PACT 101: Videotaping

A. Crafting Consent Forms 1. Keep the language simple.

I, _____________________________ hereby grant _(NAME OF STUDENT TEACHER)_, his/her legal representatives and assign, irrevocable permission to videotape my child or ward as part of the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT) video submission and use the video tape for assessment, development, and training purposes. More information about PACT can be found at I understand that the main purpose of the videotape is to evaluate teaching performance. I will hold harmless _(NAME OF STUDENT TEACHER) and his/her legal assigns and representative, from any liability by virtue of distortion or alteration, unless it can be proven that such alterations and or distortions were done with malicious intent. Legalese 

Simpler Version Dear Parent/Guardian: This semester, the students in ___(insert name of class)__are working with __(insert candidate name)__, a teacher enrolled in a credential program at San Diego State University, College of Education, Policy Studies Department. All teachers in the credential program are required to complete the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT) documenting their teaching strategies. You can find out more about this assessment at The assessment includes student work samples and a 15 – 20 minute video. The video shows the teacher giving a lesson and helping students. The primary focus is on the teacher’s instruction, not on the students in the class. The PACT will only be used to assess the student teacher’s performance, train scorers, and evaluate program effectiveness. It will not be made available to the general public and your student’s name will not appear on any documents. Given that this activity is required of all credential candidates, the teacher would like your permission to include your student in the PACT. Please complete and sign the form below and return it to class tomorrow. Thank you for your assistance,

2. Keep the process simple: Use one combined form for video & work samples

3. When translating a) Watch out for regional variations e.g. “Padre/Tutor/Guardian” b) Use at least two native L proofreaders -- One fluent in academic L (college level) -- One fluent in local L (typical parent)

B. Getting Approval 1. Administrative Approval –May be district or site based. –Get district approval in person Grants & Communications (research) Student Services (privacy)

2. Saturate with information Candidate Cooperating teacher Administrator District Parents/Guardians

3. Strategize (for candidates & parents) The longer they have, the more they forget. Reward for returning consent form (whether granted or denied). Call & resend to those who forget.