Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017) Main Study Base Year (MS1), Operational Field Test First Follow-up (OFT2), and Tracking and Recruitment for Main Study First Follow-up (MS2)

This Appendix provides correspondence for the respondents inviting them to participate in and thanking them for completing the school administrator survey, the math teacher survey, the special education teacher survey, and the parent survey.

Appendix MS1-W.1a. Invitation to Survey E-mail, School Administrator

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Please complete by <date, two weeks after sent-date of e-mail>

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <School Administrator>,

Thank you again for agreeing to participate in the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017). Please use the link below to complete the online survey.

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

Gathering the following information in advance will help you complete the questionnaire more quickly:

1. For the current school year:

• Average daily attendance

• Math curriculum information

• Matriculation information

• Student-body characteristics, including the estimated percentage of students in each grade who are:

English language learners
Alternative program attendees
Students with disabilities/served by an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

•School personnel counts such as the number of:

Teachers by subject taught
Security personnel

2. For the 2016-2017 school year:

• State assessment scores by subject

• Programs, services, and supports available for students with IEPs and the percentage of students who use them

If at any time you should have questions about the study, please do not hesitate to contact <data collection contractor contact information>. The survey should take you approximately 40 minutes to complete. Your participation is voluntary but very important to the success of this study.

Thank you for your support of this important study of middle grade students.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

NCES is authorized to conduct MGLS:2017 by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543) and to collect students’ education records from education agencies or institutions for the purposes of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization. All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151). The collected information will be combined across respondents to produce statistical reports.

Appendix MS1-W.1.b Thank You for Participation E-mail, School Administrator

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 - Thank you!

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <School Administrator>,

Thank you for completing your MGLS:2017 survey. This vitally important study examines the factors that encourage success during these important yet often understudied years of middle grades education. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix MS1-W.1.c Reminder for Participation E-mail, School Administrator

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Due by <date> – Reminder #<1,2>

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <School Administrator>,

This is a friendly reminder to complete your survey for the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017) by <date>. For your convenience we have included the link to your survey below.

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

Please let us know if there is any way we may assist you in completing the survey. If you believe that someone else at your school is better suited to complete this survey, please provide us with their information <by replying to this e-mail/ clicking the following link to provide contact information>, and we will reach out to them.

[INSERT POTENTIAL LINK TO ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENT CONTACT INFORMATION HERE]

Your data are essential to the success of the MGLS:2017, which will be used to inform policies and practices shaping middle grades education for years to come. We hope you will take a moment to complete your survey, and be a part of this unprecedented study.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix MS1-W.1.d Final Reminder for Participation E-mail, School Administrator

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Due by <date> – Reminder #3

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <School Administrator>,

We have not yet received your completed survey for the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017). Your participation is needed. Please use the personalized link below to complete your survey now.

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

We understand you may be busy, but would appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey. However, if one of your colleagues can provide us with information about your school’s policies, programs, and students, please provide us with their contact information <by replying to this e-mail/ clicking the following link to provide contact information>, and we will reach out to them.

[INSERT POTENTIAL LINK TO ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENT CONTACT INFORMATION HERE]

Your data are essential to the success of the MGLS:2017, which will be used to inform policies and practices shaping middle grades education for years to come. You are one of a select number of schools chosen to participate in this unprecedented study. Please take a moment and complete your survey.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix MS1-W.2.a. Invitation to Survey E-mail, Math Teacher and Special Education Teacher

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Please complete by <date, two weeks after sent-date of e-mail>

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <TEACHER’S NAME>,

Thank you again for agreeing to participate in the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017).

As a token of our appreciation you will receive $20 for answering the questions about your background, and $7 per student for answering questions about specific students.

As a <math/ special education> teacher at <school name>, you provide essential information about academic policies and programs, activities and curriculum in the classroom, and other school related experiences that impact student learning. Your participation is voluntary but very important to the success of this study.

Please use the link below to complete the online <math/ special education> teacher survey.

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

If at any time you should have questions about the study, please do not hesitate to contact <data collection contractor contact information>.

Thank you for your support of this important study of middle grade students.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix MS1-W.2.b. Thank You for Participation E-mail, Math Teacher and Special Education Teacher

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Thank you!

