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PinkIsMyFavColor
Loving Life
PeaNut 227,373
October 2005
Posts: 8,644
Layouts: 71
Loc: Utah
 |  Posted: 2/4/2013 10:04:26 PM
The parents have to give written permission for their kids to take it, and we were emailed a copy, so I've seen it myself.
The questions include, in many variations;
Do you take drugs? (lists separate questions for meth, cocaine, alcohol, pot, oxy, etc.)
Do you know anyone who takes....(all of the above, including alcohol)
Thinking of your 4 friends, do you feel pressure from them to ; do drugs, sluff school, be better in school, smoke, drink, etc.)
Do you have a good relationship with your father? Does he yell at home? Do you feel comfortable talking with your father about problems, drugs, sex, etc.
Same questions for mother.
This is a sampling of the questions, but you get the idea.
There is 120 questions, and they offer the kids a $15 gc to itunes if they fill it out.
I'm not going to have my kids take it (they offer it to grades 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12). I feel like it's my place to have this type of conversation with my kids.
Does it seem odd to anyone besides me?
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pennyring
Thrift Ninja
PeaNut 226,011
October 2005
Posts: 22,413
Layouts: 40
Loc: Rite Aid
| Posted: 2/4/2013 10:06:20 PM
Oh we took those in middle school. We didn't put our names on the paper though. No big deal.
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KristinL16
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 142,870
April 2004
Posts: 12,266
Layouts: 102
Loc: MN
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 10:08:19 PM
I think it sounds like they are trying to gather info do that they can better help the students in areas they are struggling in and to know what issues they (both students and teachers) are dealing with I don't see how it would hurt your child to fill it out. That isn't to say that you shouldn't talk to them about these topics, though. |
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Dani-Mani
PEAdiatric pea
PeaNut 15,872
May 2001
Posts: 17,639
Layouts: 3
Loc: USA
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 10:09:31 PM
I don't see anything wrong with it. |
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SueSume
AncestralPea
PeaNut 262,757
May 2006
Posts: 4,596
Layouts: 5
Loc: Big Bottom Valley
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 10:10:20 PM
We have those here in WA but I don't think you get a gift card and they are filled out (as Pennyring said) annon.
I don't remember any parenting questions tho. |
Sue Who? SueASume, SueSume, who cares?
Reality is made up of words.-Ferdinando Buscema
Words are hard.-Hannah Kelly
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Pridemom
Pride of the Peas
PeaNut 25,575
December 2001
Posts: 19,086
Layouts: 45
Loc: Stuck in the Middle With You
| Posted: 2/4/2013 10:10:51 PM
This type of survey has been done for several decades and the data is used for many studies. The data gets compared from year to year. I would not exempt my kids. |
Proud Wife and Mom to four big goons!
I cannot be old enough to have three teens and a tween.
God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially formed you to
go through it, not without pain but without stain.
-- C. S. Lewis
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freecharlie
Is the pool open yet?
PeaNut 109,127
September 2003
Posts: 19,253
Layouts: 4
Loc: Colorado
| Posted: 2/4/2013 10:11:46 PM
I had to do that multiple times in jr. high but my parents never had to sign anyting for it.
The first couple I was honest on. The last one I was a serious drug addict through my results. By that time I had had it with standardized tests. |
| Tribbey: I believe, as long as Justice Dreifort is intolerant toward gays, lesbians, blacks, unions, women, poor people, and the first, fourth, fifth, and ninth amendments, I will remain intolerant toward him! [to Ainsley] Nice meeting you | |
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KateMarie
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 165,323
August 2004
Posts: 5,082
Layouts: 0
Loc: Just outside of Boston, Ma.
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 10:12:58 PM
I remember taking a survey very similar to this when I was in middle school and again in high school. It was all anonymous. I think/thought they were just trying to see where the school population stood with alcohol/drugs, neither of my surveys included any parents input.
