82 FR 41667 - Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Establish an Information Collection
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 169 (September 1, 2017)
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 169 (September 1, 2017)
| Page Range | 41667-41669 | |
| FR Document | 2017-18619 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 169 (Friday, September 1, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 41667-41669] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-18619] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Establish an Information Collection AGENCY: National Science Foundation. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request approval for the collection of research and development data through the Evaluation of the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program survey. In accordance with the requirement of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years. DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by October 31, 2017 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1265, Arlington, Virginia 22230; or send email to [email protected]. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (including federal holidays). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the NSF, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the NSF's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Title of Collection: Evaluation of the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program. OMB Approval Number: 3145-NEW. Expiration Date of Current Approval: Not applicable. Type of Request: Intent to establish an information collection. Abstract: NSF's ATE program focuses on providing Federal funds for the education of technicians at the local, regional, and national levels in advanced technology fields (i.e., advanced manufacturing, agricultural and environmental technology, biological and chemical technology, engineering, information and security, micro/ nanotechnologies, and general advanced technological education) to expand the pool of skilled technicians and improve the competitiveness of the United States in international trade. The program supports the education of technicians in strategic advanced technology fields by establishing partnerships between academic institutions and industry and providing resources for the development of curriculum, professional development for college faculty and secondary teachers, and career pathways from secondary schools to 2-year institutions and from 2-year institutions to 4-year institutions. The program also aims to [[Page 41668]] coordinate 2-year and 4-year institutions' teacher training programs for prospective STEM educators in strategic advanced technology fields. The primary goals of the ATE program are to (1) educate highly qualified science and engineering technicians to meet workforce demands in strategic advanced technology fields; (2) improve the technical skills and general science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) preparation of these technicians and the educators who prepare them at the secondary (grades 7-12) and undergraduate levels; and (3) increase the capacity of institutions for advanced technician education. To ensure that the ATE program accomplishes its goals of producing more highly qualified science and engineering technicians and improving the skills and knowledge of educators and technicians who train them, it is important to consistently assess and improve the program's activities. Therefore, this evaluation aims to gather information on the following research questions: 1. How has ATE advanced the mission of NSF between FY 2007 and FY 2015? 2. How do individual awardees implement student-focused activities at their ATE projects/centers? 3. What are the educational outcomes of students who have participated in ATE-funded activities? 4. How do individual awardees implement faculty-focused activities at their ATE projects/centers? 5. How have program-supported activities enhanced faculty and teacher knowledge/skills/networks, especially as they relate to building capacity at institutions to address workforce needs in advanced technology fields? 6. How do grantees develop partnerships with industry to support student and faculty/teacher development? 7. How have awardee partnerships with business and industry enhanced student educational training and workforce outcomes? Because of the nature of the ATE program and the type of information being sought, a mixed methods evaluation design will be employed. The evaluation will collect data using web surveys and qualitative methods (consisting of semi-structured interviews and focus groups), as well as draw on data from extant sources. The study components include: a descriptive implementation study that describes project implementation; a relational study of associations between project/center and student characteristics on student outcomes; and a comparative study using the U.S. Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data to compare degrees and certificates conferred by non-ATE-funded institutions and ATE-funded institutions before and after receipt of funding. Approval is only sought for new data that will be collected for the study, including: [rtrif] Survey data from ATE PIs who were awarded funding between 2007 and 2015 to understand how projects and centers operate and how awards are implemented: This survey collects data on the types of ATE- supported activities students engage in, program completers, graduates in the workforce, and professional development offered to secondary and postsecondary educators. [rtrif] Survey data from faculty and teachers who directly participated in ATE-funded professional development (hereafter referred to as faculty) between 2012 and 2015 to understand the perceived impact on faculty growth: This survey asks about faculty members' participation in professional development activities, professional networks or communities of practice, and whether participation in the networks or communities improved their instruction. [rtrif] Survey data from current and former students who have directly participated in ATE-funded training activities (defined as having enrolled in technology degree or certificate programs developed as part of ATE-funded work, or worked in technology labs maintained as part of ATE-funded work, or participated in industry internships created as part of ATE-funded work) between 2012 and 2015 to understand: their reasons for participating in an ATE program, the perceived value and impact of the program, skills and experiences obtained, reasons for leaving