Idaho STEM Ecosystem Needs Assessment

Definitions:

STEM: STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This can include academic knowledge (i.e. computer science, biology), practical applications (i.e. healthcare, agriculture, automotive repair), and cultural knowledge (traditional building methods, knowledge of fish, plants, etc) related to these topics.

topics related to computer science, agriculture, cultural knowledge about fish, plants, etc., automotive repair, carpentry, etc.

Idaho STEM Ecosystem: The Idaho STEM Ecosystem is a network of STEM education leaders and supporters striving for a STEM-literate Idaho. Our active community of partners includes government agencies, non-profits, PreK-12 and higher education institutions, out-of-school organizations, and representatives from business and industry. More information is available at https://stem.idaho.gov/idaho-stem-ecosystem/

COVER LETTER AND INFORMED CONSENT
Study Title: Idaho STEM Ecosystem Needs Assessment Survey
Principle Investigator: Dr. Angela Hemingway
Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Donna Llewellyn & Crispin Gravatt
Sponsor: National Science Foundation

The Idaho STEM Ecosystem Research Team is conducting a needs assessment study to understand the resources available and needed for STEM education and workforce development in Idaho communities. You are being asked to participate because you are a member of an education and/or workforce development stakeholder organization in Idaho over the age of 18.

Participation is voluntary. The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes or less to complete. You must be at least 18 years old to take this survey.

This study involves no foreseeable serious risks. We ask that you try to answer all questions; however, if there are any items that make you uncomfortable or that you would prefer to skip, please leave the answer blank. Your responses are anonymous.

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact Crispin Gravatt or his supervisor:
Crispin Gravatt, Research & Data Analyst Dr. Angela Hemingway, Executive Director
Idaho STEM Action Center Idaho STEM Action Center
(208) 332-1722 (208) 332-1726
Crispin.Gravatt@stem.idaho.gov Angela.Hemingway@stem.idaho.gov

If you have questions about your rights as a study participant, you may contact the Boise State University Institutional Review Board (IRB), which is concerned with the protection of volunteers in research projects. You may reach the board office between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, by calling (208) 426-5401 or by writing: Institutional Review Board, Office of Research Compliance, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID 83725-1138.

This consent form will provide you the information you will need to understand why this study is being done and why you are being invited to participate. It will also describe what will be expected of you as a participant, as well as any known risks, inconveniences or discomforts that you may have while participating. We encourage you to ask questions at any time. By continuing in this survey, you indicate your agreement to participate in this needs assessment study.

PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to gather information on resources available and needed for STEM education and workforce development in Idaho communities. You are being asked to participate because you are a member of an education and/or workforce development stakeholder organization in Idaho over the age of 18.

PROCEDURES
If you agree to be in this study, you will participate in a 10 to 15 minute anonymous survey about STEM in your organization and community. The survey will be completed online through the Survey Monkey cloud-based software.

RISKS
This survey presents minimal risk to participants. Minimal risk means that the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater in and of themselves than those ordinarily encountered in daily life.

You are free to decline to answer any question if they make you feel uncomfortable. Should you have any questions about the survey, please contact Crispin Gravatt at Crispin.Gravatt@stem.idaho.gov.

BENEFITS
There will be no direct benefit to you from participating in this study. However, the information that you provide will help the Idaho STEM Ecosystem Research Team understand the STEM education and workforce development needs in Idaho.

EXTENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY
You will take an anonymous survey and your name will not be tied to your responses or used in any written reports or publications which result from this research. Reasonable efforts will be made to keep the personal information in our research records private and confidential. Any identifiable information obtained in connection with this study will remain confidential and will be disclosed only with your permission or as required by law. The members of the research team, the National Science Foundation, and the Boise State University Office of Research Compliance (ORC) may access the data. The ORC monitors research studies to protect the rights and welfare of research participants.

Data will be kept for at least 3 years (per federal regulations) after the study is complete and then destroyed.

PAYMENT/COMPENSATION
You will not be paid or compensated for your participation in this research study.

PARTICIPATION IS VOLUNTARY
Your decision to participate in this study is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw from this study at any time without penalty of any kind or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

QUESTIONS
If you have any questions or concerns about your participation in this study, you may contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Angela Hemingway: 208-332-1726 or Angela.Hemingway@stem.idaho.gov.

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Boise State University IRB (IRB). If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, you may contact the IRB, which is concerned with the protection of volunteers in research projects. You may reach the board through the Office of Research Compliance by calling (208) 426-5401 or emailing humansubjects@boisestate.edu.

DOCUMENTATION OF CONSENT
I have read this form and the descriptions of this research study. I have been informed of the risks and benefits involved and all of my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. Furthermore, I have been assured that any future questions I may have will also be answered by a member of the research team. I understand I can withdraw at any time. I voluntarily agree to take part in this research study.

If you consent to participate, please click the "Next" button to complete the survey.

If you would prefer not to participate, please do not fill out a survey.