Adult ELS Literacy Impact Study Informed Consent forms revised 7-23-08

Appendix C

ADULT ESL LITERACY IMPACT STUDY

STUDENT CONSENT FORM

I agree to participate in the Adult ESL Literacy Impact Study.

I understand that:

• Participation in the study is voluntary; I can decline to participate in the study and still be placed into an ESL class.

• The purpose of the study is to find out if instruction based on a new book is better at helping literacy students learn to read and speak English than the instruction usually used in my program’s literacy classes.

• I will be placed in either a class that uses the new book or a class that does not use the new book, based on a random lottery process.

• My participation in the study will last one term (either fall 2008 or winter/spring 2009).

• I will be asked to participate in the following data collections:

1. A short (30 minutes, maximum) literacy test in my native language during program intake (fall 2008 or winter/spring 2009);

2. A short (30 minutes each, maximum) English literacy pre-test within the first two weeks of class, which will be audio recorded for scoring purposes; and

3. A longer English literacy test and an English speaking and listening test at the end of the term (60 minutes each, maximum), which will also be audio recorded.

• I will be paid $450 after completing the tests given at the end of the term.

• Study staff will also collect data from the program on my enrollment dates and attendance.

• If I am randomly selected to attend the study class which uses the new book being studied, I will receive a free copy of the book. I may still have to purchase the program’s usual book for my class.

• All information I give is confidential and will be used only for the study, except as compelled by law. My name will never be used in reporting the results of the study.

• I will tell project staff if I move or change addresses.

• If I have any questions about my participation, I may contact Larry Condelli, project director, at either ESLliteracy@air.org or 1-866-519-1884.

I understand the above and I agree to participate.

Name: ______________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________ Date: __________

ADULT ESL LITERACY IMPACT STUDY

TEACHER CONSENT FORM

I agree to participate in the Adult ESL Literacy Impact Study. I understand that:

• The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether a systematic literacy book (Sam and Pat) is effective in improving literacy-level adult ESL learners’ reading and speaking skills.

• The study is commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences.

• The study will last from the summer of 2008 through the spring of 2009.

• I will be assigned to teach a class that uses the Sam & Pat book or a class that does not use the Sam and Pat book, based on a random lottery process.

• If I am assigned to teach a class that uses Sam & Pat, I will attend a three day training during the summer of 2008 on the use of Sam and Pat. I also will participate in a short (less than one day) webinar refresher training in January of 2009. I will be compensated for my time and any travel expenses incurred.

• If I am assigned to teach a class that uses Sam & Pat, I will receive a copy of Sam and Pat before the fall 2008 term begins. I will not share the Sam & Pat materials or instructional methods with other non-Sam & Pat teachers at my school during the study.

• If I am assigned to teach a class that does not use Sam & Pat, I will receive $240 in materials funds in the form of a gift card. I will not use Sam & Pat books, materials or methods in my class during the study.

• I will fill out the following forms or provide the following information as a part of participation in the study:

1. Teacher Data Form (two times, summer 2008 and spring 2009) for which I will receive a small ($15) stipend

2. Daily student attendance in the study class

• As a part of the study, I will be observed in my classroom three to five times during the study.

• All information I give is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of the study. The information that I provide will not be released in such a way that would enable someone to identify me, except as compelled by law.

• Participation in the study is voluntary. If I have any questions about my participation, I may contact Larry Condelli, Project Director, at either ESLliteracy@air.org or 1-866-519-1884.

I understand the above and I agree to participate.

Name: ______________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: __________