ED Response to OMB Qs

From: Hyler, James [James.Hyler@ed.gov]
Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 10:19 AM
To: Potter, Rachel F.
Cc: Arrington, Angela; Mullan, Kate; Butler, James; Stonehill, Robert; Conaty, Joseph
Subject: FW: OMB comments on Reading First APR (1810-0666)

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

Rachel: Please see below (in blue print in your original email) the Department's responses to your questions about the Reading First submission, 1810-0666.  We will forward the needed attachments with the changes to you once they complete.

 

Thanks! James

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Butler, James
Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 9:21 AM
To: Hyler, James
Cc: Esters, Lorenzo; Conaty, Joseph
Subject: RE: OMB comments on Reading First APR (1810-0666)

See responses below and attachment.

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Potter, Rachel F. [mailto:Rachel_F._Potter@omb.eop.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 10:40 AM
To: Hyler, James
Cc: Rudolph, Kim
Subject: OMB comments on Reading First APR (1810-0666)

James -

 

OMB has the following comments on the subject ICR.  Please respond by COB Friday 10/20.  Thanks!  
 

- Rachel 

1. Since this is State reporting of data to ED, have you considered linking the webtool to  EdFacts (in a manner similar to the CSPR or the OELA Title III report)?   Would EdFacts be able to prepopulate any of the data elements? [Butler, James] We have considered linking it to EdFacts but do not believe that it is appropriate at this time.  Two issues with linking the Reading First collection to EdFacts:  (1) For Reading First, States only report data on grades K-3; for EdFacts, States are not required to provide achievement data below grade 3; and (2) there is a timing issue as Reading First collects the data as of November 30 and EdFacts has a later due date. 
2. The supporting statement indicates that this collection is electronic via a web-based reporting system, however, the application mentions emailing the report in or submitting a hard copy via mail.  What is the current status of the web-based reporting system? [Butler, James] The web-based system is functioning and all States have used it to report for the last 2 years.  The option of providing a hard copy or electronic remains in there because States are not required to use the electronic system; rulemaking would be needed to require States to submit electronically.
3. Please update the PRA statement on the first page of the application to show that the response time per applicant is 18 hours (not 20). [Butler, James] We will make the change; it will be in the revised version we send you. 
4. How soon will Education distribute the report to grantees after receiving OMB approval?  We note that the report is due Nov. 30^th.  In previous years, how much lead time has ED given States to prepare their report? [Butler, James] This clearance is for the annual report beginning in thee 2006-2007 school year.  Normally, we give open the form 6 weeks prior to the date it is due. 
5. The major racial and ethnic categories identified in the template (p.11 of the application, et seq.) should match the Dept.'s current categories for this data collection: American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Black or African American; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; Hispanic; or White.  Note that Education will need to update this application once the Dept.'s final guidance on aggregate data on race/ ethnicity is published. [Butler, James] We will make the change but need the but we need additional staff to do the formatting required. We will do that as soon as possible and will share with OMB as soon as it is done.