University candidate seeks permission to survey Plainfield 202 elementary teachers about inclusion practices

The curriculum and technology committee reviewed a request Sept. 17 from Megan Craigcraft, a doctoral candidate at the University of Saint Francis, to survey elementary general‑education and special‑education teachers about their attitudes and perceived skills for inclusion. Mina Griffith presented the proposal and said the research would use confidential teacher surveys only and would not collect student data.

Why this matters: teacher perceptions of inclusion affect classroom practice and policy; the board and administration must verify safeguards for confidentiality and compliance with district research procedures before approving any research in district schools.

Griffith told the committee, "the researcher will survey elementary gen ed and elementary special education teachers about their perceptions of self efficacy and attitudes towards the inclusion of students. So it's teacher attitudes, it seems, that's being surveyed. Perhaps there is no student data." Committee members said they had initially misread the packet and thought students would be involved; a member said they would oppose student surveys, while others said teacher‑only studies are acceptable provided no identifying information is collected. The application packet states no names or email addresses would be collected, that participation would be confidential and that results would be shared with the district after completion.

Next steps: staff said they would re‑review the full dissertation packet to confirm there is no student data collection and then return with a recommendation to the Board. Committee members were comfortable proceeding if the packet confirms teacher‑only, confidential surveying.