Dear Parents or Guardians:

I will be conducting a research project designed to study how libraries affect students academic
achievement on state-wide assessment tests. I request your permission for your child to
participate. The study consist of one survey that includes 30 questions using Likert scales,
multiple choice, and short answer about their experiences in and using the library located in
Golden Ring Middle School.

Each student will be asked to complete their survey form during their English class while in the
library on either June 1st or June 2nd. The use of these forms in the study will be explained to
students when given. They will be asked to complete their form with the most accurate
information they have available. The survey should take less than 30 minutes and students will
then be sent back into their regular English classrooms. In order to preserve confidentiality,
students will be identified using a number from 1-30 which will only be known to myself the
researcher. I will need to look at the schools records in order to obtain your childs Maryland
State Assessment score in Reading in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.

Your decision whether or not to allow your child to participate will in no way affect your childs
standing in his or her class/school. Your child can be withdrawn from the study at any time
without penalty. At the conclusion of the study, a summary of results will be made available to
all interested parents and teachers at Golden Ring Middle School. This study is estimated to
conclude in September of 2011. Should you have any questions or desire for further information,
please call me at 410-887-0337, or you may contact Dr. Debi Gartland of the Institutional
Review Board for the Protection of Human Participants, at 410-704-2236. Thank you in advance
for your cooperation and support.
Sincerely,

Lisa-Dai Keen Venker

Student in Instructional Technology
Towson University
Please indicate whether or not you wish to have your child participate in this project, by
checking a statement below and returning this letter to your child's teacher as quickly as possible.
_____ I grant permission for my child, ______________________________________ to
participate in this project.

_____ I do not grant permission for my child,________________________________________

to participate in this project.
_____ Affirmative agreement of child**
_______________________________________
Parent/Guardian's signature

_________________
Date

THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY THE INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD FOR
THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN PARTICIPANTS AT TOWSON UNIVERSITY (PHONE:
410-704-2236).