My name is Hilary Haskell, I am the executive director of CARES Fox Cities, a non-profit committed to equity in schooling. A group of students, teachers, parents, and I are inviting you to participate in a research study about our Appleton Area School District schools.
2. We are asking you to take part in a research study because we are trying to learn about the ways in which our identities have an effect on learning. Your experiences and ideas as a student are so important! We are interested in learning more about your education.
3. If you agree to help with this study, it means that you will be asked to participate in an interview, survey, discussion, or art activity. We will use the information that you provide to better understand how our schools can support you and every student in our schools.
4. Although we don’t think that there are any risks to participating in this study, we realize that sometimes the questions we ask may make you feel uncomfortable or confused. If you ever feel uncomfortable, confused, upset or angry, you can always let us know. You can also talk to our CARES Facilitators directly. You can also choose to not answer a question. Finally, if you want to be connected to any support services (like a counselor, mentor, etc.), we will do our best to connect you with support services that you want/need.
5. Although you won’t be paid for this research, we hope that it will be something about which you can be proud of. We think you may feel a sense of empowerment from having your voice heard, and we promise to take your thoughts very seriously. We also hope that this research improves your school for you and future students.
6. Please talk with your caregivers about this before you decide whether or not to participate. We will also ask your caregivers to give their permission for you to take part in this study. But even if your caregivers say “yes” you can still decide not to do this.
7. If you don’t want to be in this study, you don’t have to participate. Remember, being in this study is up to you and no one will be upset if you don’t want to participate or even if you change your mind later and want to stop.
8. You can ask any questions that you have about the study. If you have a question later that you didn’t think of now, you can contact us at (920) 659-2377, or email hilaryhaskell@caresfoxcities.com.
9. Signing your name at the bottom means that you agree to be in this study. You and your caregivers will be given a copy of this form after you have signed it.