Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09)-Third Follow-Up
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Education wants to gather more information about how students who started 9th grade in 2009 are doing now, especially in subjects like science and math. They're asking people to share thoughts on this plan to help make it better.
Summary AI
The Department of Education is proposing to reinstate and modify a previously approved information collection related to the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09). This study, conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, follows students from 9th grade in 2009 and gathers data on their educational and career pathways, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The department is seeking public comments on the necessity and impact of this data collection to better understand and improve educational strategies. The proposed third follow-up will include administrative data matching and a web survey for about 23,000 participants from the original cohort.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Department is proposing a reinstatement with change of a previously approved information collection request (ICR).
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register pertains to a notice issued by the Department of Education, specifically the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). It signals the department's intention to reinstate, with modifications, a previously approved information collection regarding the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09). The HSLS:09 tracks a cohort of students who began high school in 2009, capturing data principally focusing on their journeys through education and into their careers, with an emphasis on STEM fields.
General Summary
In essence, this document is a call for public comment, aligned with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, regarding the proposal to conduct a third follow-up study of the original HSLS:09 participants. This later stage aims to collect further data primarily through administrative records matching and a web survey involving approximately 23,000 individuals from the initial cohort.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Budget Concerns
One notable omission from the document is any mention of the financial requirements or budgetary specifics for this follow-up study. Detailed cost information would provide insights into potential fiscal efficiencies or wastage, a concern when allocating taxpayer money to federal research endeavors.
Assurance of Neutrality
The document does not adequately address how neutrality and impartiality in the study will be preserved. This could lead to public apprehension regarding potential biases or favoritism in the study design or execution.
Utilization of Public Comments
The document invites public comments but lacks a clear explanation of how these will be employed to refine the study. This lack of transparency might be perceived as a token gesture rather than a genuine solicitation for input, detracting from public trust.
Technical Language
Additionally, some of the technical explanations surrounding the HSLS:09 are presented in a manner that may not be accessible to all readers. Simplifying this language could enhance understanding and engagement from a wider segment of the public.
Submission Process for Comments
The procedures outlined for accessing documents and submitting comments are somewhat disjointed, which might create confusion for potential respondents. A more cohesive presentation would aid in guiding the public through the process more efficiently.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the proposal's impact on the public could vary. Enhanced understanding of educational pathways and outcomes could eventually translate into improved educational policies and strategies, benefiting future students and educators. However, given that the document fosters an open comment period, it encourages public participation in shaping research that impacts national education policy.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For policymakers and educators, the HSLS:09 data is invaluable. It enables evidence-based decision-making regarding educational curriculum development and workforce preparation, particularly in STEM fields. Researchers, too, stand to gain from access to longitudinal data that can inform studies across disciplines.
On the other hand, individuals within the original cohort being studied may have concerns about privacy or the use of their data. Ensuring robust confidentiality measures and transparent data usage policies will be crucial in mitigating these concerns and maintaining cohort participation.
Overall, the document outlines a critical phase in a longitudinal educational study with potential significant implications for educational policy and practice. While it opens doors for stakeholder participation, addressing the outlined issues will enhance the process's transparency and public trust, paving the way for maximizing the study's positive impacts.
Issues
• The document lacks specific information regarding the estimated cost or budget for the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) third follow-up, which could help identify potential areas of wasteful spending.
• There is no mention of specific measures to ensure the neutrality of the study, which could raise concerns about favoritism.
• The document does not clearly state how the comments from the public will be utilized to improve the follow-up study, which could be seen as a lack of transparency.
• The language used in describing the technical details of the HSLS:09 could be simplified to ensure it is easily understandable by a broader audience, avoiding overly complex or technical jargon.
• The process of accessing documents and submitting comments through various channels is not cohesively presented, which might confuse some respondents.