The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round

Questions on the District’s Data Collection Processes Involving Students Remain

Surveys have long been used as a vehicle for collecting information for good.

But surveys have, in recent years, become a hot-button issue in our District.

During redistricting, stakeholders were promised a voice and to be included in a process that ultimately marginalized families in the name of full-day kindergarten. The single vehicle for inclusion in this “process” was a more than skewed survey that was limited in its ability to produce a product that genuinely included all ideas and opinions.

Last spring, a DEI survey that was going to be sent to our students made its way to the public eye only after several emails were sent to the Administration and Board highlighting the unethical nature of surveying students without proper parental consent.

BHPS District, along with the NJ and United States Department of Education, have a clearly defined policy regarding surveying students for data collection. In short, state or federally-funded schools may only provide surveys to students to collect data with prior parental consent. The policies are below for reference.

It was brought to my attention that a transportation survey was distributed to students at Columbia Middle School via their school-issued email addresses.

In a series of emails below, I brought this survey to the attention of the Administration and Board of Education. Parts of the exchange have been redacted as members within our school community were inappropriately thrown under the bus (pun intended) as being responsible. However, these individuals are not involved in the matter at hand – POLICY.

Given the amount of money and time spent on policies, the District would do well to comply with those connected to state and federal law and best practices – this can start with increased awareness and accountability.

Email Exchange Involving Dr. Varley

P 2415 Every Student Succeeds Act
Student Surveys, Analysis, and/or evaluations
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) applies to school districts that receive Federal funding from the United States Department of Education.  The district will comply with the requirements as outlined in Policy 2415.05 – Student Surveys, Analysis and/or Evaluations in accordance with the PPRA.

P 2415.05 Student Surveys, Analysts, Evaluations, Examinations, Testing or Treatment
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) applies to school districts that receive funding form the United States Department of Education (USDOE).  The PPRA requires written consent from parents or the emancipated student the opportunity to opt out of participation in a survey, analysis, evaluation, examination, testing, or treatment funded in whole or in part by a program of the United States Department of Education.

The ideas and opinions expressed are my own and not on behalf of any organization on which i am a member.

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Parent Concerns About Budget, Survey and OPRA Violations

Comments on Recent Data provided by the BH School District on Reconfiguration