Dear Parents and Guardians.

I am a graduate student in the Department of Early and Middle Grades Education at West
Chester University of Pennsylvania, working toward my M.Ed. in Applied Studies in Teaching
and Learning. As part of my Master’s degree program, I will be conducting a classroom action
research assignment to understand the social, cognitive, and language benefits of S.T.E.A.M.
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in early childhood.

I would like to include your child in my research project. I have discussed my research with my
building administrator.

During a period of 6-8 weeks, I will be incorporating new materials in the S.T.E.A.M. lab in our
school that meet the standards of S.T.E.A.M. education and foster 21st century skills
(collaboration, creativity, and problem solving). Our teachers will also be participating in this
study by incorporating S.T.E.A.M.-oriented questioning that meets these standards and skills.

All data that I collect (observations, interviews, surveys) will be kept confidential and no
references to students’ names will be used in my work at any time.

I do not anticipate any risk to students who participate greater than “daily school life” while
conducting my research. If you choose for your child to “not participate” they will still be
included in our daily movement activities, however, I will not use information about them
(observations/surveys/interviews) in my research. The choice to participate or not will not
impact your child in any way. They will not receive any additional benefits or penalties for not
being a participant in my research.

Additionally, you may withdraw your consent for your child to participate at any time, with no
penalty.

All information that is obtained during this research projects will be kept strictly secure. Your
child’s name and any other information concerning your child’s identity will be deleted from the
research information. Child and family confidentiality is most important and every effort will be
made to insure that this research remains confidential at all times.

The results of this study will be used for an online website that is required in my course, Teacher
as Classroom Researcher, in the College of Education at WCU. Pseudonyms will be substituted
for the names of students included in my research. The website used to present my research is a
password-protected site, viewable by me, classmates, and my professor only.

Please indicate whether or not you consent to allow your child to participate in this research
project by returning the form below.

If you’re willing to allow your child’s participation, please return the following form by
December 22, 2017.
Sincerely,

Sarah Brech
610-337-1900
kop69@comcast.net

“I agree to for my child to participate in this research and I understand that observations, survey
responses, or interviews from my child will be included, anonymously. I understand there is no
risk to my child, and that I may withdraw my consent at any time, without penalty.”

________________________________________ ________________________

Child Name Date

________________________________________

Parent Signature