NTAS ss 092409 Part B

SUPPORTING STATEMENT
NOAA TEACHER-AT-SEA ALUMNI SURVEY
OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-xxxx
B.

COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any
sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities
(e.g. establishments, State and local governmental units, households, or persons) in the
universe and the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form. The tabulation
must also include expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has
been conducted before, provide the actual response rate achieved.
The survey form will be conducted via a Web-based instrument and a paper instrument, preceded
by a telephone call and e-mail, to all of our program participants, starting from 2004 and beyond.
The Teacher-at-Sea Program has current contact information for all of these respondents. We
are targeting participants from 2004 to present only, as we have a different program now than we
did between 1990 and 2004. Since the current number of alumni is small (about 75 teachers,
with an additional 25 expected every six months)` and invested in receiving improved services
from us, our working relationship is strong, and as the survey is relatively short also, we expect
the response rate to be 80 percent or very close to it.
2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for
stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy
needed for the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring
specialized sampling procedures; and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data
collection cycles to reduce burden.
This will be a census survey. The external evaluator, Dr. Bora Simmons, will make arrangements
to be available to answer questions and will collect the data either via the Web-based survey or
paper responses. The degree of accuracy is expected to be high due to the strong working
relationship we have with our participants, and the opportunity to discuss any issues further
during the follow-up calls.
3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse.
The accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for
the intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be
provided if they will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe
studied.
Since the customer group is small and invested in receiving improved services from us, our
working relationship is strong, and the survey is relatively short, we expect the response rate to
be 80 percent or higher. Knowing that a follow-up call will be scheduled should also encourage
respondents to organize their thoughts and concerns by completing the survey.
A dedicated effort on the part of the Director will be made to assist the participants in the survey
process. The accuracy and reliability of the information collected is geared toward the Teacher-

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at-Sea Program’s mission objectives. Therefore, the survey information collected will be
adequate for its intended use.
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as
effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB
must give prior approval.
There are no tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken in this survey.
5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the statistical
aspects of the design, and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other
person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.
Bora Simmons
2635 Lincoln Street
Eugene, OR 97405
Email: borasimmons@gmail.com
Phone: (541) 343-0714
Jennifer Hammond, Director
NOAA's Teacher-at-Sea Program
1315 East West Highway
Division F, Room 14250
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 713-0353 x 225
Fax: 301-713-9088.

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