FR 2021-02686

Summary of the Document

The Department of Education (ED) has issued a notice inviting public comments on a proposed update to the School Survey on Crime and Safety (SSOCS) for 2022. This survey collects data from school principals regarding incidents of crime and safety measures in public schools across the United States. The aim of the update is to refine the process and improve the quality of data while maintaining an estimated annual response of 11,623 and a burden of 4,907 hours. Interested parties have until April 12, 2021, to submit comments via the federal eRulemaking portal or by mail.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One primary concern is the lack of detailed budget information, which is essential for assessing potential wasteful spending. Transparency about the financial resources allocated to such initiatives is critical for public trust and accountability.

Additionally, there is ambiguity regarding the competitive processes, if any, that were involved in contracting the administration of the survey with the Census Bureau. A competitive process can often ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the execution of such projects.

Data privacy and security are crucial, especially in surveys involving sensitive information regarding school crime and safety. The document does not specify measures to protect the privacy and security of the data collected, which can raise concerns among respondents and the general public.

Moreover, while the abstract alludes to modifications from previously approved versions, the document lacks clarity on the specific changes or updates. Understanding these changes is vital for stakeholders to evaluate their necessity or significance.

The language used in the document includes jargon such as "revision of a currently approved collection," making it potentially difficult for the general public to fully understand. Simplifying such terms could enhance accessibility and comprehension.

Lastly, the document fails to provide an adequate explanation of how the estimated burden hours were derived. Transparency in this calculation is important for assessing whether the burden on respondents is minimized appropriately.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the document's updates to the SSOCS could potentially improve how school safety data is collected and utilized, ultimately impacting policy decisions affecting public schools. However, the lack of clarity and detail in some areas may lead to misunderstandings or skepticism among the public.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For school administrators and principals, who are directly involved in providing data, the proposed update might streamline procedures and reduce the administrative burden. Conversely, without adequate information on data protection, these stakeholders could be concerned about the privacy and security of sensitive data pertaining to their institutions.

Education policymakers and researchers may benefit from more accurate and comprehensive data, which can inform decisions related to school safety measures and initiatives. However, any delays or inefficiencies due to unclear processes could hinder the timely and effective use of the data collected.

In conclusion, while the initiative aims to refine the collection of crucial data, the document's vague areas concerning privacy, budget, and procedural transparency necessitate further clarification to ensure that the projected benefits are realized without unintended negative impacts.