District Memorandum

DISTRICT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

LESSONS IN CHARACTER STUDY

This is a memo of understanding for WestEd to conduct research in the [XXX School District]. The research evaluates the effects of the Lessons in Character Program on academic performance, school behavior and motivation, and endorsement of values consistent with good character. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Education through the Regional Educational Laboratory – Western Region. All 2^nd-5^th grade teachers will have the opportunity to receive the Lessons in Character materials and professional development on how to implement the program. Of schools participating in the study, about half will be selected to immediately participate in the Lessons in Character training and be provided the curriculum materials. The remaining half will be offered the training and materials about 24 months later. All 1^st-4^th grade teachers will be asked to assist with WestEd’s data collection in spring 2007. Participating 2^nd-5^th grade teachers will be asked to assist with data collection in 2008 and 2009. Teachers and site coordinators will be asked to follow-up with parents (via phone calls and direct mailing) to obtain high return rates for consent and data collection forms. For students not returning parental consent forms, follow-up distribution will occur at weekly intervals; for parents not returning parent reports, follow-up distribution will occur at bi-weekly intervals.

By signing this memo, the [XXX School District] agrees that: more than half of 2^nd-5^th grade teachers per grade in each participating school will be trained in the research-based Lessons in Character program.

In exchange, the [XXX School District] agrees that participation in this study requires: (1) an 24-month time commitment; (2) designation of a coordinator at each school to facilitate school visits; (3) coordination of professional development schedules and days to accommodate Lessons in Character training (one-day workshop); (4) access to demographic, disciplinary, and state standardized test data by student identification number, principal interviews (by phone), teacher reports/interviews, parent reports, and surveys of 4^th and 5^th graders.

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Version 3 3-21-07