May 00, 2016

Dear Parents,

We would like to invite you to participate in a country study of UNESCO by answering our
survey questionnaires and by joining the focused group discussions regarding the National
Achievement Tests, National Career Assessment Examinations, and College Entrance
Examinations taken by your child. The Global Resources for Assessment Curriculum and
Evaluation (GRACE) has been selected by UNESCO to participate in their research entitled The
Culture of Testing: Socio-cultural drivers and the effects on youth in the Asia-Pacific region.
This research aims to gain data through survey method and focused group discussions from
students, parents, and teachers of grades 1, 7, 10, and 12 who have taken the tests mentioned
above.
Our proctors and administrators will administer and conduct the survey as well as the focused
group discussions and the entire process will run for half day which will tentatively be scheduled
on January 2017 (Saturday). Your transportation expenses will be reimbursed to GRACE and
snacks during the survey as well as focused group discussions will be provided. After the data
gathering procedures, a simple token of appreciation will be given to you.
Moreover, we assure you that any information we will gather will be treated with utmost
confidentiality as it will be used solely for the conduct of UNESCOs research.
For more information about the data gathering procedures, feel free to reach Mr. Alejandro
Ibanez, Assistant Director of GRACE, via landline 375-1640 loc. 227, 376-4074 or through his
email alejandro@grace.com.ph / aibanez.grace@gmail.com
We hope for your favorable response.
Sincerely yours,
Pilar Fatima Sibal Balbin
President, GRACE

Country Study of UNESCO

INTRODUCTION

Your child has been invited to join a country study of UNESCO. In this research study, we would
like to gather informations regarding the National Achievement Tests, National Career
Assessment Examinations and College Entrance Examinations being offered by the universities
and colleges.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE STUDY?

Your child will be asked to answer survey questionnaires regarding their demographic profile
and the examinations mentioned above. This survey is good for one hour. Your child can notify
the researcher to stop participating at any time. If your child stops he/she will not lose any
benefits.

BENEFITS TO TAKING PART IN THE STUDY?

It is reasonable to expect this benefit from the current research: To gain knowledge regarding the
culture of testing here in the Philippines. However, we cant guarantee that your child will
personally experience benefits from participating in this study. Others may benefit in the future
from the information we find in this study.

CONFIDENTIALITY
Your childs name will not be used when data from this study are published. Every effort will be
made to keep research records and other personal information confidential. All data that will be
collected will be limited to this use or other research-related usage of UNESCO and GRACE.
The data that will be provided will not be used to evaluate the performance of your child as a
student in any way.
INCENTIVE
Snacks will be provided by GRACE for each student. In addition, a notebook and pen will be
given as a token of appreciation for participating in the study.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A RESEARCH PARTICIPANT

Participation in this study is voluntary. Your child has the right not to participate at all or to leave
the study at any time. Deciding not to participate or choosing to leave the study will not result in
any penalty or loss of benefits to which your child is entitled, and it will not harm his/her
relationship with the school.

CONTACTS FOR QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS

Call Mr. Alejandro Ibanez at 375-1640 loc. 227/376-4074 or email him at
alejandro@grace.com.ph / aibanez.grace@gmail.com. If you have questions about the study, any
problems, if your child experiences any unexpected physical or psychological discomforts, any
injuries, or think that something unusual or unexpected is happening.

Permission for a Child to Participate in Research

As parent or legal guardian, I authorize _________________________________ (childs name)
to become a participant in the research study described in this form.

___________________________________________________
Parent or Legal Guardians Signature over Printed Name & Date