2012 Oct Part B - SUPPORTING STATEMENT

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SUPPORTING STATEMENT

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

October School Enrollment Supplement

OMB Control Number 0607 - 0464

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Universe and Respondent Selection

We conduct the October supplement, in conjunction with the CPS, for which the universe is 114 million households. From this universe, we select a sample of approximately 72,000 households each month, of which approximately

59,000 households are eligible for interview. We actually interview about 55,000 households each month. We ask the items in the October supplement, as appropriate, for members of these households. We feel the most comparable response rate to similar questions asked of respondents would be the items asked in October 2011. Here are the historical response rates for the October supplement:

Supplement Year	Additional Items to Basic School Enrollment Supplement	Response Rate
1999	Language Proficiency Disability Items	93.63 %
2000	Basic School Enrollment Only	93.20 %
2001	Basic School Enrollment Only	93.34 %
2002	Library Supplement	93.35 %
2003	Computer Use Supplement	92.71 %
2004	Language Proficiency Disability Items	92.34 %
2005	Basic School Enrollment Only	92.61%
2006	Basic School Enrollment Only	91.92%
2007	Internet Use Items	91.97%
2008	Basic School Enrollment Only	91.71%
2009	Internet Use Items	92.10%
2010	Internet Use Items	91.53%
2011	Basic School Enrollment Only	91.29%

2. Procedures for Collecting Information

The School Enrollment Supplement is a supplemental survey associated with the CPS in October. Attachment E gives an overview of the CPS sample design and weighting methodology and response rates. The statistical properties of these supplemental items will fall within those associated with the CPS itself.

3. Methods to Maximize Response

We maintain response rates and data accuracy for the CPS at high levels through interviewer instruction and training and close monitoring of data output. (Refer to

Item 5 of Attachment E for a discussion of the CPS nonresponse.)

A full allocation for item nonresponse is done within the October School

Enrollment Supplement for eligible people. (Item nonresponse is not expected to exceed five percent.)

4. Testing of Procedures

We do not require testing of procedures and methods since we have conducted the October supplement for more than 50 years. Attachment D discusses the reliability of estimates produced by the October 2011 School Enrollment Supplement.

5. Contacts for Statistical Aspects and Data Collection

The following individuals may be contacted on the statistical data collection and analysis operations:

Statistical Design: Data Collection/Survey Design:

Yeng Cheng Lisa A. Clement

Demographic Statistical Methods Division Demographic Surveys Division

U.S. Census Bureau U.S. Census Bureau

(301) 763- 3287 (301) 763-3806

Statistical Analysis:

Kurt Bauman

Population Division

U.S. Census Bureau

(301) 763-6171

Attachments

A. October School Enrollment Supplement Questionnaire

B. CPS Advance Letter (CPS-263)

C. Confidentiality Brochure

D. October 2011 Source and Accuracy Statement

E. Overview of CPS Sample Design and Methodology