Thank you for your interest in participating in this survey on the status of social studies education in Ohio. The purpose of this survey is to determine the perceptions of K-12 social studies teachers in Ohio regarding the purpose of teaching social studies, the state of social studies, and the methods they are using in their classrooms.  

To participate, you must be a social studies teacher in Ohio. As a participant, you have the chance of winning one of eight $25 Amazon gift cards.

Please read this consent document carefully and take as much time as you need to decide whether or not to participate.

What will you experience if you participate in this survey?

As a participant, we ask that you complete a brief, 15-20 minute survey regarding your thoughts and opinions on teaching social studies in Ohio.

If you decide to participate, your total participation time is not expected to exceed 20 minutes.

Risks to you for participating in this research?

The research presents no more than minimal risk to participants.

Benefits to you for participating in this research?

The benefits of this survey include helping the teacher preparation profession better understand the use of inquiry in the social studies classroom, as well as inform OCSS of what current teachers’ perceptions are regarding the status of social studies education in Ohio. 

This is information that teacher preparation programs will use to adjust their own instruction as needed, and in turn lead to a more well-prepared teaching force that everyone benefits from. 

OCSS may also use this information to drive changes in the organization, and inform policy decisions.

There is also a financial incentive, as you have a chance of winning a $25 Amazon gift card if you participate in the survey.

Incentives to you for participating in this research?

As a participant, you will be entered in to a drawing for a chance to receive a $25 Amazon.com gift card for your time.

How will your information be handled by the investigators?

All survey responses will be anonymous; while you must provide your email address to ensure you only complete the survey one time, your email address will not be connected to your answers. The investigators will ensure that all information you provide is kept confidential by keeping all data in a password protected Google account that only the investigators have access to. Once downloaded, the data will live in a password-protected file that only the investigators have the password for.

The focus of this research is on people’s performance in general, not specific individuals’ performance. If the results of this study are published or presented to others, participant names and other identifiable information will not be associated with the results of the study. Instead, the results will be aggregated, meaning that your individual results, or the results of other individuals, will not be evident in the investigators’ reporting of this study.

Your participation is completely voluntary.

You have the right to withdraw yourself from this study at any time, for any reason, without penalty by not submitting the survey. Ending your participation early will not result in any loss of benefits to which you are entitled, and it will not harm your relationship with OWU, the Department of Education, or the investigators. If you end your participation early, you are entitled to all incentives that you have earned up to that point in the study. 

If you have questions about the study or if you experience any unexpected problems, such as physical or psychological discomfort or injury, please contact either the principal investigator, Sarah Kaka at sjkaka@owu.edu or the OWU Counseling Services Center (324 Hamilton Williams Campus Center #324; ph. 740-368-3145).

By clicking ‘Next’ below and beginning the survey, you acknowledge the following:

1. You have read this consent form in its entirety and freely agree to participate.

2. You understand that you are under no obligation to participate in this study.

3. You understand that you have the right to withdraw from this study at any time.