I think it would be good for the school to know, to see what they are up against and where more guidance and counseling may be needed. |
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Gsquaredmom
One step closer to Pea hD
PeaNut 259,367
April 2006
Posts: 7,954
Layouts: 0
Loc: Chicago suburbs
| Posted: 2/4/2013 10:13:07 PM
My brother and his friends totally lied and had a blast with it. They were 16 and stupid. Even funnier when Indiana published the results showing a serious drug problem in northwest Indiana.
Who is doing the survey and why? I'd likely have my kids do it if it will inform programming to support kids. |
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PinkIsMyFavColor
Loving Life
PeaNut 227,373
October 2005
Posts: 8,644
Layouts: 71
Loc: Utah
| Posted: 2/4/2013 11:01:31 PM
Wow, I had no idea it was something that had been given out for a while. I know that I never had a survey like that, but then maybe I'm too old. 
It's funny you mention not being honest on the test. One of the last questions is something to the effect, I was completely honest filling this out, somewhat honest, not honest at all.
I guess they have experience quizzing teens. |
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Momof1sweet-lil-lad
& the Velcro dog
PeaNut 133,429
February 2004
Posts: 9,101
Layouts: 0
Loc: With my Shadow
| Posted: 2/4/2013 11:12:37 PM
We had to give permission for those types questionaires in the boy's middle school years. I did not, as I felt it was ridiculous. But, he ended up with one anyway.
First thing he did when he got in the car afterward was share the crazy crap that he and his friend came up with to answer the questions.
He ended up with his mother's sense of humor and rebellion.  |
The difference between genius and stupidity is genius has its limits. ~Albert Einstein | |
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raindancer
Capt. Sparrow's Pirate Wench
PeaNut 217,886
August 2005
Posts: 15,465
Layouts: 44
| Posted: 2/4/2013 11:15:07 PM
They can be very important. Some kids lie, sure, but over all exempting kids from things like that just doesn't make any sense. |
~Heidi~
"You can make excuses or you can make progress but you can't make both."
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Gennifer
Biting my tongue.
PeaNut 79,412
April 2003
Posts: 5,580
Layouts: 275
Loc: Utah
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 11:16:38 PM
I wouldn't have a problem with my kids taking the test.
I think that it can really open up the conversation, and it can maybe make them realize things about themselves, their friends, and/or their habits seeing it all spelled out like that. |
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AshleyCrafty
BucketHead
PeaNut 558,537
June 2012
Posts: 676
Layouts: 20
Loc: Greenville, SC
| Posted: 2/4/2013 11:21:25 PM
I took one in middle school and one in high school. I dont remember the parening questions though. I dont have any children but I wouldnt have a problem with it as they are research forms and probably help with funding for troubled students. |
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amblet
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 82,460
April 2003
Posts: 2,220
Layouts: 295
Loc: Utah
| Posted: 2/4/2013 11:44:16 PM
I remember taking one in High School like that and it was the 80's. My kids go to school in the same area as yours do though and I did not get the survey emailed to me. I will ask them about it tomorrow and see if they have been given it. I know that there is a huge drug problem in the High School here so hope that they can use the results to do something positive.
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mom-2-2beagles
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 131,676
February 2004
Posts: 2,791
Layouts: 10
Loc: Nor Cal
| Posted: 2/5/2013 12:02:18 AM
I remember taking it multiple times through middle school and high school. Always anonymous and never got anything for taking it. |
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tinaev
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 370,270
April 2008
Posts: 2,328
Layouts: 14
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 12:02:47 AM
I took one in middle school and one in high school. It wasn't a big deal, it's just for statistical data and whatnot. There wasn't any parent notification about it. | |
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graciebeth
PeaNut
PeaNut 48,795
September 2002
Posts: 201
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/5/2013 5:54:51 AM
they do those every year here. have for years. and our kids dont get anything for doing them  well except for daily reminders to get it finished and turned back in
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writermom1
Thrift Whisperer
PeaNut 114,407
November 2003
Posts: 22,319
Layouts: 66
Loc: At the intersection of Hooterville and Stars Hollow
| Posted: 2/5/2013 5:56:37 AM
Not odd. Smart. |
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voltagain
OklaPhoma
PeaNut 18,334
July 2001
Posts: 35,142
Layouts: 15
Loc: State of cultural confusion. Yeehaw and Aloha have collided!
| Posted: 2/5/2013 6:27:23 AM
I feel like it's my place to have this type of conversation with my kids.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The survey in no way stops a parent from having those conversations with kids. It does help the school determine what types of issues are high on the list of things the students are dealing with.
