There is no compensation for your participation in this study. What about my confidentiality?
We will do everything possible to make sure that your information is kept confidential. We will refer to participants by identification numbers and not by participants’ names. All information is confidential and will be kept in a locked file cabinet and all electronic files with participants’ responses will be password protected. All data will be disposed after three years. “All information obtained in this study is strictly confidential unless disclosure is required by law." At no time will the name of participants be used when data are reported.
What if I do not want to be in this research study?
You do not have to be part of this project. This project is voluntary and it is up to you to decide to participate in this research project. If you agree to participate at any time in this project you may stop participating without penalty.
What if I have questions?
You can ask Carolyn Alexander Brown anything about the study. She can be reached by telephone at 336 848-0232 or by email at [email protected]. If you have concerns about how you have been treated in this study call the Office of Research Integrity Director at 1-855-251-2351.
APPENDIX B
EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS USED TO CRITIQUE PARENT/COMMUNITY SECTION OF SCHOOL/DISTRICT WEBSITES
1. Do you understand the information on this website? If not, what can be done to help you understand it better?
2. Is the information helpful to you and your family? If not, why? 3. What do you like about this website and why?
4. What do you dislike about this website and why?
5. Is there additional information that needs to be included on this website? Additional questions may be added based upon parents’ perceptions of the website and their needs, strengths, and challenges.
APPENDIX C
PARENT PRESENTATION OUTLINE
African American Parent Involvement in Title I Middle Schools
Each parent presented one category after principal researcher talked about the purpose and the methodology.
I. Purpose of the Study (Principal Researcher) II. Methodology (Principal Researcher)
III. Parents “I am” statements – Each parent introduced herself IV. What is parent involvement? (Nora)
V. Curriculum and other changes—That was then . . . This is now (Millie) VI. Establishing authentic partnerships
A. Home-School Partnerships (Annette)
B. Home-School Community Partnerships (Janice) VII. Data and Diversity (Monica)
VIII. Belief and Reality Statements – Each parent shared their personal belief and reality statement (Phyllis, the parent with an illness, joined in with her mother to give their statement)
IX. Strengths and Needs (Amy) X. Equity – (Principal Researcher)
XI. Introductions/Comments/Dialogue with the audience of educators, parents, community/business leaders. Each participant introduced himself/herself and
APPENDIX D
SURVEY FOR EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY/BUSINESS LEADERS
1. What is your occupation? Place a check on the appropriate line _____a. Educator (Give your specific role in education)
_____b. Business field (Give your specific role in business)
_____c. Community leader (Give your specific role in the community
_____d. Other
2. Place a check on the line representing the number of years you’ve serve in this position.
____a. less than 1 year ____b. 1-5 years ____c. 5- 10 years ____d. 10-15 years ____e. 15-20 years
____f. more than 20 years
3. Did your perception of African American parent involvement change after listening and participating in the presentation? ____Yes ____No 4. If yes, please explain:
5. What can you do differently to establish more effective home-school-community partnerships?
APPENDIX E PARENT SURVEY
(Conducted six week after school began via email) 1. What part of the study did you like most?
2. What part of the study did you like least?
3. Have your feelings/perceptions about your role in the education of your child changed? If so, in what way?
4. Have your feelings/perceptions about your child’s teachers/school changed? If so, in what way?
APPENDIX F CONSENT FORM
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO CONSENT TO ACT AS A HUMAN PARTICIPANT Project Title: African American Parent Involvement in Title I Schools
Principal Investigator and Faculty Advisor (if applicable): Carolyn A. Brown and Rick Reitzug Participant's Name:
What are some general things you should know about research studies?
You are being asked to take part in a research study. Your participation in the study is voluntary. You may choose not to join, or you may withdraw your consent to be in the study, for any reason, without penalty.
Research studies are designed to obtain new knowledge. This new information may help people in the future. There may not be any direct benefit to you for being in the research study. There also may be risks to being in research studies. If you choose not to be in the study or leave the study before it is done, it will not affect your relationship with the researcher or the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Details about this study are discussed in this consent form. It is important that you understand this information so that you can make an informed choice about being in this research study. You will be given a copy of this consent form. If you have any questions about this study at any time, you should ask the researchers named in this consent form. Their contact information is below.
What is the study about?
This is a research project and your participation is voluntary. The purpose of this study is to examine African American parents’ perceptions, values, and their beliefs about parent
involvement (their role and the role of educators and the community) and to hear their voice on ways to establish effective home-school-community partnerships.
Why are you asking me?
You are being asked to participate in this study because you are an African American parent with at least one child who attends a Title I middle school.
What will you ask me to do if I agree to be in the study?