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.
BPS 2012-14 Field Test Response to Passback.docx
Att_60-day FR Notice 1850-0631.pdf
2012/14 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study: (BPS:12/14) Field Test