Trainer Logs Grade 7 Science

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO
Professional Development Trainer Observation & Log
CONSENT TO ACT AS A HUMAN PARTICIPANT
Project Title: The Evaluation of the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative
Co-PIs: Dr. Denis Newman, Dr. Harold Wenglinsky
Participant's Name: _____________________________
DESCRIPTION AND EXPLANATION OF PROCEDURES: The purpose of the
evaluation is to assess, through a randomized controlled experiment, whether AMSTI has
a positive effect on classroom practice and student test scores. The participant has been
selected to be part of the study because of the grade level and subject for which he or she
is doing the training. The participant will be involved in two sets of procedures, a trainer
observation and a trainer log. The trainer observation will involve an observer sitting
through a training session devoted to AMSTI math and/or science activities. The content,
pedagogical technique, and other aspects of the session will be observed and recorded
through note taking. The purpose of the observation is not to evaluate the trainer, but to
understand how teachers are being trained to implement AMSTI. The trainer log will
involve the trainer filling out a cover sheet of background information once, and then
filling out a daily description of what topics are covered and how they are covered. Each
form will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The observation will last the
length of the session.
RISKS AND DISCOMFORTS: The trainer will not be expected to conduct the session
in any way differently than if the observer were not present, but naturally the trainer may
feel some additional stress from being observed. That stress will be minimized through
the researcher’s emphasizing that the observation, as well as the log, is not intended to
evaluate the trainer but to gain a picture of how AMSTI is presented to session
participants. Also, the observer will debrief the trainer at a time mutually convenient to
the observer and trainer, thus giving the trainer the opportunity to discuss any concerns
he or she may have.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Trainers will be given a stipend for completing the logs. The
log will give the trainer the opportunity to reflect on the session. This increased
reflectivity thus may be a positive benefit. Also, a sense that the system cares enough
about what trainers are doing with AMSTI to send an evaluator is probably reassuring to
them. And, in general, the observation and log will permit AMSTI to understand the
nature of AMSTI training, and fidelity to the policy and program goals of AMSTI.
COMPENSATION/TREATMENT FOR INJURY: There is no risk of injury as a result of
the observation or interview.

CONSENT: By signing this consent form, the participant agrees that he/she understands
the procedures and any risks and benefits involved in this research. He/she is free to
refuse to participate or to withdraw consent to participate in this research at any time
without penalty or prejudice; participation is entirely voluntary. He/she is also free to ask
any questions, either before or after the observation and log completion. His/her privacy
will be protected because his/her identity will not be disclosed, except to researchers
involved in the project, and any reports or publications that result from the study will be
written to prevent his/her being identifiable or his/her school being identifiable. All
individually identifiable data from this observation and log will be retained under secure
conditions for a maximum of ten years and then destroyed by shredding.
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Institutional Review Board, which
insures that research involving people follows federal regulations, has approved the
research and this consent form. Questions regarding participant rights in this project can
be answered by calling Mr. Eric Allen at (336) 256-1482. Questions regarding the
research itself will be answered by calling Denis Newman at 1-888-486-8886 x 127 or
Harold Wenglinsky at (212) 367-4615. Any new information that develops during the
project will be provided to the participant if the information might affect his/her
willingness to continue participation in the project.
Signing this form constitutes agreement to participate in the project.
____________________________________
Participant's Signature*

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Date