Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request; Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), State Coordinator (SC) Survey

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to renew this collection. In accordance with the requirements 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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by May 3, 2019 to be assured consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. Send comments to address below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite W18200, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone (703) 292-7556; or send email to splimpto@nsf.gov. 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:

Title of Collection: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), State Coordinator (SC) Survey.

OMB Number: 3145-0241.

Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2019.

Type of Request: Renewal.

Abstract: The PAEMST is a White House program established by Congress in 1983 authorizing the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year to teachers of mathematics and science at the elementary and secondary levels. The NSF is the designated federal agency for administration of this Presidential program. Awards are given to mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are Washington DC; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Education Activity schools; and the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). The award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning. Since the program's inception, more than 4,300 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science (including computer science) education.

The State Coordinator (SC) manages the PAEMST program within his or her state or jurisdiction. SCs recruit eligible nominees, select and assign mentors to nominees, coordinate the selection committee, and plan local recognition events within their State. They also carry out the responsibilities as noted in the “Operational Handbook for State-Level Science and Mathematics Coordinators.”

The purpose of this survey is to seek feedback from the 120 SCs regarding PAEMST management within their state or jurisdiction. The NSF, PAEMST support team will ask directed questions using the survey to gather information that may specifically address the methods and recruitment efforts that SCs use to support the attracting of prospective award nominees. Additional survey areas may also include:

• Applicant Mentoring
• Mentor Training
• State selection Committee
• State selection Process
• Applicant and State Finalist Notification and Recognition
• In-kind contributions

The survey will evaluate the impact SCs have on attracting prospective award nominees to PAEMST. This will be conducted as a web-based survey.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30-40 minutes for State Coordinators.

Respondents: Individuals.

Estimated Number of Responses per Form: 120 Coordinators.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 80 hours. (120 Coordinators at 40 minutes per survey = 80 hours).

Frequency of Response: One per application cycle.

Comments: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the PAEMST functions, 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; (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.