated federal agency for administration of this Presidential program. Awards are given to mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Education Activity schools; and the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). The award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning. Since the program's inception, more than 4,300 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science (including computer science) education.

The State Coordinator (SC) manages the PAEMST program within his or her state or jurisdiction. SCs recruit eligible nominees, select and assign mentors to nominees, coordinate the selection committee, and plan local recognition events within their State. They also carry out the responsibilities as noted in the “Operational Handbook for State-Level Science and Mathematics Coordinators.”

The purpose of this survey is to seek feedback from the 120 SCs regarding PAEMST management within their state or jurisdiction. The NSF, PAEMST support team will ask directed questions using the survey to gather information that may specifically address the methods and recruitment efforts that SCs use to support the attracting of prospective award nominees. Additional survey areas may also include:

• Applicant Mentoring.
• Mentor Training.
• State selection Committee.
• State selection Process.
• Applicant and State Finalist Notification and Recognition.
• In-kind contributions.

The survey will evaluate the impact SCs have on attracting prospective award nominees to PAEMST. This will be conducted as a web-based survey.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30-40 minutes for State Coordinators.

Respondents: Individuals.

Estimated Number of Responses per Form: 120 Coordinators.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 960 hours (120 Coordinators at 8 hours per survey = 960 hours).

Frequency of Response: One per application cycle.

Comments: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the PAEMST functions, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the NSF'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 or other forms of information technology; (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.