[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 14, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57114-57115]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-28431]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, 
Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to 
request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the 
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 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 January 14, 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 [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292-7556 or 
send mail to [email protected]. 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: An Evaluation of the Impact of Adoption and 
Use of the Office of Science Education Curriculum Supplements on 
Students' Scientific Knowledge.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to carry out a new 
information collection.

1. Abstract

    The National Science Foundation (NSF) has provided funding for 
systematically developed, research-based curriculum materials beginning 
in the 1960s. NSF has the responsibility of coordinating evaluations of 
mathematics and science education programs across government, including 
agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Since its 
establishment as part of NIH, the Office of Science Education (OSE) has 
engaged in the development of science curriculum supplements and other 
educational materials related to medicine and research. NSF and NIH 
will partner in this evaluation because both desire information on the 
effectiveness of curriculum materials and the effective means to 
collect this information. Over the years, there have been changes in 
the levels of funding for such instructional materials, reflecting 
changes in public support and concerns for such endeavors. However, 
concerns about student achievement in science have focused attention on 
the need for strong curriculum materials to support ``systemic reform'' 
(O'Day & Smith, 1993). NSF has responded to these needs by increasing 
support to research-based instructional materials that have been 
reviewed by content experts and found to be of high quality and meet 
the demands of the National Science Education Standards (NSES).
    The proposed evaluation's study questions to be addressed are: Do 
the curriculum supplements promote better science education? Do the 
curriculum supplements reduce academic inequity? Do the curriculum 
supplements deepen students' understanding of the importance of basic 
research to advances in medicine and health? Do the curriculum 
supplements foster student analysis of the direct and indirect effects 
of scientific discoveries on their individual and public health? Do the 
curriculum supplements encourage students to take more responsibility 
for their own health?
    The data to address these questions will be gathered using mixed 
methods. In addition to assessing student achievement data and using 
surveys, the mixed-methods evaluation model will include pre-
observation questionnaires, observations, and interviews of teachers. 
Interviews and observations, for example, will enable research 
evaluators to clarify vague responses in surveys or

[[Page 57115]]

confirm findings. As part of the evaluation, pre- and post-assessment 
will be used for NIH Curriculum Supplement Series for Grades 9-12 to 
compare students' learning of scientific concepts and skills when a 
supplement of NIH materials will be used, with students who do not 
receive the NIH materials. Teacher and student surveys, interviews, 
site visits, document reviews, standardized performance measures, and 
student work samples will provide the basis for comparison.

2. Expected Respondents

    The expected respondents and observation subjects are pre-college 
teachers and students.

3. Burden on the Public

    The total annual burden hours for this collection are 2,632 for a 
maximum of 3744 respondents, assuming an 80-100% response rate. The 
average annual reporting burden is one hour or less per respondent. The 
burden on the general public is small because the study is limited to a 
10 percent random sample of the 12,000 teachers who have requested the 
materials being studied, a sample of impacted students, and 60 
treatment and 60 comparison teachers.

    Dated: November 7, 2001.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
NSF Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-28431 Filed 11-13-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M