Approved as amended by ED's memoranda to OMB of 3/18/96, 4/23/96, and 4/30/96, which respond to public comments received (see attached). Approval is granted through June 1998 so that ED may assess the burdens imposed by the information collection provisions of these regulations, to weigh those burdens against the practical utility and public benefit derived from implementation of the rule. ED shall determine, based on such a review, whether any regulatory revisions are necessary that would achieve the objectives of the rule in a less burdensome manner, and develop these revisions in sufficient time to meet the master calendar HEA deadline of 12/1/97 (publication for rules to take effect 7/1/98). ED shall review, at a minimum, the following issues raised by public comment: 1) procedures for certification of test administrators; 2) procedures for scoring and reporting by assessment centers; and 3) procedures for processing irregular test pattern studies. ED shall also review the feasibility and desirability of a performance standard for test publishers to meet in lieu of the procedural paperwork requirements of this regulation. ED shall report the results of these activities to OMB by 5/1/97, to allow enough time for the current rule to be implemented, the effects observed, and any regulatory revisions adopted in accord with the master calendar. -- ED has also agreed that this rule will be implemented in the least burdensome manner possible, and will work with test publishers to achieve this goal and assist them in regulatory compliance. To that end, ED will develop and disseminate appropriate guidance documents as soon as possible. -- ED shall ensure that the burden estimates for information collection provisions in this rule, including cost burdens on the public, fully and accurately reflect the best estimate for all burdens imposed on all parties. Prior to the 7/1/96 effective date for this rule, ED shall provide any necessary corrections to the burden estimate in the form of an inventory correction worksheet.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
07/31/1998
07/31/1998
150,180
0
0
79,090
0
0
0
0
0
The Secretary of Education will publish a list of approved tests which can be used by postsecondary educational institutions to establish the ability-to-benefit for a student who does not have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Application for Ability-to-Benefit Testing Approval