[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 70 (Monday, April 12, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19240-19241]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8174]


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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.

[[Page 19241]]

    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 June 11, 2004, 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 E-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: The Evaluation of NSF's Math and Science 
Partnerships (MSP) Program.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.

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 large-sale 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 33,951 burden hours for a 
maximum of 2,995 participants, assuming a 100% response rate. The 
average annual reporting burden is approximately 11 hours per 
respondent. In subsequent data collection cycles (2004-05) the burden 
will decline substantially since each project will only report for that 
current year. Therefore, in subsequent years it is expected that the 
total elements will be 12,915 burden hours for a maximum of 2,293 
participants. The average annual reporting burden will drop to about 6 
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.

    Dated: April 6, 2004.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 04-8174 Filed 4-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M