SUPPORTING STATEMENT

NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS PROGRAM

A. JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information 

necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that 

necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each 

statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of 

information.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private 

elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve at high levels or 

where the achievement gap is narrowing among all student subgroups. Each 

year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has sought out schools 

where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that 

beat the odds. 

The Program, part of a larger ED effort to identify and disseminate knowledge 

about best school leadership and teaching practices, is authorized by Public Law 

107-110 (January 8, 2002), Part D—Fund for the Improvement of Education, 

Subpart 1, Sec. 5411(b)(5) and administered in the U. S. Department of 

Education by the Office of Communications and Outreach’s Recognition 

Programs unit.

Before selecting National Blue Ribbon Schools, the Department asks for 

nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of 

Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and 

the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education 

(CAPE) nominates private schools. A total of 413 schools nationwide are 

nominated, based on the number of K-12 students and the number of schools in 

each jurisdiction. The schools are invited by the Secretary of Education to submit 

an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School. 

Public and private schools are recognized based on one of two criteria: 1) 

Schools whose students are high performing. These are schools ranked among 

each state’s highest performing schools as measured by their performance on 

state assessments or, in the case of private schools, that score at the highest 

performance level on nationally normed tests; or 2) Schools with at least 40 

percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that improve student 

performance to high levels as measured by the school’s performance on state 

assessments or nationally-normed tests. 
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is designed to bring public attention to 

the best schools in the United States and recognize those schools whose 

students thrive and excel. In 2002, the program was restructured to bring it in line 

with the No Child Left Behind Act, which placed a stronger emphasis on 

assessments and required schools to use data to demonstrate high academic 

success. Schools must show how they understand and use data and how 

leadership, curriculum, instruction, professional development and student support 

leads to student success.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. 

Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of 

the information received from the current collection.

The information collected from nominees for the National Blue Ribbon Schools 

award will be used by the Department, State Departments of Education, and the 

public. The information gathered from the applications will be used to recognize 

exemplary schools that are achieving at high levels and narrowing the 

achievement gap. The schools are recognized by the Secretary of Education 

and presented as models for other schools.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves 

the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological 

collection techniques or forms of information technology, e.g. permitting 

electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision of 

adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration given 

to using technology to reduce burden.

All applications are submitted electronically. The use of information technology 

has a minimal impact on the nominees and does not increase the burden for the 

nominees. The Department requests only one paper copy of the cover sheet 

because it contains the signatures of the principal, superintendent and school 

board chairperson. This is to ensure the above mentioned personnel understand 

and support the nomination of the school.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar 

information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the 

purposes described in Item 2 above.

The instructions are designed to seek only information necessary to identify 

those schools that will receive the award.

On page 8 of the application (cover sheet), the request for information is not 

duplicative. Since the Department’s available data are at least one year old, it is 

important for the program to know the names, phone and fax numbers, e-mail 

address, and WEB page URL of the applicants. It is also important for the 
program to know the district telephone number. This information is necessary for 

communicating with the schools and for answering questions from the Congress 

and the press about the awardees. 

On page 9, numbers 1 through 10 allow the Chief State School Officers 

(CSSOs), schools and districts to be aware of the eligibility requirements for 

schools prior to receiving recognition by the Secretary of Education.

On pages 10 to 13, the questions have been designed to make the smallest 

demands possible on the schools preparing an application. If these schools will 

serve as models, it is important for people in other schools to know of a school’s

demographics. 

Number 1 places the school in the context of the district. Number 2 is important 

because it gives a picture of the financial situation at the school.

Number 3 presents basic data on the demographic composition of the area in 

which the school is located. Congress routinely requests such data. Number 4 

gives insights into the continuity of leadership within the school. Number 5 gives 

the enrollment for each grade.

Number 6 provides insights into the difficulties or opportunities a school may 

have because of the numbers of students from different ethnic backgrounds. 

Numbers 7 through 10 serves the same basic purpose concerning student 

turnover, limited English proficient students, the socioeconomic background of 

the school’s students, and the numbers of students receiving special education 

services. 

Numbers 11 and 12 ask for numbers that allow for a determination of the ratios of 

administrators and support personnel to teachers and teachers to students. 

Number 13 supplies information about attendance and graduation rates and 

allows for studies concerning the relationship of these data to student outcomes. 

Number 14 asks for information on post-graduation activities for high schools that 

allow for comparisons of these data to student outcomes.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small 

entities (Item 8b of IC Data Part 2), describe any methods used to minimize 

burden.

The collection of information does not involve or impact small business or other 

small entities.

6. Describe the consequences to Federal program or policy activities if the 

collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any

technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.
The information collection is necessary to conduct the annual recognition of 

National Blue Ribbon Schools. If information is not collected, the Department will 

not be able to fulfill the requirements of Public Law 107-110 (January 8, 2002), 

Part D—Fund for the Improvement of Education, Subpart 1, Sec. 5411(b)(5).

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information 

collection to be conducted in a manner:

 requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often 

than quarterly;

 requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection 

of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

 requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two 

copies of any document;

 requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, 

government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three 

years;

 in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to 

produce valid and reliable results than can be generalized to the 

universe of study;

 requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been 

reviewed and approved by OMB;

 that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by 

authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported 

by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the 

pledge, or that unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other 

agencies for compatible confidential use; or

 requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other 

confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it 

has instituted procedures to protect the information’s confidentiality

to the extent permitted by law.

This collection will be conducted in a manner consistent with the guidelines in 

5 CFR 1320.5(d)(2).

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of 

publication in the Federal Register of the agency’s notice, required by 5 

CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to 

submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to 

that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these 

comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour 

burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their 

views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of 
instruction and record keeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and 

on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be 

obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once 

every 3 years – even if the collection of information activity is the same as 

in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude 

consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be 

explained.

