Child Assent Form and Parent Waiver of Consent Form

Exhibit I

Student Assent Form

Regional Education Lab – Mid-Atlantic

FORM FOR CHILD ASSENT

Title of Project: The Effects of CompassLearning's Odyssey Math Software on the

Mathematics Achievement of Fourth Grade Students

Principal Investigators: K. Wijekumar, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Information Sciences and Technology, 212 Administration Building, 724-773-3814, [email protected]; John Hitchcock, Ph.D. Senior Associate, ICF-Caliber, 703-219-3799, [email protected]; and Kyle Peck, Ph.D., 865-2525, [email protected], Director, Regional Educational Lab Mid-Atlantic.

This is to certify that I, _____________________, have been given the following information about my participation as a volunteer in a study directed by Drs. Wijekumar, Hitchcock, and . Peck.

1. Purpose of the study: Mathematics are an integral part of science, technology, and many other aspects of modern life, from basic home bookkeeping to the modeling of complex systems. This project will study whether children in fourth grade can improve their math skills by using the CompassLearning Odyssey Math Software. Some students will work with an Internet web site on the computer, some students will work on regular math class work. This program will last through fall semester, 2007, and take about 60 minutes a week in your regular school time. Students that didn’t get to work on the special web site in the fall can work on it during fall semester, 2008. There will be some tests before and after the program to see if you improve your math skills. These tests are not part of your school grade, but are just for comparing methods of learning. 2. Procedures to be followed: The program will be conducted in your regular math class room of _________________ School during regular school. If you use a computer you will be given a computer username and password and your teacher will help you get started. Things that are done or said on the computer will be studied, so that children are treated properly by our project volunteers, and so that children behave well on the computer. Your teachers and parents will be notified if there is misbehavior.

3. Discomforts and risks: There are no risks to you in this study. It should be safe and interesting. Your teacher can help you with any problems you may have.

4. a. Benefits to you: You might improve in math.

2. Potential benefits to society: This program can help people improve their math skills.

5. Time of the study: The main part of the study will last through the academic year 2007-08, ending in May 2008.

6. Statement of confidentiality: Responses to this data collection will be used only for statistical 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. No one will use your name in reports about this study, so your privacy is protected. No one will know whether you personally learned a lot or a little.

7. Right to ask questions: If you have any questions about this project you should ask your parents and your math teacher. If needed, questions can also be asked to Dr. Kay Wijekumar, 724-773-3814, [email protected], Dr. John Hitchcock, 703-219-3799, [email protected], or Dr. Kyle Peck, 814-865-2525, [email protected].

8. Compensation: There is no payment to you for participating in this project.

9. Voluntary participation: I understand that participating in this study is voluntary, and that I can refuse to participate or can withdraw from this study at any time by talking with my math teacher. I understand that extreme misconduct while in the computer lab or visiting the Internet site could result in my removal from this program.

Only students whose parents said they could participate are being offered a chance to be in this project, but no student has to participate if they do not want to. This is to certify that I agree to participate as a volunteer in this program. I have read this form, and understand it.

______________________________________________

Child's Signature Date

I, the undersigned, have defined and explained the study to the above child.

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Investigator Date