The surveys are for predoctoral and
postdoctoral fellows taking part in the Institute of Education
Sciences three education training grant programs. These programs
provide universities support to provide predoctoral training in
education research, postdoctoral training in education research, or
postdoctoral training in special education research. The results of
the survey will be used both to improve the fellowship programs as
well as to provide information on the programs to policymakers,
practitioners, and the public.
The number of individuals
trained by the IES programs has increased over time. This survey
will be sent to all current fellows and former fellows who have
completed their training within the past 5 years. Thus, the total
number respondents has grown since the survey was established. The
number of questions has also increased slightly, so there is a
modest increase in the amount of time each respondent may spend
filling in the survey relative to past years. To help reduce the
burden, we have taken the following three steps: (1) the survey
will be administered online, (2) respondents will receive targeted
questions based on where they are in their programs (e.g., if they
have not completed their programs or if they finished years ago,
they will receive only the most relevant questions), and (3)
fellows will be tracked for only 5 years after completing their
fellowships. These last three elements all reduce the burden. Given
these changes, the overall burden for a respondent is approximately
20 minutes.
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.