the program (if applicable), interest in pursuing advanced education or occupation in advanced technology field, and educational and occupational status obtained. [rtrif] Semistructured interviews with PIs: To obtain more detail on program implementation, student recruitment and retention strategies and challenges, perceptions of professional development and training on specific outcomes, and lessons learned. [rtrif] Semistructured interviews with faculty participants: To obtain more detail on professional development activities they engaged in and which aspects were the most and least successful with regard to perceived impact of professional development on themselves and specific student outcomes. [rtrif] Virtual focus groups with current and former student participants: To describe in more detail their experiences with and perceptions of the ATE program, including how they learned about the program; supports and challenges to staying in/completing the program; activities they engaged in; and perceived impact on their skills, goals/interests, and workforce readiness. Use of the information: The primary purpose of collecting this information is program evaluation. The data collected will enable NSF to describe program components that are implemented with ATE fundsand will be used by NSF to monitor and improve the program and assess its merit and worth. The evaluation will also inform the design of a future impact evaluation. Expected respondents: The expected respondents are up to 560 ATE PIs who have received ATE funding since 2007; 33,613 faculty members who have participated in ATE-funded professional development since 2012; and 43,763 students who have directly participated in PIs' ATE- funded work since 2012. Estimate of burden: The collection occurs once for each respondent. The total estimate for this collection is 19,622 burden hours and $578,887.41. The calculation is shown in table 1. Table 1--Estimated Burden to Survey, Interview, and Focus Group Participants ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anticipated Estimated Estimated Type of collection responses (# annual burden annual burden of persons) (in hours) (in dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PI List Collection.............................................. 142 71 $2,795.27 PI Web Survey................................................... 390 130 5,118.10 Faculty Web Survey.............................................. 33,585 8,396 330,550.52 Student Web Survey.............................................. 43,707 10,927 237,552.98 [[Page 41669]] PI Semistructured Interview..................................... 28 28 1,102.36 Faculty Semistructured Interview................................ 28 14 551.18 Student Focus Group............................................. 56 56 1,217.00 ----------------------------------------------- Total....................................................... 77,936 19,622 578,887.41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dated: August 29, 2017. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 2017-18619 Filed 8-31-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555-01-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 169 / Friday, September 1, 2017 / Notices 41667
If this information is not collected, vital mechanisms that are designed to yield FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
feedback from customers and quantitative results. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance
stakeholders on the Agency’s services As a general matter, information Officer, National Science Foundation,
will be unavailable. collections will not result in any new 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1265,
The Agency will only submit a system of records containing privacy Arlington, Virginia 22230; or send email
collection for approval under this information and will not ask questions to splimpto@nsf.gov. Individuals who
generic clearance if it meets the of a sensitive nature, such as sexual use a telecommunications device for the
following conditions: behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
• The collections are voluntary; and other matters that are commonly Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–
• The collections are low-burden for considered private. 800–877–8339, which is accessible 24
respondents (based on considerations of Current Actions: Extension of hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a
total burden hours, total number of approval for a collection of information. year (including federal holidays).
respondents, or burden-hours per Type of Review: Extension. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments
respondent) and are low-cost for both Affected Public: Individuals and are invited on (a) whether the proposed
the respondents and the Federal Households, Businesses and collection of information is necessary
Government; Organizations, State, Local or Tribal for the proper performance of the
• The collections are non- Government. functions of the NSF, including whether
controversial and do not raise issues of Below we provide projected average the information shall have practical
concern to other Federal agencies; estimates for the next three years: utility; (b) the accuracy of the NSF’s
• Any collection is targeted to the Estimated Number of Respondents estimate of the burden of the proposed
solicitation of opinions from Across All Three Years: 15,000. collection of information; (c) ways to
respondents who have experience with Average Expected Annual Number of enhance the quality, utility, and clarity
the program or may have experience Activities: 3. of the information on respondents,
with the program in the near future; Average Number of Respondents per including through the use of automated
• Personally identifiable information Activity: 1,667. collection techniques or other forms of
(PII) is collected only to the extent Annual Responses: 5,000. information technology; and (d) ways to
necessary and is not retained; Frequency of Response: Once per minimize the burden of the collection of
• Information gathered is used only request. information on those who are to
internally for general service Average Minutes per Response: 15. respond, including through the use of
improvement and program management Average Expected Annual Burden appropriate automated, electronic,
purposes and is not intended for release hours: 1,167. mechanical, or other technological
outside of the agency; Dated: August 29, 2017. collection techniques or other forms of
• Information gathered is not used for Kathy Daum, information technology.
