What is required from parents under The Protection of Pupil Rights Act before a survey can be administered to a pupil?

Under The Protection of Pupil Rights Act (PPRA), it is mandated that written parental consent must be obtained before a survey can be administered to a pupil. This requirement emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in decisions that may impact their child's participation in surveys that might touch on sensitive topics, such as mental health, sexual behavior, or other personal information.

The act is designed to protect the privacy and rights of students, ensuring that parents have a say in whether their children participate in such surveys. The necessity for written consent reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding student information and aligns with broader practices surrounding consent in educational settings. By requiring written consent, the PPRA seeks to ensure that parents are fully informed about the nature and intent of surveys conducted by schools, thus fostering transparency and parental engagement in their children's education.