Contacting Parent Protocol

Strategies for American Indian Parent Involvement

(Revised Updated Version, May7, 2007)

Exhibit B:
Protocol for Contacting Parent
for Participation

Parent name (s)_________________________________________________________________

School: _______________________________________________________________________

Principal’s Name _______________________________________________________________

Phone Number _________________or location _______________________________________

Time and date of contact: _________________________________________________________

Contactor: _____________________________________________________________________

Introduction

Hello, my name is __________________. I am an American Indian from the ________________ tribe. I am calling to tell you about a study of American Indian parent’s involvement in school that I feel is very important and that I’d like you to participate in. May I tell you more about it? (If no, thank them and end the contact.)

If Yes: We believe little is known about why American Indian parents do or do not participate in their children’s schools. We want to learn from parents like you—both those who are active in the school (or their children’s education) and those who are not. To do so we would like to bring parents together to learn from them how they think about being involved in the school or with their child. As an American Indian woman I will be talking with the parents who come together. We will talk for about an hour and we will not talk about anything that would embarrass you or in any way make you feel uncomfortable. I would pick you up for the talking along with any children or elderly you care for and take you to (arranged site). There will be a babysitter for your children and snacks will be provided for you and the others you bring.

Do you have questions about what I have told you so far?

(Whether or not there are questions, explain that the study has been approved by a Human Subjects Review Board and by the government (read them the Paperwork Burden Statement if they ask about government approval). Also indicate that they will be asked to sign a paper that indicates they are willing to have the session tape recorded. But names will not be used in any of the materials that result from the study.)

Would you be willing to participate if the arrangements are acceptable?

If Yes – What days of the week and what times of day are best for you? What times would not work? I will contact you again about arrangements in the next few days.

If No – Are there any conditions that would help you decide to participate?

(If so, consider if they can be met and so indicate – this may surface problems with logistics that can be fixed.)

American Indian Parent Involvement

Exhibit B: Parent Contact Protocol Form Page B-2