[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 96 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 24818-24819] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-12284] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Alternative Schools Random Assignment Evaluation ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employment and Training Administration is soliciting comments concerning the proposed revision of the information collection of the Alternative Schools Random Assignment Evaluation. A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the employee listed below in the contact section of this notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 15, 1996. Written comments should: --Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; --Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions use; --Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and --Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. ADDRESSES: David Lah, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-5637, Washington, DC 20210, 202-219-5782. [[Page 24819]] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Alternative Schools Random Assignment Evaluation is an attempt on the part of the Department of Labor to find new ways of serving highly at-risk youth. In this demonstration, funds were provided to seven cities to replicate High School Redirection--a highly successful alternative school operating in Brooklyn, New York. Schools created under this demonstration are operated and staffed by local districts, but provide more personal attention and more remediation than typical public high schools. Under this evaluation, students applying to these schools were randomly assigned to attend or not attend the schools. The students are then to be followed up to determine whether the schools reduced dropout rates, increased rates of college enrollment, and decreased teen parenthood rates. II. Current Actions The Department of Labor is requesting a revision of the collection of information under the alternative schools demonstration. Five of the initial seven schools continue to exist in a form similar to High School Redirection. Random assignment has been completed in three of these schools, and follow-up surveys have been conducted in two of these three schools under OMB approval of this data collection. The Department is now seeking approval to conduct follow-up surveys in the third school in which random assignment has taken place. This is the Clark Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio. Type of Review: Revision. Agency: Employment and Training Administration. Title: Alternative Schools Random Assignment Evaluation. OMB Number: 1205-0331. Affected Public: Individuals and households. Total Respondents: 800. Frequency: One follow-up survey and collection of school records at the Cincinnati school. Total Responses: 1,600. Average Time Per Response: One-half hour for the follow-up survey, and one-half hour in collecting school records. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 800. Estimated Total Burden Cost: $240,000. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: May 10, 1996. Robert J. Litman, Deputy Administrator, Office of Policy and Research. [FR Doc. 96-12284 Filed 5-15-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-30-M