2024-25 PPRA Annual Notification of Rights

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) is a federal law giving parents/guardians of elementary and secondary students rights regarding the collection of data for surveys, marketing, and certain physical exams. The Seattle School Board has adopted Board Policy No. 3232 detailing the rights and obligations of the PPRA. More information about the PPRA.

The PPRA requires parents/guardians to be informed before students are asked questions in a survey about:

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self incriminating, or demeaning behavior; Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
5. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
6. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
7. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

For surveys that ask questions about one or more of the eight identified topics, parents/guardians have the right to receive notice, inspect upon request, and be given an opportunity to opt their student out of participation.

For surveys that ask about one or more of the eight identified topics and are funded in whole or in part by the United States Department of Education, parents/guardians have the right to receive notice, inspect upon request, and provide consent prior to their student’s participation.

These rights will transfer from parents/guardians to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.

Anticipated Surveys in the 2024-25 Academic Year

Check Yourself

Questionnaire that provides instant individual feedback about health behaviors. Among other topics, questions are asked about substance use, mental health, and safety. Middle and high schools plan to give Check Yourself to students once a year between October and May. Contact your school’s Prevention and Intervention Specialist to inspect and/or opt out.

School Climate Surveys

This districtwide survey is administered twice a year (fall/spring) to students in grades 3-12. Its contents cover subjects related to student wellbeing, culturally responsive and anti-racist practices, social emotional wellbeing, gender identity, and (for students in grades 6-12 only) sexual orientation. All survey responses are anonymous and are used in schools and the district to align with Goals and Guardrails.

Please contact the SPS Research and Evaluation department and/or visit their department page to inspect the survey and/or opt out:

• Research and Evaluation: research@seattleschools.org
• Research and Evaluation webpage

Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

This brief social and emotional questionnaire is used by school nurses as a tool to promote academic success and reduce barriers to learning. Questions are asked about mental health and illegal behavior. The SDQ will be given in the fall/winter to 6th and 9th grade students attending FEPP levy-supported schools. Contact your student’s school nurse to inspect and/or opt out.

Seattle Public Schools does not anticipate a United State Department of Education-funded survey containing questions in the eight identified topics in the 2024-25 academic year.

Questions?

Parents/guardians who believe their PPRA rights have been violated may file a complaint with:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, D.C. 20202