the purpose of substantially informing Director, Administrative Services, National Title of Collection: Evaluation of the
influential policy decisions; and Endowment for the Arts. National Science Foundation Advanced
• Information gathered yields [FR Doc. 2017–18551 Filed 8–31–17; 8:45 am] Technological Education (ATE)
qualitative information; the collections BILLING CODE 7537–01–P
Program.
are not designed or expected to yield OMB Approval Number: 3145–NEW.
statistically reliable results or used as Expiration Date of Current Approval:
though the results are generalizable to Not applicable.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
the population of study. Type of Request: Intent to establish an
Feedback collected under this generic Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To information collection.
clearance provides useful information, Establish an Information Collection Abstract: NSF’s ATE program focuses
but it does not yield data that can be on providing Federal funds for the
generalized to the overall population. National Science Foundation.
AGENCY: education of technicians at the local,
This type of generic clearance for Notice and request for
ACTION: regional, and national levels in
qualitative information will not be used comments. advanced technology fields (i.e.,
for quantitative information collections advanced manufacturing, agricultural
that are designed to yield reliably SUMMARY: The National Science and environmental technology,
actionable results, such as monitoring Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans biological and chemical technology,
trends over time or documenting to request approval for the collection of engineering, information and security,
program performance. Such data uses research and development data through micro/nanotechnologies, and general
require more rigorous designs that the Evaluation of the National Science advanced technological education) to
address: The target population to which Foundation Advanced Technological expand the pool of skilled technicians
generalizations will be made, the Education (ATE) Program survey. In and improve the competitiveness of the
sampling frame, the sample design accordance with the requirement of the United States in international trade. The
(including stratification and clustering), Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we program supports the education of
the precision requirements or power are providing opportunity for public technicians in strategic advanced
calculations that justify the proposed comment on this action. After obtaining technology fields by establishing
sample size, the expected response rate, and considering public comment, NSF partnerships between academic
methods for assessing potential non- will prepare the submission requesting institutions and industry and providing
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
response bias, the protocols for data that OMB approve clearance of this resources for the development of
collection, and any testing procedures collection for no longer than 3 years. curriculum, professional development
that were or will be undertaken prior to DATES: Written comments on this notice for college faculty and secondary
fielding the study. Depending on the must be received by October 31, 2017 to teachers, and career pathways from
degree of influence the results are likely be assured of consideration. Comments secondary schools to 2-year institutions
to have, such collections may still be received after that date will be and from 2-year institutions to 4-year
eligible for submission for other generic considered to the extent practicable. institutions. The program also aims to
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 169 / Friday, September 1, 2017 / Notices 41669
TABLE 1—ESTIMATED BURDEN TO SURVEY, INTERVIEW, AND FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS—Continued
Estimated Estimated
Anticipated annual annual
Type of collection responses burden burden
(# of persons) (in hours) (in dollars)
PI Semistructured Interview ......................................................................................................... 28 28 1,102.36
Faculty Semistructured Interview ................................................................................................ 28 14 551.18
Student Focus Group .................................................................................................................. 56 56 1,217.00
Total ...................................................................................................................................... 77,936 19,622 578,887.41
Dated: August 29, 2017. designated as proprietary, pursuant to 5 External Events and History of ACRS.
Suzanne H. Plimpton, U.S.C 552b(c)(4)]. [NOTE: A portion of this session may be
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science closed in order to discuss and protect
Friday, September 8, 2017, Conference
Foundation. information designated as proprietary,
Room T–2B1, 11545 Rockville Pike,
[FR Doc. 2017–18619 Filed 8–31–17; 8:45 am] pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4)].
Rockville, Maryland 20852 Procedures for the conduct of and
BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.: Future ACRS participation in ACRS meetings were
Activities/Report of the Planning and published in the Federal Register on
Procedures Subcommittee and October 17, 2016 (81 FR 71543). In
NUCLEAR REGULATORY Reconciliation of ACRS Comments and accordance with those procedures, oral
COMMISSION Recommendations (Open/Closed)—The or written views may be presented by
Committee will discuss the members of the public, including
Advisory Committee on Reactor recommendations of the Planning and representatives of the nuclear industry.