If your kids aren't using drugs or being emotionally abused I don't see the problem with letting them take the survey. Declining it is a red flag your family has something to hide. |
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Peabay
Happy now?
PeaNut 156,993
July 2004
Posts: 44,674
Layouts: 13
Loc: Connecticut
| Posted: 2/5/2013 6:29:15 AM
The kids in our district are given this survey every year. It's a way of tracking what's happening with the kids. Our surveys also include questions about suicide. I have no problem with it at all. |
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SinCity2003
PeaNut
PeaNut 519,832
September 2011
Posts: 262
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 6:43:34 AM
We just had a lady come to our house 2 weeks ago with a form of this survey and she asked me and my 16 year old DSS to take it. It took about an hour and we both received $30 each for our time. | |
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kimberly38
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 198,401
March 2005
Posts: 6,100
Layouts: 0
Loc: Wernersville, PA
| Posted: 2/5/2013 6:46:25 AM
No, I don't see a problem because, most kids will not be truthful with their parents.
Yes, you can have this/these discussions with your kids, but nine out of ten kids will not tell their parents the truth or even discuss this with their parents. And if you think you are that one parent, nine times out of ten, you are not that parent that the kid confides in.
So, if you do not have to actually put your name on said paper, (because otherwise kids are not going to put the truth), but get a card if you hand it in, then I see no problem with it.
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voltagain
OklaPhoma
PeaNut 18,334
July 2001
Posts: 35,142
Layouts: 15
Loc: State of cultural confusion. Yeehaw and Aloha have collided!
| Posted: 2/5/2013 6:48:35 AM
Do some of you really not understand how surveys shape public policy and curriculum? Your kids fill out a survey, in an attempt to be funny, put in all kinds of bogus answers about drug use and family abuse. The school responds by increasing the drug and abuse education in that school.
Then the parents are up in arms that the school is overstepping is bounds by meddling in stuff that isn't happening in your family. Well, your kid filled out a survey that it IS happening in your family and he needs help in how to deal with it because he can't talk to his parents about it.
Teach your kids to either fill it out as accurately as possible or not to fill on out at all. But be aware that not filling one out leads to its own conclusions in many cases.
I'd rather my kids fill out an accurate survey and shows things are fine, parents are handling the big issues and the school doesn't need to worry that there is a significant drug problem in the eight grade or a significant physical abuse problem with the sixth graders in our community. |
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doesitmatter?
AncestralPea
PeaNut 509,811
May 2011
Posts: 4,855
Layouts: 21
| Posted: 2/5/2013 7:00:19 AM
Yes standard and very important for research. Assuming the kids are honest/ but a lot will be since its anon and the account for a margin of error as well. I would absolutely want my kids - and have - to fill this out anonymously. |
| Child of God, follower of Jesus, and so thankful for His presence in my life <>< | |
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PinkIsMyFavColor
Loving Life
PeaNut 227,373
October 2005
Posts: 8,644
Layouts: 71
Loc: Utah
| Posted: 2/5/2013 7:05:25 AM
If your kids aren't using drugs or being emotionally abused I don't see the problem with letting them take the survey. Declining it is a red flag your family has something to hide.
Nope, just fairly conservative, and resistant to having someone else ask my kids about these types of questions. (I will add that I'm not the only one, some of the parents are planning to have their kids miss the whole day in 'protest', which I was not planning on)
But, after hearing the the answers given here, I am feeling less startled by the questions, and more inclined to see the whole thing as reasonable. I'm glad I came here to ask! |
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Pridemom
Pride of the Peas
PeaNut 25,575
December 2001
Posts: 19,086
Layouts: 45
Loc: Stuck in the Middle With You
| Posted: 2/5/2013 7:09:39 AM
Here is an example of how this data is used: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/high-school-youth-trends
I think it's very important to talk to your teens about being honest with surveys like this. |
Proud Wife and Mom to four big goons!
