[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 67 (Friday, April 7, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17928-17929]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-3334]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed New Data 
Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans

[[Page 17929]]

to establish clearance for an evaluation of the Teacher Professional 
Continuum (TPC) to assess how well the TPC program is meeting its 
intended goals. 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: 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 6, 2006 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 at (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: Request for Clearance for Program Evaluation 
of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Teacher Professional 
Continuum (TPC).
    Title of Collection: Evaluation of the National Science 
Foundation's Teacher Professional Continuum (TPC) Program.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.

1. Abstract

    The National Science Foundation (NSF) requests a three-year 
clearance for research, evaluation and data collection (e.g. surveys 
and interviews) from stakeholders in the Teacher Professional Continuum 
(TPC) Program. TPC stakeholders typically are limited to faculty and 
administrators from universities and not-for-profit institutions (e.g., 
museums, non-degree granting educational or research institutions), K-
12 educators, and former NSF employees and intergovernmental personnel 
act (IPA) appointees. This data collection will be the first time the 
NSF has evaluated the TPC Program.
    K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 
teachers and pre-service teacher candidates have inadequate content 
knowledge and experience high rates of teacher turnover that threaten 
student learning and the STEM teacher workforce. The current STEM 
knowledge base and infrastructure is ill equipped to respond to this 
crisis. In response, the TPC Program is designed to expand research on 
effective STEM teaching and teacher learning; develop professional 
resources for STEM teachers and those who educate them; and strengthen 
the infrastructure that supports the STEM profession. Recognizing that 
teacher professional development is comprised of a sequence of 
experiences that spans teachers' professional careers, the TPC program 
awards grants to researchers addressing pre-service training, new 
teacher induction, and in-service professional development. For 
specific details and the most updated information regarding TPC program 
operations, please visit the NSF Web site at: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=12785=ESIE&from=home home.
    Abt Associates Inc. has been awarded a three-year contract to 
assess how well the TPC program is meeting its intended goals and to 
examine the program's contribution to the knowledge base for each stage 
of the teacher professional continuum. This theory-based evaluation 
will construct a conceptual model outlining how the TPC Program is 
intended to work, and then use a mixed-methods approach to assess 
observed program implementation and outcomes against the desired model. 
The study will answer the questions: (1) How does the TPC program work? 
(2) How are TPC resources allocated and what is the relationship 
between allocated resources and project results? (3) To what extent is 
the TPC program meeting its stated outcomes of expanding research on 
effective STEM teaching and teacher learning, developing professional 
resources of STEM teachers and those who educate them, and 
strengthening the STEM education infrastructure? (4) What has 
facilitated the accomplishment or progress towards outcomes?
    A series of surveys and interviews will be employed to answer these 
questions, along with the visits. Data sources will include a review of 
literature and resources, a review of grantee portfolios (including 
proposals, products and annual reports), surveys of TPC Principal 
Investigators (PIs), interviews with PIs and other grant staff, and 
extend grant documentation.
    NSF will use the TPC program evaluation data and analyses to 
respond to requests from Committees of Visitors (COV), Congress and the 
Office of Management and Budget, particularly as related to the 
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and the Program 
Effectiveness Rating Tool (PART). NSF will also use the program 
evaluation to improve communication with TPC stakeholders and to share 
the broader impacts of the TPC program with the general public.
    Respondents: Individuals or households, business or other for 
profit, and not-for-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 143.
    Burden on the Public: 1100 hours.

    Dated: April 3, 2006.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 06-3334 Filed 4-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M