Safeguards; Notice of Meeting Procedures Subcommittee regarding Persons desiring to make oral statements
items proposed for consideration by the should notify Quynh Nguyen, Cognizant
In accordance with the purposes of Full Committee during future ACRS ACRS Staff (Telephone: 301–415–5844,
Sections 29 and 182b of the Atomic Meetings, and matters related to the Email: Quynh.Nguyen@nrc.gov), 5 days
Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 2039, 2232b), the conduct of ACRS business, including before the meeting, if possible, so that
Advisory Committee on Reactor anticipated workload and member appropriate arrangements can be made
Safeguards (ACRS) will hold a meeting assignments. The Committee will to allow necessary time during the
September 7–8, 2017, 11545 Rockville discuss the responses from the NRC meeting for such statements. In view of
Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Executive Director for Operations to the possibility that the schedule for
Thursday, September 7, 2017, comments and recommendations ACRS meetings may be adjusted by the
Conference Room T–2B1, 11545 included in recent ACRS reports and Chairman as necessary to facilitate the
Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland letters. [NOTE: A portion of this meeting conduct of the meeting, persons
20852 may be closed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. planning to attend should check with
552b(c)(2) and (6) to discuss the Cognizant ACRS staff if such
8:30 a.m.–8:35 a.m.: Opening organizational and personnel matters rescheduling would result in major
Remarks by the ACRS Chairman that relate solely to internal personnel inconvenience.
(Open)—The ACRS Chairman will make rules and practices of the ACRS, and Thirty-five hard copies of each
opening remarks regarding the conduct information the release of which would presentation or handout should be
of the meeting. constitute a clearly unwarranted provided 30 minutes before the meeting.
8:35 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: Advanced invasion of personal privacy]. In addition, one electronic copy of each
Power Reactor 1400 (APR1400) (Open/ 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.: Assessment of presentation should be emailed to the
Closed)—The Committee will hear the Quality of Selected NRC Research Cognizant ACRS Staff one day before
briefings by and discussion with Projects (Open)—The Committee will meeting. If an electronic copy cannot be
representatives of the NRC staff and discuss the assessment of the quality of provided within this timeframe,
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power regarding the project on Validation of presenters should provide the Cognizant
selected chapters (7 and 18) of the safety Computational Fluid Dynamics ACRS Staff with a CD containing each
evaluation associated with the APR1400 Methods Using Prototypic Light Water presentation at least 30 minutes before
Design Certification. [NOTE: A portion Reactor Spent Fuel Assembly Thermal the meeting.
of this session may be closed in order Hydraulic Data. In accordance with Subsection 10(d)
to discuss and protect information 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Preparation of of Public Law 92–463 and 5 U.S.C.
designated as proprietary, pursuant to 5 ACRS Reports (Open/Closed)—The 552b(c), certain portions of this meeting
U.S.C. 552b(c)(4)]. Committee will continue its discussion may be closed, as specifically noted
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Preparation for of proposed ACRS reports. [Note: A above. Use of still, motion picture, and
ACRS Meeting with Commission portion of this session may be closed in television cameras during the meeting
(Open)—The Committee will hold a order to discuss and protect information may be limited to selected portions of
discussion of topics for the meeting in
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
designated as proprietary, pursuant to 5 the meeting as determined by the
October. U.S.C. 552b(c)(4)]. Chairman. Electronic recordings will be
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.: Preparation of 1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.: Preparation of permitted only during the open portions
ACRS Reports (Open/Closed)—The ACRS Reports/Retreats (Open/Closed)— of the meeting.
Committee will discuss proposed ACRS The Committee will continue its ACRS meeting agendas, meeting
reports on APR1400. [NOTE: A portion discussion of proposed ACRS reports. transcripts, and letter reports are
of this session may be closed in order The Committee will discuss the available through the NRC Public
to discuss and protect information Working Group on Human-caused Document Room at pdr.resource@
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Document Created: 2017-09-01 01:50:53
Document Modified: 2017-09-01 01:50:53
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice and request for comments. | |
| Dates | Written comments on this notice must be received by October 31, 2017 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 41667 |
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