I cannot be old enough to have three teens and a tween.
God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially formed you to
go through it, not without pain but without stain.
-- C. S. Lewis
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Oliquig
PeaFixture
PeaNut 210,654
June 2005
Posts: 3,662
Layouts: 198
Loc: Connecticut
| Posted: 2/5/2013 7:10:23 AM
As someone who works in Public Health, I would like to stress the importance of these surveys. You want to know where your tax dollars are going? To programs that are (in part) decided on by surveys like this. The incentive is a way to increase the amount of responces and the questions are not in any way meant to replace a discussion between child and parent.
I would have no problem having my niece take the survey, which to comply with normal survey standards, should be anonymous. |
-Rachel
I just don't see why people think I'm too patronizing (that means I treat them as if they were stupid.)
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biochemipea
likes shiny things
PeaNut 114,614
November 2003
Posts: 19,365
Layouts: 444
Loc: Ontario, Canada
| Posted: 2/5/2013 7:20:56 AM
I think it is a great way to collect truthful data about important health topics from students.
I would be very upset if I found out my children lied on such a survey. |
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PierKiss
What if everything is an illusion & nothing exists
PeaNut 82,319
April 2003
Posts: 14,423
Layouts: 39
| Posted: 2/5/2013 7:42:25 AM
As long as it is anonymous I don't see the problem in filling it out.  |
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scrappower
Allons-y Alonso
PeaNut 174,150
October 2004
Posts: 13,010
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/5/2013 8:23:06 AM
If your kids aren't using drugs or being emotionally abused I don't see the problem with letting them take the survey. Declining it is a red flag your family has something to hide.
Nope, just fairly conservative, and resistant to having someone else ask my kids about these types of questions. (I will add that I'm not the only one, some of the parents are planning to have their kids miss the whole day in 'protest', which I was not planning on)
But, after hearing the the answers given here, I am feeling less startled by the questions, and more inclined to see the whole thing as reasonable. I'm glad I came here to ask!
What a shame that some refuse to see how this helps those that feel they have no voice. They aren't out to "get you", it is to help kids in need. |
 
Blessed Be! | |
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Maryland
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 87,597
May 2003
Posts: 8,812
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/5/2013 8:57:40 AM
I don't see a problem with it. It's optional. I don't know how the school gets the money to give out all those gift cards. I would be more upset with my tax money being spent on surveys. But if a private group is doing it and paying for it through their own funds, it's a great way to get kids to participate! | |
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Dalai Mama
La Pea Boheme
PeaNut 49,641
September 2002
Posts: 24,183
Layouts: 85
Loc: Drunk on the lawn in a nuclear dawn
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PinkIsMyFavColor
Loving Life
PeaNut 227,373
October 2005
Posts: 8,644
Layouts: 71
Loc: Utah
| Posted: 2/5/2013 9:37:19 AM
What a shame that some refuse to see how this helps those that feel they have no voice. They aren't out to "get you", it is to help kids in need.
I don't think they are out to get me, and not quite sure how you interpreted that from my post. And I have already acknowledged that I can now see the wisdom in this type of survey. The beauty of having a variety of people to bounce ideas off of.
But maybe you are referring to the others who are refusing to take it?
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scrappower
Allons-y Alonso
PeaNut 174,150
October 2004
Posts: 13,010
Layouts: 0
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PinkIsMyFavColor
Loving Life
PeaNut 227,373
October 2005
Posts: 8,644
Layouts: 71
Loc: Utah
| Posted: 2/5/2013 9:39:21 AM
Ahhh, got it. Too funny, I went back to edit that in, and you had already come in to clarify. Thank you! |
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giatocj
AncestralPea
PeaNut 6,331
August 2000
Posts: 4,877
Layouts: 143
Loc: Beautiful New England
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 9:46:39 AM
I've been out of school for a LONG time but can remember doing surveys similar to this even back then. I'm not really seeing what the big deal is. It doesn't mean you can't still have those conversations with your kids, it's just a tool for the schools to use to gather info. | |
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