Supporting_Statement Part B

Supporting Statement for Paperwork Reduction Act Submission

Part B

Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) Evaluation System

July 13, 2011

Submitted to:

Office of Postsecondary Education

U.S. Department of Education

1990 K Street

Washington, D.C. 20006-8524

Project Officer: Shedita Alston

Submitted by:

Institute for Community Inclusion

University of Massachusetts Boston

100 Morrissey Blvd.

Boston, MA 02125

Project Director: Debra Hart

Contents

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods 3

1. Respondent Universe and Sampling Methods 3

2. Statistical Methods for Sample Selection and Degree of Accuracy Needed 3

3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates and Deal with Nonresponse 3

4. Tests of Procedures and Methods to be Undertaken 4

5. Individuals Consulted on Statistical Aspects of the Design 4

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is requesting Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance for the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) Evaluation System. This system will be used to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of the five-year Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSIDs) model demonstration projects. This evaluation is being conducted by the Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston, under contract with the Department of Education (contract number P407B100002).

The main objectives of this project are: (1) Establishment of a uniform dataset for collection of required program data from 27 TPSID demonstration project grantees and their partner sites across the country; (2) use of the program data for a national evaluation of the TPSID program; and (3) secondary analysis of the program data for research purposes.

This request seeks clearance for establishment of a uniform dataset across all TPSID sites (including both grantees and partner sites) to ensure consistency in collection of information.

B. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Respondent Universe and Sampling Methods

The respondent universe is all Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSIDs) and project partners receiving TPSID model demonstrations funds from OPE. Fifty-six TPSIDs and partners are expected to participate over the next three years.

Data are being collected from the full universe because the system is designed to facilitate collection and management of data that all TPSIDs are already required to report. Since collecting these data is a requirement of the grant program, we expect a 100% response rate.

2. Statistical Methods for Sample Selection and Degree of Accuracy Needed

As described above, we are not sampling but rather collecting data from the entire universe of TPSIDs and partners. Data collection will take place annually.

3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates and Deal with Nonresponse

Evaluation project staff will work closely with respondents to ensure complete and accurate data collection. Specifically, staff will:

• conduct regular training of TPSID and partner site staff on how to use the data system;

• be available by email, web form, and telephone to provide technical assistance;

• follow up with TPSID and partner sites who do not provide data in a timely manner; and

• review all data and contact TPSID and partner sites regarding any unclear or missing data points.

In addition, the electronic data collection system has features designed to improve accuracy, including limiting response choices and providing summaries to respondents indicating which parts of the dataset are incomplete.

4. Tests of Procedures and Methods to be Undertaken

The evaluation system was refined after conducting a pilot of the data entry forms with the TPSIDs. TPSIDs were asked to pilot the data entry forms and provide feedback on any technical difficulties they encounter with the system, make recommendations to improve the user interface, and ask questions on any data elements for which they need further clarification. All necessary changes were made to the evaluation system and are reflected in the documentation submitted for 30 day clearance.

5. Individuals Consulted on Statistical Aspects of the Design

The following people were consulted on the statistical aspects of the design:

Frank A. Smith
Research Associate
Institute for Community Inclusion
617-287-4332
[email protected]

Jennifer Sullivan Sulewski, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Institute for Community Inclusion
617-287-4356
[email protected]

John Butterworth, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Employment Systems Change and Evaluation
Institute for Community Inclusion
617-287-4357
[email protected]

In addition, the following people will be responsible for the data collection and analysis:

Frank A. Smith
Research Associate
Institute for Community Inclusion
617-287-4332
[email protected]

Jennifer Sullivan Sulewski, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Institute for Community Inclusion
617-287-4356
[email protected]

Daria Domin
Research Study Coordinator
Institute for Community Inclusion
617-287-4277
[email protected]

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