FR 2021-03163

The document, titled "Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; National Study To Inform the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Program," is a notice from the Department of Education published in the Federal Register. It communicates the department's intent to undertake a new information collection endeavor as part of a study on the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC). The department is reaching out for public comments by April 19, 2021, to refine this proposal, aligning with the requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995.

General Summary

The purpose of the study is to investigate how 21st CCLC afterschool centers are assisting students and families, especially in light of the educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study consists of two main components: a national snapshot of strategies used by these centers to support their communities and an evaluation of a continuous quality improvement system focused on enhancing the staff's practices in fostering students' social and emotional skills. Importantly, the study aims to contribute insights that could help ameliorate learning loss and other pandemic-related challenges.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise from the document:

1. Lack of Detailed Cost Information: The document does not specify the total cost involved in collecting the necessary information. This absence makes it difficult to evaluate whether the resources proposed to be allocated are justifiable, posing a risk of potential wasteful spending.

2. Vagueness and Lack of Specificity: Terms such as "continuous quality improvement system" and "key outcomes centers aim to promote" are mentioned without detailed explanations. This could lead to confusion, as stakeholders may have differing interpretations of these terms.

3. Processing and Use of Information: While the department seeks feedback on how the collected information will be processed in a timely manner, there are no details provided on actual plans or methods for how this will happen, which leaves stakeholders in the dark.

4. Estimation and Selection Concerns: The document provides an estimation of an annual burden of 397 hours for the respondents but fails to explain how this figure was calculated. Additionally, the selection process for respondents is not discussed, raising potential concerns about selection bias.

5. Use of Information Technology: There is a call for suggestions on minimizing respondent burden through information technology, yet there is no mention of what technologies are being considered or currently in use.

Potential Impact on the Public

The proposed study is significant in its aim to improve afterschool programs, particularly in dealing with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. By better understanding and enhancing these programs, there could be positive long-term benefits in terms of student academic and social development, which is critical for communities that have been hit hardest by the pandemic.

Stakeholder Impact

For education stakeholders, particularly those working within the 21st CCLC program, the study represents an opportunity to gather insights that could help refine strategies and practices. However, the lack of specificity might make it challenging for stakeholders to understand their role or the specific objectives of the study.

For families and communities who are directly served by the centers, successful implementation of improvements as a result of this study could lead to enhanced educational and developmental outcomes for children and, by extension, support for families dealing with pandemic-related adversities.

Overall, while the intent of the study is commendable, it would benefit greatly from addressing the identified gaps in detail and clarity to ensure effective participation and utility post-study.