[Federal Register: November 14, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 220)]
[Notices]
[Page 57114-57115]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14no01-104]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection,
Comment Request
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 splimpo@nsf.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292-7556 or
send mail to splimpto@nsf.gov. 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