Date:
To: Mev Miller, WE LEARN
From:
RE: Memo of Agreement on conditions for conducting research through [name of organization]
Women's Literacy Power: Collaborative Approaches to Developing and Distributing Women's Literacy Resources
1. [name of organization] gives its permission to Mev Miller to conduct her research on women-centered literacy materials through [name of organization]. We (the undersigned) have discussed this arrangement with Mev Miller and the appropriate persons in our organization. Accordingly, this memo grants permission to conduct the research in agreement to the conditions outlined below.2. [name of organization] understands that this research is primarily interested in the views of adult women learners about literacy materials and resources
3. We understand that this research has two purposes: a) short -term to complete requirements for Mev's doctoral dissertation, and b) long-term to provide preliminary information for the formation of WE LEARN.
4. [name of organization] will make recommendations to Mev about which [teachers/tutors], classes and learners are best suited to participate in this research.
5. [name of organization] will recommend to Mev within the context of its programming and current [ women learners] which formats will work best to hold conversation circles. [women learners] participation is completely voluntary. Learners will be fully advised that their decision of whether or not to participate in the project in no way affects their eligibility for [name of organization] services.
6. Mev has permission to meet with each conversation circle at least { }. Any additional conversations must be negotiated with the participants and/or their [teacher/tutor] and/or the undersigned.
7. Mev has permission to seek responses to her questionnaire on women-centered literacy materials from [name of organization's] literacy workers and volunteers. Their participation in this is entirely voluntary and will not affect their place in the organization.
8. [name of organization] does not grant access to learners' files. Release of individual learner information will be given only with written consent of the learner stating what information can be released. Individual learners who want to continue with the research project on their own schedule will not be prevented from doing so by [name of organization].
9. [name of organization]will provide Mev with published annual report or brochures that include three characterizing pieces of information: 1) a general description of the program and the demographics of the population served; 2) an general overview of the women participating in the conversation circles (demographic information such as ages, race, ABE/ESL, etc.); and 3) a description of the assessment process for determining the goals of the learners and the reading levels (e.g., which testing procedures are used, if any). This information will be used to draw a portrait of each conversation circle.
10. Mev Miller may publicly state that she has [name of organization]'s permission and cooperation to do this research project through this organization. Mev agrees to provide copies of all reports related to [name of organization] for our records and use.
11. Mev will keep [name of organization] informed of the progress of the full project and provide a final report.
12. Participants will sign a consent form to agree to participate in taped conversation circles or interviews and agree to release of taped information to be used in the research reports and subsequent publications. Participants will be invited to use their own names in relation to what is discussed or written, but not required to do so. If they do not want their names used, participants will be informed that their privacy and confidentiality will be protected. Participants will be assured that their opinions will not be revealed to [name of organization] by Mev. Participants will be informed that they have the right to receive, review, and discuss a written transcript from the taped conversations. They will also be invited to suggest modifications which will be incorporated. They may also participate in writing or modifying all written summaries or reports of the information.
13. Subsequent changes or additions to this agreement will be permitted with the written consent of Mev and _________________ [position of organization representative].
On behalf of [name of organization] we authorize agreement to these conditions.
[name, position] ___________________________________________________________
[name, position] ___________________________________________________________
[name, position] ___________________________________________________________
Copyright © Mev Miller, 2001