Parental Notification Letter

APPENDIX E
PARENTAL NOTIFICATION LETTER

PARENTAL NOTIFICATION LETTER

[DATE]

Dear Parent or Guardian,
Your child’s school is taking part in a national evaluation of new teachers, sponsored by the
U.S. Department of Education. This evaluation is being conducted by Mathematica Policy
Research, Inc., a national policy research firm, in collaboration with [DISTRICT NAME]. This
study focuses on effective ways to support beginning teachers.
We will administer a few surveys to your child’s teacher throughout the year and observe
him/her teaching the class. As part of the study, in the summer of 2006, we will ask the school
for school data that are not tied back to individual students. We will ask for classroom averages
on items such as math and reading tests, attendance and disciplinary issues. Neither your child’s
name nor any specific identifiable information will ever be sent to Mathematica. In this way, the
confidentiality of students will be assured.
There are no potential risks to your child. The study will not interfere with classroom time.
Participation is voluntary. If you do not want your child’s anonymous school records included in
the study, please call Pat Nemeth, toll-free at Mathematica Policy Research, at 800-XXXXXXX. I’ll need to know the child’s name, teacher’s name, school, city and state.

Sincerely,