November 17, 2012

FIRSTMATH TEACHER CONSENT FORM

(See the lowest part)

Dear colleague,
This pilot observation is part of an international effort to better understand the preparation and
initial support for primary and lower-secondary mathematics teachers in different countries. This
observation will help us to better understand the process of beginning to teach in each country.
International comparative studies always face the challenge of crafting instruments that will
appropriately work in various cultural and institutional settings. Therefore, if you have time, we
would also be interested in any comments you may have about your teaching.
There will be a short (about 10 to 15 minutes) pre-observation and a post-observation
interview followed up by an observation of one lesson.
We want to clearly state that your participation in this study is completely voluntary. You can
refuse to answer any question as well as stop participating in the study at any time. If at any
point during the study you wish to discontinue, the information collected will not be used in
the analysis and results of this project.
To ensure confidentiality, your name will not be collected and any identifying information
about you will not be exposed in any way. Data will only be reported in the aggregate so no
individual information will be singled out. Every effort will also be made to protect the
confidentiality of the information provided in this questionnaire to the maximum extent
allowable by law. All materials will be kept in a secure and locked location. In case
individual data is needed pseudonyms will be used to disguise personal identifiers in any
written reports, publications, and presentations.
You indicate your voluntary agreement to participate by partaking in the interview and
observation of the lesson.
If you have questions about your participation in this research project, you may contact Dr. Maria Teresa
Tatto at Michigan State University (+1-517-353-6418, mttatto@msu.edu). If you have any questions or
concerns regarding your rights as a study participant, or are dissatisfied at any time with any aspect of this
study, you may contact - anonymously, if you wish, the Director of the Human Research Protection
Programs (HRPP) at Michigan State University: (517) 355-2180, fax: (517) 432-4503, email:
irb@msu.edu, or regular mail: 202 Olds Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824 .

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.

Sincerely,
Maria Teresa Tatto
FIRSTMATH Director
CONFORME: