[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 15 (Monday, January 24, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4137-4138]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1373]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Comment Request: Innovative Technology Experiences for Students 
and Teachers (ITEST) Program

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 March 25, 2011 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 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: Innovative Technology Experiences for Students 
and Teachers (ITEST) Program.

Evaluation for the National Science Foundation

    OMB Number: 3145-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Type of request: Initial Clearance.

Abstract

    Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) 
is a National Science Foundation program that responds to current 
concerns and projections about the growing demand for professionals and 
information technology workers in the U.S. and seeks solutions to help 
ensure the breadth and depth of the STEM workforce. Information 
technologies are integral to both the workplace and everyday activities 
of most Americans. They are part of how people learn, how they interact 
with each other and information, and how they represent and understand 
their world. Attaining a basic understanding of these technologies and 
mastery of essential technical skills is a requirement for anyone to 
benefit from innovation in the modern world. The technological growth 
of the nation depends on a technologically literate citizenry. ITEST is 
designed to increase the opportunities for students and teachers to 
learn about, experience, and use information technologies within the 
context of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), 
including Information Technology (IT) courses. Supported projects are 
intended to provide opportunities for K-12 children and teachers to 
build the skills and knowledge needed to advance their study, and to 
function and to contribute in a technologically rich society. 
Additionally, exposure to engaging applications of IT is a means to 
stimulate student interest in the field and an important precursor to 
the academic preparation needed to pursue IT careers.
    The ITEST program evaluation will characterize the variety of ITEST 
projects, measure the rigor of individual project evaluations, estimate 
outcomes for students and teachers involved in a sample of projects, 
and identify exemplary project models. In order to accomplish these 
tasks, the ITEST program evaluation will employ a mixed-method approach 
including case studies, quasi-experiments, and extensive document 
review. This information collection request will include a series of 
protocols to be used while conducting site visit interviews, a list of 
documents to be requested during visits, and a student-survey 
instrument to measure project outcomes.

Estimate of Burden

    Respondents: Individuals.
    Frequency: Annual.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,402.
    Estimated Burden Hours on Respondents: 1,052 hours.


[[Page 4138]]


    Dated: January 19, 2011.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 2011-1373 Filed 1-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P