September 13, 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As I told you at the kindergarten orientation, I am currently a graduate student at West Chester
University finishing up my M. Ed. in Early Childhood Education. As a culminating project I am required to
complete an action research project. I have chosen to investigate how the iPad can influence parent
involvement in the first three months of kindergarten.
For the next 6-8 weeks, I would like to include all parents in my research. Specifically, I am interested
in how I can use the iPad to keep parents engaged in what we are learning on the iPad in the classroom. With
all the use of technology in our school district, I want children to understand how to use the iPad as a
learning tool and help parents understand how the iPad can support learning.
Each Monday, over the next 6-8 weeks, I will send various assignments that provide an opportunity
for you to work with your child. I will also send a survey to those that choose to participate in the research.
The survey will accompany the assignment each week. It will include specific questions and opportunities for
feedback. I ask that the survey be returned each Friday. Please note, this is optional and not mandatory.
All data that I collect for my action research project will be kept confidential. This includes
observations of the students using iPads, informal interviews with parents, as well as the family surveys you
return each Friday.
Participating in this research study is not mandatory. All parents are encouraged to work with their
child on the iPad to increase their iPad and academic skills. However, if you DO NOT wish to participate in the
action research project either indicate it below OR dont return the survey. As a result, your child will not be
observed for research, no surveys will be sent home and you will not be asked for an informal interview. If
you DO choose to participate in this study, you may withdraw at any time.
Your childs and your familys information will be kept confidential. None of the research will be kept
in your childs folder and all information will be deleted upon completion of the research.
The data collected during the next 6-8 weeks will be posted on a website which provides access to
only my professor, my classmates, and myself. I will use no names or the school name during my
presentation to ensure confidentiality. However, a summary of the final research will be online, but no
names will be used.

Sincerely,
Kendall Gagne

In the space below please indicate your preference:

________ I agree to allow my child to participate in the observations while engaged in the iPad and to
complete the survey and return it each Friday. Additionally, I am aware I can withdraw at any time without
penalty.

________ I would rather my child not participate in the observations. I am fully aware not participating will
not impact my child in any way.

Parents signature and date:

There is another copy attached for your records. If you have any questions about your childs participation or
this research project, please contact me at our school phone or email address.