Analysis of the Alignment between National and State Geography Standards and Assessment

Please read the following material that explains this research study. Accepting the invitation to participate in the study will indicate that you have been informed about the study and that you want to participant. We want you to understand what you are being asked to do and what risks and benefits- if any- are associated with this study. This should help you decide whether or not you want to participate in the study.

You are being invited to take part in a research project conducted by Dr. Richard G. Boehm and Joann Zadrozny of Texas State University as part of Joann’s dissertation research. We can be reached at the Department of Geography, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, ELA 145, San Marcos, TX 78666 and by email (rb03@txstate.edu; j_z37@txstate.edu) and phone (512)245-3615.

This study is designed to analyze the level of alignment between state and national social studies/geography standards and assessments, in addition to their alignment to the curriculum taught across K-8 geography classrooms in the United States.

Since the implementation of national and state geography standards and assessments such as NAEP, there has been little research about how well these elements are aligned. National standards have been revised with little research and consideration about what actually goes on in the classroom, and national assessments continue to test students on a different set of standards with little to no improvement. This research will analyze closely the alignment between national and state geography standards, what teachers are able to cover and teach during the year, and how these align to what the state and national assessments are asking students to know. You have been invited to participate because you are a K-8 geography teacher in the United States.

 
What will I be asked to do?

If you agree to take part in this study, you will be asked to answer questions from a web-based survey. Your answers to the survey will be collected anonymously. The survey is designed to take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Upon request, we can provide you with a .pdf, .docx or hardcopy version of the survey, but we ask that responses be submitted through the web to maintain confidentiality. If you decide you do not wish to participate or do not wish to complete the survey, you can stop and close your browser window at any time.

There are no foreseeable risks to taking part of this study.

There are no direct benefits to you from taking part in this study. However, we hope that your participation in the study will help improve future revisions of national and state standards and assessments in the United States.

There are no costs and you will not be paid to be in this study. However, if you wish to do so, after you complete the survey you may enter a drawing for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a school supply company. Two winners will be selected.

Please click "Next" for more information.