This data collection will serve to update state-level information about Title III implementation and will also provide an important opportunity to go beyond the mechanics of implementation at the state level to understand:
-whether and how states and districts are making the necessary connections between ELP and academic learning;
-how the lawÂs standards, assessment, and accountability mechanisms are being translated at the local level into instructional decisions and improvement strategies for LEP students;
-whether Title III implementation takes into account the many layers of diversity in the LEP population; and
-how LEP students are faring in both ELP and subject matter learning.
Uses:
The mixed-methods data collection and analyses will enable the study to answer a series of key evaluation questions and to deepen understanding of the extent to which Title III is achieving its underlying goals.
The study has four interrelated objectives: (1) To describe the progress in implementation of Title III provisions, and variation in implementation across states; (2) To examine how localities are implementing their programs for limited English proficient (LEP) students and how these relate to state policies and contexts; (3) To determine how LEP students are faring in the development of their English language proficiency (ELP) and mastery of academic content; and (4) To maintain a focus, in all project data collection and analysis activities, on the diversity among LEP studentsÂfor example, in their concentrations, languages, ages, length of residence in the USÂand the educational implications of this diversity. The study will produce several policy-relevant reports and presentations including:
 In-person briefings for ED staff each year of the contract (three briefings total)
 A user-friendly policy brief and fact sheet in both Years 2 and 3 of the study, targeting policymakers, educators, media, and the public
 Dissemination of the fact sheet and nontechnical executive summary for each report completed to the study participants
 Dissemination of the reports, nontechnical executive summaries, policy briefs, and fact sheets to a number of audiences through organizations that focus on the instructional needs of LEP students
 Submission of proposals for several staff members to conduct presentations at two professional and/or practitioner conferences during Years 2 and 3 of the study
Respondents:
The proposed study will include: a thorough review of standards and assessments; a complete set of interviews of state Title III and assessment directors; a nationally representative survey of districts receiving Title III funds; in depth case studies in 5 states, including 2 districts within each state; an analysis of longitudinal student achievement data; and an analysis of trends in state achievement. Respondents will include 51 state Title III directors, 1,300 District Title III administrators, 96 other district administrators, 192 Elementary and Secondary school principals and resource staff, 192 Elementary and Secondary teachers, and 96 parent liaisons.
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.
1875-NEW (3992) resp to followup quest Responses to OMB followup100709.docx
1875-NEW (3992) rev SSA OMB T3 102009 Part A ONLY object.doc
Focus Groups