0600 SS 122010 Part B

SUPPORTING STATEMENT
NOAA TEACHER-AT-SEA ALUMNI SURVEY
OMB CONTROL NO.: 0648-0600
B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any
sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities
(e.g. establishments, State and local governmental units, households, or persons) in the
universe and the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form. The tabulation
must also include expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has
been conducted before, provide the actual response rate achieved.
The survey will be conducted via a Web-based instrument and a paper instrument, preceded by a
telephone call and e-mail, first to the most recent program participants, and then repeating a
random sample starting from 2004 and beyond, totaling approximately 30 respondents every six
months (as some teachers go through the program more than once, those will be kept in the pool
for random sampling until they have been contacted in relation to each participation). The
Teacher at Sea Program has current contact information for all of these respondents. We are
targeting participants from 2004 to present only, as we have a different program now than we did
between 1990 and 2004. Since the participant group is small (about 100 teachers) and invested
in receiving improved services from us, our working relationship is strong, and as the survey is
relatively short also, we expect the response rate to be 80 percent or very close to it.
Our response rate in the first survey was 72.8%.
2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for
stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy
needed for the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring
specialized sampling procedures; and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data
collection cycles to reduce burden.
This will be a census survey. The external evaluator, Dr. Bora Simmons, will make arrangements
to be available to answer questions and will collect the data either via the Web-based survey or
paper responses. The degree of accuracy is expected to be high due to the strong working
relationship we have with our participants, and the opportunity to discuss any issues further
during the follow-up call. A specialized and periodic data collection will be used after the
participants complete the survey.

1

3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse.
The accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for
the intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be
provided if they will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe
studied.
Since the customer group is small and invested in receiving improved services from us, our
working relationship is strong, and the survey is relatively short, we expect the response rate to
be 80 percent or higher. When initially contacting respondents, we inform them that a follow-up
call will be scheduled to answer any questions, which should also encourage respondents to
organize their thoughts and concerns by completing the survey.
A dedicated effort on the part of the Director will be made to assist the participants in the survey
process. The accuracy and reliability of the information collected is geared toward the Teacher
at Sea Program’s mission objectives. Therefore, that survey information collected will be
adequate for its intended use.
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as
effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB
must give prior approval.
There are no tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken in this survey.
5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the statistical
aspects of the design, and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other
person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.
Bora Simmons
2635 Lincoln Street
Eugene, OR 97405
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (541) 343-0714
Jennifer Hammond, Director
NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program
1315 East West Highway
Division F, Room 14250
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 713-0353 x225
Fax: (301) 713-9088

2