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <TEACHER’S NAME>,

As a token of our appreciation you are receiving $20 for answering the questions about your background, and $7 per student for answering questions about specific students.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix MS1-W.2.c Reminder for Participation E-mail, Math Teacher and Special Education Teacher

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Due by <date> – Reminder #<1,2>

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear < TEACHER’S NAME >,

This is a friendly reminder to complete your survey for the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017) by <date>. For your convenience we have included the personalized link to your survey below.

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

Please let us know if there is any way we may assist you in completing the survey. As a token of our appreciation you will receive $20 for answering the questions about your background, and $7 per student for answering questions about specific students. We estimate it should take you about <#> minutes to complete the entire survey, and you will receive $<#>.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix MS1-W.2.d Final Reminder for Participation E-mail, Math Teacher and Special Education Teacher

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Due by <date> – Reminder #3

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear < TEACHER’S NAME >,

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

We understand you may be busy, but would appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey. Upon completion, you will receive $20 for answering the questions about your background, and $7 per student for answering questions about specific students. We estimate it should take you about <#> minutes to complete the entire survey, and you will receive $<#>.

Your data are essential to the success of the MGLS:2017, which will be used to inform policies and practices shaping middle grades education for years to come. You are one of a select number of teachers chosen to participate in this unprecedented study. Please take a moment and complete your survey.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix MS1-W.3.a. Invitation to Survey E-mail, Parent Survey Respondent

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Please complete by <date, two weeks after sent-date of e-mail>

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <Name>,

As you know, <CHILD’S NAME> was selected to take part in the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017). The family is very important for students, and you are the best person to tell us about <CHILD’s NAME> family.

<Once we have your answers, you will receive <incentive amount> to thank you for taking the time to fill out the survey.>

Please click the link below to complete the online parent survey.

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

If at any time you have questions about the study, please contact <data collection contractor contact information>. The survey should take you approximately 40 minutes to complete. Your participation is voluntary but very important to the success of this study.

Thank you for your support of this important study of middle grade students.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix MS1-W.3.b. Thank You for Participation E-mail, Parent Survey Respondent

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 - Thank you!

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <NAME>,

Thank you for completing the MGLS:2017 parent survey. You and <CHILD’s NAME> are part of an unprecedented study of students’ in the middle grades, providing data that will be used to improve learning and education for years to come. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated.

As a token of our appreciation, you are receiving <incentive amount> for taking the time to complete the survey.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix MS1-W.3.c Reminder for Participation E-mail, Parent Survey Respondent

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Due by <date> – Reminder #<1,2>

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear < NAME >,

This is a friendly reminder to complete your survey for the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017) by <date>. Click the link below to go to your survey.

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

<Once we have your answers, you will receive <incentive amount> to thank you for your time.>

Your answers are very important to the success of the MGLS:2017. Please take a moment to fill out the survey, and be a part of this exciting new study.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

<NAME>

Appendix MS1-W.3.d NCES Reminder for Participation E-mail, Parent Survey Respondent

Subject line = “Message from the U.S. Department of Education”

Dear <<fname>>,

My name is Carolyn Fidelman. As the Project Officer for the Middle Grades Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017), from the National Center for Education Statistics, I hope that you will take time out of your busy schedule to complete the MGLS:2017 survey today. It is an important study of students’ education and experiences as they move through the middle grades and transition into high school. The Department of Education, Congress, and the White House can use data from this study to examine the effectiveness of middle grades programs and practices.

On average, the survey takes only about 40 minutes [IF INCENTIVE: and you will receive $<<inc_amount>> as a token of appreciation for completing it.

To complete the survey online, go to our secure website:

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/mgls/

Study ID: <<StudyID>>

Password: <<password>>

If you have questions or prefer to complete the survey over the phone please call us at 855-500-1432. Our data collection contractor, RTI International, is available to assist you with any questions you may have.

Thank you for helping to make MGLS:2017 a success.

Carolyn Fidelman

MGLS:2017 Project Officer

National Center for Education Statistics

U.S. Department of Education

[email protected]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0911

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/npsas/confidentiality.aspx

Appendix MS1-W.3.e Final Reminder for Participation E-mail, Parent Survey Respondent

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Due by <date> – Reminder #3

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear < NAME >,

We have not yet received your completed survey for the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017). Your participation is needed. Click the link below to go to your survey now.

