OMB appreciates that NCES is attempting to develop a new model of longitudinal study in launching the HSLS:09 and that many issues remain to be addressed as NCES moves forward. Therefore, it is critically important to keep OMB informed of design considerations that would affect the study's purpose, utility, public burden, cost, and overall success.
Specifically, OMB requests that NCES reports results immediately after the technology pilot study this year. In addition, OMB requests that NCES report on the overall results of the field test, including results of each incentives experiment as soon as they are available. In addition, we request that NCES provide results of the distribution of incentive payments to teachers.
Finally, we understand that late-breaking estimates on the number of cases needed to validate the math assessment items raise new concerns about response rates, particularly among 12th graders, in the Field Test. Therefore, if NCES ultimately believes it more useful, OMB agrees to allow NCES to drop the student incentive experiment and to incentivize all students at $10 for the Field Test.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
08/31/2008
6 Months From Approved
4,138
0
0
1,593
0
0
0
0
0
This is a request for emergency clearance for field test sampling. The High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) is the most recent installment in the series of NCES nationally representative longitudinal studies of high school students. The HSLS:09 will assess students in math and science during the fall of their 9th grade year and again in the spring of most participating students 11th grade year. The study will also survey students, their parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and school administrators twice during the secondary school years and follow students into their postsecondary years. The study will focus on how students navigate the transition between high school and the postsecondary world; what courses, majors (or first job), and careers students decide to pursue, when, why, and how.
The High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) is the most recent installment in the series of NCES nationally representative longitudinal studies of high school students. The HSLS:09 will assess students in math and science during the fall of their 9th grade year and again in the spring of most participating students 11th grade year. The study will also survey students, their parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and school administrators twice during the secondary school years and follow students into their postsecondary years.
Unfortunately, the timeline for HSLS:09 is quite truncated due to an unanticipated event. The call for proposals was released in mid-December 2006, but the contract was not awarded to RTI until July 6, 2007, four months late. The field test is slated to begin in Fall of 2008, which is less than a year from now. To ensure that the study remains on track and on time, sampling must be completed in January 2008 and school recruiting for the field test must begin by February 2008 at the very latest.
Thus we are seeking approval to submit the clearance request for the sampling for the field test as an emergency clearance. We request OMB emergency clearance by the week of January 7, 2008 if possible. On a parallel track, we will submit the clearance package for the field test and full-scale activities as a regular submission in February 2008.
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.
HSLS09_Appendix_A_recruitment_letters_revised.doc
Field Test Sampling