The current National Blue Ribbon Schools Program application was modified and 

simplified from a previously approved application for the National Blue Ribbon 

Schools Program. The Department consults extensively each year with the 

states, with the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) and with the 

schools that receive the award concerning the program and application. A 60 day 

notice was published on November 18, 2014 (79 FR 68671). No public 

comments were received. A 30 day notice was published.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other 

than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

Schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U. S. Secretary of 

Education receive a plaque and a flag as symbols of their designation. They are 

non-monetary awards and symbols that rewards excellence in schools.

10.Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the 

basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

No assurance of confidentiality is provided.

11.Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, 

such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters 

that are commonly considered private. The justification should include the 

reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific 

uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons 

from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to 

obtain their consent.

No information of a sensitive nature is collected.

12.Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The 

statement should :

 Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual 

hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. 

Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys 
to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. 

Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is 

desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely

because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of 

estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. 

Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary

and usual business practices.

The maximum number of respondents is 413. Each state, DC, DoDEA and 

BIE is assigned a number of nominees based on the school age population 

and number of schools in the state. Private schools are assigned a total of 50 

schools. The table below shows the number of nominations allowed for each 

state:

Total Number of Public and Private Schools: 413

Alabama 5

Alaska 3

Arizona 5

Arkansas 4

California 35

Colorado 5

Connecticut 4

Delaware 3

District of Columbia 3

Florida 13

Georgia 8

Hawaii 3

Idaho 3

Illinois 16

Indiana 8

Iowa 5

Kansas 5

Kentucky 5

Louisiana 6

Maine 3

Maryland 6

Massachusetts 7

Michigan 13

Minnesota 8

Mississippi 4

Missouri 8

Montana 3

Nebraska 4

Nevada 3

New Hampshire 3

New Jersey 9

New Mexico 3

New York 19

North Carolina 9

North Dakota 3

Ohio 14

Oklahoma 6

Oregon 4

Pennsylvania 13

Rhode Island 3

South Carolina 5

South Dakota 3

Tennessee 6

Texas 26

Utah 3

Vermont 3

Virginia 7

Washington 7

West Virginia 3

Wisconsin 8

Wyoming 3

Puerto Rico 3

DoDEA 1

BIE 1

Private Schools 50
 If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate 

hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens in 

item 16 of IC Data Part 1.

 Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents of the hour 

burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate 

wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside 

parties for information collection activities should not be included here. 

Instead, this cost should be included in Item 14.

It is estimated that it would take the respondents approximately 40 hours to 

complete the school application, including the information section, the test 

results, and the narrative sections. The total reporting burden hours and 

responses is 16,520 hours and 413 responses.

The cost to the respondents is approximately $1,619.20 an estimated hourly 

wage of $40.48 times 40 hours per respondent.

13.Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or 

record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not 

include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14.)

 The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total 

capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected 

useful life); and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of 

services component. The estimates should take into account costs 

associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the 

information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major

cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected 

useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period 

over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, 

among other items, preparations for collecting information such as 

purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and 

testing equipment; and acquiring and maintaining record storage 

facilities.

 If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present 

ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The 

cost of contracting out information collection services should be a part 

of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, 

agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), 

utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and 

use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the 

rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.
 Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or 

services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to 

achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with 

the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide 

information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of 

customary and usual business or private practices.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Cost: 

Total Annual Costs (O&M) : 

____________________

Total Annualized Costs Requested : 

There are no costs to the respondents other than the cost of completing the 

application package.

14.Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, 

provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should 

include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, 

overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would 

not have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies 

also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a single 

table.

Based on the FY 2011 budget request, the annualized cost to the Federal 

government for operating the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is 

$951,783.24. A majority of the costs are contained in the technical assistance 

and support services contract. Other costs to the government, including mailings 

and printing are less than $5,000.

15.Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments to #16f of the 

IC Data Part 1 Form.

This is an extension of a currently approved information collection request. Total 

burden hours and responses are 16,520 hours and 413 responses.

16.For collections of information whose results will be published, outline 

plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical 

techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire 

project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of 

information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

The names of the award winning schools and their applications are posted on the 

U.S. Department of Education’s website at 

http://www.ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools immediately following the 

designation by the U. S. Secretary of Education. The general schedule for the 

2011-2012 cycle of the program is as follows:
September 19, 2011: The Secretary sends a letter of invitation to the Chief 

State School Officers (CSSOs), the Bureau of Indian 

Education (BIE), the Department of Defense 

Education Activity (DoDEA), and the Council for 

American Private Education (CAPE) requesting the 

submission of information for nominated schools. 

November 18: Public school nominations from CSSOs, BIE, and 

DoDEA are due to the Department.

December 3: Private school applications due to CAPE.

December 5: The Department invites schools recommended by 

CSSOs, BIE, and DoDEA to apply for recognition as 

National Blue Ribbon Schools.

January 2012: CAPE selects its nominations.

February 17: Completed public and private school (from CAPE) 

applications are due to the Department. 

March: Applications are reviewed for completeness and 

accuracy.

April: Applications are reviewed for compliance with 

eligibility criteria.

August: States certify that nominated public schools have 

made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). 

September: The Secretary announces the 2012 National Blue 

Ribbon Schools.

November: Two representatives from each school, the principal 

and a teacher, attend the recognition ceremony in 

Washington, DC.

17.If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of 

the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be 

inappropriate.

The expiration date for OMB approval will be displayed.

18.Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in the 

Certification of Paperwork Reduction Act.
No exceptions are sought.

SUPPORTING STATEMENT PART B

FOR PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSION

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

This collection does not employ statistical methods.