This data collection will serve to
update state-level information about Title III implementation and
will also provide an important opportunity to go beyond the
mechanics of implementation at the state level to understand:
-whether and how states and districts are making the necessary
connections between ELP and academic learning; -how the laws
standards, assessment, and accountability mechanisms are being
translated at the local level into instructional decisions and
improvement strategies for LEP students; -whether Title III
implementation takes into account the many layers of diversity in
the LEP population; and -how LEP students are faring in both ELP
and subject matter learning. Uses: The mixed-methods data
collection and analyses will enable the study to answer a series of
key evaluation questions and to deepen understanding of the extent
to which Title III is achieving its underlying goals. The study has
four interrelated objectives: (1) To describe the progress in
implementation of Title III provisions, and variation in
implementation across states; (2) To examine how localities are
implementing their programs for limited English proficient (LEP)
students and how these relate to state policies and contexts; (3)
To determine how LEP students are faring in the development of
their English language proficiency (ELP) and mastery of academic
content; and (4) To maintain a focus, in all project data
collection and analysis activities, on the diversity among LEP
studentsfor example, in their concentrations, languages, ages,
length of residence in the USand the educational implications of
this diversity. The study will produce several policy-relevant
reports and presentations including: In-person briefings for ED
staff each year of the contract (three briefings total) A
user-friendly policy brief and fact sheet in both Years 2 and 3 of
the study, targeting policymakers, educators, media, and the public
Dissemination of the fact sheet and nontechnical executive
summary for each report completed to the study participants
Dissemination of the reports, nontechnical executive summaries,
policy briefs, and fact sheets to a number of audiences through
organizations that focus on the instructional needs of LEP students
Submission of proposals for several staff members to conduct
presentations at two professional and/or practitioner conferences
during Years 2 and 3 of the study Respondents: The proposed study
will include: a thorough review of standards and assessments; a
complete set of interviews of state Title III and assessment
directors; a nationally representative survey of districts
receiving Title III funds; in depth case studies in 5 states,
including 2 districts within each state; an analysis of
longitudinal student achievement data; and an analysis of trends in
state achievement. Respondents will include 51 state Title III
directors, 1,300 District Title III administrators, 96 other
district administrators, 192 Elementary and Secondary school
principals and resource staff, 192 Elementary and Secondary
teachers, and 96 parent liaisons.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.