Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Work Colleges Application and Agreement
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Education wants to hear people’s thoughts on a form that helps schools where students work and learn to get money. They need these ideas soon to make getting this money easier for schools.
Summary AI
The Department of Education is inviting comments on an extension of an existing information collection concerning the Work Colleges Application and Agreement. This initiative is part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, aimed at reducing the burden of data collection on the public. The purpose is to assess whether institutions are prepared to participate in work-learning-service programs, which help fund education through work rather than reliance on grants and loans. Comments must be submitted by February 22, 2021, to help the Department improve and streamline this process.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ED is proposing an extension of a currently approved collection.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document under discussion is a notice from the Department of Education regarding an extension of an existing information collection initiative, referred to as the Work Colleges Application and Agreement. This collection is part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to streamline how the federal government collects information, reducing the burden on the public. The form in question is used by educational institutions to apply for participation in work-learning-service programs under federal law. These programs are designed to help students pay for their education through work rather than typical reliance on grants and loans.
General Summary
The notice invites the public to provide feedback on this information collection by a specified deadline. It highlights an appeal for insights into improving the method and utility of the data collection process. Specifically, the Department of Education requests comments addressing the necessity, efficiency, and burden of this collection process.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One major concern with this document is the lack of detailed information regarding the specific criteria by which the Department will assess a school's preparedness for participation. The absence of this information can lead to uncertainty about what institutions need to prove or prepare for.
Additionally, the bureaucratic language used throughout the document, such as references to the "Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995" and technical terms like "ICR" and "OMB Control Number," might not be easily accessible to a general audience. This could hinder public participation if individuals are unclear about the document's purpose or the actions they need to take.
Moreover, the instructions for submitting comments via reginfo.gov are not fully expounded, which might pose a challenge for individuals unfamiliar with this platform.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, especially educational institutions, this document's announcement about the opportunity to comment indicates an openness to receive feedback, potentially improving the process. For students, particularly those in work colleges, this document signifies ongoing support for education funding programs that lessen dependency on traditional financial aid.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Educational institutions interested in participating in work-learning-service programs are the primary stakeholders. The extension of the information collection may allow more institutions to join, thus broadening opportunities for students. However, unclear criteria and perceived reporting burdens might deter some institutions from applying.
Students attending institutions that successfully participate in these programs could benefit from enhanced financial support options, potentially making college more affordable and reducing reliance on loans. Conversely, students at institutions that struggle to demonstrate compliance could feel the negative impact of reduced support.
In conclusion, while the notice serves a necessary administrative purpose, clarifying its language and providing more transparency about criteria and processes would greatly enhance its accessibility and effectiveness.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific information on budget or funding specifics related to the Work Colleges Application and Agreement, which may make it difficult to assess potential wasteful spending or favoritism.
• The summary and purpose of the information collection are not clearly explained, which might cause confusion regarding the necessity and objectives of the collection.
• The instructions for submitting comments via reginfo.gov are not detailed, potentially making it difficult for some people to submit their comments accurately.
• The document uses bureaucratic language (e.g., 'Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995', 'ICR', 'OMB Control Number') that may be difficult for the general public to fully comprehend.
• The document does not clarify the criteria or metrics by which the Department of Education will assess 'preparedness to participate' or 'administrative capability and compliance' of institutions.