The 2012/14 Beginning Postsecondary
Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/14), conducted by the National
Center for Education Statistics (NCES), is designed to follow a
cohort of students who enroll in postsecondary education for the
first time during the 2011-2012 academic year, irrespective of date
of high school completion. The study collects data on student
persistence in, and completion of, postsecondary education
programs; their transition to employment; demographic
characteristics; and changes over time in their goals, marital
status, income, and debt, among other measures. Data from BPS are
used to help researchers and policymakers better understand how
financial aid influences persistence and completion, what
percentages of students complete various degree programs, what
early employment and wage outcomes are for certificate and degree
attainers, and why students leave school. This request is to
conduct the BPS:12/14 first follow-up field test, including panel
maintenance, student interviews and reinterviews, and
administrative record matching. Following the field test study in
2013, NCES will submit a request for clearance of the BPS:12/14
full scale data collection to be conducted in spring 2014. Because
only minimal changes are expected after the field test, NCES is
requesting a waiver of the 60-day Federal Register Notice for the
full-scale collection clearance submission.
No changes in response burden
or cost are anticipated. No changes in response burden or cost are
anticipated. The respondent burden shows an increase because the
last OMB approval was discontinued in September 2010.
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.