SDRP_SupportingStatementB_050924

SUPPORTING STATEMENT B

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

School District Review Program

OMB Control No. 0607-0987

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 government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

The School District Review Program (SDRP) does not use sampling or any statistical methods to determine the universe of respondents.

The potential respondent universe is one state education official from each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) anticipates the inclusion of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico within the next three years which would expand the potential respondent universe to 52. The table below shows the collection period response rates for the last three years.

Table 1: SDRP Collection Period Response Rates

SDRP Cycle Year	Total Number of Responses	Response Rate
2024	33	65%*
2023	48	94%
2022	46	90%

*The Census Bureau did not contact non-responding states; therefore, those that normally indicate they have no changes to submit as a result of that follow-up are not included in this response rate.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

   • Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

   • Estimation procedure,

   • Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

   • Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

   • Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

Collection of information for the SDRP does not include any of the procedures listed above.

The SDRP has been conducted previously on an annual basis and is planned to continue for the foreseeable future. The only change to the program includes broadening the usage of the Geographic Update Partnership Software (GUPS) by allowing respondents to use an online version, i.e., GUPS Web. The core processes for GUPS and GUPS Web are identical. They offer the same tools and prepare the same output for submission. The difference is the way a respondent accesses GUPS by either downloading and installing GUPS locally or accessing GUPS Web online using its web-based login. Additionally, the respondent burden will not change no matter how the user accesses GUPS.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response:

To maximize response rates, the SDRP provides multiple forms of electronic response along with supplemental documentation and data resources to assist with and encourage participation and reduce burden. This includes the GUPS, which is a geographic information systems (GIS) software developed by the Census Bureau and offered free to participants to report school district geographic updates, along with a Microsoft Excel based form called the Submission Log that allows participants to report any additional updates that do not require the use of GUPS. Both methods of response have been designed to simplify the update process for participants and create a standardized submission that ensures greater data accuracy. Additionally, outreach includes a webinar hosted by the Census Bureau that discusses the purpose of the program and methods of response. This webinar serves as an open forum for participants to ask questions and to encourage response.

For issues of non-response, the SDRP team is actively engaged throughout the collection process by contacting states to encourage participation in the program. The SDRP team is also readily available to assist participants with procedural and technical questions.

Practical utility for the collection:

The SDRP is a vital annual survey that supports the calculation and allocation of the federal funding provided to states under the legal authority of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, Public Law 114-95. The Census Bureau conducts the SDRP on behalf of the NCES and solicits requests from all fifty states and the District of Columbia to provide the Census Bureau with their latest updates to school district boundaries and school district attribute information. The NCES also anticipates the inclusion of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico within the next three years. This information, along with existing population, income, and poverty tabulations, is used by the Census Bureau to create single-year estimates of the number of school-age children ages 5 through 17 in families in poverty. The NCES uses these single-year estimates to calculate and distribute $17 billion in Title I funds annually.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

The SDRP does not conduct a test phase or test sampling.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on 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.

The collection of information for the SDRP is conducted and managed by the Census Bureau’s Legal and Administrative Area Boundaries Branch within the Geography Division.

Project Lead: Lauren Kirsch, <[email protected]> or 301-763-1083.

Branch Chief: Mike Clements, <[email protected]> or 301-763-9124.

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