Focus Group Protocol

Strategies for American Indian Parent Involvement

(Revised Updated Version – May 7, 2007)

Exhibit D:

Informed Consent Form to Participate in a Focus Group
on American Indian Parent/Family Involvement in

Their Children’s Education

You are invited to participate in a group discussion about the involvement of American Indian parents and families in their children’s education. The discussion is part of a study that is being conducted by the Central Region Education Laboratory administered by McREL. This study examines how American Indian parents and families get involved in the education of their children. The study findings will be shared with schools, school districts, and education department administrators to help them understand what American Indian parents think about parent involvement and how to improve opportunities for that involvement. The study’s lead researcher is Dr. Jean Williams, McREL’s Vice President for Research and Evaluation; she can be reached at 303-632-5627. The group facilitator is Ms. Dolores Riley and she can be reached at 801-565-8783. You may call Dr. Williams if you have questions about the study, and Dr. Zoe Barley at 303-632-5611 if you have questions about today’s/tonight’s conversation.

Participation in this study involves being part of a group conversation lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. The conversation will be tape recorded (audio only) pending your consent, and will include questions about how American Indian parents and families get involved in their children’s education. There are no known risks related to your participation in the conversation except for possible discomfort over the questions or over sharing information about your experiences with other parents. You should know, however, that your participation is completely voluntary, that you may choose not to answer any particular question, and you may withdraw your participation at any time without penalty.

Responses to this data collection will be used only for research purposes. The reports prepared for this study will summarize findings across the sample and will not associate responses with a specific district or individual. We will not provide information that identifies you or your district to anyone outside the study team, except as required by law.

The benefits of your involvement in this study include the opportunity to share your ideas about how American Indian parents get involved in their children’s education, to help schools and districts understand the American Indian parent perspective, and to provide the district with information that could be used to help make opportunities for parent involvement more meaningful.

Should you have any questions about this study, your rights as a participant, or how you were treated during this session you may call Dr. Williams at 303-632-5627.

You may keep this page for your records. Please sign the next page if you understand and agree to participate.

I have read (or had someone read this form to me) and understood the descriptions of the American Indian parent involvement study. I have asked for and received a satisfactory explanation of any language that I did not fully understand. I agree to participate in this study, and I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. I have received a copy of this consent form.

_______ I agree to be audio-taped

_______ I do not agree to be audio-taped

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Signature Date

American Indian Parent Involvement

Exhibit D: Informed Consent Form Page D-2