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

<Once we have your answers, you will receive <incentive amount> to thank you for your time.>

Your answers are very important to the success of the MGLS:2017. You are one of the few people from around the country chosen to participate in this amazing study. Please take a moment and fill out your survey.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix MS1-W.4.a. Debriefing Questionnaire for Participating Schools

MGLS: 2017 Main Study Debriefing Interview

School ID: ____________ School Name: __________________ Respondent Name: ______________

Did the informational materials and study staff who called to ask for your participation and assistance accurately describe the data collection in your school and the amount of time it would take?

YES

Comments:

Did you feel the pre-session visit by the Session Facilitator (SF) was useful?

YES

Comments:

Did the SF arrive on time for the:

a. pre-session visit, YES NO

b. the MGLS:2017 session YES NO

c. all make-up sessions? YES NO NOT APPLICABLE

Comments:

4. Did the student session(s) take place as scheduled?

YES

Comments:

5. Was the SF competent at setting up the electronic equipment for the MGLS:2017 student sessions(s) (e.g., ChromeBooks, Wi-Fi, etc.)?

YES

Comments:

6. Did the SF effectively manage the student session (e.g., did the students seem to understand what they were being asked to do)?

YES

Comments:

7. If any participating students from your school required accommodations, did the SF effectively provide the required accommodations? If NO, please explain which accommodations were NOT met:

YES

Comments:

8. Did the SF and his/her assistant behave in a professional manner?

YES

Comments:

9. Were there any problems related to administration of the student session on the tablets? If yes, please specify.

YES

Comments:

10. Approximately how many hours did you spend working on the study? # hrs __

11. Did anyone else from your school, besides you, work on this study? If yes, please indicate the person’s position at the school and tasks performed, for example, providing student lists, assisting with permission forms, etc.

YES

Position(s):

Task(s):

12. Did the SF do anything specific to help you or other school staff reduce the burden associated with participating in the study? [YES OR NO] If yes, please specify.

YES

Comments:

13. Was there anything specific that the SF could have done to help you or other school staff or the students to reduce the burden? If yes, what could have been done?

YES

Comments:

14. Did the [incentive] your school received play a part in the decision for your school to participate in MGLS:2017? [YES OR NO]

YES

Comments:

15. Did you receive a School Coordinator monetary token of appreciation? If yes, how much? ____$

YES (specify amount)

Comments:

16a. Is 6^th grade the highest grade at your school?

YES

16b. If yes, can you tell me the names of the destination schools your rising 7^th graders can attend?

[Names of destination schools]

17. Besides things you have told us about already, is there anything else you would like to tell us or anything we could do to improve the data collection processes for MGLS:2017?

Appendix OFT2-W.1a. Invitation to Survey E-mail, School Administrator

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Please complete by <date, two weeks after sent-date of e-mail>

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <School Administrator>,

Thank you again for agreeing to participate in the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017) Operational Field Test First Follow-up. Please use the link below to complete the online survey.

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

Gathering the following information in advance will help you complete the questionnaire more quickly:

1. For the current school year:

• Average daily attendance

• Math curriculum information

• Matriculation information

• Student-body characteristics, including the estimated percentage of students in each grade who are:

English language learners
Alternative program attendees
Students with disabilities/served by an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

•School personnel counts such as the number of:

Teachers by subject taught
Security personnel

2. For the 2016-2017 school year:

• State assessment scores by subject

• Programs, services, and supports available for students with IEPs and the percentage of students who use them

Thank you for your support of this important study of middle grade students.

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix OFT2-W.1.b Thank You for Participation E-mail, School Administrator

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 - Thank you!

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <School Administrator>,

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix OFT2 -W.1.c Reminder for Participation E-mail, School Administrator

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Due by <date> – Reminder #<1,2>

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <School Administrator>,

This is a friendly reminder to complete your survey for the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017-18 (MGLS:2017) by <date>. For your convenience we have included the link to your survey below.

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

[INSERT POTENTIAL LINK TO ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENT CONTACT INFORMATION HERE]

Sincerely,

<NAME>

Appendix OFT2-W.1.d Final Reminder for Participation E-mail, School Administrator

SUBJECT LINE: MGLS:2017 – Due by <date> – Reminder #3

[MGLS:2017 LOGO]

Dear <School Administrator>,

[INSERT LINK WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE]

[INSERT POTENTIAL LINK TO ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENT CONTACT INFORMATION HERE]

Sincerely,

<NAME>

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