NCES seeks OMB approval to recruit schools for the full-scale administration of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011 and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2011, both coordinated by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS is administered every four years in more than 60 countries and provides data for internationally benchmarking U.S. performance in mathematics and science at the fourth- and eighth-grade levels against other countries around the world. PIRLS is administered every five years in more than 50 countries and provides assessment data for internationally benchmarking U.S. performance in fourth-grade reading. NCES has received OMB approval for the international field test for the two studies, March 1 - April 15, 2010. The full-scale data collection will be in April-May 2011. NCES will seek approval for the full-scale instruments in the fall of 2010.
This request is for burden hours for recruiting schools for the full scale study, however, because the field test data collection activities will not be completed until May 2010, the full scale recruitment burden is being added onto the existing approved field test number of respondents and burden hours.
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.
TIMSS_PIRLS_2011 OMB Passback Responses 04-07-19-2010.doc
Memo_on_Differences_Between_FT_and_FS_OMB_Package_Materials revised 4_7_2010.docx
PIRLS Student Questionnaire - Grade 4