Cognitive Interviews for the 2010 National Household Education Survey (NHES) Study Draft Questionnaires

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS

Resident Sample Member

12345 Sampled Ave

Cooperation, MD 20850

September XX, 2009

Dear [CITY] Household:

The U.S. Department of Education is conducting an important national research study about education and we need your help. This short questionnaire is the first step in a study that provides vital information that is used to improve education for people of all ages – information that is not available anywhere else. The results will help policymakers, researchers, and educators understand the educational needs of our diverse population in changing times. This survey is about all of us!

Your household was chosen as part of this scientific study and we cannot replace you with someone else. Although your participation is voluntary, your answers will make sure that households like yours are counted. Every type of household in America needs to be included in the survey.

Please fill out the enclosed survey and mail it back in the postage paid envelope provided.

• It usually takes 5 minutes or less to fill out the survey.

• All types of households are included – large and small households are equally important.

• This survey is about everybody – young and old.

We have enclosed $2 as a token of our appreciation. If you have questions or need assistance, please call Westat (the research company doing this survey for us) at 1-888-880-3033. You can find more information about this study online at www.nhessurvey.org.

Please be assured that all information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (Section 9573, 20 U.S. Code). Your responses will be combined with those of others to produce statistics about all Americans’ educational experience.

We understand and appreciate that people have many demands on their time, so we are grateful for your generous cooperation. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Stuart Kerachsky

Acting Commissioner

Enclosure National Center for Education Statistics