Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

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 69 FR 19240, with a correction notice for the title of the program at 69 FR 25145, 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. 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 H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send e-mail 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.

supplementary information:

Title: The Evaluation of NDF's Math and Science Partnerships (MSP) Program.

OMB Control Number: 3145-NEW.

1. Abstract

This document has been prepared to support the clearance of data collection instruments to be used in the evaluation of the Math and Science Partnership (MSP) Program. The goals for the program are to (1) ensure that all K-12 students have access to, are prepared for, and are encouraged to participate and succeed in challenging curricula and advanced mathematics and science courses; (2) enhance the quality, quantity, and diversity of the K-12 mathematics and science teacher workforce; and (3) develop evidence-based outcomes that contribute to our understanding of how students effectively learn mathematics and science. The motivational force for realizing these goals is the formation of partnerships between institutions of higher education (IHEs) and K-12 school districts. The role of IHE content faculty is the cornerstone of this intervention. In fact, it is the rigorous involvement of science, mathematics, and engineering faculty—and the expectation that both IHEs and K-12 school systems will be transformed—that distinguishes MSP from other education reform efforts.

The components of the overall MSP portfolio include active projects whose initial awards were made in prior MSP competitions, as well as those to be awarded in the current MSP competition: (1) Comprehensive Partnerships that implement change in mathematics and/or science educational practices in both higher education institutions and in schools and school districts, resulting in improved student achievement across the K-12 continuum; (2) Targeted Partnerships that focus on improved K-12 student achievement in a narrower grade range or disciplinary focus within mathematics or science; (3) Institute Partnerships: Teacher Institutes for the 21st Century that focus on the development of mathematics and science teachers as school- and district-based intellectual leaders and master teachers; and (4) Research, Evaluation and Technical Assistance (RETA) projects that build and enhance largescale research and evaluation capacity for all MSP awardees and provide them with tools and assistance in the implementation and evaluation of their work.

The MSP online monitoring system, comprised of four web-based surveys, will collect a common core of data about each component of MSP. The web application for MSP will be developed with a modular design that incorporates templates and self-contained code modules for rapid development and ease of modification. A downloadable version will also be available for respondents who prefer a paper version that they can mail or fax to Westat. Information from the system will be used to document the Partnerships' annual progress toward meeting the Key features of MSP projects, such as developing partnerships between IHEs and local school districts, increasing teacher quality, quantity, and diversity, providing challenging courses and curricula, utilizing evidence-based design and outcome measures, and implementing institutional change and sustainability.

2. Expected Respondents

The expected respondents are principal investigators of all projects; STEM and education faculty members and administrators who participated in MSP; school districts and IHEs that are partners in an MSP project.

3. Burden on the Public

During the first year of data collection, Cohort 1 projects will be asked to report baseline data (i.e., for 2001-02) as well as two years of activity data (2002-2004). Cohort 2 will be asked to report for its baseline (2002-03) and one year of activity data (2003-04). The total elements for this first year collection are 45,344 burden hours for a maximum of 2,552 participants, assuming a 100% response rate. The average annual reporting burden is approximately 17.75 hours per respondent. The burden on the public is negligible because the study is limited to project participants that have received funding from the MSP Program.