[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 5, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 456-457]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-31357]


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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 for 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 three 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 of respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.

DATES: Written comments should be received by March 8, 2010, to be 
assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will 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 Boulevard, Room 295, 
Arlington, VA 22230, or by e-mail to [email protected].

[[Page 457]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Suzanne Plimpton, the NSF 
Reports Clearance Officer, phone (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, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 
days a year (including Federal holidays).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title of Collection: Evaluation of the Tribal Colleges and 
Universities Program.
    OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Abstract: Since 2001 the National Science Foundation's Tribal 
Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP) has been supporting science, 
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) participation and 
retention among American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians 
through the support of quality STEM teaching through faculty 
development, STEM degree and curriculum enhancement, and undergraduate 
research and training opportunities. The evaluation being conducted by 
Kauffman and Associates, Inc. focuses on a cross-site case study of the 
overall effectiveness of the programs as well as the impact the 
programs have had on participating institutions, STEM faculty, and 
students enrolled in STEM courses. To complement this comprehensive 
evaluation study three sub-studies--a model of practice study, an 
outcome study pertaining to the impact on institutional transformation, 
and a study about the STEM programmatic influences on student 
outcomes--will be conducted. The study will rely on a thorough review 
of college and STEM record assessments; telephone and face-to-face 
interviews with governing board members, college administrators, 
faculty members, and collaborative partners; focus groups with 
students, community members, faculty, and other stakeholders; and web-
based surveys with alumni, governing board members, college presidents, 
administrators, and STEM faculty. The web-based surveys will be 
conducted with all grantees and past and present students and the 
interviews and focus groups will be conducted with the above specified 
populations at selected sites. The goal of this cross-site evaluation 
is to assess the effect of the STEM program on students, faculty, and 
administrators, to determine its overall effect on student achievement, 
outreach, and support in scientific research, faculty development, 
advancement, and collaboration, and to assess institutional change and 
development of best practices for STEM.
    Respondents: Governing board members, college presidents and 
academic vice presidents, collaborative partners, and students, past 
and present, at or working with Tribal colleges and universities 
awarded TCUP grants from NSF.
    Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 4,819 (total).
    Burden on the Public: 815 hours.

    Dated: December 30, 2009.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. E9-31357 Filed 1-4-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P